Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a conveyance belt, a control section, an ink recovery section, and a suction section. The ink recovery section includes a plurality of ink receiving sections that receive ink that passes through an opening of the conveyance belt when purging is performed, a waste ink tank that is disposed below the ink receiving sections, a suction path that is formed in the waste ink tank and that connects the ink receiving sections to the suction section, and an ink absorbent that is filled in the waste ink tank and that absorbs the ink that is suctioned from the ink receiving sections. The suction path is formed by a gap that is surrounded by the ink absorbent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to inkjet recording apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, in inkjet recording devices such as inkjet printers, in order to reduce or prevent nozzle clogging caused by ink drying, the ink ejected from the nozzles was periodically flushed (empty ejection). For example, an opening was provided on the conveyor belt that transports the recording medium, and ink was ejected from each nozzle of the recording head and passed through the opening of the conveyor belt.

[0003] In the aforementioned inkjet recording apparatus, ink droplets flushed through the opening of the conveyor belt typically reach the ink receiving section and are recovered, discharged as waste liquid from the ink receiving section. Here, if the ink receiving section could be positioned near the ink ejection surface of the recording head, almost all ink droplets could be recovered through the ink receiving section. However, since a conveyor belt is positioned between the recording head and the ink receiving section, it is difficult to position the ink receiving section near the ink ejection surface. As a result, ink droplets atomize before reaching the ink receiving section, contaminating the interior of the apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an inkjet recording device that can effectively separate the mist-like ink that is drawn into the ink recovery section along with the air during washing, through a simple configuration.

[0005] The inkjet recording apparatus of the first configuration of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises:

[0006] The recording head has multiple nozzles that eject ink;

[0007] A conveyor belt having multiple openings through which the ink ejected from the recording head passes, conveys a recording medium;

[0008] The control unit controls the drive of the recording head and the conveyor belt, and performs rinsing by ejecting the ink from the nozzle of the recording head at a timing different from the timing that facilitates image recording and by allowing the ink to pass through any one of the plurality of openings.

[0009] An ink recovery unit, disposed opposite the recording head across the conveyor belt, recovers the ink that passed through the opening during the rinsing process; and

[0010] The suction section draws in air from the ink recovery section.

[0011] The ink recycling unit includes:

[0012] Multiple ink receiving parts receive the ink that has passed through the opening;

[0013] Waste ink cartridge, located below the ink receiving part;

[0014] A suction path is formed within the waste ink cartridge, connecting the ink receiving portion to the suction portion; and

[0015] An ink absorber, filled inside the waste ink cartridge, absorbs the ink drawn from the ink receiving portion.

[0016] The attraction path is formed by the gaps surrounded by the ink absorber.

[0017] According to the first configuration of the present invention, the sprayed ink, drawn from the ink receiving section along with air, is absorbed by the ink absorber forming the inner wall surface of the suction path during its passage through the suction path. Thus, the sprayed ink contained in the airflow can be efficiently separated with a simple configuration. Consequently, the sprayed ink does not reach the suction section, thereby suppressing malfunctions of the suction section and preventing contamination of the inkjet recording apparatus by the sprayed ink. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the outline structure of a printer, which is an embodiment of the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a top view of the recording section of the printer mentioned above.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the periphery of the paper transport path from the paper tray of the printer above, through the first transport unit to the second transport unit.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the main components of the printer described above.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the ink recovery section and the paper transport area adjacent to the ink recovery section.

[0023] Figure 6 It is a side cross-sectional view of the ink recovery section cut off in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a top-view cross-sectional view of the waste ink cartridge that makes up the ink recycling section.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a magnified view of the area around the opening of the first conveyor belt in the first conveying unit.

[0026] Figure 9 This is an exploded 3D view of the ink absorber located inside the waste ink cartridge.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a modified example where a curved section is provided in the first flow path.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional side view of the suction path of the waste ink cartridge and another schematic diagram of the bend formed in the first flow path. Detailed Implementation

[0029] (1. Composition of an inkjet recording device)

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of the outline structure of a printer 100, an inkjet recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 includes a paper tray 2, which serves as a paper storage section. The paper tray 2 is disposed inside the lower part of the printer body 1. Paper P, as an example of a recording medium, is stored inside the paper tray 2.

[0031] Downstream of the paper feeding direction of paper feed box 2, i.e. Figure 1 A paper feeding device 3 is located on the upper right side of the paper feed cassette 2. Through this paper feeding device 3, paper P is fed... Figure 1 The paper is separated and fed out one sheet at a time from the upper right side of the paper feed box 2.

[0032] The printer 100 has a first paper feed path 4a inside. The first paper feed path 4a is located to the upper right of the paper feed tray 2 in its paper feed direction. The paper P fed from the paper feed tray 2 is fed vertically upward along the side of the printer body 1 through the first paper feed path 4a.

[0033] In the paper feeding direction, a calibration roller pair 13 is provided at the downstream end of the first paper feeding channel 4a. Furthermore, a first conveying unit 5 and a recording unit 9 are arranged near the downstream side of the calibration roller pair 13 in the paper feeding direction. The paper P fed from the paper tray 2 reaches the calibration roller pair 13 through the first paper feeding channel 4a. While correcting the deviation of the paper P, the calibration roller pair 13 measures the timing of the inkjet operation performed by the recording unit 9 and feeds the paper P toward the first conveying unit 5 (especially the first conveyor belt 8 described later).

[0034] Paper P, fed from calibration roller 13 to first conveyor unit 5, is conveyed via first conveyor belt 8 to a position opposite to recording unit 9 (particularly recording heads 17a-17c, described later). An image is recorded on paper P by ejecting ink from recording unit 9 onto paper P. At this time, the ejection of ink from recording unit 9 is controlled by control device 110 inside printer 100.

[0035] In the paper feeding direction, on the downstream side of the first conveying unit 5 ( Figure 1A second transport unit 12 is arranged on the left side. The paper P on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit 9 is fed to the second transport unit 12. The ink sprayed onto the surface of the paper P is dried during its passage through the second transport unit 12.

[0036] In the paper feeding direction, a curl elimination section 14 is provided downstream of the second conveying unit 12 and near the left side of the printer body 1. Paper P, whose ink has been dried by the second conveying unit 12, is fed to the curl elimination section 14 to correct the curl generated on the paper P.

[0037] In the paper feeding direction, on the downstream side of the curl elimination section 14 ( Figure 1 A second paper feed channel 4b is provided above the printer 100. Paper P, after passing through the curl elimination section 14, is discharged through the second paper feed channel 4b to the output tray 15a located outside the left side of the printer 100 without duplex recording. A secondary output tray 15b is provided below the output tray 15a to discharge useless paper P (damaged paper) that has caused printing defects.

[0038] A flip-over transport channel 16 for duplex recording is provided at the upper part of the printer body 1 and above the recording unit 9 and the second transport unit 12. In the case of duplex recording, the paper P, after recording on one side (first side) of the paper P has ended and passed through the second transport unit 12 and the curl elimination unit 14, is sent to the flip-over transport channel 16 through the second paper feeding channel 4b.

[0039] The paper P, fed to the flip conveyor channel 16, has its conveying direction changed to allow recording on the other side (second side) of the paper P. Then, the paper P is conveyed to the right side of the printer body 1, and after passing through the calibration roller pair 13, it is again fed to the first conveyor unit 5 with the second side facing upwards. In the first conveyor unit 5, the paper P is conveyed to a position opposite the recording unit 9, and an image is recorded on the second side by ink ejection from the recording unit 9. After double-sided recording, the paper P is sequentially discharged onto the output tray 15a via the second conveyor unit 12, the curl elimination unit 14, and the second paper feed channel 4b.

[0040] Furthermore, a maintenance unit 19 and a cover unit 20 are disposed below the second delivery unit 12. During cleaning, the maintenance unit 19 moves horizontally below the recording section 9 to wipe away the ink extruded from the ink nozzles of the recording head and recover the wiped ink. Cleaning refers to the action of forcibly extruding ink from the ink nozzles of the recording head to remove viscous ink, foreign matter, and air bubbles from the ink nozzles. The cover unit 20 moves horizontally below the recording section 9 when covering the ink ejection surface of the recording head, and then moves upwards and is mounted on the lower surface of the recording head.

[0041] Figure 2This is a top view of the recording unit 9. The recording unit 9 includes a head housing 10, and traveling heads 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The traveling heads 11Y to 11K are mounted relative to the tensioning frame on a structure including a drive roller 6a, a driven roller 6b, and tension rollers 7a and 7b (see reference). Figure 3 The conveying surface of the annular first conveyor belt 8, consisting of multiple rollers, is held at a height of a predetermined interval (e.g., 1 mm) in the head housing 10. The drive roller 6a propels the first conveyor belt 8 in the conveying direction of the paper P (arrow A direction). The drive roller 6a is driven by the main control unit 110a of the control device 110 (see reference). Figure 4 Control. Furthermore, the aforementioned multiple rollers are arranged along the travel direction of the first conveyor belt 8 in the order of tension roller 7a, tension roller 7b, driven roller 6b, and drive roller 6a (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0042] The line heads 11Y to 11K each have multiple (three in this case) recording heads 17a to 17c. The recording heads 17a to 17c are arranged in a staggered pattern along the paper width direction (arrow BB') orthogonal to the paper feed direction (arrow A direction). Each recording head 17a to 17c has multiple ink nozzles 18. The ink nozzles 18 are arranged at equal intervals along the width direction of the recording head, i.e., the paper width direction (arrow BB' direction). From the line heads 11Y to 11K, through the ink nozzles 18 of the recording heads 17a to 17c, inks of various colors—yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K)—are ejected towards the paper P being conveyed by the first conveyor belt 8.

[0043] The recording heads 17a to 17c that make up the line headers 11Y to 11K are supplied with ink of four colors (yellow, magenta, cyan and black) stored in the ink cartridge (not shown) according to each color of the line headers 11Y to 11K.

[0044] Each recording head 17a-17c utilizes data from the control device 110 (see reference). Figure 4 The control signal, based on image data received from an external computer, causes ink to be ejected from the ink nozzle 18 toward the paper P that is being conveyed and held on the conveyor surface of the first conveyor belt 8. As a result, a color image is formed on the paper P on the first conveyor belt 8, consisting of overlapping yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks.

[0045] In printer 100, to clean the ink ejection surfaces of the recording heads 17a-17c, at the start of printing after a long period of inactivity and during printing intervals, ink is expelled (cleaned) from the ink ejection nozzles 18 of all recording heads 17a-17c, and the ink ejected onto the ink ejection surfaces is wiped away by a wiper (not shown) from the recording heads 17a-17c in preparation for the next printing operation. The ink wiped away from the ink ejection surfaces is handled by ink recovery units 31Y-31K (see later). Figure 3 )Recycle.

[0046] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the peripheral configuration of the transport path of paper P from the paper feed cassette 2 via the first transport unit 5 to the second transport unit 12. Furthermore, Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the main parts of printer 100. In addition to the above-mentioned components, printer 100 also includes a calibration sensor 21, a first paper sensor 22, a second paper sensor 23, a tape sensor 24, and a tape sensor 25.

[0047] Calibration sensor 21 detects paper P being fed from paper tray 2 via paper feeding device 3 to calibration roller pair 13. Calibration sensor 21 is located upstream of calibration roller pair 13 in the paper feeding direction. Control device 110 (e.g., paper feeding control unit 110c) controls the timing of the start of rotation of calibration roller pair 13 based on the detection result of calibration sensor 21. For example, control device 110 controls the timing of feeding paper P, after skew correction by calibration roller pair 13, to first conveyor belt 8 based on the detection result of calibration sensor 21.

[0048] The first paper sensor 22 detects the position of the paper P in the width direction as it is conveyed from the calibration roller pair 13 to the first conveyor belt 8. The control device 110 (e.g., the main control unit 110a) can eject ink from the ink ejection outlets 18 of the recording heads 17a to 17c of the line print heads 11Y to 11K, which correspond to the width of the paper P, based on the detection result of the first paper sensor 22, and record an image on the paper P.

[0049] The second paper sensor 23 detects the passage of paper P supplied to the first conveyor belt 8 by the calibration roller pair 13. That is, the second paper sensor 23 detects the position of the paper P conveyed by the first conveyor belt 8 in the conveying direction. The second paper sensor 23 is located upstream of the recording unit 9 and downstream of the first paper sensor 22 in the paper feeding direction. The control device 110 (e.g., the main control unit 110a) can control the ink ejection timing of the paper P that has passed through the first conveyor belt 8 and reached the position opposite to the line heads 11Y to 11K (recording heads 17a to 17c) based on the detection result of the second paper sensor 23.

[0050] Sensors 24 and 25 are reference detection sensors that detect the reference determination section (not shown) provided on the first conveyor belt 8. The reference determination section is the part that indicates a reference for one revolution of the first conveyor belt 8. Since the reference determination section and the opening 80 (see reference) are known in advance... Figure 8 Based on the positional relationship of the openings 80 (opening group 82) on the first conveyor belt 8, the reference determining part of the first conveyor belt 8 is detected by the belt sensor 24 and belt sensor 25. Based on the detected position of the reference determining part, the position of each opening 80 (opening group 82) on the first conveyor belt 8 in the conveying direction can be detected. Therefore, the belt sensor 24 and belt sensor 25 function as opening position detection parts for detecting the position of the openings 80 on the first conveyor belt 8.

[0051] In addition, at the end of the first conveyor belt 8 in the bandwidth direction, a mark is pre-formed at the position corresponding to each opening group 82. The mark is detected by belt sensor 24 and belt sensor 25, and the position of the opening group 82 (opening 80) corresponding to the mark is detected.

[0052] The belt sensor 24 is located downstream of the recording unit 9 in the paper feeding direction (the travel direction of the first conveyor belt 8). The belt sensor 25 is located upstream of the driven roller 6b, which is tensioned and mounted on the first conveyor belt 8, in the paper feeding direction. According to this embodiment, the belt sensor 25 is located between the driven roller 6b and the tension roller 7b, but it can also be located between the tension roller 7a and the roller 7b. The driven roller 6b is located upstream of the recording unit 9 in the travel direction of the first conveyor belt 8. In addition, the belt sensor 24 also has the same function as the second paper sensor 23. The control device 110 (e.g., the paper supply control unit 110c) can control the calibration roller pair 13 based on the detection results of the belt sensor 24 or the belt sensor 25 to supply paper P to the first conveyor belt 8 at a predetermined time.

[0053] Furthermore, the position of the paper P is detected by multiple sensors (first paper sensor 22, second paper sensor 23), and the reference determination part of the first conveyor belt 8 is detected by multiple sensors (band sensor 24 and band sensor 25), thereby enabling error correction of the detected position and detection of anomalies.

[0054] The aforementioned first paper sensor 22, second paper sensor 23, strip sensor 24, and strip sensor 25 can also be composed of transmissive or reflective optical sensors, CIS sensors (Contact Image Sensors), etc.

[0055] In addition, the printer 100 may also be configured to have a serpentine detection sensor for detecting the serpentine movement of the first conveyor belt 8, and to correct the serpentine movement of the first conveyor belt 8 based on its detection results.

[0056] In addition, the printer 100 also has an operation panel 27, a storage unit 28, and a communication unit 29.

[0057] The operation panel 27 is an operating unit for accepting various setting inputs. For example, the user can operate the operation panel 27 to input the size of the paper P placed in the paper tray 2, that is, the size of the paper P conveyed by the first conveyor belt 8. In addition, the user can also operate the operation panel 27 to indicate the number of sheets of paper P to be printed and to start the printing operation. Furthermore, the operation panel 27 also functions as a notification device to provide notifications related to the operating status of the printer 100 (image recording, washing, described later).

[0058] The storage unit 28 is a memory that stores the operation program of the control device 110 and stores various information. It is configured to include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc. Information set through the operation panel 27 (such as the size and number of sheets of paper P) is stored in the storage unit 28.

[0059] The communication unit 29 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information with external devices (such as a personal computer (PC)). For example, when a user operates the PC to send a printing instruction to the printer 100 along with image data, the image data and printing instruction are input to the printer 100 via the communication unit 29. In the printer 100, the main control unit 110a controls the recording heads 17a to 17c to eject ink based on the image data, enabling the recording of an image on paper P.

[0060] Furthermore, the printer 100 of this embodiment includes a control device 110. The control device 110 is configured, for example, to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. Specifically, the control device 110 includes a main control unit 110a, a flushing control unit 110b, a paper feeding control unit 110c, and a maintenance control unit 110d. Each control unit constituting the control device 110 is composed of a single CPU, but of course, it can also be composed of different CPUs.

[0061] The main control unit 110a controls the operation of each part of the printer 100. For example, the main control unit 110a controls the driving of each roller inside the printer 100 and the ink jetting from the record heads 17a to 17c during image formation (except during washing).

[0062] The rinsing control unit 110b performs rinsing on the recording heads 17a to 17c based on the position detection of the opening 80 by the sensor 24 or the sensor 25.

[0063] The paper feed control unit 110c is a recording medium supply control unit that controls the calibration roller pair 13, which serves as the paper feed unit for recording media. For example, the paper feed control unit 110c controls the calibration roller pair 13 based on the position detection of the opening 80 with sensor 24 or sensor 25. In addition, the paper feed control unit 110c can also control the calibration roller pair 13 independently (regardless of position detection) from the position detection of the opening 80 with sensor 24 or sensor 25.

[0064] The maintenance control unit 110d controls the recording heads 17a to 17c to perform the aforementioned cleaning process, which forces ink to be extruded from each ink ejection port 18. While the recording heads 17a to 17c are being cleaned, the maintenance control unit 110d also controls the drive of the maintenance unit 19 (e.g., its movement and retraction downwards from the recording section 9).

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the printer 100 has ink recovery units 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K on the inner circumferential side of the first conveyor belt 8. The ink recovery units 31Y to 31K receive and recover ink that has been ejected from the recording heads 17a to 17c and passed through the opening 80 of the first conveyor belt 8 during the rinsing process of the recording heads 17a to 17c. Therefore, the ink recovery units 31Y to 31K are positioned opposite the recording heads 17a to 17c of the line heads 11Y to 11K, separated by the first conveyor belt 8.

[0066] The second conveying unit 12 has a second conveyor belt 12a and a dryer 12b. The second conveyor belt 12a is tensioned and mounted by two drive rollers 12c and driven rollers 12d. The paper P, which has recorded an image by being conveyed by the first conveying unit 5 and having its image recorded by being sprayed with ink by the recording unit 9, is conveyed by the second conveyor belt 12a, dried by the dryer 12b during conveying, and then conveyed to the aforementioned curl elimination unit 14.

[0067] (2. Details of the Ink Recycling Department)

[0068] Next, the structure of the ink recovery units 31Y to 31K will be described in detail. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the ink recovery unit 31Y and the paper transport area adjacent to the ink recovery unit 31Y. Additionally, for ease of explanation, in Figure 5 The description of the first conveyor belt 8 is omitted here. The following describes the structure around the ink recovery unit 31Y, but since the ink recovery units 31M to 31K have the same structure, the description is omitted.

[0069] Ink recovery unit 31Y and recording heads 17a-17c constituting line head 11Y (see reference) Figure 2They are arranged in an opposing manner between a pair of side frames 100a. An ink receiving part 32a-32c is provided on the upper surface of the ink recycling part 31Y for receiving ink droplets ejected from the recording head 17a-17c.

[0070] The suction fan 40, serving as the suction unit, is installed at two locations on the side frame 100a and connected to one end of the suction pipe 37. A plurality of suction ports 41 are provided at the other end of the suction pipe 37. The suction ports 41 are connected to the first conveyor belt 8 (see reference). Figure 3 The inner circumferential surfaces of the conveyor belt are arranged facing each other. Multiple suction holes 8a for air suction are provided on the first conveyor belt 8 (see reference). Figure 8 By activating the suction fan 40, air is drawn from the outer peripheral surface of the first conveyor belt 8 through the suction hole 8a. More specifically, air is drawn from the paper suction area R, excluding the ink receiving portions 32a-32c. Figure 5 The air in the shaded area. According to this structure, the paper P is attracted by the suction wind generated in the paper attraction area R and conveyed onto the conveying surface of the first conveyor belt 8.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view of the ink recovery unit 31Y cut in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Figure 5 (Cross-section diagram of the CC' arrow). Figure 7 This is a top cross-sectional view of the waste ink cartridge 33 that constitutes the ink recycling unit 31Y. The waste ink cartridge 33 is disposed below the ink receiving units 32a to 32c. Inside the waste ink cartridge 33, there is an suction path 35 and an ink absorber 36.

[0072] The suction path 35 is formed by a gap surrounded by the ink absorber 36, and has a first flow path 35a and a confluence chamber 35b. Furthermore, the suction path 35 may also have a second flow path 35c. The first flow path 35a communicates with the ink receiving portions 32a to 32c. The three first flow paths 35a communicating with the ink receiving portions 32a to 32c converge in the confluence chamber 35b. The confluence chamber 35b is connected to the suction fan 40. More specifically, the upper end of the second flow path 35c communicates with the confluence chamber 35b, and the lower end opens within the suction conduit 37. With the above configuration, the ink receiving portions 32a to 32c are connected to the suction fan 40 via the suction path 35 and the suction conduit 37.

[0073] The ink absorber 36 is formed of a porous material and fills the portion of the waste ink cartridge 33 outside the absorption path 35. The porous material used for the ink absorber 36 needs to have a continuous bubble structure capable of absorbing and retaining ink (liquid). Examples of porous materials with a continuous bubble structure include melamine foam, polyurethane foam and other foaming resin materials, glass wool, asbestos and other glass fiber materials, porous ceramics, porous carbon fibers, and porous cellulose. Furthermore, any material with rigidity and shape retention capable of forming the absorption path 35 can also be used, such as pulp materials and nonwoven fabrics. Among the aforementioned porous materials, melamine foam, which is easy to process and has excellent solvent resistance, is particularly preferred.

[0074] Ink droplets contained in the airflow within the suction path 35 collide with the inner walls of the first flow path 35a, the confluence chamber 35b, and the second flow path 35c, and are absorbed by the ink absorbers 36 that form the inner walls of the first flow path 35a, the confluence chamber 35b, and the second flow path 35c. The ink absorbed by the ink absorbers 36 is directly stored inside the waste ink cartridge 33.

[0075] (3. Details of the first conveyor belt)

[0076] Next, the first conveyor belt 8 of the first conveying unit 5 will be described in detail. Figure 8 This is a partial enlarged view of the area around the opening 80 of the first conveyor belt 8 used for printer 100.

[0077] In this embodiment, a negative pressure suction method is used to attract and transport the paper P onto the first conveyor belt 8 by negative pressure suction generated by the suction fan 40. Therefore, a plurality of suction holes 8a are formed throughout the entire area of ​​the first conveyor belt 8 to allow the airflow (suction wind) that attracts the paper P onto the first conveyor belt 8 to pass through.

[0078] The first conveyor belt 8 has a plurality of openings 80 to allow ink ejected from the nozzles (ink ejection outlets 18) of the recording heads 17a-17c to pass through during washing. In this embodiment, an opening group 82 is formed with the plurality of openings 80 arranged in two rows along the bandwidth direction. The opening group 82 is configured such that the openings 80 in one row partially overlap with the openings 80 in the bandwidth direction (arrow BB′ direction).

[0079] In this embodiment, the shape of each opening 80 in plan view is as follows: Figure 8 The openings can be circular, but can also be rectangular, or long strips (e.g., elliptical) in the bandwidth direction (arrow BB′ direction). Additionally, the number of openings 80 in one column can be the same as the number of openings 80 in another column.

[0080] Multiple [structures] are formed around the first conveyor belt 8. Figure 8 The shown is an opening group 82. The spacing of each opening group 82 in the feeding direction is not the same, and they are irregularly formed at positions corresponding to the size of the paper P being fed. That is, in the paper feeding direction, the spacing of adjacent opening groups 82 is not constant but different. At this time, the maximum spacing between two adjacent opening groups 82 in the paper feeding direction is longer than the length of the paper P in the paper feeding direction when the smallest printable size (e.g., A4 size, horizontal) of paper P is placed on the first conveyor belt 8.

[0081] When rinsing is performed on the recording heads 17a-17c, the ink ejected from each ink ejection port 18 of the recording heads 17a-17c passes through the opening 80 of any one of the opening groups 82. Therefore, by performing rinsing on the entire width of the recording heads 17a-17c, clogging of all ink ejection ports 18 due to ink drying can be reduced.

[0082] (4. The composition of the confluence chamber inside the waste ink cartridge)

[0083] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of the ink suction unit 36 ​​configured inside the waste ink cartridge 33. (See diagram below.) Figure 9 As shown, the ink absorber 36 is composed of six block-shaped absorbers 36a to 36f stacked together. The absorbers 36a to 36f are not bonded to each other, but because they are filled in a way that fills the waste ink cartridge 33, there will be no positional shift.

[0084] The first absorber 36a is disposed on the bottom surface of the waste ink cartridge 33, and a cylindrical groove 50a is formed in the center. The second absorber 36b is stacked on the center of the first absorber 36a, and a horizontally penetrating rectangular groove 50b is formed in the lower part, and a rectangular groove 50c communicating with the groove 50b is formed on the upper surface.

[0085] The third absorber 36c and the fourth absorber 36d are stacked adjacent to the second absorber 36b at both ends of the first absorber 36a, and each forms a vertically penetrating groove 50d. The fifth absorber 36e and the sixth absorber 36f are stacked on top of the third absorber 36c and the fourth absorber 36d, and each forms a vertically penetrating rectangular groove 50e.

[0086] By stacking the first absorber 36a to the sixth absorber 36f inside the waste ink cartridge 33, the grooves 50a to 50e are connected to form an attraction path 35. More specifically, the groove 50a forms a second flow path 35c, the groove 50b forms a confluence chamber 35b, and the grooves 50c to 50e form a first flow path 35a.

[0087] According to the above configuration, the sprayed ink drawn from the ink receiving portions 32a to 32c along with the air is absorbed by the ink absorbers 36 (first absorber 36a to sixth absorber 36f) forming the inner wall surfaces of the first flow path 35a, the confluence chamber 35b, and the second flow path 35c during its passage through the suction path 35. Thus, sprayed ink contained in the airflow can be efficiently separated with a simple configuration.

[0088] Therefore, since the sprayed ink does not reach the suction fan 40, malfunctions of the suction fan 40 can be prevented. Furthermore, contamination of the printer 100 by the sprayed ink can also be prevented.

[0089] Furthermore, with the second flow path 35c and the suction pipe 37 equipped with an ink-trapping filter, ink is unlikely to adhere to the filter. Therefore, there is no possibility that the paper P's adsorption and retention force or the attraction of ink droplets during rinsing will decrease due to filter clogging.

[0090] Furthermore, since the ink is stored in the waste ink cartridge 33 while being absorbed by the ink absorber 36, the recovered ink is less likely to scatter when the waste ink cartridge 33 is replaced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress contamination of the printer 100's internal and external environments.

[0091] Furthermore, by simply stacking the first absorbers 36a to the sixth absorbers 36f in a predetermined order, the first flow path 35a, the confluence chamber 35b, and the second flow path 35c can be formed, eliminating the need for resin components or the like to form the suction path 35. Therefore, the assembly time and number of parts in the ink recovery units 31Y to 31K can be reduced, thereby lowering costs.

[0092] (5. Modification of the first flow path)

[0093] Figure 10 This diagram shows a modified example where a curved portion 51 is provided in the first flow path 35a communicating with the ink receiving portion 32a. Additionally, although in Figure 10 Although not shown in the figure, the same curved portion 51 is also provided in the first flow path 35a that communicates with the ink receiving portion 32b and the ink receiving portion 32c.

[0094] Because the curved portion 51 is U-shaped (snake-belly shaped), the mist-like ink contained in the airflow through the first flow path 35a easily comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the curved portion 51. The mist-like ink that comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the curved portion 51 becomes ink droplets and flows down along the inner wall surface, where it is absorbed by the ink absorber 36 (see reference). Figure 6 )Recycle.

[0095] By providing a bend 51 in the first flow path 35a, the mist-like ink contained in the airflow flowing within the first flow path 35a can be separated more efficiently. Furthermore, while one bend 51 is provided in each of the first flow paths 35a, two or more bends 51 can also be provided in each of the first flow paths 35a.

[0096] Figure 11 This is a side cross-sectional view of the suction path 35 of the waste ink cartridge 33, and also a diagram showing another example of the bend 51 formed in the first flow path 35a. Figure 11 In the example shown, the bending portion 51 is formed by folding back the first flow path 35a in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction.

[0097] By folding the first flow path 35a back in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction, the first flow path 35a can be lengthened without increasing the space in the vertical direction. Furthermore, by folding the first flow path 35a back multiple times (twice in this case), the mist-like ink contained in the airflow passing through the first flow path 35a can easily come into contact with the folded portion. Therefore, the mist-like ink contained in the airflow can be efficiently separated with a simple and space-saving configuration.

[0098] Furthermore, the curved portion 51 is not limited to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The shape shown, as long as it contains one or more portions bent at approximately right angles or acute angles, will improve the separation efficiency of the mist-like ink compared to a configuration without the bent portion 51. For example, the shape that bends the first flow path 35a into an L-shape is also included in the bent portion 51 described in this specification.

[0099] In addition, Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example shown, the inner wall surface of the curved portion 51 is curved at a right angle, but the inner wall surface of the curved portion 51 can also be set to an R-shape (curved surface). When the inner wall surface of the curved portion 51 is set to an R-shape, the separation of the mist-like ink is slightly reduced, but the pressure loss when the airflow passes through the curved portion 51 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the attraction of ink droplets in the ink receiving portions 32a to 32c.

[0100] (6. Other)

[0101] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the above embodiments, the case where the paper P is attracted to the first conveyor belt 8 and transported by using the negative pressure attraction of the suction fan 40 and the suction pipe 37 is described. However, it is also possible to charge the first conveyor belt 8 so that the paper P is electrostatically attracted to the first conveyor belt 8 and transported (electrostatic attraction method). In this case, the suction fan 40 is only used for attracting ink from the ink recovery units 31Y to 31K.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a first conveyor belt 8 is described as having an opening group 82 consisting of multiple openings 80 irregularly arranged at a position corresponding to the paper size in the paper feeding direction. However, it is also possible to use a first conveyor belt 8 with the opening group 82 arranged at a certain interval in the paper feeding direction (arrow A direction).

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a color printer that uses four colors of ink to record color images was described as an example of an inkjet recording device. However, in the case of a black and white printer that uses black ink to record black and white images, the ink discharge path of this embodiment can also be used.

[0104] This invention can also be applied to inkjet recording devices such as inkjet printers.

Claims

1. An inkjet recording device, characterized in that, include: The recording head has multiple nozzles that eject ink; A conveyor belt having multiple openings through which the ink ejected from the recording head passes, conveys a recording medium; The control unit controls the drive of the recording head and the conveyor belt, and performs rinsing by ejecting the ink from the nozzle of the recording head at a timing different from the timing that facilitates image recording and by allowing the ink to pass through any one of the plurality of openings. An ink recovery unit is disposed opposite the recording head across the conveyor belt and recovers the ink that passed through the opening during the rinsing process; as well as The suction section draws in air from the ink recovery section. The ink recycling unit includes: Multiple ink receiving parts receive the ink that has passed through the opening; Waste ink cartridge, located below the ink receiving part; A suction path is formed within the waste ink cartridge, connecting the ink receiving portion to the suction portion; and Multiple block-shaped ink absorbers are filled inside the waste ink cartridge to absorb the ink drawn from the ink receiving section. Each of the plurality of ink absorbers has a groove that forms part of the attraction path. When the plurality of ink absorbers are stacked, the grooves are connected to form the attraction path.

2. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attraction pathway includes: Multiple first flow paths are respectively connected to multiple ink receiving parts; and A confluence chamber, in which multiple first flow paths converge, the confluence chamber being connected to the suction section.

3. The inkjet recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first flow path has at least one bend that is bent at a right angle or an acute angle.

4. The inkjet recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The curved portion is formed by bending into a U-shape through the first flow path.

5. The inkjet recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The curved portion is formed by folding back and forth multiple times through the first flow path in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction.

6. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The suction path has a second flow path whose upper end communicates with the confluence chamber and whose lower end communicates with the suction section.

Images