Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording system

Abstract

This invention provides an inkjet recording device and system capable of remotely performing maintenance and management tasks such as printhead cleaning. The inkjet recording device is characterized by comprising: a printhead having nozzles for ejecting ink particles, charged electrodes for charging the ink particles, deflecting electrodes for deflecting the charged ink particles, and a flow channel for recovering unused ink; a main body comprising: an ink supply path for supplying ink from an ink container to the printhead, an ink recovery path for recovering unused ink back to the ink container, a solvent supply path for supplying solvent from a solvent container to the ink container, and a flow regulating unit for regulating the flow of ink and solvent in each path; a main body control unit for controlling the flow regulating unit of the main body and the operation of the printhead; and a printhead mounting unit having a printhead mounting section for mounting and storing the printhead and a printhead detector for detecting whether the printhead is mounted. Upon detecting that the printhead is mounted in the printhead mounting unit, the main body control unit begins ejecting ink from the nozzles at a predetermined start time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a continuous jet inkjet recording apparatus and an inkjet recording system using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Regarding the technology of continuous jet inkjet recording apparatus, for example, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-14040 (Patent Document 1) is known. Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a printhead for receiving ink supply and performing printing; and a main body including an ink container for receiving ink and a solvent container for receiving solvent, wherein ink in the ink container is supplied to the printhead, the printhead including: a nozzle for ejecting ink after forming ink particles; a charged electrode for charging the ink particles ejected from the nozzle in relation to the printed content; a deflection electrode for changing the flight direction of the charged ink particles; and a flow channel for recovering ink particles not used for printing. The inkjet recording apparatus further includes: a printhead cleaning unit including: a cleaning tank for mounting the printhead; a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the printhead mounted in the cleaning tank by spraying solvent; a recovery container provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank for recovering the solvent after cleaning; and a drive unit for supplying solvent to the cleaning nozzle.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes an inkjet recording apparatus that controls the supply of ink from an ink container to a nozzle at regular intervals during the period when the printhead is installed, and recovers ink particles ejected from the nozzle using a flow channel and returns them to the ink container. It also describes an inkjet recording apparatus for cleaning ink contaminants from a printhead mounted in a printhead cleaning unit by spraying solvent from a cleaning nozzle, and then drying the solvent adhering to the printhead by spraying air from an air nozzle.

[0004] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, with the printhead installed in the printhead cleaning unit, as a maintenance measure, ink circulation is implemented by periodically ejecting ink from the nozzles of the printhead at intervals of about once every 2 to 3 days and recovering the ink from the flow tank, thereby reducing problems such as ink solidification on solenoid valves, etc., during the next use (when starting work). Information regarding this ink circulation process (whether any abnormalities have occurred, etc.) can be viewed on the operation screen of the inkjet recording device.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-14040 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, because these inkjet recording devices are installed in manufacturing plants and other similar facilities, they are easily affected by the surrounding environment in winter. For example, at low temperatures, heater-based heating control is required, and it takes about 10 to 20 minutes from startup to real-time printing.

[0010] Therefore, for example, if the start-up process is set before real-time printing is to be performed, the time required to start the work increases depending on the operating environment conditions of the inkjet recording device (in the case of low temperature), and there is a technical problem that printing cannot be performed immediately after startup.

[0011] Furthermore, when the power is cut off for some reason, it is necessary to re-set the ink circulation process from the input panel of the inkjet recorder, which presents a technical problem of poor usability.

[0012] Furthermore, the ink circulation settings are based on the input panel of the inkjet recording device, requiring the operator to specifically go to the location where the inkjet recording device is installed, which also presents a technical problem of poor usability.

[0013] The object of the present invention is a new inkjet recording apparatus and an inkjet recording system using the present invention, which can solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0014] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0015] The first feature of the present invention is an inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a printhead having a nozzle for ejecting supplied ink particles; a charged electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzle; a deflecting electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charged electrode; and a flow channel for recovering unused ink not used for printing; a main body comprising: an ink supply path for supplying ink from an ink container to the printhead; an ink recovery path for recovering unused ink back to the ink container; a solvent supply path for supplying solvent from a solvent container to the ink container; and a flow regulating unit for regulating the flow of ink and solvent in each path; a main body control unit for controlling the flow regulating unit of the main body and the operation of the printhead; and a printhead mounting unit having a printhead mounting section for mounting and housing the printhead and a printhead detector for detecting that the printhead is mounted; and the main body control unit, upon detecting that the printhead is mounted in the printhead mounting unit, starting to eject ink from the nozzle at a predetermined start time.

[0016] The second feature of the present invention is that it includes: the inkjet recording apparatus described above; a server connected to the inkjet recording apparatus via a first communication network and storing information of the setting screen of the inkjet recording apparatus; and an external control device connected to the server via a second communication network, including an external operation display unit that displays a setting screen for setting at least the start time of ink ejection obtained from the server, and the external control device sends the start time input through the setting screen of the external operation display unit to the inkjet recording apparatus via the server, and controls the inkjet recording apparatus based on the start time.

[0017] The effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention, one or more of the following effects can be obtained: ink circulation processing can be performed at any time; the inkjet recording device can be started quickly; ink circulation processing can be performed even without new setting processing when the power is connected after the power is disconnected; and ink circulation processing settings can be performed from an external terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram showing the overall outline of the inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording system in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the ink supply path in the inkjet recording device.

[0021] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the control system structure of the inkjet recording device.

[0022] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the recycling container after the printhead mounting unit has been removed.

[0023] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the printhead mounting unit with the recycling container and printhead installed.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a path structure diagram illustrating the flow (represented by thick lines) of liquids such as ink and solvents, and gases such as air and volatile gases during ink circulation processing.

[0025] Figure 7 It is a path structure diagram (represented by thick lines) illustrating the flow of liquids such as ink and solvents, and gases such as air and volatile gases, indicating that the printing process is ready after the startup process has ended.

[0026] Figure 8It is a diagram illustrating the flow path (represented by thick lines) of liquids such as ink and solvents, and gases such as air and volatile gases during printhead cleaning.

[0027] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed by the operation display unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a setting screen displayed by the operation display unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the setting information stored in RAM.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the control process that determines whether to initiate ink circulation and printing.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the control that automatically stops the ink circulation process, which is used to perform the ink circulation process.

[0032] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen during ink circulation processing.

[0033] Figure 15 Explanation passed Figure 10 The diagram shown illustrates the actions under the control of the settings screen that automatically stop the ink circulation process.

[0034] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the ink ejection during printing is manually stopped from the operation display unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the control for manually stopping the printing process, which is used to control the execution of the printing process.

[0036] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen shown when performing print processing.

[0037] Figure 19 This is to explain the passage. Figure 16 The diagram shown illustrates the actions under the control of ink ejection during manual stop printing, as set in the configuration screen.

[0038] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a setting screen displayed by the operation display unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 21 This is to explain the passage. Figure 20 The diagram shown illustrates the actions under the control of manually stopping printing, as set in the configuration screen.

[0040] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a setting screen displayed by the operation display unit of the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 23 This is to explain the passage. Figure 22 The diagram shown illustrates the actions under the control of manual and automatic print stop processing as set on the configuration screen.

[0042] Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transmission and reception of information by the inkjet recording device, cloud server, and external control device in an inkjet recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 25 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display screen of the operation display unit of the external control device.

[0044] Figure 26 It means by Figure 24 This is an explanatory diagram of an example of the setting screen displayed on the operation display unit.

[0045] Figure 27 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transmission and reception of information between the inkjet recording device and the external control device in an inkjet recording system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications and applications of the technical concept of the present invention are also included within its scope. Furthermore, in the following figures, the same reference numerals (reference signs) are sometimes assigned to the same constituent parts, and the description of the constituent parts already described is omitted.

[0047] <Structure of an Inkjet Recording System>

[0048] First, use Figure 1 This describes the usage status of the inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording system of the present invention. Figure 1 This indicates the usage status of the inkjet recording device in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] exist Figure 1 In the inkjet recording system 501, there are: inkjet recording devices 600E or 600F; a cloud server 209 that wirelessly communicates with these inkjet recording devices 600 via a communication network 214A; and an external control device 100 that wirelessly communicates with the cloud server 209 via a communication network 214B.

[0050] Both inkjet recording devices 600A and 600B include a main body 1; a printhead 2 connected to the main body 1 via a cable (for the printhead) 5; and a printhead mounting unit 3 connected to the main body 1 via a cable (for the printhead mounting unit) 6. Here, the printhead mounting unit 3 essentially functions to house the printhead, and can also be equipped with a function to spray cleaning fluid to clean the printhead. The printhead mounting unit 3 described below is a structure that adds the function of cleaning the printhead.

[0051] Inkjet recording device 600E indicates the state where printhead 2 is installed on the production line. Furthermore, inkjet recording device 600F indicates the state where printhead 2 has been removed from the production line and installed in printhead mounting unit 3. Additionally, the recovery container 4 installed at the bottom of printhead mounting unit 3 is provided to collect cleaning fluid after printhead cleaning in printhead mounting unit 3.

[0052] The inkjet recording device 600E is installed, for example, on a production line in a factory producing food, beverages, etc., with the main body 1 located in a place where sufficient space can be ensured for regular maintenance operations. The printhead 2 is fixed by a support member 13 located near the belt conveyor 11 and is positioned close to it for printing the objects 12A and 12B, which are conveyed along the direction of arrow X on the production line of the belt conveyor 11, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, a protective cover 95 is installed in printhead 2 to protect the internal components. Additionally, "printed object 12B" indicates the state of the printhead 2 after printing is completed and being conveyed on the tape conveyor 11. The printhead mount 94 of printhead 2 is covered by the aforementioned protective cover 95.

[0054] Here, in Figure 1 In this design, the main body 1 stores (holds) the ink used for printing, and the drive unit (pump, solenoid valve) inside the control body supplies the ink to the print head 2 via cable (for the print head) 5. Furthermore, the internal path structure of the main body 1 and the details of the main body control unit will be described later.

[0055] The operation display unit 8 is located on the upper surface of the main body 1, and it is a touch input type display panel. By touching the operation display unit 8, the operator can start and stop the main body control unit indicator device, or set the content to be printed on the printing object 12A.

[0056] Furthermore, the operation display unit 8 can display a screen for ink circulation and print settings, enabling automatic setting of the ink circulation and print processing features of this embodiment. The structure of this screen will be explained later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] The printhead mounting unit 3 is disposed around the printhead 2. The printhead mounting unit 3 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600E is fixed by combining the fitting portion 93 mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3 with the fixing fixture 92 mounted on the tape conveyor 11. Furthermore, the printhead mounting unit 3 includes a printhead mounting portion 81A for mounting the printhead 2 onto the printhead mounting unit.

[0058] Furthermore, the printhead mounting unit 3 includes: a start button 18 for initiating the cleaning process of the printhead 2; a stop button 19 for stopping the cleaning process of the printhead 2; and a display unit 20 for enabling the operator to identify alarm information such as confirmation messages, alarms, and abnormalities. This display unit 20 can, for example, use the presence or absence of light or different colors to allow the operator to identify the working status and the presence or absence of abnormalities.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printhead 2 can be automatically cleaned during ink circulation without relying on the start button 18 and stop button 19. This will be explained later using the accompanying drawings.

[0060] In the inkjet recording apparatus 600E of this embodiment, the printhead mounting unit 3 is fixed near the conveyor 11, but the printhead mounting unit 3 can be freely replaced in a location easily accessible to the user. Furthermore, the length of the cable 6 (for the printhead mounting unit) connecting the main body 1 and the printhead mounting unit 3 is preferably the same as, or longer than, the cable 5 connecting the main body 1 and the printhead 2 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600. This is to ensure flexibility in the configuration of the printhead mounting unit.

[0061] Furthermore, the main body 1 has a fixing part 91 for fixing the printhead mounting unit 3. The printhead mounting unit 3 can also be used by removing the printhead mounting unit 3 from the fixing fixture (for conveyor belt) 92 and replacing it with the fixing part 91. Regarding the use of the inkjet recording device 600F, the printhead mounting unit 3 can also be fixed to the main body 1 by combining the fitting part 93 with the fixing part 91 assembled on the main body 1.

[0062] The printhead mounting unit 3 of the inkjet recording device 600F is mounted on the main body 1. By pre-configuring it so that the printhead mounting unit 3 can be fixed to the main body 1, the printhead mounting unit 3 can be installed even when there is no place for mounting the printhead mounting unit 3, such as near the belt conveyor 11.

[0063] Next, the state in which the printhead 2 is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3 in the inkjet recording apparatus 600F will be described. The printhead 2 is mounted by inserting it from its front end into the printhead mounting portion 81A of the printhead mounting unit 3. In this embodiment, by mounting the printhead 2 on the printhead mounting unit in this way, the inkjet recording apparatus 600 can clean the printhead 2 using solvent supplied from the main body 1 side via the cable (for the printhead mounting unit) 6.

[0064] The inkjet recording system 503 includes: a cloud server 209 that wirelessly communicates with inkjet recording devices 600E or 600F and inkjet recording device 600 via a communication network 214A; and an external control device 100 that wirelessly communicates with the cloud server 209 via a communication network 214B.

[0065] The external control device 100 can use devices such as personal computers 15, smartphones 16, and tablet computers 17. The external control device 100 includes an external operation display unit 101, which can display the same screen as the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600 via the cloud server 209. In addition, the input of setting information, etc., can also be performed in the same way as the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600.

[0066] The inkjet recording devices 600E and 600F include an antenna 97 for connection to a communication network 214A. The inkjet recording devices 600E and 600F are configured to connect to an external control device 100 using communication networks 214A and 214B and a cloud server 209.

[0067] Specifically, inkjet recording devices 600E and 600F are connected to a first communication network 214A, which in turn is connected to a cloud server 209. Furthermore, the cloud server 209 is connected to a second communication network 214B, which in turn is connected to an external control device 100.

[0068] In this way, with cloud server 209 as the center, inkjet recording devices 600E and 600F are connected via the first communication network 214A, and external control device 100 is connected via the second communication network 214B. By adopting such a system structure, it is possible to achieve easy wide-area maintenance and management.

[0069] Furthermore, as communication networks 214A and 214B, they can use "LAN (Local Area Network)," "WAN (Wide Area Network)," "Internet," "Mobile Phone Line Network," and communication networks formed by combining them.

[0070] <Structure of the ink supply path>

[0071] Next, use Figure 2 The structure of the ink path in the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be explained. Figure 2 This diagram shows the overall structure of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment, illustrating the flow paths of fluids such as ink and gas. Here, the solenoid valve that controls the flow of liquids such as ink and gases such as air and volatile solvents functions as a "flow regulation unit".

[0072] First, the ink supply paths (paths 801 to 804) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be explained. Figure 2 In the main body 1, a main ink container 31 is provided to store ink 68A for printing. A liquid level sensor 31A is provided in the main ink container 31 to detect whether a reference liquid level has been reached, which is an appropriate amount of ink 68A stored inside the main ink container 31.

[0073] The main ink container 31 is connected to the path (supply) 801 at the part immersed in ink 68A, and a solenoid valve (supply) 49 for opening and closing the path is provided midway through the path 801. Furthermore, the path 801 is connected via a confluence path 901 to a pump (supply) 34 provided in the path 802 for drawing and pressurizing ink 68A. Moreover, a filter (supply) 39 for removing foreign matter mixed into the ink 68A is connected to the output side of the pump (supply) 34.

[0074] A filter (supply) 39 is connected to a pressure regulating valve 46, which adjusts the ink 68A pumped from the pump (supply) 34 to a suitable pressure for printing. The pressure regulating valve 46 is also connected to a pressure sensor 47 that measures the pressure of the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 21. A path 802, containing the pressure sensor 47, is connected via a branch path 921 to a path 803 within a cable (for the printhead) 5. Path 803 is connected to a heater 29 located within the printhead 2, which heats the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 8. The heater 29 is connected to a switching valve 26 that controls whether ink 68A is supplied to the nozzle 21.

[0075] The switching valve 26 is connected via path 804 to the nozzle 21, which has an outlet 21A for discharging ink 68A. Furthermore, the switching valve 26 is a three-way solenoid valve, which is connected to the ink supply path 803 and the nozzle cleaning path 835, and can switch the supply of ink 68A and solvent 69A to the nozzle 21.

[0076] The nozzle 21 has the following components arranged in the forward direction of the outlet 21A: a charged electrode 23 for imparting a specified amount of charge to the ink particles 68B; a deflection electrode 24 for deflecting the ink particles 68B used for printing; and a flow channel 25 for capturing ink particles 68B that are not charged and are flying straight without deflection because they are not used for printing.

[0077] Next, the ink recovery path (811-812) of the inkjet recording device 600 will be explained. Figure 2 In the process, the flow channel 25 is connected to the path 811, in which a charge sensor 48 is configured to detect whether ink particles 68B, which have been charged by the charged electrode 23, are being recycled. Furthermore, the path 811 passes through the cable (for the printhead) 5 and is connected to a filter (for recycling) 40 disposed within the main body 1 for removing foreign matter mixed into the ink. The filter (for recycling) 40 is connected to a solenoid valve (for recycling) 50 that opens and closes the path.

[0078] A solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is connected to a pump (for recovery) 35, which is positioned in path 812 connected via manifold 902, to draw in ink particles 68B captured by the flow channel 25. The pump (for recovery) 35 is connected to the main ink container 31. By opening the solenoid valve 50, the pump 35 is actuated, and the ink particles 68B captured by the flow channel 25 are recovered into the main ink container 31.

[0079] Next, the exhaust path (path 814) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. In the main ink container 31, the upper space that is not in contact with the ink 68A is connected to the path 814, and the path 814 is connected to the exhaust pipe connection portion 62 that communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

[0080] Next, the ink circulation paths (paths 821 to 822) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. The nozzle 21, provided within the printhead 2, is connected not only to the ink supply path 804, but also to path 821, which passes through the cable (for the printhead) 5. A solenoid valve (for circulation) 59, provided within the main body 1, is disposed in path 821 to open and close the flow path.

[0081] The solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is connected to the path 822 via the manifold 903, and a pump (for circulation) 36 for drawing ink from the nozzle 21 is arranged in the path 822. Moreover, the pump (for circulation) 36 is connected to the main ink container 31.

[0082] Next, the viscosity measurement paths (822-824) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2In this configuration, the portion of the main ink container 31 immersed in ink 68A is connected to a path (for viscosity measurement) 824. The path (for viscosity measurement) 824 is connected to a viscosity meter 45 to measure the viscosity of the ink 68A within the main ink container 31. The viscosity meter 45 is connected to a solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 that controls the opening and closing of the path.

[0083] The solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is connected to the pump (for circulation) 36 located in path 822 via manifold 903. This allows the ink 68A in the main ink container 31 to circulate in the viscosity measurement path, measuring the viscosity of the ink 68A. The measured viscosity is then input to the main control unit 7 (in... Figure 2 Not illustrated. See reference. Figure 3 ), used for viscosity control of ink 68A in the main ink container 31.

[0084] Next, the solvent supply paths (paths 831 and 833) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 In the main body 1, a solvent container 33 is provided, which stores solvent 69A for replenishing the main ink container 31, cleaning the nozzles, or cleaning the printhead. The portion of the solvent container 33 immersed in the solvent 69A is connected to a path 831, in which a pump (solvent pump) 37 for drawing and pumping the solvent is arranged. Furthermore, the pump (solvent pump) 37 is connected to a branch path 922 to change the destination of the solvent 69A supply as needed.

[0085] Branch path 922 is connected to solenoid valve (solvent supply) 53 for opening and closing the flow path configured in path 833 in the solvent supply path. Solenoid valve (solvent supply) 53 is a structure connected to the main ink container 31. Using this path, the viscosity control of ink 68A in the main ink container 31 is implemented under the control of the main control unit 7.

[0086] Next, the ink supply path 806 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 In the main body 1, an auxiliary ink container 32 is provided to store replenished ink 68C. The auxiliary ink container 32 is connected to the path 806 in the part immersed in ink 68C.

[0087] In path 806, a solenoid valve (for ink replenishment) 54 is connected to open and close the path. The solenoid valve (for ink replenishment) 54 is connected via a manifold 901 to a pump (for supply) 34 installed in path 801 for drawing and pumping ink 68C. Furthermore, the ink 68C in the auxiliary ink container 32 is replenished to the main ink container 31 via nozzle 21, flow channel 25, path 811, solenoid valve 50, and pump 35.

[0088] Next, the nozzle cleaning paths (paths 831 and 835) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 In this configuration, the pump (for solvent) 37, located in path 831, is connected to path 835 via branch path 922. Path 835 is connected to a solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 for opening and closing the flow path.

[0089] Furthermore, the solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning) 55 is connected to the filter (for nozzle cleaning) 41 for removing foreign matter mixed into the solvent 69A. The filter (for nozzle cleaning) 41 is connected to the switching valve 26 provided in the printhead 2 via the path 821 in the cable (for printhead) 5. The switching valve 26 is used to control whether to deliver the cleaning solvent 69A to the nozzle 21.

[0090] Next, the main circulation paths (paths 808 and 812) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Path 802 is connected to path 808 via branch path 921. A solenoid valve (for main circulation) 58 for opening and closing the path is connected to path 808, and the solenoid valve (for main circulation) 58 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 35 provided in path 812 via confluence path 902.

[0091] Next, the printhead cleaning paths (paths 831 and 837) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 In the middle, the pump (solvent) 37 is connected to the path 837 via the branch path 922. The path 837 is equipped with a solenoid valve (printhead cleaning) 56 for opening and closing the flow path. The solenoid valve (printhead cleaning) 56 is connected to the filter (printhead cleaning) 43 for removing foreign matter mixed in the solvent 69A.

[0092] The filter (for printhead cleaning) 42 is connected via a path 822 within the cable (for printhead mounting unit) 6 to a filter (for printhead cleaning) 43 located within the printhead mounting unit 3, which removes any foreign matter that initially gets mixed in along the path 837. Furthermore, the output side of the filter (for printhead cleaning) 43 is connected to a cleaning nozzle 72 located inside the cleaning tank 71 of the printhead mounting unit 3. Here, the space inside the cleaning tank 71 is configured to communicate with the recovery container 4 located at the bottom.

[0093] The recovery container 4 is provided to store the solvent remaining after cleaning with the cleaning fluid (solvent) sprayed from the grounded cleaning nozzle 72 inside the cleaning tank 71. A float 74 is installed inside the recovery container 4 to detect the level of the solvent remaining after cleaning. When the float 74, which has a built-in magnet, reaches the designated level, the magnetic sensor A76 detects the level and inputs the information that the cleaning fluid in the recovery container 4 has reached the designated level to the main control unit (in...). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image.)

[0094] Next, the air supply path (path 841) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 In the main body 1, a pump (for drying) 60 for drawing and pressing air is provided. The pump (for drying) 60 has an air intake port that communicates with the interior of the main body 1. The pump (for drying) 60 is connected to an air supply nozzle 73 located inside the cleaning tank 71 of the printhead mounting unit 3 via a path 841 in the cable (for printhead mounting unit) 6.

[0095] Next, the air suction path (path 843) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. The cleaning tank 71 provided within the printhead mounting unit 3 is connected via path 843 in the cable (for the printhead mounting unit) 6 to an air pump (suction pump) 61 provided within the main body 1 for suction and compression of air. Furthermore, the pump (suction pump) 61 is structured to be connected to an exhaust pipe connection 62 that communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

[0096] In addition, the inkjet recording device 600 includes: a temperature sensor D38 for confirming the internal temperature of the main body 1; a temperature sensor A27 for confirming the internal temperature of the printhead 2; a temperature sensor B80 for confirming the internal temperature of the printhead mounting unit 3; and a temperature sensor C30 for heating control of the heater 29.

[0097] <Structure of the Main Control Unit>

[0098] Next, the structure of the main control unit 7 of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This diagram shows the general structure of the main control unit 7 and the printing mechanism unit (main body 1 and print head 2) of the inkjet recording apparatus 600 of this embodiment, and in particular, the flow of various information in the main control unit 7.

[0099] exist Figure 3 Within this unit, a microprocessor unit (hereinafter referred to as MPU) 301 is provided as a main component of the main control unit 7, which controls the inkjet recording device 600 as a whole. A bus 302 has the function of transmitting data, control signals, etc., between the various devices constituting the main control unit. For example, the bus 302 is used to input data, detection signals, etc., required for the calculations of the MPU 301 from each device, and to transmit data signals, address signals, and control signals to each device.

[0100] In addition, it includes a read-only memory (ROM) 306 for storing control programs and data required for the operation of the MPU301, and a random access memory (RAM) 307 for temporarily storing data required during the execution of the program by the MPU301. It also includes an operation display unit 8 for inputting print content, setting values, etc., and displaying the input data and print content. This operation display unit 8 uses a touch input display panel with a transparent touch switch superimposed on the surface of the liquid crystal display screen.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the operation section (start button 18 and stop button 19) of the printhead mounting unit 3 is not the operation display section 8, but is used when operating the printhead mounting unit 3 near the printhead mounting unit 3. Furthermore, the display section 20 is used not to operate the display section 8, but to confirm the operating status of the printhead mounting unit 3, error messages, etc., near the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ability to control the inkjet recording device 600 from the operation display unit of the external control device 100 is also a feature. Additionally, the provision of an information display unit capable of displaying various operating information of the inkjet recording device 600 is another feature. The operation display unit and the information display unit can use the same display panel.

[0103] Therefore, the inkjet recording device 600 can be remotely maintained and managed via the antenna 97 using the external control device 100. In this case, the MPU 301 of the main control unit 7 is configured such that the MPU 301 can wirelessly communicate with the network 14 via the antenna 97 through the bus 302. Thus, the main control unit 7 functions as a "transmission unit" for sending and receiving various information required for maintenance and management from the external control device 100.

[0104] The printhead 2 of the inkjet recording device 600 includes a nozzle 21 that ejects ink 68A supplied under pressure from the main ink container 31 in a granular form. The nozzle 21 ejects ink in a columnar shape, with the leading edge separating to be ejected as ink particles 68B. Furthermore, the printhead 2 is provided with charged electrodes 23 that include its ink particles 68B, so that the ink particles 68B are charged accordingly with respect to the printed content.

[0105] Furthermore, the printhead 2 deflects the ink particles 68B, which are charged by the charged electrode 23, in accordance with their charge, and directs them toward the object to be printed (not shown). Printing is then performed by these flying ink particles landing on the object. The deflection electrode 24 of the printhead 2 consists of a ground electrode 24B and a positive electrode 24A.

[0106] Furthermore, the printhead 2 includes: a flow channel 25 for capturing ink particles 68B that are not used for printing (unused ink); and a charge sensor 48 for generating a phase detection signal corresponding to the charge of the ink particles 68B with minute charges captured by the flow channel 25. Moreover, on the main body 1 side, it includes: a pump (for recovery) 35 for recovering the ink (ink particles) captured by the flow channel 25 to the main ink container 31; and ink recovery paths 811-812 connecting the flow channel 25 and the main ink container 31.

[0107] Furthermore, in order to make the time for the ink column ejected by the nozzle 21 to separate into ink particles 68B regular, the main control unit 7 has an excitation voltage generation circuit 331 built into the nozzle 21 to excite an electrostrictive element (not shown).

[0108] In addition, the main control unit 7 has a charged signal generation circuit 342 for printing and a charged signal generation circuit 341 for phase exploration, and a D / A converter 343 that converts the charged signal output from them in digital signal mode into a voltage signal in analog mode; and an amplifier circuit 344 that amplifies the voltage signal output from the D / A converter 343 in analog signal mode to generate a charged voltage applied to the charged electrode 23.

[0109] Alternatively, instead of the structure that includes a printing charge signal generation circuit 342 and a phase exploration charge signal generation circuit 341, the structure can be implemented using only the printing charge signal generation circuit 342 and the charge level control based on the main control unit. Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus 600 includes a deflection voltage generation circuit 332 that generates a deflection voltage applied to the deflection electrode 24.

[0110] In addition, the inkjet recording device 600 includes: an amplifier circuit 353 that amplifies the phase detection signal in analog signal mode output from the charge sensor 48; a phase judgment circuit 351 that inputs the amplified phase detection signal to determine whether the charge is good or bad; and an A / D converter 352 that inputs the amplified phase detection signal and performs A / D conversion on it.

[0111] In addition, Figure 3In the main control unit 7, the MPU301 is connected to the following circuits via bus 302 to control various parts: a liquid level detection circuit 313 for managing the liquid level in the main ink container 31; a pressure detection circuit 312 for detecting whether the pressure of the ink supplied to the nozzle 21 is appropriate; a viscosity measurement circuit 311 for measuring whether the viscosity of the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 21 is suitable for printing using a viscosity meter 45; and various pumps located within the main body 1 for drawing and pressing the ink 68A, solvent 69A, and air. Pump control circuit 314 for controlling 34-37 and 60-61; solenoid valve drive circuit 315 for controlling the opening and closing of solenoid valves 49-50 and 53-59 in each path; temperature detection circuit 316 for confirming whether the temperature detected by temperature sensor A27, temperature sensor B80, temperature sensor C30 and temperature sensor D38 is within the appropriate range; and heater control circuit 317 for heating control based on the detection results of temperature sensor A27 and temperature sensor C30.

[0112] In addition, the MPU301 is connected to the following circuitry via bus 302 to control various parts: a circuit for detecting the recycling container 4 installed using magnetic sensor A76 and magnet A75. Figure 4 , Figure 5 The following circuits are shown: printhead mounting unit 3, recycling container 4, and recycling container sensor detection circuit 322; printhead detection circuit 323 for detecting the condition of printhead 2 mounted on printhead mounting unit 3 using magnetic sensor B84 and magnet B86; and printhead mounting unit detection circuit 324 for detecting the condition of printhead 2 mounted on printhead mounting unit 3 using magnetic sensor C28 and magnet C87.

[0113] Furthermore, the main control unit 7 can use a computer. Specifically, the main control unit 7 can be composed of the following components: an MPU 301; a memory (306, 307) storing programs for the operation of the MPU 301 and data and information required for the operation; and a drive unit that operates the print head 2, the print head mounting unit 3, and the constituent devices within the main body 1 according to the instructions of the MPU 301. A detailed description of the main control unit 7 is omitted here.

[0114] <Structure of the printhead mounting unit>

[0115] Next, use Figures 4-5 The detailed structure of the printhead mounting unit 3 of the inkjet recording device 600 in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 4 This indicates the structure in which the recycling container 4 has been disassembled from the printhead mounting unit 3. Figure 5 This indicates that the recycling container 4 and the printhead 2 are installed in the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0116] First, using Figure 4 Describe the structure of the printhead mounting unit. Figure 4 The printhead mounting unit 3 includes: a cleaning tank 71 for mounting the printhead 2 during printhead cleaning; and a cleaning assembly 81 comprising a printhead mounting portion 81A and a printhead insertion portion 81B. The printhead mounting portion 81A is located at the upper part of the cleaning tank 71 for mounting the printhead 2 in the printhead mounting unit 3, and the printhead insertion portion 81B is the inlet for inserting the printhead 2 into the cleaning tank 71. A recovery container 4 can be installed at the lower part of the cleaning tank 71 to collect the cleaning fluid used in the printhead cleaning process.

[0117] In the cleaning assembly 81, when the printhead 2 is not installed in the printhead insertion portion 81B, a cover member 83 is fitted to prevent foreign objects such as dust from entering the cleaning tank 71 through the printhead insertion portion 81B, which is an opening. The cover member 83 is fitted to the cleaning assembly 81 via a cover hinge 82. The cover member 83 is fitted with a magnet B86 used to detect when the printhead 2 is installed in the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0118] The cleaning assembly 81 is equipped with a magnetic sensor B84 for detecting when the magnet B86 approaches within a certain distance when the printhead 2 is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3. Furthermore, the cleaning assembly 81 is equipped with a magnet C87 for detecting when the printhead 2 is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0119] Furthermore, the cleaning assembly 81 is equipped with, by press-fitting, a cleaning nozzle 72 for discharging solvent 69A for cleaning the printhead toward the printhead 2; and a supply nozzle 73 having an air outlet for blowing air from the air outlet after the printhead is cleaned to dry the printhead 2 that has been moistened by the solvent 69A.

[0120] The cleaning nozzle 72 has a liquid discharge port A portion 72A for spraying solvent 69A in a manner aimed at the nozzle 21 mounted on the printhead 2; and a liquid discharge port B portion 72B for spraying solvent 69A in a manner aimed at the deflection electrode 24. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle 72 is connected to the flow path B portion 81E formed in the cleaning assembly 81.

[0121] The air supply nozzle 73 has an air discharge hole that ejects air between the electrodes of the charged electrodes 23 mounted on the printhead 2. The air supply nozzle 73 is connected to the flow path C portion 81F formed in the cleaning assembly 81. Furthermore, the cleaning assembly 81 has: a hole portion 81C communicating with the interior of the cleaning tank 71 into which the printhead 2 is inserted during printhead cleaning; and a flow path A portion 81D connected to the hole portion 81C.

[0122] The printhead mounting unit 3 has a cleaning tank 71 at the lower part of the cleaning assembly 81 for receiving the printhead 2 during printhead cleaning. The cleaning tank 71 has sidewalls formed to prevent the solvent 69A sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 72 from spreading to the surrounding area; and a mounting portion 71A for use when installing the recovery container 4. Furthermore, a temperature sensor B80 is installed inside the cleaning tank 71 for detecting the ambient temperature of the printhead mounting unit 3 and using it for various controls. Additionally, a magnetic sensor A76 is installed in the cleaning tank 71 to detect when the recovery container 4 is installed in the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0123] Furthermore, the recycling container 4, configured to be installed at the lower part of the cleaning tank 71, includes: a container 77 for holding the cleaning liquid; a separator 78 installed to reduce the scattering of the cleaning liquid when transporting the recycling container 4; a float 74 equipped with a magnet A75; and a retainer 79 for inhibiting the movement of the float 74.

[0124] By rotating the recycling container 4 approximately 90° while it is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3, the mounting portion 71A of the printhead mounting unit 3 and the mounting portion 77A of the recycling container 4 that is fitted therewith are disengaged, thus enabling the recycling container 4 to be separated from the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0125] In this state, the magnet A75, installed inside the float component 74, is spaced at a distance greater than a certain distance from the magnetic sensor A76 installed in the cleaning tank 71 (the magnetic sensor A76 cannot detect the distance of the magnet A75). This state is transmitted to the main control unit 7 via the wire 76A. Therefore, the main control unit 7 can recognize that the recycling container 4 has been removed from the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0126] The container 77 includes: a liquid storage section 77B for storing cleaning fluid used in printhead cleaning; a mounting section 77A for fixing to the cleaning tank 71; and an internal threaded section 77C for mounting the separator 78. The separator 78 includes: a liquid inlet hole 78A for allowing cleaning fluid flowing from the cleaning tank 71 to flow into the container 77; and a liquid outlet hole 78B for allowing cleaning fluid to flow out of the container 77 when the recovery container 4 is tilted.

[0127] The cleaning assembly 81 is equipped with a liquid connector 89 that connects to the flow path B 81E. A hose 837A is connected to the liquid connector 89 by means of pressing or other methods. The hose 837A forms part of the printhead cleaning path 837 and is connected to the solvent container 33 inside the main body 1.

[0128] Furthermore, the cleaning assembly 81 is equipped with an air connector 90 that connects to the flow path C 81F, and a hose 841A is connected to the air connector 90 by means of pressing or other methods. The hose 841A forms part of the path (for air supply) 841, and is connected to the pump (for drying) 60 via the hose 841A.

[0129] Furthermore, the cleaning assembly 81 is equipped with a suction connector 88 that connects to the flow path A section 81D, and the hose 843A is connected to the suction connector 88 by means of pressing or other methods. The hose 841A forms part of the path (for air suction) 841, and is connected to the pump (for suction) 61 via the hose 841A.

[0130] The printhead mounting unit 3 is covered by the cover member 85 in such a way that the hoses 837A, 841A and 843A are not exposed to the outside of the printhead mounting unit 3. The cover member 85 is fixed in such a way that it clamps the upper part of the cleaning assembly 81 and the lower part of the cleaning tank 71.

[0131] The cable (for the printhead mounting unit) 6 is mounted on the lower part of the cover component 85 in a manner that does not protrude outwards and interfere with other production equipment. Inside the cable (for the printhead mounting unit) 6, in addition to the hoses 837A, 841A, and 843A, the wire 76A connected to the magnetic sensor A76, the wire 84A connected to the magnetic sensor B84, the wire connected to the temperature sensor B80, and the wiring harness (not shown) used to activate the start button 18, the stop button 19, and the display unit 20 also pass through, connecting the printhead mounting unit 3 and the main body 1.

[0132] Next, use Figure 5 This describes the state in which the printhead 2 and the recycling container 4 are installed in the printhead mounting unit 3. The cover part 83 of the printhead mounting unit 3 is opened by inserting the printhead 2, with the protective cover 95 removed, into the printhead insertion part 81B. The printhead 2 is positioned such that the nozzle 21, the charged electrode 23, the deflection electrode 24, and the flow channel 25 are pressed into the space surrounded by the cleaning tank 71 and the cleaning assembly 81.

[0133] The printhead mounting unit 3 is positioned such that it does not deviate from the printhead 2 in any direction (front-to-back, left-to-right), and the inner wall surface of the hole in the printhead insertion portion 81B fits into the outer wall surface of the printhead seat 94 of the printhead 2. Furthermore, by keeping a portion of the printhead 2 stationary in a position that contacts the printhead mounting portion 81A formed in the cleaning assembly 81, the position of the printhead 2 when mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3 is stabilized.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printhead 2 is equipped with a magnetic sensor C28 and a temperature sensor A27. The wire 28A connected to the magnetic sensor C28 and the wire 27A connected to the temperature sensor A27 are connected to the main body control unit 7 provided in the main body 1 through the inside of the cable (for the printhead) 5.

[0135] With the printhead 2 installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, the cover component 83 is opened by the printhead 2, and the magnet B86 mounted on the cover component 83 moves in conjunction with it, as indicated by the dotted coil (M2), bringing the magnet B86 and the magnetic sensor B84 close to a certain distance. Thus, the state of the printhead 2 being installed in the printhead mounting unit 3 can be detected from the printhead mounting unit 3 side.

[0136] Furthermore, when the printhead 2 is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3, as indicated by the dotted coil (M3), the magnet C87 mounted on the cleaning assembly 81 and the magnetic sensor C28 mounted on the printhead 2 are brought within a certain distance, so that the state of the printhead 2 being mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3 can also be detected from the printhead 2 side.

[0137] In this way, by using two sensors to confirm whether the printhead 2 is installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, erroneous detections caused by component failures can be prevented.

[0138] Furthermore, with the recycling container 4 installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, as indicated by the dotted circle (M1), the magnet A75 of the float component 74 mounted on the recycling container 4 approaches within a certain distance from the magnetic sensor A76 of the cleaning tank 71 mounted on the printhead mounting unit. The magnetic sensor A76 detects this state, allowing the main control unit 7 to recognize that the recycling container 4 is installed in the printhead mounting unit 3. This detection prevents erroneous operations such as starting printhead cleaning without the recycling container 4 installed.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cleaning nozzle is arranged in the printhead mounting unit. However, it is also possible to arrange a cleaning nozzle with the same function in a part of the printhead 2. The appropriate structure can be adopted as needed.

[0140] Thus, the inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment includes: a printhead having a nozzle for ejecting supplied ink particles, a charged electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting ink particles charged by the charged electrode, and a flow channel for recovering unused ink not used for printing; a main body having: an ink supply path for supplying ink from an ink container to the printhead, an ink recovery path for recovering unused ink back to the ink container, a solvent supply path for supplying solvent from a solvent container to the ink container, and a flow regulating unit for regulating the flow of ink and solvent in each path; a main body control unit for controlling the flow regulating unit of the main body and the operation of the printhead; and a printhead mounting unit having a printhead mounting section for mounting and storing the printhead and a printhead detector for detecting whether the printhead is mounted.

[0141] Next, the ink circulation and printing processes of the inkjet recording apparatus 600, which is the subject of this embodiment, will be described. Furthermore, during the ink circulation and printing processes, a printhead cleaning process is performed when a printhead malfunction occurs; therefore, this will also be described. Here, these processes are based on the condition that the printhead 2 is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0142] <Instructions for Ink Recirculation Processing>

[0143] use Figure 6 This describes the flow of ink during ink circulation processing in the inkjet recording device 600.

[0144] exist Figure 6 In the ink supply path (paths 801 to 804), the solenoid valve (supply) 49 is energized to open the flow path, and the switching valve 26 is energized to connect the ink supply path to the nozzle 21. By activating the pump (supply) 34, as shown by the thick line marked D1 with arrow, the ink 68A contained in the main ink container 31 of the main body 1 is supplied to the nozzle 21 of the printhead 2 and ejected from the nozzle 21 as ink particles 68B.

[0145] In addition, Figure 6 In the ink recovery paths 811-812, the solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is energized to open the flow path. By activating the pump (for recovery) 35, as indicated by the thick line marked D2, ink particles 68B and air around the printhead 2 are drawn from the flow channel 25 and pumped to the main ink container 31 of the main body 1.

[0146] In ink recovery paths 811-812, because ink 68A and air flow in a gas-liquid mixture, the solvent component of ink 68A dissolves into the air, and the air becomes a solvent gas, flowing into the main ink container 31. The ink flowing into the main ink container 31 is collected at the bottom, and the air that has become a solvent gas is discharged to the outside of the main body 1 as a solvent gas, as indicated by the thick line marked D3.

[0147] Furthermore, because the solvent component in ink 68A is discharged outside the machine as solvent gas, the proportion of solvent component in ink 68A decreases as the running time increases, resulting in a higher concentration of ink 68A. Conversely, when the running time is short, the solvent 69A flowing into the main ink container 31 through cleaning processes such as the circulation system results in a lower ink concentration.

[0148] Therefore, in paths (for viscosity measurement) 824 and 822, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for circulation) 36 is operated, as indicated by the thick line marked D5, to deliver the ink 68A in the main ink container 31 to the viscosity meter 45, and periodically measure the viscosity (converted to concentration) of the ink 68A.

[0149] The measured viscosity value is input to the main control unit 7. As a result, the main control unit 7 controls the ink flow as follows: when the ink concentration of 68A is low, ink 68C from the auxiliary ink container 32 is supplied to the main ink container 31; when the ink concentration of 68A is high, solvent 69A from the solvent container 33 is supplied to the main ink container 31, as indicated by the thick line marked D7. In this way, the inkjet recording apparatus 600 controls the ink 68A to keep its viscosity within the controlled range.

[0150] In ink circulation paths 821-822, as indicated by the thick line marked D4, when ink 68A is being supplied from the main ink container 31 to the nozzle 21, the solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is energized to open the flow path. By activating the pump (for circulation) 36, at least a portion of the ink 68A supplied to the nozzle 21 is drawn by the pump (for circulation) 36 and flows back to the main ink container 31 as indicated by the thick line marked D2, thus circulating the ink 68A.

[0151] In addition, before energizing the switching valve 26, the flow path is opened by energizing the solenoid valve (for main circulation) 58, and the ink 68A can also be circulated in the path (for main circulation) 808 by energizing the pump (for circulation) 36, as shown by the thick line marked D6.

[0152] In this way, the inkjet recording device 600 prevents ink from drying out or solidifying in the path by circulating ink in almost all paths. Moreover, the inkjet recording device 600 is configured such that the ink particles 68B ejected from the nozzle 21 are in a state where a voltage is applied due to the charged electrode 23, and the charge is confirmed by the charge sensor 48, and an inspection for any abnormalities is performed during the ink circulation process.

[0153] exist Figure 6 In the ink supply path 806, the solenoid valve (for supply) 54 is energized to open the flow path, and the switching valve 26 is energized to connect the ink supply path with the nozzle 21. By activating the pump (for supply) 34, as indicated by the thick line of arrow D8, the ink 68C contained in the auxiliary ink container 32 of the main body 1 merges with arrow D1 and is supplied to the nozzle 21 of the printhead 2. It is then replenished to the main ink container 31 via the ink recovery paths 811-812 indicated by arrow D2.

[0154] The ink circulation process continues until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or until the ink level sensor 31A in the main ink container 31 decreases by a certain amount through exhaust gas discharge, and the liquid level sensor 31A also determines that the liquid level has dropped. These choices are arbitrary.

[0155] <Instructions for Printing Processing>

[0156] use Figure 7 This describes the flow of ink during printing in the inkjet recording device 600.

[0157] exist Figure 7 In the ink supply path (paths 801 to 804), the solenoid valve (supply) 49 is energized to open the flow path, and the switching valve 26 is energized to connect the ink supply path with the nozzle 21. By activating the pump (supply) 34, as indicated by the thick line marked D1, the ink 68A contained in the main ink container 31 of the main body 1 is supplied to the nozzle 21 of the printhead 2 and ejected from the nozzle 21 as ink particles 68B.

[0158] In addition, Figure 7 In the ink recovery paths 811-812, the solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is energized to open the flow path. By activating the pump (for recovery) 35, as indicated by the thick line marked D2, ink particles 68B and air around the printhead 2 are drawn from the flow channel 25 and pumped to the main ink container 31 of the main body 1.

[0159] In ink recovery paths 811-812, because ink 68A and air flow in a gas-liquid mixture, the solvent component of ink 68A dissolves into the air, and the air becomes a solvent gas that flows into the main ink container 31. The ink flowing into the main ink container 31 is collected at the bottom, and the air that has become a solvent gas is discharged to the outside of the main body 1 as indicated by the thick line marked D3.

[0160] In addition, Figure 7 In the viscosity measurement paths 824 and 822, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57 is energized to open the flow path. By activating the pump (for circulation) 36, as indicated by the thick line marked D8, the ink 68A contained in the main ink container 31 of the main body 1 returns to the main ink container 31 through the viscometer 45, the solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement) 57, and the pump (for circulation) 36, thus circulating the ink 68A.

[0161] In this way, ink 68A is passed through the viscosity meter 45 to measure the ink viscosity. Then, the main control unit 7 calculates the ink concentration based on the recorded relationship between temperature and viscosity for each type of ink.

[0162] Furthermore, in the inkjet recording device 600, as shown by the thick line in D3, because the solvent component in the ink 68A is discharged outside the machine as solvent gas, the proportion of the solvent component in the ink 68A decreases as the running time increases, resulting in a high concentration of ink 68A. In the main ink container 31, because the amount of ink 68A decreases accordingly to the amount of solvent component discharged outside the machine, this amount of liquid must be replenished from the solvent container 33 containing solvent 69A.

[0163] Furthermore, as indicated by the thick line marked D8, the ink 68C contained in the auxiliary ink container 32 of the main body 1 merges with the ink marked D1 and is supplied to the nozzle 21 of the printhead 2, and is replenished to the main ink container 31 via the ink recovery paths 811-812 indicated by the arrow marked D2.

[0164] <Instructions for Printhead Cleaning>

[0165] Next, use Figure 8 This describes the flow of ink during printhead cleaning in the inkjet recording device 600.

[0166] exist Figure 8 In order to perform printhead cleaning, the inkjet recording device 600 is configured such that the printhead 2 is mounted on the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0167] In the printhead cleaning paths (paths 831 and 837), the solenoid valve (for printhead cleaning) 56 is energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for solvent) 37 is activated, as indicated by the thick line of arrow A1, supplying solvent as cleaning fluid to the printhead mounting unit 3. That is, the solvent 69A contained in the solvent container 33 of the main body 1 can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 72 in the cleaning tank 71 assembled in the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0168] The cleaning nozzle 72 sprays (discharges) the solvent 69A toward the printhead 2 to clean it. Specifically, the solvent 69A supplied to the cleaning nozzle 72 is sprayed in the directions indicated by arrow A2 (the direction in which the solvent 69A is sprayed from the liquid discharge port A 72A toward the nozzle 21) and arrow A3 (the direction in which the solvent 69A is sprayed from the liquid discharge port B 72B toward the deflection electrode 24). The solvent 69A is blown onto the components such as the nozzle 21 and the deflection electrode 24 assembled on the printhead 2, which can clean the contaminants of ink 68A that adhere to the inkjet recording device 600 during operation and maintenance.

[0169] The solvent 69A, which has cleaned the nozzle 21, deflection electrode 24, and other components assembled on the printhead 2, flows downwards due to gravity. The solvent 69A can be used to clean the flow channel 25, which is located below the charged electrode 23 and deflection electrode 24, when the printhead 2 is installed on the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0170] During the printhead cleaning process, the solvent 69A used to clean the components such as the nozzle 21, charged electrode 23, deflection electrode 24, and flow channel 25 of the printhead 2 flows down in the direction indicated by arrow A4 into the recovery container 4 located at the bottom of the printhead mounting unit 3, and is stored as liquid 70A in the liquid storage section 77B.

[0171] Furthermore, in the ink circulation path (821-822), the solenoid valve (for circulation) 59 is energized to open the flow path. By activating the pump (for circulation) 36, as indicated by the thick line of arrow A5, a portion of the solvent 69A that comes into contact with the nozzle 21 is drawn from the nozzle 21 and recycled back to the main ink container 31 of the body 1. In this way, during printhead cleaning, the interior of the nozzle 21 and the ink circulation paths 821-822 can also be cleaned with solvent 69A.

[0172] Furthermore, in the ink recovery path (811-812), the solenoid valve (for recovery) 50 is energized to open the flow path. By activating the pump (for recovery) 35, as indicated by the thick line marked A6, a portion of the solvent 69A that has come into contact with the flow channel 25 is drawn from the flow channel 25 and recovered to the main ink container 31 of the main body 1. In this way, during the printhead cleaning process, the interior of the flow channel 25 and the ink recovery paths 811-812 can also be cleaned with solvent 69A.

[0173] Furthermore, in the nozzle 21 and the flow channel 25, the surrounding air is also drawn in along with the solvent 69A. This drawn air then becomes solvent vapor containing dissolved and vaporized solvent 69A within the ink circulation paths 821-822 and ink recovery paths 811-812. This solvent vapor flows into the main ink container 31 and is then discharged via path 814 to the exhaust pipe connection 62, which communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

[0174] In the air suction path (path 841), by operating the pump (suction) 61, as indicated by the thick line of arrow mark A7, solvent vapor generated in the cleaning tank 71 of the printhead mounting unit 3 is drawn from the orifice 81C and discharged to the exhaust pipe connection 62 which communicates with the outside of the main body 1.

[0175] In the inkjet recording device 600, a structure is adopted in which solvent vapor discharged from the main ink container 31 and solvent vapor discharged from the printhead mounting unit 3 are discharged together from the exhaust pipe connection portion 62. The exhaust pipe connection portion 62 is mounted in a location spaced apart from the operation display portion 8 of the main body 1, for example, mounted on the back or bottom surface of the main body 1.

[0176] The ink circulation, printing, and printhead cleaning processes described above are just one example; other types of devices may also perform different ink circulation, printing, and printhead cleaning processes. In short, any device that can perform ink circulation, printing, and printhead cleaning as needed is acceptable.

[0177] <Description of ink circulation and printing processes in this embodiment>

[0178] Next, details of this embodiment, which automatically performs ink circulation and printing processes, will be explained. Figure 9 This refers to the main screen displayed on the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device.

[0179] exist Figure 9 The home screen displays the current status (Cc) of the inkjet recording device, currently in a "stopped" state where no printing is being performed. Additionally, alarm information (Ca) indicates abnormal conditions, while "none" indicates no abnormality.

[0180] In addition, a print content box (Ci) is located in the center of the screen, allowing users to input any characters or symbols. A start button (Cb) is located to the right of the print content box (Ci) to initiate the selected process. Furthermore, the status display box (Ct) below the print content box (Ci) shows "Running Time," "Solvent / Ink Remaining Level," and "Installation Status of the Printhead and Recycle Container in the Printhead Mounting Unit." Based on the installation status of the printhead and recycling container in the printhead mounting unit, ink circulation and printing processes are performed when both are detected. Further below this, the function display box (Cs) displays function buttons such as "Print Processing Start," "Ink Circulation Processing Start," "Settings," and "Login."

[0181] When the "Settings" function button is selected, the conditions for ink circulation processing and printing processing are set. Afterwards, the setting screen for setting the conditions for ink circulation processing and printing processing is displayed on the operation display unit 8 (see reference). Figure 10 ).

[0182] exist Figure 10 In this embodiment, the name of the processing mode (Dm) is displayed at the top of the screen. The "Autopilot Schedule Setting" is displayed. This allows confirmation of whether the current setting is for ink circulation processing or printing processing. Ink circulation processing and printing processing are categorized based on the method of stopping ink ejection, as described later. Ink circulation processing is automatically stopped, while printing processing requires manual stopping by the operator.

[0183] In addition, near the center of the screen, a settings box (Df) is displayed, which sets the ink circulation and printing processes. Inside the settings box (Df), there are items for the designated day of the week (Dd), the start time (Dt), and whether or not there is a stop process (Ds) to stop ink ejection. This allows you to set the specific time when the ink circulation and printing processes will begin.

[0184] In the "[A] Weekly Designated Day (Dd)" section for setting the weekday for ink recycling and printing, a list of weekdays from "Sunday" to "Saturday" is displayed. By touching (clicking) this "Weekly Designated Day" display area, users can select the weekday for ink recycling and printing. Currently, several weekdays, including Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, have been selected. This increases the number of options for performing ink recycling and printing in the inkjet recording device, improving ease of use.

[0185] Next, in the "[B]Start Time (Dt)" field where the ink circulation and printing processes are set to begin, there is a section for entering the time displayed in 24-hour time. By entering a specific time in this "Start Time" display area, you can select the time to perform the ink circulation and printing processes. In the current display, 7:00 AM has been selected.

[0186] Next, in "[C] Stop Processing On / Off (Ds)", an area is displayed where you can choose between an ink circulation processing mode that automatically stops ink ejection or a printing processing mode where the operator manually stops ink ejection. By touching either the "On" or "Off" display area, you can set whether to perform automatic stop processing for ink circulation or manual stop processing for printing. In the current display, the area where automatic stop for ink circulation is selected is "On".

[0187] Furthermore, when the items such as the designated day (Dd), start time (Dt), and whether or not processing is stopped (Ds) are determined within the week, this information is stored as setting information by touching the confirmation button (St). That is, when setting is performed through the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600, this information is stored in the RAM 307 of the main control unit 7.

[0188] Figure 11 This indicates the storage area of ​​RAM307, through... Figure 10 The settings shown specify whether the storage process is stopped on a designated day within the storage week in storage area (Md), at the start time of storage in storage area (Mt), or in storage area (Ms). Figure 11 In addition to RAM307, it is also possible to use powered RAM and E-ROM, which are represented by flash memory ROM. 2 A ROM is a storage element capable of storing data. In this embodiment, since setting information is stored in the flash ROM, the flash ROM will be described below.

[0189] By using such a storage element, even if the power to the inkjet recording device is cut off for some reason, the stored setting information can be read and the ink circulation and printing processes can be restarted when the power is restored. This stored setting information is used in the control flow described below.

[0190] <Explanation of the execution judgment for ink circulation processing and printing processing>

[0191] Figure 12 Indicates used to determine in Figure 10The process of ink circulation and printing is executed according to the conditions set in the system. This process is started at specified time intervals, for example, by using an internal timer to compare and match for pause.

[0192] Step S10

[0193] In step S10, the current designated day and time of the week are obtained. The designated day and time of the week can be preset in the main control unit 7 and obtained by reading them. It is well known that the designated day and time of the week can be updated using an internal timer. Alternatively, it can be obtained from the cloud server 209 via communication. When the current designated day and time of the week are obtained, proceed to the next step S11.

[0194] Step S11

[0195] In step S11, a determination is made as to whether the specified day of the week stored in the flash memory ROM is consistent with the specified day of the week obtained in step S10. If the determination is consistent ("yes"), the process proceeds to the next step S12. On the other hand, if the determination is inconsistent ("no"), the process exits to the end and waits for the next startup time.

[0196] Step S12

[0197] In step S12, a determination is made as to whether the start time stored in the flash ROM is consistent with the time obtained in step S10. If the determination is consistent ("yes"), the process proceeds to the next step S13. On the other hand, if the determination is inconsistent ("no"), the process exits to the end and terminates, waiting for the next start time.

[0198] Step S13

[0199] In step S13, during the ink ejection process, a determination is made as to whether to automatically stop ink ejection or manually stop ink ejection. If the determination is to automatically stop ink ejection (determined as "yes"), the process proceeds to step S14. Conversely, if the determination is to manually stop ink ejection (determined as "no"), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0200] Step S14

[0201] In step S14, an ink circulation process with an automatic ink-stopping function is performed. This process will be described later. When the ink circulation process ends, the process exits to the end and waits for the next startup time.

[0202] Step S15

[0203] In step S15, a printing process with a function to manually stop ink ejection is performed. This process will be described later. When the ink circulation and printing process is completed, the process exits to the end and waits for the next startup time.

[0204] <Description of the ink recycling process>

[0205] Next, use Figure 13 right Figure 12 The process flow of ink circulation processing (step S14) with automatic ink stop function is described.

[0206] Step S20

[0207] Because through Figure 12 In the processing flow, if the ink circulation process is determined to begin, then in step S20, it is determined whether the printhead 2 and the recycling container 4 are installed in the printhead mounting unit 3. If it is determined that the printhead 2 and / or the recycling container 4 are not installed in the printhead mounting unit 3 (determined as "No"), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the printhead 2 and the recycling container 4 are installed in the printhead mounting unit 3 (determined as "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S22.

[0208] Step S21

[0209] In step S21, since the printhead 2 and / or recycling container 4 are not installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, the ink recycling process is not performed, and the process is skipped and returns to step S20 to repeat the same process.

[0210] In step S21, the operation display unit 8 shows that the printhead 2 and / or recycling container 4 are not installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, which can urge the operator to install the printhead 2 and / or recycling container 4 in the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0211] Similarly, in cases where the printhead 2 and / or recycling container 4 are not installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, the cloud server 209 can further communicate with the external control device 100 via email or other means. This allows operators located at a distance to be prompted to install the printhead 2 and / or recycling container 4 in the printhead mounting unit 3.

[0212] Step S22

[0213] In step S22, since the printhead 2 and the recycling container 4 are not installed in the printhead mounting unit 3, ink circulation is performed on the ejected ink to prevent the solenoid valves, etc., in the path constituting the inkjet recording device from becoming stuck. This ink circulation process, because it has already... Figure 6The text indicates that detailed explanations are omitted. When the ejected ink is processed through ink circulation, proceed to step S23.

[0214] Step S23

[0215] In step S23, an anomaly check is performed on the ink circulation process. This anomaly check uses... Figure 3 The sensor signal from the charge sensor 48 shown is used for judgment. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the ink particles ejected from the nozzle 21 of the printhead 2 are in a state where a voltage is applied through the charged electrode 23. By confirming their charge using the charge sensor 48, it is possible to check for any abnormalities during the ink circulation process.

[0216] If no abnormality is detected in this control step, ink ejection and ink circulation continue. On the other hand, if an abnormality is detected, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0217] Step S24

[0218] In step S24, the number of times the abnormality detected in step S23 has occurred is determined. If it is determined that the abnormality has occurred for the first time (the determination is "yes"), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has occurred for the second time or more, the process proceeds to step S27. This means that when the abnormality has occurred more than twice, the recovery actions in steps S25 and S26 described later are ineffective and the abnormal state cannot be eliminated.

[0219] Step S25

[0220] In step S25, the ink ejection currently in progress is stopped, and the ink circulation process is halted. This is a preparatory step for the subsequent cleaning of printhead 2. This is because an abnormality was detected in step S23, necessitating the cleaning of printhead 2. When the ink circulation process is stopped, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0221] Step S26

[0222] In step S26, printhead cleaning is performed on printhead 2. This is because, as mentioned above, an abnormality was determined to have occurred in step S23, and the abnormality is eliminated by cleaning printhead 2.

[0223] Generally, abnormalities in the charging of ink particles are mostly caused by contamination of the ink in the nozzle 21 and charged electrode 23 of the printhead 2. Therefore, in step S26, a printhead cleaning process is performed to clean the printhead 2. This printhead cleaning process, because it has already... Figure 8 The text indicates that detailed explanations are omitted.

[0224] During the printhead cleaning process, after ink is ejected and the cleaning process is completed, ink ejection begins again in step S22 (ink circulation is performed again here). Then, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, if the abnormal state is eliminated, the process proceeds to step S29; if the abnormal state is not eliminated, the process proceeds again to step S24.

[0225] In step S24, since this is the second time the error has occurred, the printhead cleaning process in step S26 is unsuccessful, and the process proceeds to step S27.

[0226] Step S27

[0227] In step S27, ink ejection is stopped because the malfunction of printhead 2 has not been eliminated. This is the same for ink ejection during ink circulation and ink ejection during printhead cleaning. When ink ejection stops, proceed to step S28.

[0228] Step S28

[0229] In step S28, since the ink circulation process cannot continue due to a printhead malfunction, the process ends abnormally. At this time, the operation display unit 8 displays the message "Ink circulation process terminated due to malfunction." This prompts the operator to perform a detailed inspection of the printhead 2.

[0230] Similarly, if the cloud server 209 detects an anomaly in printhead 2, it can further contact the external control device 100 via email or other means. This allows the operator located at a distance to be urged to conduct a detailed inspection of printhead 2.

[0231] Step S29

[0232] Returning to step S23, if it is determined that there is no abnormality in printhead 2, ink ejection and ink circulation continue simultaneously. Furthermore, in step S29, while ink ejection continues, the following process is performed.

[0233] First, in (1), the operation display unit 8 displays "Automatic ink circulation" and "Pause button". Figure 14 This indicates a display example. In Figure 14In the operation display unit 8, a message display box (Dg) is displayed, showing the current status such as "Automatic ink circulation is in progress" and "Please press the 'Pause' button to pause processing." Furthermore, a horizontal display area (Da) shows the automatic auto-drive operation. In addition, a display area shows "Cleaning stopped." A pause button (Sp) is also displayed. Because automatic ink circulation processing is currently in progress, "Automatic circulation" is displayed.

[0234] Furthermore, when the operator presses the pause button (Sp) of (2) during the display process, the ink circulation process is forcibly paused and the ink ejection is stopped.

[0235] Furthermore, when the pause button is not pressed, a process is executed to automatically stop the ink circulation process in (3a). This automatic stop is executed until a predetermined time has elapsed from the point where the ink level sensor 31A of the main ink container 31 is below that level. That is, it automatically stops when the liquid level sensor 31A of the main ink container 31 determines that the amount of ink 68A has decreased to the level of the liquid level sensor 31A. In addition, a process is executed to automatically stop the ink circulation process when a predetermined time has elapsed since the ink was ejected in step S22 of (3b).

[0236] The time until automatic stopping can also be the time obtained by combining the method based on (3a) or (3b) with (3a) and (3b). For example, there is a method that selects a way to stop automatically quickly, and conversely, a method that selects a way to delay automatic stopping. Then, while continuing to execute step S29, the process moves to step S30.

[0237] Step S30

[0238] In step S30, during the processing of step S29, when the predetermined time for automatic stop has elapsed, the ink circulation process ends and ink ejection stops. When ink ejection stops, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0239] Step S31

[0240] In step S31, since the ink circulation process has ended, the display screen of the operation display unit 8 is changed to... Figure 9 The system remains in standby mode, displaying the homepage screen shown. Furthermore, even if the power is temporarily cut off for some reason during this standby state, as indicated by the dotted box, the system will remain in standby mode. Figure 10 The set settings are stored in the flash ROM, so if the power is restored, the above actions can be repeatedly performed when the set day and time of the week are met again.

[0241] For example, even if the power is cut off on Saturdays and Sundays at night, if the power is restored by the start of the ink circulation process, the above-described actions can be performed. Furthermore, returning to the standby state in step S31... Figure 12 Step S10 continues the processing.

[0242] Figure 15 This indicates the operation status of the ink circulation process during one week as described above. Here, "▲" indicates automatic start (ink ejection begins), and "▼" indicates automatic stop (ink ejection stops).

[0243] like Figure 10 As shown, it is set to start ink circulation processing at 7:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and automatically stop. Therefore, as... Figure 15 As shown, ink circulation automatically starts at 7:00 AM on Monday and automatically stops when the ink circulation time in step S29 (3a) or (3b) has elapsed. The same applies to Wednesdays and Fridays.

[0244] <Description of the printing process>

[0245] Next, use Figures 16-19 , for through Figure 10 The setting "[C] Stop processing present or absent (Ds)" describes the printing process (step S15) when manual stop is selected ("none" is selected). In this printing process, the print head 2 starts from the state of being installed in the print head mounting unit 4.

[0246] Figure 16 The settings screen for selecting print processing shows that "[C] Stop Processing" is set to "None". Therefore, ink ejection is not automatically stopped, unlike ink circulation processing, and must be stopped manually. Thus, unless manually stopped, ink ejection will continue continuously. Figure 17 This indicates the specific processing procedure.

[0247] Steps S20 to S28

[0248] The processing from step S20 to step S28 is because it is related to... Figure 13 The process shown is the same, so the explanation is omitted. When it is determined in step S23 that there is no abnormality in printhead 2 (determined as "no"), proceed to step S40.

[0249] Step S40

[0250] In step S40, since it is determined that printhead 2 is not abnormal, the abnormality handling of printhead 2 is completed and the process ends normally. Therefore, the preparation for printing is completed in this state, and the actual printing process is then executed. When step S40 is completed, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0251] Step S41

[0252] In step S41, in order to perform the actual printing, the operator removes the print head 2 from the print head mounting unit 4 and places it on the support component 13 of the production line (see reference). Figure 1 Set up printhead 2 and begin the printing action. When the printing action begins, proceed to step S42.

[0253] Step S42

[0254] In step S42, in order to perform the printing operation, while continuously ejecting ink, the following processing is performed. First, display... Figure 18 The homepage shown. Figure 18 The home screen displays the current status (Cc) of the inkjet recording device, indicating that printing is in progress. Additionally, alarm information (Ca) indicating abnormal conditions is displayed as "None" to indicate no abnormality.

[0255] Furthermore, because printing is currently in progress, printhead 2 has been removed from printhead mounting unit 4. Therefore, the status display box (Ct) showing "Installation status of printhead and recycling container in printhead mounting unit" displays "Not detected" for printhead 2.

[0256] In addition, a stop button (Cd) is located horizontally to the right of the print content box (Ci) in the center of the screen. To stop printing, the operator touches the stop button, thereby stopping ink ejection. Therefore, during this display, when the operator presses the stop button (Cd), the printing process is forcibly terminated, and ink ejection is stopped.

[0257] Step S43

[0258] In step S43, the printing process ends and ink ejection stops because the operator presses the stop button midway through the process of step S42. When ink ejection stops, the process proceeds to step S44. Alternatively, the printing process continues as usual if the stop button is not pressed.

[0259] Step S44

[0260] In step S44, since the printing process has been successfully completed by the operator, the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device enters a standby state with the home screen displayed. Similarly, in response to the cloud server 209 confirming the successful completion of the printing process, it is further possible to contact the external control device 100 via email or other means. This allows other operators located at a distance to be notified of the completion of the printing process.

[0261] Figure 19 This indicates the operation status of the printing process over a week as described above. Here, "▲" indicates automatic start (ink ejection begins), and "▽" indicates manual stop by the operator (ink ejection stops).

[0262] like Figure 16 As shown, the system is set to automatically start printing at 7:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and to manually stop the printing process. Therefore, as... Figure 19 As shown, the printing process automatically begins at 7:00 AM on Monday, in step S41 (see...). Figure 17 When the operator presses the stop button, the printing process stops at 5 PM.

[0263] On Wednesdays, printing stops at 7 PM, 7 PM later than Monday's printing stop time; on Fridays, printing stops at 3 PM, 3 PM earlier than Monday's ink circulation stop time. This allows printing to start automatically even when it is in progress, and then be stopped by the operator at any time.

[0264] <Explanation of the expanded printing process>

[0265] The implementation method described above starts the printing process at the same time, but it is also possible to make the following settings. That is, by changing... Figure 10 The settings in the settings box (Df) shown in the settings screen can be configured. Figure 20 (The setting box (Df) is selected from the setting screen of the operation display unit 8) This is the setting.

[0266] In this case, in the settings screen, the start date of the week is set to "Monday", the start time is set to "5:00 AM", and the stop processing is set to "None".

[0267] With this setting, it is possible to... Figure 21 As shown, considering factors such as heater heating, the system automatically starts at 5:00 AM, performs product printing at 6:00 AM, and then ends printing at 8:00 PM when the operator presses the stop button.

[0268] Furthermore, it allows for setting start and stop times for specific days within each week. Figure 22 , Figure 23 This example will be explained.

[0269] exist Figure 22 In this setting, the setting box (Df) is selected from the setting screen of the operation display unit 8, and the designated day of the week for performing printing processing or ink circulation processing is set as "Monday", "Wednesday", or "Friday". Furthermore, the start time for starting on Monday is set to "07:00", the start time for starting on Wednesday is set to "08:00", and the start time for starting on Friday is set to "12:00".

[0270] Furthermore, regarding the stop processing, Mondays and Wednesdays are set to "None" for printing processing, while Fridays are set to "Yes" for ink recycling processing. Figure 23 This indicates the operation of the inkjet recording device based on this setting.

[0271] exist Figure 23 On Mondays, printing begins at 7:00 AM and ends at 8:00 PM, stopped by the operator. On Wednesdays, printing begins at 8:00 AM and ends at 10:00 PM. Furthermore, on Fridays, ink recycling begins at 11:00 AM and automatically stops at 1:00 PM.

[0272] Based on the embodiments described above, the following effects can be achieved: ink circulation and printing can be performed at any time; the inkjet recording device can be started quickly; and ink circulation and printing can be performed without new settings when the power is turned on after a power outage. Furthermore, because the settings screen can be precisely configured according to the usage environment of the inkjet recording device, a significant improvement in ease of use is expected.

[0273] <Instructions for the collaboration between inkjet recording device, cloud server, and external control device>

[0274] The above-described implementation is an example of inputting setting information using the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600. Setting information can also be input from the external control device 100 via the cloud server 209.

[0275] In this embodiment, the device includes: the inkjet recording apparatus described above; a server connected to the inkjet recording apparatus via a first communication network and storing information about the setting screen of the inkjet recording apparatus; and an external control device connected to the server via a second communication network. This external control device includes an external operation display unit that displays a setting screen for setting at least the start time for setting the ink ejection start time, obtained from the server. The server sends the start time input through the setting screen of the external operation display unit to the inkjet recording apparatus and controls the inkjet recording apparatus based on the start time. Here, the input method for setting information is essentially the same as the input method for the operation display unit 8, but some display methods are different. Hereinafter, based on... Figures 24-26 Provide examples.

[0276] Figure 24 This describes the processing flow of the inkjet recording device 600, cloud server 209, and external control device 100. All devices are in a powered-on and operating normal state.

[0277] Step S50

[0278] In step S50, the cloud server 209 periodically performs a status check on the inkjet recording device 600. When the status check is performed, the process proceeds to step S51.

[0279] Step S51

[0280] In step S51, it is confirmed whether the cloud server 209 and the inkjet recording device 600 can be connected via the communication network 214A. If they cannot be connected, the process proceeds to step S52; otherwise, if they can be connected, the process proceeds to step S53.

[0281] Step S52

[0282] In step S52, if the connection between the cloud server 209 and the inkjet recording device 600 fails, the various information of the inkjet recording device 600 recorded in the cloud server 209 will not be updated. Moreover, after a certain period of time, the processing of step S50 will be executed again.

[0283] Step S53

[0284] In step S53, the inkjet recording device 600 confirms the display screen, such as the setting screen or message screen, and transmits the display screen information to the cloud server 209 via the communication network 214A. That is, it transmits the display screen information requested by the cloud server 209 as needed. Thus, the external control device 100 can view the display screen information stored on the cloud server 209 by communicating with the cloud server 209. When this is completed, the process proceeds to step S54.

[0285] Step S54

[0286] In step S54, the information of the display screen of the inkjet recording device 600 stored in the cloud server 209 is updated to the information of the newly transmitted display screen. Furthermore, after a certain period of time, step S50 is executed again to update the information of the display screen of the inkjet recording device 600 stored in the cloud server 209 to the new state. In this way, the cloud server 209 repeatedly executes steps S50 to S54 at predetermined intervals.

[0287] Step S55

[0288] Next, in step S55 of the external control device 100, the external control device 100 is operated to begin the connection process for communication between the external control device 100 and the inkjet recording device 600. The external control device 100 is connected to the cloud server 209 via the communication network 214B. When this is completed, the process proceeds to step S56.

[0289] Step S56

[0290] In step S56, the ID and password required for connecting the external control device 100 to the inkjet recording device 600 are entered into the external control device 100. When this is completed, the process proceeds to step S57.

[0291] Step S57

[0292] In step S57, the ID and password entered in step S56 are compared with the correct ID and password pre-recorded in the cloud server 209 to determine whether the entered ID and password are correct (yes / no).

[0293] Furthermore, if the determination is incorrect (No), proceed to step S58. On the other hand, if the determination is correct (Yes), the external recording device 100 begins communication with the cloud server 209, and proceed to step S60. Thus, the communication connection between the external recording device 100 and the cloud server 209, and between the cloud server 209 and the inkjet recording device 600, is established.

[0294] Steps S58 and S59

[0295] In step S58, the external recording device 100 displays that either the ID or the password entered in step S56 is incorrect, and stops attempting to connect via communication. Then, in step S59, the connection between the external recording device 100 and the inkjet recording device 600 is terminated, and processing begins.

[0296] Step S60

[0297] In step S60, information from the display screen of the inkjet recording device 600 recorded in the cloud server 209 is read and transmitted to the external control device 100 via the transmission unit. The information from the display screen of the inkjet recording device 600 transmitted from the cloud server 209 to the external control device 100 is essentially the same as the information displayed on the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600. Since this has already been explained, further explanation is omitted here. When this is completed, the process proceeds to step S61.

[0298] Step S61

[0299] In step S61, the information of the display screen obtained from the inkjet recording device 600 stored in the cloud server 209 is displayed on the external operation display unit 101 of the external control device 100 (see reference). Figure 1 Expand and display.

[0300] Figure 25 This refers to the external operation display unit 101 of the external control device 100. This external operation display unit 101 displays the IJP operation start button (Sb) (here, IJP refers to the inkjet recording device). In this state, when the operator operates the IJP operation start button (Sb), the following is displayed: Figure 10 The settings screen shown is the same as the one displayed. This settings screen contains display information stored in cloud server 209.

[0301] Figure 26 The specific display screen shows the settings. Near the center of the screen, a settings box (Df) is displayed for setting the ink circulation and printing processes. Inside the settings box (Df), you can set the specified day of the week (Dd), start time (Dt), and whether or not to enable / disable a stop process as the ink ejection method (Ds). This allows you to set the specific time when the ink circulation and printing processes will begin.

[0302] Furthermore, below the setting box (Df), installation information for the printhead 2 of the printhead mounting unit 4 and the recycling container 4 is displayed. This installation information is shown, for example, using the information displayed on the screen. Figure 9 The status display box (Ct) on the main screen shows the installation status of the printhead of the printhead installation unit and the recycling container. Furthermore, this installation information can also be referenced from other screens. When this setting screen is displayed, proceed to step S62.

[0303] Step S62

[0304] In step S62, necessary input operations are performed based on the display information from step S61. Figure 10Similarly, in the "[A] Weekly Designated Day (Dd)" section for setting the designated day of the week for ink recycling and printing, a week from "Sunday" to "Saturday" is displayed. By touching this "Weekly Designated Day" display area, you can select the designated day of the week for ink recycling and printing. In the current display, several designated days of the week, including Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, have been selected.

[0305] Next, in the "[B]Start Time (Dt)" field where the ink circulation and printing processes are set to begin, an area is displayed for inputting the 24-hour time. By entering a specific time in this "Start Time" display area, you can select the time to perform the ink circulation and printing processes. In the current display, 7:00 AM has been selected.

[0306] Next, in the "[C] Stop Processing On / Off (Ds)" section, there is an area for selecting either an ink circulation processing mode that automatically stops ink ejection or a printing processing mode where the operator manually stops ink ejection. By touching either the "On" or "Off" display area, you can set whether to perform automatic stop processing for ink circulation or manual stop processing for printing. In the current display, the area where automatic stop is selected for ink circulation is "On".

[0307] When the specified day of the week (Dd), start time (Dt), and whether or not processing is stopped (Ds) are determined, the setting information is confirmed by touching the confirmation button (St). The confirmed setting information is transmitted to the cloud server 209 via the communication network 214B. In this way, the inkjet recording device 600 can be set via the cloud server 209. When the input operation is completed, proceed to step S63.

[0308] In addition, the IJP operation start button (Sb) is changed to an IJP operation complete button and displayed. When the IJP operation complete button is operated again, it will revert to the previous state. Figure 25 The way the screen is displayed is shown.

[0309] Step S63

[0310] In step S63, the setting information input by the external control device 100 is transmitted to the inkjet recording device 600 via the communication network 214A through the cloud server 209. When this process is complete, the process proceeds to step S64. Furthermore, the settings made by the external control device 100 can be executed in the same way as when the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600 is operated.

[0311] Step S64

[0312] In step S64, the inkjet recording device executes the settings based on the setting information set in the external control device 100. Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 17 The processing flow is shown below.

[0313] Therefore, the inkjet recording device achieves the following effects: it can perform ink circulation and printing at any time, can quickly start the inkjet recording device, and can perform ink circulation even after power is turned on without new settings. Furthermore, since the settings for starting ink circulation and printing can be executed via an external control device, the operator does not need to travel to the location where the inkjet recording device is installed, resulting in good ease of use.

[0314] <Explanation of the collaboration between the inkjet recording device and the external control device>

[0315] In the above Figures 24-26 In one implementation, communication between the inkjet recording device 600 and the external control device 100 is conducted via the cloud server 209. However, it is also possible to perform settings by directly communicating between the inkjet recording device 600 and the external control device 100 without going through the cloud server 209. Figure 27 This is one example.

[0316] In this embodiment, an external control device connected to the inkjet recording apparatus via a third communication network includes an external operation display unit that displays a setting screen for setting at least the start time for setting the ink ejection start time, obtained from the inkjet recording apparatus. The start time input on the setting screen of the external operation display unit is transmitted to the inkjet recording apparatus via the third communication network, and the inkjet recording apparatus is controlled based on the start time. Here, the input of setting information and... Figure 24 The input methods of the illustrated implementations are essentially the same. The following is based on... Figure 27 This implementation method is described.

[0317] Figure 27 This describes the processing flow of the inkjet recording device 600 and the external control device 100. Each device is powered on and operating normally. Furthermore, the inkjet recording device 600 and the external control device 100 communicate via... Figure 1 The communication network connection shown is as shown.

[0318] Steps S55 to S59

[0319] Steps S55 to S59 because of... Figure 24The control steps are the same, so the explanation is omitted. Furthermore, regarding the comparison of the ID and password in step S57, the correct ID and password are compared with those pre-recorded in the inkjet recording device 600 to determine whether the entered ID and password are correct (yes / no).

[0320] Step S65

[0321] In step S65, various current information of the inkjet recording device 600 is updated and stored. This various information includes information about the displayed screen, as described in the embodiments of the inkjet recording device described above. This control step is a process performed in the inkjet recording device 600.

[0322] Step S66

[0323] In step S66, when a request is received from the external control device 100, the inkjet recording device 600 transmits the requested data to the external control device 100. The requested data, as described above, is data regarding a display screen such as a settings screen.

[0324] Step S67

[0325] In step S67, the information of the display screen acquired from the inkjet recording device 600 is displayed on the external operation display unit 101 of the external control device 100 (see reference). Figure 1 Expand and display. The displayed screen is the same as... Figure 25 , Figure 26 The displayed screens are the same. When displaying Figure 26 When the setup screen shown appears, proceed to step S68.

[0326] Step S68

[0327] In step S68, necessary input operations are performed based on the display information from step S67. For example... Figure 26 As shown, the "[A] Weekly Designated Day (Dd)" section for setting the designated day of the week for ink recycling and printing displays a week from "Sunday" to "Saturday". By touching this "Weekly Designated Day" display area, you can select the designated day of the week for ink recycling and printing. In the current display, several designated days of the week, including Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, have been selected.

[0328] Next, in the "[B]Start Time (Dt)" section, which sets the time when ink circulation and printing begin, an area is displayed where you can input the time displayed in 24-hour time. By inputting a specific time in this "Start Time" display area, you can select the time to perform ink circulation and printing. In the current display, 7:00 AM has been selected.

[0329] Next, under "[C] Stop Processing On / Off (Ds)", an area is displayed for selecting either the ink circulation processing mode that automatically stops ink ejection or the printing processing mode that requires manual stopping of ink ejection by the operator. By touching either the "On" or "Off" display area, you can set whether to perform automatic stop processing during ink circulation or manual stop processing during printing. In the current display, the area for "On" in ink circulation processing is selected.

[0330] Furthermore, when the specified day of the week (Dd), start time (Dt), and whether or not processing is stopped (Ds) are determined, the setting information is confirmed by touching the confirm button (St). Once the setting information is confirmed, proceed to step S69.

[0331] Step S69

[0332] In step S69, the setting information input from the external control device 100 is transmitted to the inkjet recording device 600 via the third communication network. When this process is complete, the process proceeds to step S70. Furthermore, the settings made on the external control device 100 can be the same as those made when the operation display unit 8 of the inkjet recording device 600 is operated.

[0333] Step S70

[0334] In step S70, the inkjet recording device executes the settings based on the setting information set in the external control device 100. Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 17 The processing flow is shown below.

[0335] Therefore, the inkjet recording device achieves the following effects: it can perform ink circulation and printing at any time; it can be quickly started; and it can perform ink circulation even after power is turned on without any new settings. Furthermore, since the settings for starting ink circulation and printing can be executed via an external control device, the operator does not need to travel to the location where the inkjet recording device is installed, resulting in good ease of use.

[0336] As described above, the present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a printhead having a nozzle for atomizing supplied ink and ejecting it, a charged electrode for charging ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the charged ink particles passing through the charged electrode, and a flow channel for collecting unused ink not used for printing; a main body having an ink supply path for supplying ink from an ink container to the printhead, an ink recovery path for collecting unused ink back to the ink container, a solvent supply path for supplying solvent from a solvent container to the ink container, and a flow regulating unit for regulating the flow of ink and solvent in each path; a main body control unit for controlling the flow regulating unit of the main body and the operation of the printhead; and a printhead mounting unit having a printhead mounting section for mounting and storing the printhead and a printhead detector for detecting that the printhead is mounted; the main body control unit, upon detecting that the printhead is mounted in the printhead mounting unit, starts ejecting ink from the nozzle when a predetermined start time is reached.

[0337] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized by comprising: the inkjet recording apparatus described above; a server connected to the inkjet recording apparatus via a first communication network and storing information of the setting screen of the inkjet recording apparatus; and an external control device connected to the server via a second communication network, including an external operation display unit that displays a setting screen for setting at least the start time for setting the start time of ink ejection obtained from the server, and the external control device sending the start time input through the setting screen of the external operation display unit to the inkjet recording apparatus via the server, and controlling the inkjet recording apparatus based on the start time.

[0338] According to the present invention, at least one of the following effects can be obtained: ink circulation processing and printing processing can be performed at any time; the inkjet recording device can be started quickly; ink circulation processing and printing processing can be performed even without new setting processing when the power is turned on after the power is disconnected; and the setting of ink circulation processing and printing processing can be performed from an external terminal.

[0339] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. The embodiments described in detail above are for the purpose of readily understanding the present invention and are not limited to having all the described structures. Moreover, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced with the structure of another embodiment, and structures of other embodiments can be added to the structure of one embodiment. For the structures of each embodiment, other structures can also be added, deleted, or replaced.

[0340] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0341] 1…Main body, 2…Print head, 3…Print head mounting unit, 4…Recycling container, 5…Cable (for print head), 6…Cable (for print head mounting unit), 7…Main body control unit, 8…Operation display unit, 9…IoT field server, 10…Cable, 11…Pulse conveyor, 12A…Printing object, 12B…Printing object, 13…Support component, 14…Network, 15…Personal computer, 16…Smartphone, 17…Tablet, 18…Start button, 19…Stop button, 20…Display unit, 21…Nozzle, 23…Electrically charged electrode, 24…Deflection electrode, 24A…Positive electrode, 24B…Ground electrode, 25…Flow channel, 26…Switching valve, 27…Temperature sensor A, 28…Magnetic sensor C, 2 8A…Wire, 29…Heater, 30…Temperature sensor C, 31…Main ink container, 31A…Liquid level sensor, 32…Auxiliary ink container, 33…Solvent container, 34…Pump (supply), 35…Pump (recovery), 36…Pump (circulation), 37…Pump (solvent), 38…Temperature sensor D, 39…Filter (supply), 40…Filter (recovery), 41…Filter (nozzle cleaning), 43…Filter (printhead cleaning), 45…Viscosity meter, 46…Pressure regulating valve, 47…Pressure sensor, 48…Charge sensor, 49…Solenoid valve (supply), 50…Solenoid valve (recovery), 53…Solenoid valve (solvent replenishment), 54…Solenoid valve (ink replenishment) 55…Solenoid valve (for nozzle cleaning), 56…Solenoid valve (for printhead cleaning), 57…Solenoid valve (for viscosity measurement), 58…Solenoid valve (for main body circulation), 59…Solenoid valve (for circulation), 60…Pump (for drying), 61…Pump (for suction), 62…Exhaust pipe connection, 68A…Ink, 68B…Ink particles, 68B1…Ink particles, 68B2…Charged charge, 68C…Ink, 69A…Solvent, 71…Cleaning tank, 71A…Mounting part, 72…Cleaning nozzle, 72A…Liquid discharge port A, 72B…Liquid discharge port B, 73…Air supply nozzle, 74…Float, 75…Magnet A, 76…Magnetic sensor A, 76A…Wire, 77…Container, 77A…Mounting 77B…Liquid storage section, 77C…Internal thread section, 78…Separator, 78A…Liquid inlet hole section, 78B…Liquid outlet hole section, 79…Holding member, 80…Temperature sensor B, 80A…Wire, 81…Cleaning assembly, 81A…Printhead mounting section, 81B…Printhead insertion section, 81C…Hole section, 81D…Flow path A section, 81E…Flow path B section, 81F…Flow path C section, 82…Cover hinge, 83…Cover component, 84…Magnetic sensor B, 84A…Wire, 85…Cover component, 86…Magnet B, 87…Magnet C, 88…Attraction connector, 89…Liquid connector, 90…Air connector, 91…Fixing section, 92…Fixing fixture (for conveying device), 93…Matching section, 94…Printhead holder,95… Protective cover, 97… Antenna, 100… External control device, 101… Operation display unit, 201… Network, 209… Cloud server, 214A… Communication network, 214B… Communication network, 301… MPU, 302… Bus, 306… ROM, 307… RAM, 311… Viscosity measurement circuit, 312… Pressure detection circuit, 313… Liquid level detection circuit, 314… Pump control circuit, 315… Solenoid valve drive circuit, 316… Temperature detection circuit, 317… Add Heater detection circuit, 322…Recovery container sensor detection circuit, 323…Printhead detection circuit, 331…Excitation voltage generation circuit, 332…Deflection voltage generation circuit, 341…Phase exploration charged signal generation circuit, 342…Printing charged signal generation circuit, 343…D / A converter, 344…Amplifier circuit, 351…Phase determination circuit, 352…A / D converter, 353…Amplifier circuit, 501-503…Inkjet recording system, 600…Inkjet recording device.

Claims

1. An inkjet recording apparatus characterized by comprising: include: A printhead having a nozzle that atomizes supplied ink and ejects it, a charged electrode that charges the ink particles ejected from the nozzle, a deflecting electrode that deflects the charged ink particles passing through the charged electrode, and a flow channel that collects unused ink that was not used for printing. The main body includes: an ink supply path for supplying ink from an ink container to the printhead; an ink recovery path for recovering ink not used for printing back to the ink container; a solvent supply path for supplying solvent from a solvent container to the ink container; and a flow regulating unit for regulating the flow of ink and solvent in each of the paths. A main body control unit that controls the flow regulation unit and the print head of the main body; and A printhead mounting unit includes a printhead mounting section for mounting and housing the printhead and a printhead detector for detecting that the printhead is mounted. When the main control unit detects that the printhead has been installed in the printhead mounting unit, it begins to eject ink from the nozzle when a preset start time is reached. The main control unit can be set to "yes" or "no" for stopping the ink ejection process. When the "yes" stop process is selected, the ink ejection from the nozzle will automatically stop after a predetermined time. When the "None" stop process is selected, the main control unit stops the ink from being ejected from the nozzle through operator operation.

2. The inkjet recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit begins to eject ink from the nozzle at the start time of a pre-set day within a week.

3. The inkjet recording device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The main control unit uses the screen displayed on the operation display unit provided on the main body to set "yes" and "no" for the designated day of the week when the ink is ejected from the nozzle, the start time, and the stop processing for stopping the ejection of ink from the nozzle.

4. The inkjet recording device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The main control unit includes a transmission unit that, in the event of an anomaly detected when ink is ejected from the nozzle, transmits information indicating that an anomaly has occurred to an external control device connected via a communication network.

5. The inkjet recording device as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The main control unit stores the "yes" and "no" settings for the specified day of the week, the start time, and the stop processing input from the operation display unit in a storage element that can retain the stored content even when the power is cut off. When the power is reconnected, the ink ejection is controlled based on the settings information in the storage element.

6. The inkjet recording apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that: When the main control unit selects "Yes" for the stop process of stopping the ink from being ejected from the nozzle, it performs an ink circulation process to suppress the consolidation of the path.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that: When the main control unit selects "None" for the stop process of stopping the ink from being ejected from the nozzle, it performs the printing process of printing the product.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The main control unit uses the screen displayed on the operation display unit provided on the main body to set "yes" and "no" for the designated day of the week when ink is ejected from the nozzle, the start time, and the stop processing of stopping ink ejection from the nozzle on the designated day of each week.

9. The inkjet recording apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The screen displayed on the operation display unit includes a setting display unit for setting the specified day of the week, the start time, and whether the stop processing is "yes" or "no", and a determination display unit for determining the conditions set on the same screen.

10. An inkjet recording system characterized by comprising: include: The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3, 5 to 9; A server that stores information about the setting screen of the inkjet recording device and is connected to the inkjet recording device via the first communication network; and An external control device, which is connected to the server via a second communication network, includes an external operation display unit that displays a setting screen for setting the start time of ink ejection, which is obtained from the server. The external control device sends the start time input through the setting screen of the external operation display unit to the inkjet recording device via the server, and controls the inkjet recording device based on the start time.

11. The inkjet recording system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The external control device uses the setting screen displayed on the external operation display to set "yes" and "no" for the designated day of the week when ink is ejected from the nozzle, the start time, and the stop process when ink is stopped from being ejected from the nozzle.

12. The inkjet recording system as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The setting screen displayed on the external operation display unit includes a setting display unit that displays "yes" and "no" for setting the specified day of the week, the start time, and the stop processing, as well as a determination display unit for determining the conditions set on the same screen.

13. The inkjet recording system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that: The external control device uses the setting screen displayed on the external operation display unit to set "yes" and "no" for the designated day of the week when ink is ejected from the nozzle, the start time, and the stop processing when ink is ejected from the nozzle on the designated day of each week.

14. The inkjet recording system as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that: The setting screen displayed on the external operation display unit includes a setting display unit for setting the specified day of the week, the start time, and whether the stop processing is "yes" or "no", and a determination display unit for determining the conditions set on the same screen.

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