Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a waste ink container, and a suction mechanism. The waste ink container includes: a plurality of receiving ports for receiving ink; the suction port is connected to the suction mechanism; and a plurality of suction ducts which are connected to the plurality of receiving ports, respectively, and which allow a suction air flow generated by driving the suction mechanism to circulate by communicating the receiving port of the connection object with the suction port, at least one of the suction ducts having a bent portion, the bending part bends from the first direction to the second direction midway from the receiving port of the connection object to the suction port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses are equipped with a waste ink tank that stores ink that is to be discarded.

[0003] The waste ink container is connected to a suction mechanism. The suction mechanism sucks gas from the waste ink container. The gas sucked by the suction mechanism flows through an air duct provided inside the waste ink container. In addition, the gas contains mist-like ink.

[0004] In this structure, if the ink is not separated well from the air flowing through the air passage, the ink leaks out from the connection port between the waste ink container and the suction mechanism, resulting in a disadvantageous situation in which the ink contaminates the inside of the machine. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording device capable of suppressing ink leakage from a waste ink container.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the inkjet recording device of the present invention includes: a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium being transported in a first direction; a waste ink container that is arranged opposite to the recording head in a second direction across the transport path of the recording medium, and has a storage area inside, and stores ink ejected from the recording head but not used for recording an image in the storage area; and a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the waste ink container. The waste ink container includes: a plurality of receiving ports that receive ink ejected from the recording head; a suction port that is arranged at a position spaced apart from the plurality of receiving ports when viewed from the second direction, and is connected to the suction mechanism; and a plurality of suction air ducts that are respectively connected to the plurality of receiving ports, and by connecting the receiving port of the connection object with the suction port, the suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism is circulated. At least one suction air duct has a curved portion, and the curved portion is bent from the first direction toward the second direction midway from the receiving port of the connection object to the suction port.

[0007] According to the structure of the present invention, it is possible to suppress ink leakage from the waste ink container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 It is a top view of the recording section of the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a block diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 4 It is a top view of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (a view showing a state where all waste ink containers are installed). Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of a conveyor belt of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment (a view showing a state in which a waste ink container is partially removed). Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of ​​a waste ink tank of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is along with Figure 8 Schematic diagram corresponding to the cross section of line AA. Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining disadvantages that occur when the suction air duct is bent on a horizontal plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an inkjet recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described by taking a printer that records (i.e., prints) an image on a sheet as a recording medium as an example. As the sheet, paper is mainly used. Other sheets such as OHP sheets may also be used. In addition, cloth and corrugated cardboard may also be used.

[0010] (Printer Structure) like Figure 1 As shown, the printer 100 (equivalent to the "inkjet recording device") of this embodiment includes a first conveying unit 1 and a second conveying unit 2. The first conveying unit 1 supplies a sheet S (equivalent to the "recording medium") set in a paper feed cassette CA and conveys it toward a recording position. In a printing operation of the printer 100, an image is recorded (printed) on the sheet S passing through the recording position. The second conveying unit 2 conveys the recorded sheet S. The second conveying unit 2 discharges the recorded sheet S to the discharge tray ET.

[0011] The first conveying unit 1 includes a plurality of conveying roller members including a registration roller pair 11. Figure 1 In the figure, only the registration roller pair 11 among the plurality of conveying roller members is marked with a reference numeral. The plurality of conveying roller members convey the sheet S by rotating respectively. The registration roller pair 11 includes a pair of rollers in pressure contact with each other. An registration nip is formed between the pair of rollers. The sheet S supplied from the paper feed cassette CA enters the registration nip. The registration roller pair 11 conveys the sheet S entering the registration nip toward the belt conveying unit 3 described later by rotating.

[0012] When the leading end of the sheet S reaches the registration nip, the registration roller pair 11 stops rotating. Meanwhile, the conveying roller member on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 11 in the conveying direction of the sheet S rotates. Thus, the oblique movement of the sheet S is corrected.

[0013] The printer 100 includes a belt conveying unit 3. The belt conveying unit 3 receives and conveys a sheet S from the first conveying unit 1. The belt conveying unit 3 includes a conveying belt 30. The conveying belt 30 is annular and supported to be rotatable. In addition, the belt conveying unit 3 includes a plurality of tensioning rollers 301. The plurality of tensioning rollers 301 are supported to be rotatable. The conveying belt 30 is tensioned and rotated by the plurality of tensioning rollers 301. The sheet S conveyed from the first conveying unit 1 reaches the outer peripheral surface of the conveying belt 30.

[0014] One of the tension rollers 301 is connected to a belt motor (not shown) and rotates when the driving force of the belt motor is transmitted. The conveyor belt 30 is driven to rotate by rotating the tension roller 301 connected to the belt motor. At this time, the other tension rollers 301 are also driven to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, the belt conveyor 3 includes a suction unit 300 . The suction unit 300 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the conveyor belt 30 . The suction unit 300 sucks the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 .

[0016] Specifically, the conveyor belt 30 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown). The suction holes of the conveyor belt 30 penetrate in the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 30. The suction unit 300 sucks the sheet S through the suction holes of the conveyor belt 30. As a result, the sheet S is adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30. The conveyor belt 30 adsorbs and holds the sheet S to the outer peripheral surface and rotates. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed. That is, the conveyor belt 30 adsorbs the sheet S to the outer peripheral surface and conveys it.

[0017] The printer 100 includes a recording unit 4. The recording unit 4 is arranged to be opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. During the conveyance of the sheet S, the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 is opposed to the recording unit 4 in the vertical direction with a gap therebetween. Thus, during the conveyance of the sheet S, the sheet S passes between the nozzle surface of the recording head 40 described later and the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30. That is, the portion between the nozzle surface of the recording head 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 becomes a part of the conveyance path of the sheet S. Here, the conveyance direction of the sheet S being conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 is a horizontal direction, which corresponds to the "first direction". In addition, the vertical direction corresponds to the "second direction".

[0018] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recording unit 4 includes four line heads 41 corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Figure 2In the figure, the cyan line head 41 is marked with the reference mark "C", the magenta line head 41 is marked with the reference mark "M", the yellow line head 41 is marked with the reference mark "Y", and the black line head 41 is marked with the reference mark "K" to distinguish them. Figure 5 The same is true.

[0019] The line head 41 for each color includes a plurality of (for example, three) recording heads 40. For example, the plurality of recording heads 40 for each color are arranged in a staggered manner in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 30 conveying the sheet S. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 30 conveying the sheet S is simply referred to as the width direction.

[0020] The recording heads 40 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30. In other words, the recording heads 40 are arranged at positions opposed to the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. In other words, the conveyor belt 30 sucks and conveys the sheet S below the recording heads 40. The vertical direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction and the width direction of the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30.

[0021] Each recording head 40 has a surface that is opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction as a nozzle surface. The nozzle surface of each recording head 40 has a plurality of nozzles 4N. The plurality of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 eject ink of corresponding colors downward. For example, the number of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 is the same. The plurality of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 are arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt 30. Figure 2 The nozzles 4N are indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 1 . In fact, more nozzles 4N are provided in each recording head 40 . For convenience, only some of the nozzles 4N are denoted by reference numerals.

[0022] Each recording head 40 ejects ink from the nozzle 4N toward the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 according to image data to be recorded on the sheet S in the printing operation. The ink ejected from each recording head 40 adheres to the sheet S. Thus, an image is recorded on the sheet S. In other words, between each recording head 40 and the conveyor belt 30 is a recording position, and an image is recorded on the sheet S at the recording position.

[0023] Here, the viscosity of the ink remaining in the nozzle 4N with a small number of ink jets among the multiple nozzles 4N increases with time. As a result, clogging occurs and the image quality is reduced. In order to suppress this unfavorable situation, each recording head 40 performs a flushing process. In the flushing process of each recording head 40, the ink remaining in the nozzle 4N is ejected. Thus, clogging is suppressed. The flushing process will be described in detail later.

[0024] return Figure 1The printer 100 includes a drying unit 51 and a decurler 52. The drying unit 51 dries ink attached to the sheet S being conveyed while conveying the sheet S toward the decurler 52. The decurler 52 corrects the curl of the sheet S. The decurler 52 conveys the curl-corrected sheet S toward the second conveying unit 2.

[0025] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the printer 100 includes a control unit 6. The control unit 6 includes a processing circuit such as a CPU and an ASIC. The control unit 6 controls the printing operation. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the operation of each of the first conveying unit 1, the second conveying unit 2, the belt conveying unit 3, the recording unit 4, the drying unit 51, and the decurler 52. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the conveyance of the sheet S and the ink ejection of each recording head 40. In addition, the control unit 6 controls the flushing process of each recording head 40.

[0026] The registration sensor 61 , the sheet sensor 62 , and the belt sensor 63 are connected to the control unit 6 . The control unit 6 controls conveyance of the sheet S and recording of an image on the sheet S based on outputs of the registration sensor 61 , the sheet sensor 62 , and the belt sensor 63 .

[0027] The registration sensor 61 detects a position upstream of the registration nip in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The registration sensor 61 is, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor. The registration sensor 61 changes its output value depending on the presence or absence of the sheet S at the corresponding detection position.

[0028] The control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading end and the passage of the trailing end of the sheet S at the detection position of the registration sensor 61 based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. In other words, the control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading end and the passage of the trailing end of the sheet S at the registration nip based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. The control unit 6 calculates the conveyance start timing of the sheet S conveyed by the registration roller pair 11 (rotation start timing of the registration roller pair 11) based on the elapsed time from the detection of the arrival of the leading end of the sheet S at the detection position of the registration sensor 61.

[0029] The sheet sensor 62 uses the recording position of the line head 41 located at the most upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S among the plurality of line heads 41 and the position between the alignment nip as the detection position. The sheet sensor 62 changes the output value according to the presence or absence of the sheet S at the corresponding detection position. As the sheet sensor 62, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) can be used. In addition, as the sheet sensor 62, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor can also be used. For example, a CIS is used as the sheet sensor 62.

[0030] The control unit 6 detects the arrival and passage of the leading end of the sheet S at the detection position of the sheet sensor 62 based on the output value of the sheet sensor 62. The control unit 6 calculates the timing of ejecting ink onto the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 based on the output value of the sheet sensor 62. Alternatively, the timing of ejecting ink onto the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 may be calculated based on the elapsed time from the start of conveyance of the sheet S by the registration roller pair 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 6 measures the paper passing time taken from when the leading end of the sheet S reaches the detection position of the sheet sensor 62 to when the trailing end of the same sheet S passes the detection position of the sheet sensor 62. The paper passing time at the detection position of the sheet sensor 62 changes in accordance with the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction. Here, the control unit 6 recognizes the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 based on the paper passing time. Thus, even if the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 is of a non-standard size, the control unit 6 can recognize the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction.

[0032] The belt sensor 63 is a sensor for detecting a predetermined reference position (starting position) of the conveyor belt 30. For example, a predetermined mark is provided at the reference position of the conveyor belt 30. Thus, the reference position of the conveyor belt 30 can be detected based on the output value of the belt sensor 63. A CIS can be used as the belt sensor 63. In addition, a transmissive or reflective optical sensor can also be used as the belt sensor 63.

[0033] The control unit 6 detects the reference position of the conveyor belt 30 based on the output value of the belt sensor 63. In other words, the control unit 6 detects the position of the flushing area 31 (flushing hole 30a) described later based on the output value of the belt sensor 63.

[0034] The printer 100 also includes a storage unit 601. The storage unit 601 includes storage devices such as ROM and RAM. The storage unit 601 is connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 reads information from the storage unit 601. The control unit 6 also writes information to the storage unit 601.

[0035] The printer 100 includes an operation unit 602. The operation unit 602 includes, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen displays software buttons and information, and receives touch operations from the user. In addition, the operation unit 602 is also provided with hardware buttons for receiving settings and instructions. The operation unit 602 is connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the display operation of the operation unit 602 (touch screen). In addition, the control unit 6 detects the operation performed on the operation unit 602.

[0036] The printer 100 is provided with a communication unit 603. The communication unit 603 includes a communication circuit and the like. The communication unit 603 is connected to the user terminal PC via a network NT. The user terminal PC is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The control unit 6 communicates with the user terminal PC using the communication unit 603. For example, print data (PDL data, etc.) including image data to be recorded on a sheet S in a print job is sent from the user terminal PC to the printer 100. In other words, a request to execute a print job is sent from the user terminal PC to the printer 100. The print data of the print job includes various setting data related to printing, such as the size of the sheet S used in the print job.

[0037] (Overview of Flushing Process) like Figure 4 As shown, the conveyor belt 30 has a flushing area 31. Figure 4 The flushing area 31 is surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. The flushing area 31 is an area including a flushing hole 30a, which is a through hole that penetrates in the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 30. A plurality of flushing areas 31 are provided on the conveyor belt 30. The plurality of flushing areas 31 are arranged to be separated from each other by a predetermined interval in the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30 (the conveying direction of the sheet S).

[0038] Each flushing area 31 includes a plurality of flushing holes 30a. The opening shape of the flushing hole 30a (the shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 30) is not particularly limited. The shape of the flushing hole 30a can be circular, elliptical, rounded rectangular, or rectangular. By rotating the conveyor belt 30, the plurality of nozzles 4N are respectively opposite to at least one of the flushing holes 30a in the vertical direction.

[0039] As a flushing process, a process of ejecting ink from the nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 is performed. When the flushing process is performed, ink is ejected from each nozzle 4N at a timing when each nozzle 4N and the flushing hole 30a are opposite to each other in the vertical direction. Then, the ink passes through the flushing hole 30a. Therefore, even if the flushing process is performed, the ink will not adhere to the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the ink ejected from each nozzle 4N when the flushing process is performed is called flushing ink to distinguish it from the ink that contributes to the image recording of the sheet S. The ink that does not contribute to the image recording of the sheet S is the flushing ink.

[0040] During the execution of the printing job, the control unit 6 controls the flushing process. Specifically, the control unit 6 calculates the timing of starting to convey the sheet S from the registration roller pair 11 to the conveyor belt 30 so that the flushing area 31 appears at the paper feeding interval (the interval between the rear end of the preceding sheet S and the front end of the next sheet S) at a certain period. Then, the control unit 6 causes each nozzle 4N to eject ink at a timing when each nozzle 4N is opposed to the flushing hole 30a that does not overlap the sheet S in the vertical direction. In other words, the control unit 6 causes each nozzle 4N to eject ink at a timing different from the timing of recording an image on the sheet S.

[0041] (Storage of flushing ink) The flushing ink is stored in the main body of the printer 100 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the device main body). When the storage amount of the flushing ink reaches a certain amount, the flushing ink is discarded.

[0042] Specifically, if Figures 5 to 9 As shown, the printer 100 includes a waste ink container 7 and a suction mechanism 10 connected to the waste ink container 7. The suction mechanism 10 sucks gas from the waste ink container 7.

[0043] In the flushing process, the flushing ink passes through the flushing hole 30a of the conveyor belt 30, and the flushing ink is sucked by the function of the suction mechanism 10, and the flushing ink reaches the waste ink container 7. The waste ink container 7 has a storage area inside. The waste ink container 7 stores the flushing ink in the storage area. In addition, due to the suction of the suction mechanism 10, the mist of the flushing ink is difficult to flow out of the waste ink container 7.

[0044] A plurality of waste ink containers 7 are provided. One waste ink container 7 is allocated to each line head 41. In other words, one waste ink container 7 is allocated to each color of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0045] Each waste ink container 7 is mounted on the inner circumference side of the conveyor belt 30 in the device body. When each waste ink container 7 is mounted on the device body, it is arranged below the recording head 40 that ejects the ink of the corresponding color. Each waste ink container 7 is arranged to face the nozzle surface of the corresponding recording head 40 via the conveyor belt 30. That is, each waste ink container 7 and the corresponding recording head 40 are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction via the conveying path of the sheet S. Thus, when the flushing process is performed, the flushing ink passes through the flushing hole 30a and is stored in the storage area of ​​each waste ink container 7.

[0046] Each waste ink container 7 is installed to be attachable and detachable relative to the device body. Each waste ink container 7 can be removed from the device body by pulling it out from the front (front in the width direction) of the printer 100 toward the front (front in the width direction). When the storage amount of flushing ink in a waste ink container 7 reaches a certain amount, the waste ink container 7 is removed from the device body for replacement.

[0047] The suction mechanism 10 generates a suction airflow. Each waste ink container 7 is assigned a suction mechanism 10. Each suction mechanism 10 is connected to the corresponding waste ink container 7 and sucks the flushing ink from the corresponding recording head 40 toward the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. By using the function of each suction mechanism 10 to suck the flushing ink, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the machine caused by the flushing ink. Figure 5 The black arrow in the figure indicates the suction direction of the flushing ink. The hollow arrow indicates the suction direction of the suction unit 300.

[0048] In addition, each waste ink container 7 stores ink that is scheduled to be discarded, such as flushing ink. The ink that is scheduled to be discarded is ink that is ejected from the recording head 40 and is not used for recording an image. In other words, each waste ink container 7 stores ink that does not contribute to image recording. In the following description, for convenience, the ink that is scheduled to be discarded, including the flushing ink, is collectively referred to as flushing ink.

[0049] (Structure of waste ink container) Below, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the structure of a waste ink container 7 is described with attention paid to it. The structures of the waste ink containers 7 are the same as each other. Therefore, the structure description of the other waste ink containers 7 is omitted by citing the following description.

[0050] In the following description, one direction in the horizontal direction (equivalent to the "first direction") orthogonal to the up-down direction (equivalent to the "second direction") is referred to as the short-side direction D1, and the other direction orthogonal to the one direction is referred to as the long-side direction D2. The short-side direction D1 is a direction parallel to the conveying direction in which the conveyor belt 30 conveys the sheet S. The long-side direction D2 is the width direction of the conveyor belt 30 (a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30).

[0051] In addition, the following description refers to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The figure schematically shows the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and does not show the actual size and shape.

[0052] The waste ink container 7 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container. The waste ink container 7 is, for example, a metal plate product. The waste ink container 7 has a top surface portion 7A and a bottom portion 7B that is opposite to the top surface portion 7A in the vertical direction. In addition, the waste ink container 7 has a side wall portion (reference numerals omitted) that surrounds the area between the top surface portion 7A and the bottom portion 7B from the side. The waste ink container 7 has an internal area surrounded by the top surface portion 7A, the bottom portion 7B, and the side wall portion as a storage area for flushing ink.

[0053] The waste ink container 7 has an absorbing member 8. The absorbing member 8 is disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The absorbing member 8 is a porous member that absorbs flushing ink. As a constituent material of the absorbing member 8, melamine sponge can be used. The absorbing member 8 absorbs flushing ink and holds the flushing ink inside.

[0054] Here, the waste ink container 7 has a suction air duct 70 in the storage area, and the suction air duct 70 allows the suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism 10 to flow. There are a plurality of suction air ducts 70. The suction air duct 70 is formed by a space in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorption member 8 does not exist (that is, a gap in the storage area). For example, the suction air duct 70 is a space obtained by cutting off a part of the absorption member 8. In other words, the suction air duct 70 is a space surrounded by the absorption member 8.

[0055] The top surface 7A functions as an ink receiving portion that receives the flushing ink sucked by the suction mechanism 10. Specifically, the top surface 7A has a receiving port 710 that penetrates in a rectangular shape in the up-down direction. There are a plurality of receiving ports 710. In addition, the receiving ports 710 open upward. That is, the opening direction of the receiving port 710 is the up-down direction.

[0056] Each recording head 40 is respectively assigned a receiving port 710. If there are three recording heads 40, there are three receiving ports 710. Each receiving port 710 is opposite to the corresponding recording head 40 in the vertical direction across the conveyor belt 30 (i.e., the conveying path of the sheet S). Therefore, when viewed from the vertical direction, each receiving port 710 is spaced apart from each other.

[0057] Each receiving port 710 is an opening for collecting the flushing ink ejected from the corresponding recording head 40 into the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The flushing ink of each recording head 40 passes through the corresponding receiving port 710 and reaches the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7.

[0058] A cylindrical duct 73 is disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The axis of the duct 73 extends in the vertical direction. The duct 73 has an opening at one end side in the vertical direction as a suction port 730. That is, the waste ink container 7 has the suction port 730.

[0059] The bottom 7B has a connection port (reference numeral omitted) that penetrates in the vertical direction. The pipe 73 extends upward in a cylindrical shape from the edge of the connection port of the bottom 7B. The suction mechanism 10 is arranged outside the waste ink container 7 and connected to the connection port of the bottom 7B. That is, the suction mechanism 10 is connected to the pipe 73. The hole portion obtained by penetrating a part of the absorbing member 8 in the vertical direction can be used as the pipe 73, and the pipe member arranged in the hole portion can also be used as the pipe 73.

[0060] The suction air ducts 70 are respectively assigned to the three receiving ports 710. That is, the waste ink container 7 has three suction air ducts 70 respectively connected to the three receiving ports 710. The three suction air ducts 70 respectively connect the receiving ports 710 of the connection object with the suction port 730. Figure 8 In the figure, three receiving ports 710 are indicated by dotted lines. In addition, the suction port 730 is arranged at a position separated from the three receiving ports 710 when viewed from the top and bottom directions.

[0061] When viewed from the top and bottom, one of the three receiving ports 710 is spaced apart in the short side direction D1 relative to the suction port 730. In the following description, the one receiving port 710 is referred to as the first receiving port 711. The opening shape of the first receiving port 711 when viewed from the top and bottom is a roughly rectangular shape with the long side direction D2 as the long side direction.

[0062] When viewed from the top and bottom, two of the three receiving ports 710 other than the first receiving port 711 are spaced apart from each other in the long side direction D2 across the suction port 730. In the following description, the two receiving ports 710 are respectively referred to as second receiving ports 712. The opening shape of each of the two second receiving ports 712 when viewed from the top and bottom is a roughly rectangular shape with the long side direction D2 as the long side direction.

[0063] In the following description, the suction duct 70 connected to the first socket 711 is referred to as the first duct 71. The suction duct 70 connected to one second socket 712 and the suction duct 70 connected to the other second socket 712 are referred to as the second duct 72, respectively.

[0064] Here, the first air duct 71 has a shape different from the two second air ducts 72. The two second air ducts 72 are formed in shapes symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the suction port 730 when viewed from the top and bottom. That is, the two second air ducts 72 have the same shape.

[0065] When viewed from the top and bottom direction, the first air duct 71 extends straightly from the first socket 711 of the connection object toward the suction port 730. That is, when viewed from the top and bottom direction, the first air duct 71 extends without bending. When viewed from the top and bottom direction, the two second air ducts 72 are bent respectively. When viewed from the top and bottom direction, the two second air ducts 72 extend from the second socket 712 of the connection object along the short side direction D1, bend in the middle and extend along the long side direction D2 to reach the suction port 730.

[0066] (Shape of suction duct) The suction airflow contains mist of flushing ink. If the mist of flushing ink leaks out through the suction port 730, it will cause an unfavorable situation such as the inside of the printer 100 being contaminated. In order to suppress the occurrence of such an unfavorable situation, it is necessary to separate the gas flowing through the suction air duct 70 (that is, the gas sucked by the suction mechanism 10) and the flushing ink well in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 so that the absorbing member 8 absorbs the flushing ink. In other words, it is necessary to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7.

[0067] In order to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, the inner wall of the suction air duct 70 is formed by the absorption member 8. In this structure, the flushing ink contained in the gas flowing through the suction air duct 70 is easily separated by centrifugal force by increasing the bend of the suction air duct 70. As a result, the absorption member 8 absorbs the flushing ink more easily, and the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink is improved.

[0068] For example Fig.10 As shown, it is conceivable to increase the curvature of the suction air duct 70 in the short-side direction D1 and the long-side direction D2. In other words, it is conceivable to design the path of the suction airflow so as to increase the curvature on the horizontal plane.

[0069] However, in this case, since a part of the suction duct 70 protrudes in the horizontal direction, a certain suction duct 70 (in Fig.10 The first air duct 71 in the middle) will be connected with other suction air ducts 70 (in Fig.10 Specifically, when viewed from the top and bottom, the interval G between the two suction air ducts 70 may become too small. As a result, the partition wall between the two suction air ducts 70 may be damaged. In addition, if the interval G is too small, the suction air duct 70 formed by the absorption member 8 may not be manufactured.

[0070] In addition, the formation position of the suction air duct 70 when viewed from the top and bottom depends on the horizontal position of the receiving port 710 (i.e., the horizontal position of the recording head 40). Therefore, it is difficult to take the following countermeasures to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned unfavorable situation: changing the formation position of the suction air duct 70 when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0071] Therefore, at least one suction air duct 70 has a curved portion 9 midway from the receiving port 710 of the connection object to the suction port 730. At least one suction air duct 70 has a portion that curves from the horizontal direction toward the vertical direction as the curved portion 9. The curved portion 9 curves the suction airflow flowing in the horizontal direction in the vertical direction. In other words, the curved portion 9 causes the suction airflow flowing in the horizontal direction to collide with the inner wall (i.e., the inner wall formed by the absorbing member 8) that is vertically arranged.

[0072] Thus, when the suction airflow flowing in the horizontal direction bends in the vertical direction, the centrifugal force acts to separate the flushing ink from the air. The separated flushing ink is absorbed by the absorbing member 8. That is, even if no Fig.10 The countermeasures shown also improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink.

[0073] In the present embodiment, even if a part of the suction air duct 70 having the curved portion 9 does not protrude in the horizontal direction (that is, no curved portion 9 is formed), Fig.10 The countermeasure shown in the figure can also well separate the flushing ink (that is, the waste ink) from the gas flowing through the suction air duct 70 in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. As a result, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 is improved. As a result, the flushing ink can be suppressed from leaking from the waste ink container 7. As long as the flushing ink can be suppressed from leaking from the waste ink container 7, the occurrence of adverse situations such as the inside of the machine (for example, the suction mechanism 10) being contaminated by the flushing ink can be suppressed.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of (three) receiving ports 710 are provided in a single waste ink container 7. That is, a plurality of (three) suction air ducts 70 are provided in a single waste ink container 7. In the above structure, if a portion of a suction air duct 70 protrudes in the horizontal direction, the protruding portion interferes with other suction air ducts 70. That is, the plurality of suction air ducts 70 interfere with each other.

[0075] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in order to suppress interference between the plurality of suction ducts 70, a curved portion 9 is provided in at least one suction duct 70. With respect to the suction duct 70 having the curved portion 9, since flushing ink is effectively absorbed by the absorbing member 8 in the curved portion 9, it is not necessary to protrude a part of the suction duct 70 in the horizontal direction. Thus, interference between the plurality of suction ducts 70 can be suppressed.

[0076] In the present embodiment, at least one suction duct 70 has a plurality of curved portions 9. Thus, the suction duct 70 having a plurality of curved portions 9 can more effectively separate the flushing ink from the gas flowing through the suction duct 70 and absorb it into the absorbing member 8.

[0077] In the case where a single suction air duct 70 is provided with a plurality of curved portions 9, the plurality of curved portions 9 include a first curved portion 91 and a second curved portion 92 (see Fig. 9 ).exist Fig. 9 In the figure, the first curved portion 91 and the second curved portion 92 are respectively surrounded by dotted lines.

[0078] The first bend 91 is a portion that bends from the horizontal direction toward the upper side (equivalent to "one side of the up and down direction"), and the second bend 92 is a portion that is connected to the end portion on the downstream side of the flow direction of the suction airflow in the first bend 91, and bends from the horizontal direction toward the lower side (equivalent to "the other side of the up and down direction"). That is, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction of the suction airflow, the first bend 91 and the second bend 92 are connected in sequence. Thus, the suction duct 70 having a plurality of bends 9 can be easily obtained. In addition, in the first bend 91, the suction airflow flowing in the horizontal direction is bent upward. In the second bend 92, the suction airflow flowing in the horizontal direction is bent downward.

[0079] In the present embodiment, two bends 9 (i.e., a first bend 91 and a second bend 92) are provided in a single suction air duct 70. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Three or more bends 9 may be provided in a single suction air duct 70. For example, in the case where three bends 9 are provided in a single suction air duct 70, the first bend 91, the second bend 92, and the first bend 91 may be connected in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow direction of the suction airflow.

[0080] The more curved portions 9 are provided in the suction air duct 70, the higher the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. On the other hand, the more curved portions 9 are provided in the suction air duct 70, the greater the flow resistance of the suction air duct 70. Therefore, the number of curved portions 9 to be formed is determined according to the size of the suction air duct 70 (flow channel width and flow channel length), the ability of the suction mechanism 10, the material of the absorbing member 8, and the like.

[0081] Here, when viewed from the top and bottom, the first air duct 71 extends straightly from the first receiving port 711 of the connection object toward the suction port 730. On the other hand, when viewed from the top and bottom, the two second air ducts 72 are bent once from the second receiving port 712 of the connection object to the suction port 730. If only the shape of the suction air duct 70 when viewed from the top and bottom is considered, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink of the first air duct 71 is deteriorated by the amount of the fewer bends compared to the two second air ducts 72.

[0082] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the curved portion 9 is provided at least in the first air duct 71. That is, at least the suction air duct 70 extending linearly from the receiving port 710 of the connection object toward the suction port 730 when viewed from the top and bottom direction is provided with the curved portion 9. Thus, even if the shape of the first air duct 71 when viewed from the top and bottom direction is linear, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the first air duct 71 can be improved.

[0083] In this embodiment, although not shown, the curved portion 9 is also provided in the two second air passages 72. That is, the curved portion 9 is provided in all the plurality of suction air passages 70. Thus, the absorption of the flushing ink in the absorbing member 8 is promoted in all the suction air passages 70. Thus, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink can be further improved.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, since the absorption member 8 is arranged in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and the plurality of suction air ducts 70 are formed by the space in the storage area where the absorption member 8 does not exist, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink can be easily improved. However, a member having a lower ink absorption capacity than the absorption member 8 or not absorbing ink may be arranged in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and the plurality of suction air ducts 70 may be formed by the member.

[0085] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiments, but is indicated by the claims, and includes the meaning equivalent to the claims and all changes within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An inkjet recording device, characterized in that include: a recording head for recording an image by ejecting ink toward a recording medium being transported in a first direction; a waste ink container disposed opposite to the recording head in a second direction across the conveying path of the recording medium, and having a storage area therein for storing the ink ejected from the recording head but not used for recording the image in the storage area; as well as A suction mechanism for sucking gas from the waste ink container, The waste ink container comprises: A plurality of receiving ports for receiving the ink ejected from the recording head; a suction port, when viewed from the second direction, arranged at a position spaced apart from the plurality of receiving ports, and connected to the suction mechanism; and A plurality of suction air ducts are respectively connected to the plurality of the receiving ports, and the receiving ports of the connection objects are connected to the suction ports, so that the suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism flows. At least one of the suction air ducts has a curved portion that curves from the first direction toward the second direction halfway from the receiving port of the connection object to the suction port.

2. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the suction air ducts has a plurality of the curved portions.

3. The inkjet recording device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of curved portions include: A first curved portion curved from the first direction toward the second direction; and The second curved portion is connected to an end portion of the first curved portion on a downstream side in the flow direction of the suction airflow, and is curved from the first direction toward the other side of the second direction.

4. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The suction air duct extending linearly from the receiving port of the connection object toward the suction port when viewed from at least the second direction is provided with the curved portion.

5. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The curved portion is provided in all of the plurality of suction air ducts.

6. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The waste ink container has an absorbing member for absorbing the ink in the storage area. The plurality of suction air ducts are formed by spaces in the storage area where the absorption member does not exist.

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