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 receiving port that receives ink, a suction port connected to the suction mechanism, a suction air path, and a partition member that partitions the suction air path, and the suction air path includes a wave-shaped portion. The wave-shaped portion has a first portion, a second portion disposed on one side of the first direction at a distance from the first portion, and a third portion disposed on one side of the second direction adjacent to the first portion and the second portion, the third portion allowing the suction air flow to flow from the first portion to the second portion. The partitioning member has a first partitioning portion that partitions one side of the first portion in the second direction, a second partitioning portion that partitions one side of the second portion in the second direction, and a third partitioning portion that partitions the other side of the third portion in the second direction. The first partitioning portion, the second partitioning portion, and the third partitioning portion overlap each other in the first 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 gas from the waste ink container. The gas sucked by the suction mechanism flows in an air path provided inside the waste ink container. In addition, the gas contains a mist-like ink.

[0005] In this structure, if the ink is not separated well from the gas flowing in the air passage, the ink may leak from the connection port between the waste ink container and the suction mechanism, resulting in a problem in which the inside of the machine is contaminated by the ink.

[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 ink leakage from 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 face 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 comprises: a receiving port that receives the ink ejected from the recording head; a suction port that is arranged at a position spaced apart from the receiving port in a predetermined direction and connected to the suction mechanism; a suction air path that connects the receiving port with the suction port so that a suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism passes through; and a dividing member that is arranged in the storage area and divides the suction air path. The suction air path has a portion that is folded back in a wave shape, i.e., a corrugated portion. The corrugated portion includes: a first portion that allows the suction airflow to flow toward one side of the first direction; a second portion that is arranged at a distance from the first portion on one side of the first direction, allowing the suction airflow to flow toward one side of the first direction; and a third portion that is arranged adjacent to the first portion and the second portion on one side of the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is connected to the end of the first portion on one side of the first direction, and is connected to the end of the second portion on the other side opposite to the first direction, allowing the suction airflow to flow from the first portion to the second portion. The dividing component includes: a first dividing portion that divides one side of the second direction in the first portion; a second dividing portion that divides one side of the second direction in the second portion; and a third dividing portion that divides the other side of the third portion opposite to the second direction. The first dividing portion, the second dividing portion, and the third dividing portion overlap each other in the first direction.

[0009] (III) Beneficial effects

[0010] In the structure of the present invention, it is possible to suppress ink leakage from 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 ​​a waste ink tank of the inkjet recording apparatus 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 yes Fig. 9 An exploded cross-sectional view of the absorbent component is shown.

[0021] Fig.11 It means in Fig. 9 A diagram showing the flow path of the suction airflow flowing through the suction air duct shown.

[0022] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when the corrugated portion is not formed with high precision. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Refer to the following 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 line head 41 of each color includes 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 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 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.

[0042] 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 .

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 indications, etc. 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.

[0052] 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.) containing image data to 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.

[0053] (Overview of Flushing Process)

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] (Storage of flushing ink)

[0059] 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.

[0060] Specifically, if Figures 5 to 9 As 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 .

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Each waste ink container 7 is mounted 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 mounted on the device body. Each waste ink container 7 is arranged so as to face the nozzle surface of the corresponding recording head 40 across the conveyor belt 30. That is, each waste ink container 7 is arranged so as to face the corresponding recording head 40 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".

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] (Structure of waste ink container)

[0068] Below, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 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.

[0069] 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 sometimes referred to as the short side direction DS, and the other direction orthogonal to the one direction is sometimes 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).

[0070] 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. Figure 10 to Figure 12 The same is true.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 in the up-down direction. In addition, Figure 8 The receiving port 710 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The waste ink container 7 has a suction air path 70 partitioned by the absorption member 8 in the storage area. That is, the absorption member 8 corresponds to a "partitioning member". 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 (that is, 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 that partitions 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The waste ink container 7 has a suction port 730 inside the confluence chamber 720. That is, the suction port 730 is arranged at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receiving ports 710 when viewed from the top and bottom. The plurality of suction air passages 70 are connected to the suction port 730. The plurality of suction air passages 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.

[0084] The waste ink container 7 has a cylindrical pipe 731. In addition, the absorbing member 8 has an opening 80 that penetrates from the confluence chamber 720 to the lower side. The pipe 731 is inserted into the opening 80 of the absorbing member 8 in such a manner that the cylindrical axis direction thereof is the vertical direction. Furthermore, the pipe 731 is inserted into the opening 80 of the absorbing member 8 in such a manner that one end thereof in the vertical direction (i.e., the cylindrical axis direction) is arranged inside the confluence chamber 720. The waste ink container 7 has a cavity of the pipe 731 as a suction port 730.

[0085] 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).

[0086] also, Figure 8 The shapes of the suction air passages 70 as viewed from the top and bottom are shown for illustration only. The shapes of the suction air passages 70 as viewed from the top and bottom are not particularly limited. For example, the suction air passage 71 may be joined to at least one of the suction air passages 72 and 73 .

[0087] (Shape of the suction air path)

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In order to improve the recovery efficiency of flushing ink, such as Fig. 9 As shown, a corrugated portion 9 is provided in at least one suction air passage 70. The corrugated portion 9 is a portion that is folded back in a wave shape. The suction air passage 70 having the corrugated portion 9 is formed by the absorption component 8, and therefore the absorption component 8 is composed of a laminated body in which a plurality of layers are stacked. In addition, in the drawings referred to in the following description, it is shown that the suction air passage 71 has the corrugated portion 9, but at least one of the suction air passages 72 and 73 may have the corrugated portion 9. For example, the corrugated portion 9 may be provided in all the suction air passages 70. In addition, the corrugated portion 9 may not be provided in any of the suction air passages 70, and the suction air passage 70 without the corrugated portion 9 may be merged with the suction air passage 70 having the corrugated portion 9.

[0091] The corrugated portion 9 is a portion that is folded back in a manner that the up-down direction is the folding direction. In other words, the corrugated portion 9 is a portion where the up-down concavities and convexities are continuous in the direction toward the suction port 730 (i.e., the horizontal direction). In other words, the corrugated portion 9 is a portion that is folded in a wave shape in a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the storage area (i.e., the absorbing member 8) of the waste ink container 7 with a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0092] In the suction air passage 70 having the corrugated portion 9, the suction airflow toward the suction port 730 is bent in the corrugated portion 9. At this time, the centrifugal force acts, and the flushing ink is separated from the gas. The suction airflow is bent multiple times in the corrugated portion 9. Since the suction airflow is bent multiple times, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink is improved.

[0093] For example, although not shown in the figure, bending the suction air path 70 in the horizontal direction can also increase the number of bends of the suction airflow, thereby improving the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink. However, in this case, a part of the suction air path 70 protrudes in the horizontal direction, so that the suction air path 70 may interfere with other suction air paths 70. As a result, the adjacent wall of the two suction air paths 70 may be broken. In addition, if the horizontal interval between the two suction air paths 70 is too small, it will lead to the disadvantage that the suction air path 70 composed of the absorption component 8 cannot be manufactured.

[0094] In addition, the position of the suction air passage 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 measures to change the position of the suction air passage 70 when viewed from the top and bottom in order to suppress the above-mentioned inconvenience.

[0095] Therefore, the suction duct 70 is bent in the vertical direction to form the corrugated portion 9. Thus, even if there is no space available when viewed from the vertical direction, the corrugated portion 9 can be provided in the suction duct 70 while avoiding interference between adjacent suction ducts 70.

[0096] Hereinafter, the structure of the corrugated portion 9 in a cross-sectional view of the storage area (i.e., the absorbing member 8) of the waste ink container 7 cut along a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction will be described in detail. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (i.e., the horizontal direction) is denoted by the reference symbol D1, and the vertical direction is denoted by the reference symbol D2. The horizontal direction D1 corresponds to the "first direction", and the vertical direction D2 corresponds to the "second direction".

[0097] The corrugated portion 9 includes a first portion 91 and a second portion 92. The first portion 91 extends in the horizontal direction D1, and allows the suction airflow to flow toward one side in the horizontal direction D1. The second portion 92 extends in the horizontal direction D1, and allows the suction airflow to flow toward one side in the horizontal direction D1. The second portion 92 is spaced apart from the first portion 91 in the horizontal direction D1.

[0098] In a cross-sectional view of the storage area (i.e., the absorbing member 8) of the waste ink container 7 cut by a plane perpendicular to the horizontal direction, the flow direction of the suction airflow in the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 is the horizontal direction D1. One side of the horizontal direction D1 is the downstream side of the flow direction of the suction airflow, and the other side of the horizontal direction D1 is the upstream side of the suction airflow.

[0099] The corrugated portion 9 has a third portion 93. The third portion 93 extends in the horizontal direction D1, so that the suction airflow flows to one side of the horizontal direction D1. Here, the third portion 93 is arranged adjacent to the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 on one side of the up-down direction D2. The third portion 93 is connected to an end portion of the first portion 91 on one side of the horizontal direction D1 (i.e., the downstream side of the flow direction of the suction airflow). In addition, the third portion 93 is connected to an end portion of the second portion 92 on the other side opposite to the one side of the horizontal direction D1 (i.e., the upstream side of the flow direction of the suction airflow). Thus, the third portion 93 allows the suction airflow to flow from the first portion 91 to the second portion 92. The path of the suction airflow from the first portion 91 to the second portion 92 via the third portion 93 is curved in a wave shape.

[0100] For example, one side of the up-down direction D2 is the upper side, and the other side is the lower side. In this case, the third portion 93 is arranged on the upper side relative to the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. However, this is not limiting, and the third portion 93 may also be arranged on the lower side relative to the first portion 91 and the second portion 92.

[0101] The absorbing member 8 includes a first dividing portion 81, a second dividing portion 82, and a third dividing portion 83 to divide the corrugated portion 9. The first dividing portion 81, the second dividing portion 82, and the third dividing portion 83 divide the inner side of the bend existing in the corrugated portion 9. Specifically, the first dividing portion 81 divides one side of the first portion 91 in the up-down direction D2. The second dividing portion 82 divides one side of the second portion 92 in the up-down direction D2. The third dividing portion 83 divides the other side of the third portion 93 opposite to the one side in the up-down direction D2.

[0102] like Fig.10As shown, the absorbing member 8 is composed of five layers, namely, a first absorbing layer 801, a second absorbing layer 802, a third absorbing layer 803, a fourth absorbing layer 804, and a fifth absorbing layer 805. The first absorbing layer 801 to the fifth absorbing layer 805 correspond to "layers". The first absorbing layer 801 to the fifth absorbing layer 805 are stacked in order from the lower side to the upper side. The first absorbing layer 801 to the fifth absorbing layer 805 are all formed of porous members that absorb flushing ink.

[0103] The first to fifth absorption layers 801 to 805 each have at least one opening 80 that penetrates in the up-down direction D2. The first to fifth absorption layers 801 to 805 are sequentially stacked in the up-down direction D2, and the openings 80 adjacent to each other in the up-down direction D2 are connected to each other in the up-down direction D2, so that the space formed by the combination of the openings 80 of each of the first to fifth absorption layers 801 to 805 reaches the suction port 730 from the receiving port 710. The suction air path 70 is formed by the space formed by the combination of the openings 80 of each of the first to fifth absorption layers 801 to 805. Thus, the suction air path 70 having the corrugated portion 9 is easily formed. Specifically, the openings 80 are formed for each of the first to fifth absorption layers 801 to 805 using a mold or the like, and the first to fifth absorption layers 801 to 805 are stacked.

[0104] The first absorbent layer 801 is disposed on the bottom surface of the bottom portion 7B. The first absorbent layer 801 has an opening 80 that becomes the suction port 730. In other words, the first absorbent layer 801 has an opening 80 for inserting the duct 731. The first absorbent layer 801 divides the other side of the vertical direction D2 of each of the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 in the corrugated portion 9. In addition, the first absorbent layer 801 divides the other side of the vertical direction D2 of the confluence chamber 720.

[0105] The second absorbing layer 802 is disposed on the first absorbing layer 801. The second absorbing layer 802 has an opening 80 that becomes the first portion 91 and an opening 80 that becomes the second portion 92. That is, the second absorbing layer 802 corresponds to "one layer". In addition, the second absorbing layer 802 has an opening 80 that becomes the confluence chamber 720.

[0106] The third absorption layer 803 is disposed on the second absorption layer 802. The fourth absorption layer 804 is disposed on the third absorption layer 803. The fourth absorption layer 804 has an opening 80 that becomes the third portion 93. That is, the fourth absorption layer 804 corresponds to "another layer". In addition, the fourth absorption layer 804 has an opening 80 that becomes the confluence chamber 720.

[0107] The third absorption layer 803 is disposed between the second absorption layer 802 and the fourth absorption layer 804 in the vertical direction D2. The third absorption layer 803 has an opening 80 that is a connection port between the first portion 91 and the third portion 93, and an opening 80 that is a connection port between the second portion 92 and the third portion 93. Thus, the third absorption layer 803 allows the first portion 91 to communicate with the third portion 93, and allows the second portion 92 to communicate with the third portion 93. In this structure, the third absorption layer 803 corresponds to an "intermediate layer". In addition, the third absorption layer 803 has an opening 80 that is a confluence chamber 720.

[0108] The fifth absorption layer 805 is disposed on the fourth absorption layer 804. The opening 80 of the fifth absorption layer 805 communicates with the suction port 730. The fifth absorption layer 805 also defines one side of the third portion 93 of the corrugated portion 9 in the vertical direction D2. The fifth absorption layer 805 also defines one side of the confluence chamber 720 in the vertical direction D2.

[0109] Here, if Fig.11 As shown, when the third absorbent layer 803 is present, the vertical direction D2 of the suction airflow is bent between the second absorbent layer 802 and the fourth absorbent layer 804. The flow path of the suction airflow at this time is indicated by arrow F1.

[0110] On the other hand, Fig.12 As shown, even if the third absorbing layer 803 is omitted, the corrugated portion 9 can be provided in the suction air passage 70. However, there is a limit in the processing accuracy of the absorbing member 8. Therefore, the following inconvenience may occur due to dimensional tolerance.

[0111] For example, in at least one of the second absorption layer 802 and the fourth absorption layer 804, the thickness of the peripheral portion of the opening 80 (i.e., the portion inside the bend that divides the corrugated portion 9) in the vertical direction D2 is reduced, so that the suction airflow reaches the suction port 730 without bending between the second absorption layer 802 and the fourth absorption layer 804 in the vertical direction D2. Fig.12 In the example shown, there is a case where the suction airflow flows along the path indicated by the arrow F2 in the figure. In this case, the flushing ink is not separated well from the gas.

[0112] Therefore, in this embodiment, the third absorbent layer 803 is arranged between the second absorbent layer 802 and the fourth absorbent layer 804 in the vertical direction D2. The third absorbent layer 803 is a layer integrally including the first partition 81, the second partition 82, and the third partition 83. Therefore, the first partition 81, the second partition 82, and the third partition 83 overlap each other in the horizontal direction D1 (i.e., the direction toward the suction port 730).

[0113] This can prevent the following undesirable situation: although the corrugated portion 9 is provided in the suction air path 70, the suction airflow reaches the suction port 730 in a non-bending manner. Since the suction airflow is bent at the corrugated portion 9, the separation of the flushing ink from the gas is performed well. As a result, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 is improved. In addition, the waste flushing ink can be prevented from leaking from the waste ink container 7. If the flushing ink can be prevented from leaking from the waste ink container 7, it can prevent the inside of the machine (for example, the suction mechanism 10) from being contaminated by the flushing ink.

[0114] Furthermore, if the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 is improved, the amount of flushing ink reaching the suction mechanism 10 is reduced. This can prevent the fan from malfunctioning. Furthermore, since the amount of flushing ink reaching the suction mechanism 10 is reduced, the replacement frequency of the filter arranged in the fan can be reduced.

[0115] In addition, in this embodiment, the first partition 81, the second partition 82, and the third partition 83 are provided in the third absorption layer 803. This can suppress Fig.12 The disadvantage shown in the figure can be avoided. That is, the occurrence of a path in which the suction airflow reaches the suction port 730 without bending between the second absorption layer 802 and the fourth absorption layer 804 in the vertical direction D2 can be avoided. In addition, since the third absorption layer 803 only needs to be sandwiched between the second absorption layer 802 and the fourth absorption layer 804 in the vertical direction D2, the assembly is simple. In addition, the third absorption layer 803 is a single layer. Therefore, the number of layers (that is, the number of components) constituting the absorption member 8 can be avoided.

[0116] In addition, in the present embodiment, the absorption member 8 as a "partition member" is arranged in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and a plurality of suction air paths 70 are formed by the space in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorption member 8 does not exist, so that 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 as a "partition member" in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and a plurality of suction air paths 70 may be formed by the member.

[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; and a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the waste ink container, The waste ink container has: a receiving port for receiving the ink ejected from the recording head; a suction port, which is arranged at a position spaced apart from the receiving port when viewed from the prescribed direction and is connected to the suction mechanism; a suction air passage that connects the receiving port with the suction port so that a suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism passes therethrough; and a partitioning member, which is disposed in the storage area and divides the suction air path; The suction air passage has a wave-shaped folded portion, i.e., a corrugated portion. The wave-shaped portion has: A first part that allows the suction airflow to flow toward one side in a first direction; a second portion, which is spaced apart from the first portion and arranged on one side of the first direction, so that the suction airflow flows toward one side of the first direction; as well as The third part is arranged adjacent to the first part and the second part on one side of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and is connected to an end of the first part on one side of the first direction, and is connected to an end of the second part on the other side opposite to the one side of the first direction, so that the suction airflow flows from the first part to the second part. The dividing component has: a first dividing portion that divides one side of the first portion in the second direction; a second dividing portion that divides one side of the second direction in the second portion; as well as a third dividing portion that divides the third portion on the other side opposite to the one side in the second direction, The first dividing portion, the second dividing portion, and the third dividing portion overlap with each other in the first direction.

2. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, wherein The first direction is a horizontal direction, and the second direction is an up-down direction.

3. The inkjet recording device according to claim 2, wherein: The partitioning member is composed of a plurality of layers stacked in the second direction, The plurality of layers respectively have openings penetrating in the second direction, The plurality of layers are stacked in the second direction, the openings adjacent to each other in the second direction are connected to each other, so that a space formed by a combination of the openings of the respective plurality of layers reaches the suction port from the receiving port, The suction air path is formed by a space constituted by a combination of the openings of each of the plurality of layers.

4. The inkjet recording device according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of layers comprises: a layer having said opening becoming said first portion and said opening becoming said second portion; another layer having said opening becoming said third portion; as well as an intermediate layer disposed between the first layer and the other layer in the second direction, so that the first portion and the second portion are connected to the third portion, The first dividing portion, the second dividing portion, and the third dividing portion are disposed in the middle layer.

5. The inkjet recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The partition member is formed of a material that absorbs the ink.

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