Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a waste ink container including a plurality of receiving ports for receiving an ink, an absorbing member for absorbing the ink, a merging chamber configured from a space in a storage region where the absorbing member is not present, a suction port, a plurality of suction air paths, and a cover case. The plurality of receiving ports are spaced apart from each other. A suction port that connects the merging chamber to the outside of the storage region and is connected to a suction mechanism; a plurality of suction air paths that are configured from spaces in the storage area in which the absorption member is not present, are joined in the joining chamber, and communicate each of the plurality of receiving ports with the suction port; and a cover that is disposed in the storage region, that has lower air permeability than the absorption member, and that covers the merging chamber from a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A conventional inkjet recording apparatus is equipped with a waste ink container that stores ink that is to be discarded. Summary of the invention

[0003] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0004] The waste ink container is connected to a suction mechanism. The suction mechanism sucks the ink (ink that does not contribute to image recording) ejected from the recording head into the waste ink container. The gas containing the ink sucked by the suction mechanism flows in an air passage provided inside the waste ink container.

[0005] In this structure, when the suction force of the suction mechanism on the ink does not meet the design, the ink is not fully sucked. At this time, the ink will fly in the machine, aggravating the pollution in the machine.

[0006] 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 apparatus capable of suppressing insufficient ink suction into a waste ink container.

[0007] (II) Technical solution

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the inkjet recording device of the present invention comprises: a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium in a conveying process; a waste ink container that is arranged to be opposite to the recording head in a predetermined direction across a conveying path of the recording medium, has a storage area inside, and stores ink that is discharged from the recording head but not used in recording the image in the storage area; and a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the waste ink container. The waste ink container has: a plurality of receiving ports that receive ink ejected from a recording head; an absorbing member that is disposed in a storage area and absorbs ink; a confluence chamber that is formed by a space in the storage area where the absorbing member does not exist and is disposed at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receiving ports when viewed from a predetermined direction; a suction port that connects the confluence chamber to the outside of the storage area and is connected to a suction mechanism; a plurality of suction air paths that are formed by a space in the storage area where the absorbing member does not exist and merge in the confluence chamber so that each of the plurality of receiving ports is connected to the suction port, thereby allowing suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism to pass through; and a cover that is disposed in the storage area and has lower air permeability than the absorbing member. The cover covers the confluence chamber from a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

[0009] (III) Beneficial effects

[0010] In the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to suppress insufficient ink suction into the waste ink tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording device according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a top view of the recording section of the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a top view of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (showing a state where all waste ink containers are installed).

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of the conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (showing a state where a part of the waste ink container is removed).

[0018] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of ​​the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 is along Figure 8 The schematic diagram corresponding to the cross section of line AA shown.

[0020] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of a cover provided in a storage area of ​​the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig.11 The plane perpendicular to the short side is Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the housing is shown cut away.

[0022] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining an inconvenience that occurs when a cover is not provided in the storage area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Below, refer to Figures 1 to 11 The inkjet recording device according to one embodiment of the present invention is described by taking the printer 100 as an example. The printer 100 is set on a flat ground and used in this state. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the flat ground on which the printer 100 is set is defined as the up-down direction.

[0024] The printer 100 records (ie, prints) an image on a sheet S as a recording medium. Paper is mainly used as the sheet S. Other sheets S such as OHP sheets can also be used. Cloth, corrugated paper, etc. can also be used.

[0025] (Structure of the printer)

[0026] 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 task 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.

[0027] The first conveying unit 1 includes a plurality of conveying roller members including a pair of registration rollers 11. Figure 1 In the figure, only the positioning roller pair 11 among the plurality of conveying roller components is marked with a reference numeral. The plurality of conveying roller components convey the sheet S by rotating respectively. The positioning roller pair 11 includes a pair of rollers pressed against each other. A positioning roller gap is formed between the pair of rollers. The sheet S supplied from the paper feed box CA enters the positioning roller gap. The positioning roller pair 11 rotates to convey the sheet S entering the positioning roller gap toward the belt conveying unit 3 described later.

[0028] 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 DC of the sheet S rotates. Thus, the skew of the sheet S is corrected.

[0029] The printer 100 includes a belt conveying unit 3. The belt conveying unit 3 receives the sheet S from the first conveying unit 1 and conveys it. 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 erection rollers 301. The plurality of erection rollers 301 are supported to be rotatable. The conveying belt 30 is erected and rotated by the plurality of erection rollers 301. The sheet S conveyed from the first conveying unit 1 arrives at the outer peripheral surface of the conveying belt 30.

[0030] One of the plurality of tension rollers 301 is connected to a belt motor (not shown) and is rotated by the driving force of the belt motor. The tension roller 301 connected to the belt motor rotates, so the conveyor belt 30 rotates accordingly. At this time, the other tension rollers 301 also rotate accordingly.

[0031] Moreover, 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.

[0032] 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 on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30. The conveyor belt 30 adsorbs and holds the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface and rotates. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed. That is, the conveyor belt 30 adsorbs the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface and conveys it.

[0033] The printer 100 includes a recording unit 4. The recording unit 4 is arranged so as to be disposed in the up-down direction with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30. During the conveyance of the sheet S, the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 and the recording unit 4 are disposed in the up-down 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 space between the nozzle surface of the recording head 40 and the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 forms a part of the conveyance path of the sheet S. In this structure, the conveyance direction DC of the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 is the horizontal direction.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recording unit 4 includes four line heads 41 corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, respectively. Figure 2 In the figure, the cyan line head 41 is marked with a reference symbol "C", the magenta line head 41 is marked with a reference symbol "M", the yellow line head 41 is marked with a reference symbol "Y", and the black line head 41 is marked with a reference symbol "K" to distinguish them. Figure 5 The same is true.

[0035] The four line heads 41 have a plurality of (for example, three) recording heads 40. For example, the plurality of recording heads 40 of each color are arranged in a staggered manner in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DC in which the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DC in which the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 is sometimes referred to as the width direction.

[0036] The four line heads 41 have their width directions as their longitudinal directions when viewed from the top and bottom. The four line heads 41 are arranged in the conveying direction DC of the sheet S at intervals from each other.

[0037] 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 to face the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. In other words, the conveyor belt 30 sucks the sheet S under each recording head 40 to convey it. The vertical direction is a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction DC and the width direction of the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30.

[0038] Each recording head 40 has a surface disposed in the vertical direction with the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 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 In the figure, the nozzles 4N are indicated by dotted lines. In fact, many nozzles 4N are provided in each recording head 40. For the sake of convenience, only some of the nozzles 4N are denoted by reference numerals.

[0039] Each recording head 40 ejects ink from the nozzle 4N toward the sheet S on the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 based on the image data to be recorded on the sheet S in the printing task. The ink ejected from each recording head 40 adheres to the sheet S. Thus, the 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 the image recording on the sheet S is performed at this recording position.

[0040] Here, the viscosity of the ink remaining in the nozzle 4N having a relatively small number of ink ejections among the plurality of nozzles 4N increases with time. As a result, clogging may occur and image quality may be reduced. In order to suppress such undesirable conditions, each recording head 40 performs a flushing process. In the flushing process performed by each recording head 40, the ink remaining in the nozzle 4N is ejected. This suppresses clogging. The flushing process will be described in detail later.

[0041] return Figure 1 The printer 100 includes a drying unit 51 and a decurler 52. The drying unit 51 conveys the sheet S toward the decurler 52 and dries the ink attached to the sheet S during conveyance. The decurler 52 corrects the curl of the sheet S. The decurler 52 conveys the curl-corrected sheet S to the second conveying unit 2.

[0042] In addition, if Figure 3As 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 task. In other words, the control unit 6 controls each operation 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 de-winding device 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.

[0043] The control unit 6 is connected to a registration sensor 61 , a sheet sensor 62 , and a belt sensor 63 . 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 .

[0044] The registration sensor 61 detects a position upstream of the registration nip in the conveying direction DC 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 whether the sheet S is present at the corresponding detection position.

[0045] The control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading end of the sheet S and the passage of the trailing end thereof 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 of the sheet S and the passage of the trailing end thereof in the registration roller gap based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. The control unit 6 measures the timing when the sheet S is 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.

[0046] The sheet sensor 62 uses the recording position of the line head 41 located on the most upstream side of the conveying direction DC of the sheet S among the plurality of line heads 41 and the position between the registration roller gap as the detection position. The sheet sensor 62 changes the output value according to whether the sheet S is present 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.

[0047] The control unit 6 detects the arrival and the passing of the front 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 measures 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 measured based on the elapsed time from the start of conveyance of the sheet S by the registration roller pair 11.

[0048] In addition, the control unit 6 measures the paper passing time 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 according to the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction DC. Therefore, the control unit 6 recognizes the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction DC 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 an irregular size, the control unit 6 can recognize the size of the sheet S in the conveying direction DC.

[0049] The belt sensor 63 is a sensor for detecting a predetermined reference position (home 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. As the belt sensor 63, a CIS can be used. In addition, as the belt sensor 63, a transmission type or reflection type optical sensor can also be used.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 messages, etc., and accepts touch operations of the user. In addition, hardware buttons for accepting settings and instructions are also provided on the operation unit. 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.

[0053] The printer 100 has a communication unit 603. The communication unit 603 includes a communication circuit, etc. The communication unit 603 is connected to the user terminal PC via the network NT. The user terminal PC is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The control unit 6 uses the communication unit 603 to communicate with the user terminal PC. For example, the user terminal PC sends to the printer 100: printing data (PDL data, etc.) including image data that should be recorded on the sheet S in the printing task. In other words, a request to execute the printing task is sent from the user terminal PC to the printer 100. The printing data of the printing task includes: the size of the sheet S used in the printing task, etc., and various setting data related to printing.

[0054] (Overview of Flushing Process)

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the conveyor belt 30 has a flushing area 31. Figure 4 In the figure, the flushing area 31 is surrounded by a dotted line. The flushing area 31 is an area including a through hole, i.e., a flushing hole 30a, which 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 at predetermined intervals in the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30 (the conveying direction DC of the sheet S).

[0056] Each flushing area 31 includes a plurality of flushing holes 30a. The opening shape of the flushing hole 30a (the shape observed from the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 30) is not particularly limited. The shape of the flushing hole 30a can be circular, elliptical, oval, or rectangular. As the conveyor belt 30 rotates, each of the plurality of nozzles 4N is disposed in the vertical direction opposite to at least one of the flushing holes 30a.

[0057] 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 the moment when each nozzle 4N and the flushing hole 30a are opposed to each other in the up-down direction. And 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 discharged from each nozzle 4N when the flushing process is performed is called flushing ink, which is distinguished from the ink used when recording an image on the sheet S. The ink that is not used for recording an image on the sheet S is the flushing ink.

[0058] During the execution of the printing job, the control unit 6 controls the flushing process. Specifically, the control unit 6 measures the start time of conveying the sheet S from the registration roller pair 11 to the conveyor belt 30 so that the flushing area 31 appears at the paper interval (the interval between the rear end of the preceding sheet S and the front end of the succeeding sheet S) at a constant period. Furthermore, the control unit 6 causes each nozzle 4N to eject ink at a time when it does not overlap with the sheet S but faces the flushing hole 30a in the vertical direction. In other words, the control unit 6 causes each nozzle 4N to eject ink at a time different from the time when the image is recorded on the sheet S.

[0059] (Storage of flushing ink)

[0060] The flushing ink is stored in the main body of the printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as the device main body). When the storage amount of the flushing ink reaches a certain amount, the flushing ink is discarded.

[0061] Specifically, if Figures 5 to 9As shown in FIG. 1 , 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 .

[0062] 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, by suctioning by the suction mechanism 10, the mist of the flushing ink is not easily leaked to the outside of the waste ink container 7.

[0063] There are plural waste ink containers 7. 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.

[0064] Each waste ink container 7 is installed on the inner peripheral side of the conveyor belt 30 in the device body. Each waste ink container 7 is arranged below the recording head 40 that ejects the corresponding color ink in a state of being installed in the device body. Each waste ink container 7 is arranged in a manner opposite to the nozzle surface of the corresponding recording head 40 across the conveyor belt 30. That is, each waste ink container 7 is arranged in a manner opposite to the assigned line head 41 (each recording head 40 of the line head 41) in the up-down direction across 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. In this structure, the up-down direction corresponds to the "prescribed direction". The upper side in the up-down direction corresponds to the "one side of the prescribed direction", and the lower side corresponds to the "other side of the prescribed direction".

[0065] Each waste ink container 7 is detachably mounted on the device body. Each waste ink container 7 can be removed from the device body by pulling it out from the front of the device of the printer 100 toward the front (the front in the width direction). When the storage amount of flushing ink in any waste ink container 7 reaches a certain amount, the waste ink container 7 is removed from the device body and replaced.

[0066] The suction mechanism 10 generates a suction airflow. One suction mechanism 10 is assigned to each waste ink container 7. 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 FIG. 3 indicates the suction direction of the flushing ink. The hollow arrow indicates the suction direction of the suction unit 300.

[0067] In addition, each waste ink container 7 stores inks that are to be discarded, such as flushing inks. The inks that are to be discarded are inks that are ejected from the recording head 40 but are not used in recording images. That is, each waste ink container 7 stores inks that are not used for image recording. In the following description, for convenience, the inks that are to be discarded, including the flushing inks, are collectively referred to as flushing inks.

[0068] (Structure of waste ink container)

[0069] Below, refer to Figure 8 to Figure 11 The structure of one waste ink container 7 will be described. The structures of the waste ink containers 7 are the same as each other. Therefore, the structures of the other waste ink containers 7 will be omitted and the following description will be applied.

[0070] The waste ink container 7 is a generally rectangular shape that is short in one direction of the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and long in another direction orthogonal to the one direction when viewed from the vertical direction (corresponding to the "prescribed direction"). Therefore, in the following description, the one direction of the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction is referred to as the short side direction DS, and the other direction orthogonal to the one direction is referred to as the long side direction DL. The short side direction DS is a direction parallel to the conveying direction DC in which the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyor belt 30. The long side direction DL is the width direction of the conveyor belt 30 (the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30).

[0071] In addition, regarding the following description, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the figure schematically shows the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and does not necessarily show the actual size and shape. Fig.12 The same is true.

[0072] The waste ink container 7 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped container. The waste ink container 7 has a top portion 7A and a bottom portion 7B that is opposed to the top portion 7A in the vertical direction. In addition, the waste ink container 7 has a side wall portion (reference numeral omitted) that surrounds the area between the top portion 7A and the bottom portion 7B from the side (i.e., a direction orthogonal to a predetermined direction). The waste ink container 7 has an internal area surrounded by the top portion 7A, the bottom portion 7B, and the side wall portion, which serves as a storage area for the flushing ink.

[0073] The waste ink container 7 (i.e., the top portion 7A, the bottom portion 7B, and the side wall portion) is formed of an air-impermeable material. The waste ink container 7 is formed of a material through which the mist-like flushing ink (i.e., the gas containing the flushing ink) is basically not permeable. The waste ink container 7 has a lower air permeability than at least the absorbing member 8 described later. The waste ink container 7 is made of sheet metal, for example. The waste ink container 7 may also be made of resin.

[0074] The top 7A functions as an ink receiving portion for receiving the flushing ink sucked by the suction mechanism 10. Specifically, the top 7A has a receiving port 710 that is rectangular and extends in the up-down direction. There are multiple receiving ports 710. In addition, the receiving ports 710 open upward. That is, the opening direction of the receiving ports 710 is the up-down direction.

[0075] One receiving port 710 is allocated to each recording head 40. If there are three recording heads 40, there are three receiving ports 710. Each receiving port 710 is disposed in the vertical direction opposite to the corresponding recording head 40 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.

[0076] Each receiving port 710 is an opening for collecting the flushing ink ejected from the corresponding recording head 40 to 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.

[0077] From the vertical direction, one of the three receiving ports 710 is arranged at a distance from a suction port 730 described later in the short side direction DS. From the vertical direction, the one receiving port 710 is arranged at the center of the waste ink container 7 (specifically, the top 7A) in the long side direction DL. In the following description, the one receiving port 710 is referred to as the central receiving port 711. From the vertical direction, the opening shape of the central receiving port 711 is a generally rectangular shape with the long side direction DL as the long side direction.

[0078] In addition, from the vertical direction, the other two receiving ports 710 of the three receiving ports 710 that are different from the central receiving port 711 are arranged at intervals in the long side direction DL across the suction port 730 described later. One of the two receiving ports 710 is arranged on the rear side (one side in the width direction), and the other is arranged on the front side (the other side in the width direction). In the following description, one of the two receiving ports 710 is referred to as the rear receiving port 712, and the other is referred to as the front receiving port 713. From the vertical direction, the opening shape of each of the rear receiving port 712 and the front receiving port 713 is a roughly rectangular shape with the long side direction DL as the long side direction.

[0079] In addition, Figure 8 The three receiving ports 710 are indicated by dotted lines. Fig.12 The same is true.

[0080] Here, the waste ink container 7 has an absorbing member 8. The absorbing member 8 is arranged in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The absorbing member 8 is a porous member that absorbs the flushing ink. As a constituent material of the absorbing member 8, a melamine sponge can be used. The absorbing member 8 absorbs the flushing ink and holds the flushing ink therein.

[0081] The waste ink container 7 has a suction air path 70 partitioned by the absorption member 8 in the storage area. The suction air path 70 is formed by a space in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorption member 8 does not exist (i.e., a gap existing in the storage area). The suction air path 70 is a space obtained by cutting off a part of the absorption member 8. The suction air path 70 is a space surrounded by the absorption member 8. The absorption member 8 serves as a partition wall partitioning the suction air path 70. The suction air path 70 allows the suction airflow generated by the driving of the suction mechanism 10 to pass.

[0082] The suction air passage 70 is connected to each of the plurality of receiving ports 710. That is, there are a plurality of suction air passages 70. In the following description, the suction air passage 70 connected to the central receiving port 711 is sometimes distinguished by a reference numeral 71, the suction air passage 70 connected to the rear receiving port 712 is sometimes distinguished by a reference numeral 72, and the suction air passage 70 connected to the front receiving port 713 is sometimes distinguished by a reference numeral 73.

[0083] In addition, the waste ink container 7 has a confluence chamber 720 in the storage area divided by the absorption member 8. The confluence chamber 720 is arranged at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receiving ports 710 as viewed in the up-down direction. Similar to the suction air path 70, the confluence chamber 720 is formed by a space in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorption member 8 is not present.

[0084] The converging chamber 720 is rectangular in shape when viewed from the top and bottom. When viewed from the top and bottom, the converging chamber 720 has a pair of parallel sides in the short-side direction DS, and has a pair of parallel sides in the long-side direction DL. The absorbing component 8 is used to divide the converging chamber 720 into one side and the other side in the short-side direction DS, and to divide the converging chamber 720 into one side and the other side in the long-side direction DL. In addition, the absorbing component 8 divides the converging chamber 720 into one side (upper side) in the top and bottom direction, and divides the converging chamber 720 into the other side (lower side) in the top and bottom direction. In this way, the absorbing component 8 becomes a partition wall that divides the converging chamber 720. A plurality of suction air paths 70 converge in the converging chamber 720.

[0085] The waste ink container 7 has a suction port 730 inside the confluence chamber 720. That is, the plurality of suction air paths 70 are connected to the suction port 730. The plurality of suction air paths 70 connect each of the plurality of receiving ports 710 with the suction port 730. The suction port 730 connects the confluence chamber 720 with the outside of the storage area. In addition, the suction port 730 is connected to the suction mechanism 10.

[0086] Specifically, the waste ink container 7 has a cylindrical pipe 731. The pipe 731 is equivalent to a "cylindrical body". In addition, the absorbing member 8 has a through hole (with reference numerals omitted) that penetrates from the confluence chamber 720 to the lower side. The pipe 731 is inserted into the through hole of the absorbing member 8 in such a manner that the axial direction of the pipe 731 is the vertical direction. In addition, the pipe 731 is inserted into the through hole of the absorbing member 8 in such a manner that one end of the pipe 731 in the vertical direction (i.e., the axial direction of the pipe) is arranged inside the confluence chamber 720. In addition, the waste ink container 7 has a cavity of the pipe 731 as a suction port 730.

[0087] The bottom 7B has a connection port (with reference numerals omitted) that passes through in the vertical direction. The pipe 731 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 other end of the pipe 731, which is located at a position opposite to one end of the pipe 731 in the vertical direction. Since the suction mechanism 10 connected to the pipe 731 is driven, the suction airflow flows from each receiving port 710 to the confluence chamber 720 (i.e., the suction port 730).

[0088] (Shape of the suction air path)

[0089] The suction airflow contains the mist of the flushing ink. When the mist of the flushing ink leaks out through the suction port 730, the inside of the printer 100 may be contaminated. In order to suppress such a bad situation, it is necessary to separate the gas flowing in the suction air path 70 (i.e., the gas sucked by the suction mechanism 10) and the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 well, and absorb the flushing ink by the absorption member 8. That is, it is necessary to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7.

[0090] 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 each suction air passage 70 is formed by an absorption member 8. In this structure, the flushing ink is absorbed by the absorption member 8, thereby improving the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink. The more the suction air passages 70 are bent, the easier it is for the flushing ink contained in the gas flowing in each suction air passage 70 to be separated by centrifugal force, thereby improving the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink.

[0091] In order to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, the suction air path 70 has a vertical direction. Figure 8 The shape shown is described in detail below.

[0092] From the vertical direction, the suction air paths 72 and 73 are bent multiple times between the receiving port 710 of the connection object (i.e., the rear receiving port 712 and the front receiving port 713) and the suction port 730. From the vertical direction, the suction air paths 72 and 73 each have: a portion bent from the short side direction DS to the long side direction DL, and a portion bent from the long side direction DL to the short side direction DS. From the vertical direction, the suction air paths 72 and 73 each have a folded portion 72a and 73a that is folded in a corrugated shape. As a result, in the suction air paths 72 and 73, the flushing ink is easily separated from the gas.

[0093] In order to facilitate separation of the flushing ink from the gas sucked through the central receiving port 711, the suction air passage 71 is merged with the suction air passage 72 at a predetermined position PP. Figure 8 The dotted circle in FIG. 7 surrounds the predetermined position PP. Thus, the gas sucked from the central receiving port 711 passes through the bent portion 72a of the suction air path 72. As a result, it is also easy to separate the flushing ink from the gas sucked through the central receiving port 711. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the suction air path 71 may be merged with the suction air path 73.

[0094] (Evenation of suction force)

[0095] In order to make the suction forces of the plurality of receiving ports 710 equal to each other, it is necessary to appropriately design the shape of the suction air passage 70. Figure 8 The shape shown is designed so that the suction forces of the multiple receiving ports 710 are the same.

[0096] However, when the space surrounded by the absorbing member 8 in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 is used as the suction air path 70, since the absorbing member 8 is a porous member, there is a possibility that the fine pores existing in the inside of the absorbing member 8 from the raw material become the path of the suction airflow. In other words, the suction airflow may pass through a portion different from the suction air path 70 in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. Assuming that a large amount of suction airflow passes through the inside of the absorbing member 8 (that is, the fine pores of the absorbing member 8), even if the design of the suction air path 70 is appropriate, the variation of the suction force between the plurality of receiving ports 710 will become large.

[0097] In order to suppress such undesirable situation, in this embodiment, the following is used Fig.10 and Fig.11 The cover 9 shown in the figure covers the merging chamber 720. That is, the waste ink container 7 has the cover 9 in the storage area. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, the confluence chamber 720 is covered by the cover 9. Fig.12 In the example shown, the merging chamber 720 is not covered by the housing 9 .

[0098] The cover 9 is formed of an air-impermeable material. The cover 9 is formed of a material through which the mist-like flushing ink (i.e., the gas containing the flushing ink) is basically not permeable. The cover 9 has a lower air permeability than at least the absorbing member 8. The cover 9 is made of sheet metal, for example. The cover 9 may also be made of resin.

[0099] By covering the merging chamber 720 with the cover 9, the suction force of each receiving port 710 can be made uniform, which will be described in detail later. On the other hand, when the merging chamber 720 is not covered with the cover 9, the variation of the suction force between the plurality of receiving ports 710 will become large. Fig.12 In addition, Fig.12 Some reference numerals are omitted and the same Figure 8 's reference numerals.

[0100] In the case where the merging chamber 720 is not covered with the cover 9, Fig.12 As shown, in addition to the gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 from the central receiving port 711 through the suction air passages 71 and 72, there is also gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 from the central receiving port 711 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8. The gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 from the central receiving port 711 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8 flows into the confluence chamber 720 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the prescribed direction). Fig.12 In FIG. 7 , the arrow F1 schematically indicates the flow path of the gas flowing from the central receiving port 711 through the pores of the absorption member 8 into the merging chamber 720 .

[0101] In addition, at the rear receiving port 712, in addition to the gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 through the suction air passage 72, there is also gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8. At the front receiving port 713, in addition to the gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 through the suction air passage 73, there is also gas flowing into the confluence chamber 720 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8. The gases flowing into the confluence chamber 720 from the rear receiving port 712 and the front receiving port 713 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8 flow into the confluence chamber 720 in a horizontal direction (i.e., a direction orthogonal to a predetermined direction). Fig.12 In the figure, arrow F2 schematically indicates the flow path of gas flowing from the rear receiving port 712 into the confluence chamber 720 via the pores of the absorption component 8, and arrow F3 schematically indicates the flow path of gas flowing from the front receiving port 713 into the confluence chamber 720 via the pores of the absorption component 8.

[0102] exist Fig.12In the example shown, a large amount of gas flows into the confluence chamber 720 without passing through the suction air passage 70. As a result, the difference in suction force between the plurality of receiving ports 710 increases. Specifically, the difference in suction force between the central receiving port 711 and the rear receiving port 712 and the front receiving port 713 increases.

[0103] On the other hand, in this embodiment, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the confluence chamber 720 is covered by the cover 9. The cover 9 covers the confluence chamber 720 from the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the prescribed direction). Specifically, the cover 9 covers the confluence chamber 720 from both sides of the one side and the other side in the short side direction DS, and covers the confluence chamber 720 from both sides of the one side and the other side in the long side direction DL.

[0104] Thus, it is possible to prevent the following situation: the path from each receiving port 710 to the confluence chamber 720 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8 without passing through the suction air passage 70 becomes the path of the suction airflow. If the suction airflow does not flow through the path from each receiving port 710 to the confluence chamber 720 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8, the suction force of each receiving port 710 meets the design. That is, it is possible to prevent a large difference in suction force between the plurality of receiving ports 710.

[0105] For example, if the suction force of a part of the receiving port 710 is weak, the flushing ink is not sufficiently sucked in that part, and thus, there is a possibility that the inside of the machine is contaminated by the flushing ink.

[0106] In addition, when the suction force of a part of the receiving port 710 is weak, the suction of the sheet S in that part is insufficient, and the sheet S may float or collide with the recording head 40. When the suction force of a part of the receiving port 710 is strong, the ink may flow due to the suction force of that part, causing the position of the ink attached to the sheet S to deviate, and the image quality may be degraded.

[0107] In this embodiment, the merging chamber 720 is covered by the cover 9, so that the suction force of each receiving port 710 can be made uniform. As a result, the following situation can be suppressed: the suction of the flushing ink in a part of the receiving ports 710 is insufficient. That is, it is possible to suppress: the suction of the flushing ink from the recording head 40 to the waste ink container 7 is insufficient. As a result, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the machine caused by the flushing ink. In addition, it is possible to suppress the floating of the sheet S (that is, the collision of the sheet S with the recording head 40) and the reduction of the image quality.

[0108] In addition, in the present embodiment, the cover 9 has a base 90 that covers the confluence chamber 720 from the upper side (i.e., one side in a predetermined direction). That is, the cover 9 covers the confluence chamber 720 not only from the horizontal direction but also from the upper side. Thus, it is possible to prevent the path that reaches the confluence chamber 720 through the fine holes of the upper part of the absorption member 8 that divides the confluence chamber 720 from becoming the path of the suction airflow. As a result, it is possible to more reliably block the airflow path that reaches the confluence chamber 720 from each receiving port 710 through the fine holes of the absorption member 8.

[0109] The cover 9 integrally includes a side portion 91, and the side portion 91 extends from the end edge in the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction) of the base 90 to the lower side (i.e., the other side opposite to the one side in the predetermined direction). The cover 9 covers the merging chamber 720 from the horizontal direction by means of the side portion 91. Thus, the merging chamber 720 can be easily covered from the horizontal direction by a single component, and the merging chamber 720 can be covered from the upper side.

[0110] In addition, in the present embodiment, the side portion 91 of the housing 9 surrounds the confluence chamber 720 without a gap when viewed from the up-down direction (i.e., the predetermined direction). In other words, when viewed from the up-down direction, the side portion 91 surrounds the confluence chamber 720 all around. In other words, when viewed from the up-down direction, the side portion 91 is a ring with no gaps. Thus, it is possible to more reliably prevent the following situation: the path from each receiving port 710 to the confluence chamber 720 through the pores of the absorption member 8 instead of the suction air path 70 becomes the path of the suction airflow.

[0111] In addition, in the present embodiment, the suction air passage 70 flows into the confluence chamber 720 from the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction orthogonal to the prescribed direction). Specifically, the suction air passage 72 is connected to the confluence chamber 720 from one side (the rear side) in the long-side direction DL, and the suction air passage 73 is connected to the confluence chamber 720 from the other side (the front side) in the long-side direction DL. Therefore, the side portion 91 of the housing 9 has an opening 910 that penetrates in the long-side direction DL as an inlet of the suction air passage 70 to the confluence chamber 720. Thus, even if the confluence chamber 720 is covered with the side portion 91 of the housing 9, each receiving port 710 can be connected to the confluence chamber 720 by the suction air passage 70.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the cover 9 does not cover the merging chamber 720 from the lower side (ie, the other side in the predetermined direction). Therefore, the lower side portion 80 of the absorbing member 8 that partitions the merging chamber 720 is exposed to the inside of the merging chamber 720 .

[0113] Although not shown here, when the confluence chamber 720 is covered from the bottom side by the cover 9 (that is, when a part of the cover 9 is arranged on the part 80 of the absorbing member 8), the flushing ink is not absorbed in the part 80 of the absorbing member 8, so the flushing ink is retained in the confluence chamber 720. When the flushing ink is retained in the confluence chamber 720, the flushing ink retained in the confluence chamber 720 is likely to flow out of the waste ink container 7 (that is, the suction mechanism 10) through the suction port 730. When the flushing ink flows out of the waste ink container 7, the inside of the machine is contaminated. In some cases, the flushing ink enters the suction mechanism 10, which becomes a cause of failure of the suction mechanism 10.

[0114] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the portion 80 of the absorbing member 8 is exposed to the inside of the merging chamber 720. This can prevent the flushing ink from being retained in the merging chamber 720.

[0115] In addition, by exposing the portion 80 of the absorbing member 8 (i.e., not covering the lower side of the confluence chamber 720 with the cover 9), one end of the duct 731 extending from the lower side to the upper side can be easily arranged in the confluence chamber 720. That is, the flow path from the confluence chamber 720 to the suction mechanism 10 can be easily ensured.

[0116] In this embodiment, the absorbing member 8 is disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 and the suction air passage 70 is formed by utilizing the space in the storage area where the absorbing member 8 does not exist. Therefore, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink can be easily improved.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

Claims

1. An inkjet recording device comprising: a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium during transport; a waste ink container disposed so as to face the recording head in a predetermined direction across a conveying path of the recording medium, and having a storage area therein for storing the ink ejected from the recording head but not used in recording the image in the storage area; as well as a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the waste ink container, The waste ink container has: a plurality of receiving ports for receiving the ink ejected from the recording head; an absorbing member disposed in the storage area and absorbing the ink; a merging chamber, which is formed by a space in the storage area where the absorbing member does not exist, and is arranged at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receiving ports as viewed from the predetermined direction; a suction port which communicates the merging chamber with the outside of the storage area and is connected to the suction mechanism; a plurality of suction air passages, which are formed by spaces in the storage area where the absorption member is not present, and merge in the merging chamber, so that each of the plurality of receiving ports communicates with the suction port, thereby allowing the suction airflow generated by the driving of the suction mechanism to pass therethrough; as well as a cover shell, which is arranged in the storage area and has lower air permeability than the absorbent component, The cover covers the merging chamber from a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

2. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, wherein The housing has: a base covering the confluence chamber from one side of the prescribed direction; as well as a side portion extending from an end edge of the base portion in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction toward the other side opposite to the one side in the predetermined direction, The cover covers the merging chamber from a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction using the side portion.

3. The inkjet recording device according to claim 2, wherein: The side portion surrounds the merging chamber without any gap when viewed from the prescribed direction.

4. The inkjet recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that The suction air passage flows into the confluence chamber from a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The side portion has an opening penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction and serving as an inlet of the suction air passage toward the merging chamber.

5. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The cover does not cover the merging chamber from the other side of the prescribed direction, A portion of the absorbing member on the other side of the predetermined direction that defines the merging chamber is exposed to the inside of the merging chamber.

6. The inkjet recording device according to claim 5, characterized in that The absorbing member has a through hole, the through hole penetrates from the merging chamber to the other side of the predetermined direction, and the cylindrical body is inserted into the through hole. The waste ink tank has a hollow space of the cylindrical body as the suction port.

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