Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides an inkjet recording device, for example, in the case where a printing error occurs, to prevent the production line from being long-term stopped. The inkjet recording device is provided with a print head (1) and a controller (100) that sends a control signal to the print head (1). The print head (1) has a head main body (1A) connected to a cable (1000) and supplies ink to a print nozzle (12) via the cable (1000), and a head module (1B) that can be attached to and detached from the head main body (1A) and includes a print nozzle, a charging electrode, a deflection electrode, and a slot. The controller (100) is provided with an installation detection section that detects whether the head module (1B) is installed in the head main body (1A), and a maintenance execution section that executes maintenance when the head module (1B) is not installed in the head main body (1A) based on the detection result of the installation detection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to inkjet recording devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called continuous inkjet recording device that circulates ink within the device even when no text is being printed on the workpiece.

[0003] Continuous inkjet recording devices have a printhead and a controller. The printhead houses various components such as nozzles, charged electrodes, deflection electrodes, and slots. The connecting cables between the printhead and the controller include multiple fluid lines and electrical wiring, such as a supply tube for supplying ink, a recovery tube for recovering ink, and electrical wiring for applying a predetermined voltage to the charged electrodes and deflection electrodes.

[0004] Typically, users prepare a backup unit for the inkjet recording device in advance, enabling them to quickly respond to malfunctions. To prevent ink adhesion, the backup unit undergoes regular maintenance such as ink circulation and solvent cleaning approximately once a week. Therefore, even when components like the charged electrodes and deflection electrodes are modular and removable, this module remains attached to the head body.

[0005] However, when an inkjet recording device malfunctions, even if only the module needs replacement, removing the module from the main unit requires procedures such as draining the ink, which takes time. As a result, production line downtime may become prolonged. On the other hand, removing the module from the main unit in advance is also considered, but in this case, the aforementioned regular maintenance cannot be performed, and ink adhesion may occur.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-091181 Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure was made in view of this purpose, and its aim is to prevent prolonged downtime of the production line, for example, in the event of a printing error.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, in one aspect of this disclosure, a continuous inkjet recording apparatus is provided, comprising: a printhead that internally houses a print nozzle for ejecting particulate ink, a charged electrode for charging the particulate ink ejected from the print nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the flight direction of the charged ink passing through the charged electrode, and a trough for collecting ink that has become undeflected after passing through the deflection electrode, wherein the printhead ejects the ink deflected by the deflection electrode to the outside; a controller having an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the printhead and a control unit for controlling the ink supply from the ink supply unit to the printhead; and a cable connecting the printhead and the controller, and supplying ink from the controller to the printhead.

[0009] The printhead has: a head body connected to the cable via which ink is supplied to the print nozzle; and a head module detachable from the head body and comprising the print nozzle, the charged electrode, the deflection electrode, and the slot.

[0010] The controller includes: an installation detection unit that detects whether the head module is installed on the head body; and a maintenance execution unit that performs maintenance if the head module is not installed on the head body based on the detection result of the installation detection unit.

[0011] According to this structure, the head module housing the nozzle, charged electrode, deflection electrode, and groove can be detached from the head body. Therefore, in the event of an malfunction in at least one of the nozzle, charged electrode, deflection electrode, or groove, the head module can be removed from the head body, and the other normally functioning head modules can be installed on the head body, thereby enabling rapid response to malfunctions. In this method, for example in the pre-installation unit, maintenance such as periodic ink circulation can be performed even when the head module is not installed on the head body, thus preventing ink adhesion in the pre-installation unit.

[0012] As explained above, even in the event of a printing error, it can prevent the pre-installed unit from becoming stuck and allows for rapid replacement of modules, thus reducing downtime. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of an inkjet recording device.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of an inkjet recording device.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of a printhead.

[0016] Figure 4AThis is a diagram illustrating the general structure of a printhead.

[0017] Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of a printhead.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the paths of ink and solvent in an inkjet recording device.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of an air injection module.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the actions (basic cleaning actions) when using high-pressure air for cleaning.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the cleaning process without using high-pressure air.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating how to handle errors when they occur.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the handling of error A when it occurs.

[0024] Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view of the printing nozzle.

[0025] Figure 11B It is equivalent to droplet formation control Figure 11A The image.

[0026] Figure 11C It is equivalent to attraction control Figure 11A The image.

[0027] Figure 12 This is the path diagram for the fixation check of the first pump.

[0028] Figure 13 This is the path diagram for the fixation check of the second pump.

[0029] Figure 14 This is the path diagram for the fixation check of the third pump.

[0030] Figure 15 This is the path diagram for the fixation check of the 4th pump.

[0031] Figure 16 This is the path diagram when the fixation of the second pump is released.

[0032] Figure 17 This is the path diagram when the fixation of the first pump is released.

[0033] Figure 18 This is the path diagram when the fixation of the third pump is released.

[0034] Figure 19 This is the path diagram when the fourth pump is released from its fixation.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the handling of error C when it occurs.

[0036] Figure 21 This diagram illustrates the first application method using the pre-built machine.

[0037] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the second application method using the pre-built machine.

[0038] Figure 23 This indicates that the header module has been removed, which is equivalent to... Figure 5 The image.

[0039] Figure 24 This is a flowchart illustrating the maintenance process when the head module has been removed.

[0040] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates an example of a component installed in a different path state than the header module during printing.

[0041] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the handling of situations where an error is output even without any input trigger.

[0042] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the handling of an output error after an input is triggered. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following description of preferred embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention, its applications, or its uses. For example, the relative sizes and positional relationships of the components shown in the drawings are for illustrating one embodiment and do not limit the invention.

[0044] In this specification, an industrial inkjet printer is described as an example of an inkjet recording device. However, the technology disclosed herein is not related to the names such as inkjet recording device and industrial inkjet printer, and can be applied to general devices configured to cause particulate ink (hereinafter also referred to as ink particles) to fly and land on the workpiece or other printed object.

[0045] In addition, this specification describes the printing process of the inkjet recording device, but the term "printing" here includes, for example, the printing of characters, the marking of graphics, and all other processing that utilizes inkjet technology.

[0046] <Overall Structure>

[0047] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating the overall structure of inkjet recording device I. Additionally, Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the general structure of an inkjet recording device I. Figure 1 The illustrated inkjet recording device I is installed, for example, on a conveyor line (production line) L in a factory or similar facility, and is configured to sequentially print each printable object W flowing on the conveyor line L. The conveyor line L can be, for example, a belt conveyor or the like.

[0048] The inkjet recording device I includes: a printhead 1 that ejects ink particles from print nozzles 12 and causes the ink particles to fall onto a workpiece W; a controller 100 that supplies control signals, ink, and solvent to the printhead 1; and a connecting cable 1000 that connects the printhead 1 and the controller 100. The controller 100 controls the trajectory of the ink particles by providing control signals to the printhead 1. This adjusts the landing position of the ink particles on the workpiece W, achieving the desired printing. The printhead 1 is fixed in a predetermined position by a support member 2 or the like.

[0049] The inkjet recording device I is a continuous inkjet printer (CIJ). That is, to prevent clogging caused by ink evaporation (especially clogging of nozzle 12), the ink is constantly circulating inside the inkjet recording device I as long as it is in operation, even when printing is not being performed. By adopting a continuous type, fast-drying ink can be used without causing ink clogging. Furthermore, the inkjet recording device I of this embodiment allows for adjustment of the ink concentration (viscosity) by mixing the solvent and ink.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, during the cleaning process described later, the inkjet recording apparatus I supplies a liquid for dissolving ink from the controller 100 to the printhead 1. This liquid is used for cleaning the inside of the printhead 1. In this embodiment, the solvent described above, used to adjust the ink concentration (viscosity), is used in the liquid for dissolving ink and cleaning the inside of the printhead 1.

[0051] When a solvent is used in a liquid, the solvent used for cleaning the printhead 1 can be recovered as needed and reused to adjust the ink concentration (viscosity) or for further cleaning of the printhead 1.

[0052] Furthermore, it is not necessary to use a solvent that adjusts the ink concentration (viscosity) in the liquid used for cleaning. Any liquid capable of dissolving ink, such as organic solvents like ethanol, can be used for cleaning.

[0053] The inkjet recording apparatus I of this embodiment also includes a cleaning mount 200 used for cleaning the printhead 1. Details of the cleaning mount 200 will be described later. Furthermore, the cleaning mount 200 can be provided as needed or omitted.

[0054] To achieve ink recycling, the printhead 1, in addition to having a print nozzle 12 that ejects ink or solvent, also has a tank 16 for recovering the ink or solvent ejected from the print nozzle 12 (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B Ink or solvent supplied from controller 100 to printhead 1 is ejected from print nozzle 12 and recovered by tank 16.

[0055] The inkjet recording apparatus I includes an operator terminal 800. The operator terminal 800, for example, has a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device, and is connected to the controller 100. The operator terminal 800 determines print settings and functions as a terminal for displaying print-related information to the user. The print settings set by the operator terminal 800 are output to the controller 100 and stored in its storage unit 102.

[0056] The inkjet recording device I includes an external device 900. The external device 900 is connected to the controller 100 as needed. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, as an external device 900, there is a workpiece detection sensor 901, a conveying speed sensor 902, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 903.

[0057] The workpiece detection sensor 901 detects whether there is a workpiece W to be printed on the conveyor line L and outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating the detection result to the controller 100. The detection signal output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 functions as a trigger (print trigger) to start printing.

[0058] The transport speed sensor 902, for example, is a rotary encoder, capable of detecting the transport speed of the printed object W. The transport speed sensor 902 outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating its detection result to the controller 100. Based on the detection signal input from the transport speed sensor 902, the controller 100 controls the timing of ink ejection from the printhead 1, etc.

[0059] like Figure 2 As illustrated, PLC 903 is electrically connected to controller 100. PLC 903 is used to control inkjet recording device I according to a predetermined timing sequence.

[0060] <Controller 100>

[0061] The controller 100 is configured to supply ink to the printhead 1 and send control signals to the printhead 1 for controlling its components. Here, the components of the printhead 1 include the print nozzle 12, the charged electrode 13, and the deflection electrode 15, which will be described later. In addition to the ink used for printing, the controller 100 also supplies the printhead 1 with a solvent for diluting the ink.

[0062] As a component related to electrical control, the controller 100 includes: a storage unit 102 for storing the aforementioned printing settings; a control unit 101 for controlling the controller 100 and each part of the print head 1; and an operation display unit 103 for receiving user operations and displaying information to the user.

[0063] As components associated with the supply of ink, etc., the controller 100 also includes an ink supply unit 104, a solvent supply unit 105, and an ink tank 106. These components are fluidly connected to the printhead 1 directly or indirectly. At least in this embodiment, the controller 100 internally houses the ink supply unit 104, the solvent supply unit 105, and the control unit 101.

[0064] The ink supply unit 104 includes an ink reservoir 42 for removably receiving an ink cartridge 41 containing ink. The ink supply unit 104 supplies ink to the print head 1. On the other hand, the solvent supply unit 105 has a solvent reservoir 52 for removably receiving a solvent cartridge 51 containing solvent. The solvent supply unit 105 supplies solvent to the print head 1. During the cleaning process described below, the solvent supply unit 105 supplies the print head 1 with a liquid that dissolves ink (in this embodiment, a solvent).

[0065] The ink can 106 stores ink from the ink cartridge 41 received by the ink reservoir 42 and solvent from the solvent cartridge 51 received by the solvent reservoir 52 as printing ink. Here, "printing ink" refers to a mixture of solvent and ink (e.g., ink whose concentration has been adjusted by solvent).

[0066] Printhead 1 uses printing ink from ink tank 106 for printing. Printhead 1 also uses solvent supplied from solvent supply unit 105, bypassing ink tank 106, to clean various parts inside printhead 1, such as print nozzle 12.

[0067] The storage unit 102 is configured to store print settings set via the operation display unit 103 or the operation terminal 800 (described later), and to output the stored print settings to the control unit 101 based on control signals from an external source. The storage unit 102 may also store information related to head cleaning. This information includes information related to the processing performed by the cleaning control unit 101a. Information associated with the processing performed by the cleaning control unit 101a includes the head cleaning mode and the head cleaning time.

[0068] The control unit 101 is a processing unit that controls the ink supply from the ink supply unit 104 to the print head 1 and the solvent supply from the solvent supply unit 105 to the print head 1. Specifically, based on print settings stored in the storage unit 102, the control unit 101 controls at least the ink supply unit 104 and solvent supply unit 105 in the controller 100, and the print nozzle 12, charged electrode 13, and deflection electrode 15 in the print head 1. By controlling each unit, the control unit 101 performs printing on the workpiece W at predetermined timings.

[0069] The control unit 101, for example, includes a CPU, memory, input / output bus, etc., and generates control signals based on signals indicating information input via the operation display unit 103 or the operation terminal 800 and signals indicating print settings read from the storage unit 102. The control unit 101 controls the printing of the printable object W by outputting the generated control signals to each unit.

[0070] For example, when printing on the object W, the control unit 101 reads the print content of the object W stored in the storage unit 102 and generates a control signal based on the print content. Then, the control unit 101 outputs the control signal to the charged electrode 13, thereby setting the flight direction of the ink particles to achieve the landing position corresponding to the print content.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the operation display unit 103 includes a display unit 103a for displaying information to the user and an operation unit 103b for receiving user operations. The display unit 103a displays various information related to the inkjet recording apparatus I. The display unit 103a is configured, for example, with a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel, and receives control signals from the control unit 101 to change the display mode. The display unit 103a can display a user interface for operating various parts of the inkjet recording apparatus I, a user interface for determining print settings, or a user interface related to printhead cleaning.

[0072] The operation unit 103b may consist of, for example, a touch-screen operation panel, buttons, or switches. When a user operates the operation unit 103b, information corresponding to the operation input (operation information) is input to the control unit 101, which can detect what kind of operation has been performed. For example, by operating the operation unit 103b, the power supply to the inkjet recording device I can be switched on / off, or various settings and information can be input. The operation display unit 103 can also set print settings in the same way as the operation terminal 800 described above.

[0073] The ink supply unit 104 supplies ink from the ink cartridge 41 to the print nozzles 12 of the print head 1 as printing ink. At this time, the ink from the ink supply unit 104 is supplied to the print head 1 via the ink tank 106.

[0074] Specifically, the ink supply unit 104 of this embodiment includes the ink cartridge 41, ink reservoir 42, ink hollow needle 43, and ink supply tube 44 described above. The ink hollow needle 43 fluidly connects the ink cartridge 41 and the ink supply tube 44. The ink supply tube 44 fluidly connects the ink cartridge 41 and the printhead 1 via the ink hollow needle 43 and the connecting cable 1000. An ink tank 106 is disposed midway along the ink supply tube 44 from the ink hollow needle 43 to the printhead 1.

[0075] Ink cartridge 41 contains ink. Ink reservoir 42 detachably receives ink cartridge 41. Ink can be replenished to ink tank 106 by replacing ink cartridge 41 relative to ink reservoir 42.

[0076] The ink supply tube 44, together with the connecting cable 1000 described later, forms a path for supplying printing ink to the print head 1. Through the path formed by the ink supply tube 44, ink can circulate between the print head 1 and the controller 100.

[0077] The ink supply pipe 44 is equipped with multiple on / off valves, including a first valve V1, and multiple pumps, including a first pump P1. Each on / off valve is a solenoid valve, and will therefore be referred to as a solenoid valve below. Each on / off valve opens and closes upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 101, thus controlling the ink flow. On the other hand, each pump receives a control signal from the control unit 101 to pressurize and deliver ink, controlling the ink flow in the same way as the on / off valves.

[0078] The solvent supply unit 105 supplies solvent from the solvent cartridge 51 to the ink tank 106 in the same way as ink, or supplies solvent separately to the print nozzle 12. In the former case, the solvent is supplied to the print head 1 together with the ink to form printing ink by adjusting the ink concentration.

[0079] When the printhead 1 is printing, the solvent from the solvent supply unit 105 is guided to the print nozzle 12 via the ink tank 106. On the other hand, when the solvent is supplied in single-component form (for example, when cleaning the printhead 1 as described later is performed), the solvent from the solvent supply unit 105 is not guided to the print nozzle 12 via the ink tank 106.

[0080] Solvent cartridge 51 contains solvent. Solvent reservoir 52 detachably receives solvent cartridge 51. By replacing solvent cartridge 51 relative to solvent reservoir 52, solvent for concentration adjustment and solvent for cleaning can be replenished.

[0081] The solvent supply unit 105 includes the solvent cartridge 51, solvent reservoir 52, solvent hollow needle 53, and solvent supply tube 54 described above. The solvent hollow needle 53 fluidly connects the solvent cartridge 51 and the solvent supply tube 54. The solvent supply tube 54 fluidly connects the solvent cartridge 51 to the printhead 1 and the ink tank 106 via the solvent hollow needle 53 and the connecting cable 1000.

[0082] Solvent cartridge 51 contains solvent. Solvent reservoir 52 detachably receives solvent cartridge 51. By replacing solvent cartridge 51 relative to solvent reservoir 52, solvent for concentration adjustment and solvent for cleaning can be replenished.

[0083] The solvent supply tube 54, together with the connecting cable 1000 described later, forms a path for supplying solvent to the ink tank 106, or to the print head 1 without passing through the ink tank 106. Through these paths, printing ink can be generated from ink and solvent, or the print head 1 can be cleaned with solvent.

[0084] The solvent supply pipe 54 is equipped with multiple on / off valves, starting with valve 12 V12, and multiple pumps, starting with pump 2 P2. Each on / off valve is a solenoid valve, and will therefore be referred to as a solenoid valve below. Each on / off valve opens and closes upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 101, thus controlling the flow of solvent. Conversely, each pump pressurizes and delivers solvent upon receiving a control signal from the control unit 101, and can control the flow of solvent in the same way as the solenoid valves.

[0085] The ink tank 106 is a component that stores ink from the ink cartridge 41 and solvent from the solvent cartridge 51. It consists of a container holding ink whose concentration (viscosity) has been adjusted by the solvent, i.e., a mixture of ink and solvent. Printing ink supplied from the ink tank 106 to the print nozzle 12 falls onto the surface of the printed object W during printing, and is collected by the reservoir 16 and returned to the ink tank 106 when not printing. This achieves ink circulation. The solvent supplied to the print nozzle 12 for cleaning is also collected by the reservoir 16 and then fed into the ink tank 106 via, for example, a solvent-specific regulating tank 107, where it can be reused for ink concentration adjustment.

[0086] A storage sensor 106a is provided in ink tank 106 for detecting the liquid level (so-called liquid level) inside the tank. Figure 2 (As shown). The storage sensor 106a is electrically connected to the control unit 101, and its detection signal is input to the controller 100.

[0087] The connecting cable 1000 provides both fluid and electrical connections between the printhead 1 and the controller 100. The connecting cable 1000 is flexible and connects to the upper end of the printhead 1 (see reference). Figure 1 One end of the connecting cable 1000 is connected to the printhead 1, and the other end is connected to the controller 100. The connecting cable 1000 is constructed by bundling together power wiring for transmitting and receiving control signals between the printhead 1 and the controller 100, ink tube 1001 for transmitting and receiving ink between the two, and solvent tube 1002 for transmitting and receiving solvent between the two (see reference). Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B The ink tube 1001, used for sending and receiving ink between the printhead 1 and the controller 100, is connected to the ink supply tube 44. The solvent tube 1002, used for sending and receiving solvent between the printhead 1 and the controller 100, is connected to the solvent supply tube 54.

[0088] Printhead 1 ejects ink (printing ink) with its concentration adjusted based on control signals supplied from controller 100, ink, and solvent, as particulate ink (hereinafter also referred to as "ink particles"). Printhead 1 deflects the flight direction of these ejected ink particles, causing them to fall onto the surface of the workpiece W, thereby enabling printing on the workpiece W. The printing details follow the printing settings described above. Printhead 1 can sequentially print on each workpiece W according to the printing settings.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the printhead 1 includes a pressurizer 11, a print nozzle 12, a charged electrode 13, a deflection electrode 15, a groove 16, a cleaning nozzle 17, a baffle 21, and a suction device 22. The pressurizer 11 pressurizes the printing ink, causing it to become particulate ink. The print nozzle 12 ejects the particulate ink. The charged electrode 13 charges the particulate ink ejected from the print nozzle 12. The deflection electrode 15 deflects the flight direction of the printing ink charged by the charged electrode 13. The groove 16 recovers printing ink that has passed through the deflection electrode 15 but has not been deflected, or solvent ejected from the print nozzle 12. Furthermore, the printhead 1 includes a charge detection sensor 14 for monitoring the charged state of the printing ink and a groove sensor 16b for detecting whether ink has entered the groove 16.

[0090] The printhead 1 includes a housing 10, which internally houses a pressurizer 11, a print nozzle 12, a charged electrode 13, a charged detection sensor 14, a deflection electrode 15, a slot 16, a slot sensor 16b, and a cleaning nozzle 17. The housing 10 also divides the ink droplets into a flight space S1. The printhead 1 ejects ink droplets deflected by the deflection electrode 15 through the flight space S1 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the printhead 1 includes: a head body 1A, which is connected to a connecting cable 1000 and supplies ink to the print nozzle 12 via the connecting cable 1000; and a printhead module 1B, which is detachable from the head body 1A and houses the print nozzle 12. The printhead module 1B includes a pressure unit 11, a print nozzle 12, a charged electrode 13, a deflection electrode 15, and a slot 16. The pressure unit 11, the print nozzle 12, the charged electrode 13, the deflection electrode 15, and the slot 16 are mounted on the base portion of the printhead module 1B and are integrated. By mounting the base portion of the printhead module 1B to the head body 1A, it is in a printable state.

[0092] As will be described in detail later, head module 1B can be replaced with another head module. For example, in the event of a malfunction in head module 1B during use, a normally functioning head module can be installed on head body 1A after removing head module 1B from head body 1A. Furthermore, head module 1B may not include all of the pressure unit 11, print nozzle 12, charged electrode 13, deflection electrode 15, and slot 16, as long as it includes at least one of these components.

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 100 includes an installation detection unit 101c for detecting whether the head module 1B is installed on the head body 1A. Examples of installation detection units 101c include proximity sensors that output an on signal when the head module 1B is installed on the head body 1A, magnetic sensors, and sensors that form electrical contacts, but are not limited to these.

[0094] like Figure 3 , Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B As shown, the housing 10 extends in the vertical direction. In the following description, the length direction of the housing 10 will be simply referred to as the "vertical direction," and the two directions orthogonal to this vertical direction will be referred to as the "front-back direction" and the "left-right direction," respectively. In other figures, the directions corresponding to these directions will also be referred to as the "vertical direction," the "front-back direction," and the "left-right direction," respectively. "Up" refers to... Figure 3 "Above" refers to the upper side, and "below" refers to the lower side. Furthermore, the printhead 1 is not necessarily positioned so that its vertical direction is aligned with the vertical direction (the direction of gravity). The printhead 1 can also be positioned so that its vertical direction is aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0095] The printhead 1 has an ink jet outlet 10a for ejecting ink deflected by the deflection electrode 15 to the outside. The ink jet outlet 10a opens on the lower surface of the housing 10. Hereinafter, the ink jet outlet 10a will also be referred to simply as the jet outlet 10a. Ink particles are ejected from the jet outlet 10a toward the lower part of the housing 10.

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown, the printhead 1 during printing is supported, for example, by the support member 2. It is positioned on the production line in this supported state. The printhead 1 on the production line is configured such that its ejection port 10a faces the printing surface of the printed object W from above. This position is an example of the position of the printhead 1 during printing using the inkjet recording device I.

[0097] The printhead 1 has a mounting portion 9 that can be detachably mounted to a support member 2 installed on a production line. The mounting portion 9 is located on the back (rear surface) of the housing 10. The printhead 1 is supported by the support member 2 via the mounting portion 9.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressurizer 11 is located near the upper end of the flight space S1 of the housing 10. Printing ink is supplied to the pressurizer 11 from the ink tank 106 of the controller 100 via the connecting cable 1000. The ink pressurized by the pressurizer 11 is supplied to the print nozzle 12.

[0099] The print nozzle 12 is connected to the lower end of the pressurizer 11 and is configured with its open end (printing ink) facing downwards. The print nozzle 12 has a piezoelectric element (e.g., a piezoelectric element) that applies up-and-down vibrations to the ink, which is then ejected from the nozzle outlet (open end) based on these up-and-down vibrations. Through this vibration, the ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 is atomized into particles after a predetermined time from its ejection timing.

[0100] Printing ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 without vibration (unexcited) flows as an axle-shaped so-called "ink shaft". On the other hand, printing ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 under vibration (excited) is axle-shaped immediately after exiting the print nozzle 12, but becomes particulate as it moves away from the print nozzle 12. The particulate printing ink falls as so-called "ink particles". Whether the printing ink is an ink shaft or ink particles, it passes through the charged electrode 13. Furthermore, by ejecting solvent monomers from the print nozzle 12, the solvent can be made to flow in an axle shape. Hereinafter, such an axle-shaped solvent is also referred to as a "solvent shaft". The central axis of the ink shaft and the solvent shaft is as follows: Figure 4AThe double-dotted line Ax is shown. The central axis Ax of the ink shaft and solvent shaft extends to connect the print nozzle 12 and the slot 16. The solvent supplied to clean the inside of the print head 1 passes sequentially through the pressurizer 11 and the print nozzle 12, and is ejected from the front end of the print nozzle 12. The ejected solvent flows axially along the flight axis Ax and passes through the charged electrode 13.

[0101] On the print nozzle 12, for example as a return path for relieving pressure inside the print head 1 when the inkjet recording device I stops, there is a connection Figure 5 The suction path 47 is shown. Solvent can also be drawn from the printing nozzle 12 through this suction path 47.

[0102] The charged electrode 13 is composed of a pair of conductive metal plates and is disposed below the print nozzle 12. Here, the pair of metal plates constituting the charged electrode 13 are fixed to the housing 10 with their respective length directions aligned vertically and their positions opposite each other in the horizontal direction. The spacing between the pair of metal plates is set to be larger than the particle size of the ink ejected from the print nozzle 12, and the printing ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 passes between the pair of metal plates.

[0103] A potential (positive potential) is applied to the charged electrode 13 at least during the printing operation. This creates a potential difference between the pressure unit 11 and the charged electrode 13, charging the ink particles passing through the charged electrode 13. In order to charge each ink particle, the charged electrode 13 of this embodiment is positioned near the break point of the ink particles ejected from the print nozzle 12. Furthermore, the solvent ejected from the print nozzle 12 is uncharged and reaches the deflection electrode 15 from the side of the charge detection sensor 14.

[0104] A charge detection sensor 14 is disposed below the charged electrode 13. The charge detection sensor 14 is connected to a circuit board disposed inside the housing 10. The charge detection sensor 14 can detect the charge state (specifically, the charge of each ink particle) of ink particles passing by its side. The detection result of the charge detection sensor 14 is output as a detection signal to the control unit 101. Based on this detection signal, the control unit 101 can determine whether each ink particle is appropriately charged.

[0105] The deflection electrode 15 is composed of a pair of conductive metal plates (so-called "opposite electrodes"), disposed below the charged electrode 13 and the charged detection sensor 14. Here, the pair of metal plates are fixed to the housing 10 with their respective length directions aligned in a generally vertical direction and with them facing each other in a horizontal direction. Ink particles passing between the pair of metal plates constituting the charged electrode 13 pass between the pair of metal plates constituting the deflection electrode 15.

[0106] A voltage (hereinafter also referred to as "deflection voltage") that can be controlled by the controller 100 is applied to the deflection electrode 15. This generates a potential difference corresponding to the deflection voltage between the pair of metal plates constituting the deflection electrode 15. This potential difference allows the flight direction of the ink particle to be deflected according to its charge. The flight direction of the ink particle can be deflected along the arrangement direction of the pair of metal plates constituting the deflection electrode 15.

[0107] The flight direction of ink particles can be controlled by applying deflection voltages to the charged electrode 13 and the deflection electrode 15, respectively. Ink particles whose flight direction is thus controlled include those deflected by the deflection electrode 15 and those not deflected by the deflection electrode 15 (non-deflected ink particles). The ink particles deflected by the deflection electrode 15 participate in the printing of the workpiece W. The ink particles deflected by the deflection electrode 15 are ejected from the ejection port 10a provided on the lower surface of the housing 10 and land on the workpiece W.

[0108] On the other hand, the ink particles not deflected by the deflected electrode 15 do not participate in the printing of the printed object W. For example... Figure 3 As shown by the dotted lines, such ink particles, or originally ungranulated axial printing ink, reach the tank 16. Similarly, the solvent used to clean the print nozzles 12, etc., in the print head 1, and passing through the deflection electrode 15, also reaches the tank 16.

[0109] The deflection electrode 15 is composed of a first electrode plate 151 and a second electrode plate 152 opposite to the first electrode plate 151. The first electrode plate 151 is grounded. A high voltage is applied to the second electrode plate 152.

[0110] The groove 16 is formed by a curved tube with its opening 16a facing upwards, and is disposed below the deflection electrode 15. The groove 16 of this embodiment can recover printing ink that does not participate in the printing of the printed object W and solvent that has passed through the printing nozzle 12 (specifically, solvent ejected from the printing nozzle 12).

[0111] The opening end of the printing nozzle 12 is located directly above the opening 16a of the groove 16. With this configuration, fluid flowing vertically from the opening end of the printing nozzle 12 and fluid flying through it can be received from the opening 16a of the groove 16.

[0112] A charge-type or thermistor-type slot sensor 16b is provided in slot 16 (see...) Figure 2 The slot sensor 16b detects whether printing ink has entered the slot 16. If printing ink has entered the slot 16, it can be determined that the ink shaft adjustment is complete; if printing ink has not entered the slot 16, it can be determined that the ink shaft adjustment is incomplete. The slot sensor 16b is connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 and is configured to output a signal to the control unit 101.

[0113] The printing ink or solvent recovered from tank 16 is sent back to controller 100 via connecting cable 1000, ink supply pipe 44, solvent supply pipe 54, etc., and stored in the ink tank 106. The recovered ink or solvent is thus returned to controller 100 for reuse. By repeating this process, ink recycling is achieved.

[0114] A cleaning nozzle 17 is provided inside the printhead 1. The cleaning nozzle 17 functions as a so-called solvent spraying unit. The cleaning nozzle 17 is used to clean the nozzles of the printhead 12, charged electrode 13, deflection electrode 15, etc. in the printhead 1 by spraying or spraying solvent, and can spray a solvent that can dissolve ink. The solvent sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 17 is supplied from the solvent supply unit 105, such as the solvent cartridge 51.

[0115] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4B As illustrated by the symbol L1, solvent sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 17 is blown onto components such as the print nozzle 12. This allows for the cleaning of components such as the print nozzle 12. For example, by cleaning the print nozzle 12, solvent can be smoothly ejected from the print nozzle 12 during head cleaning.

[0116] Baffle 21 opens and closes nozzle 10a. Baffle 21 is electrically connected to control unit 101 and opens and closes upon receiving control signals from control unit 101. By closing nozzle 10a with baffle 21, solvent leakage from nozzle 10a can be suppressed, for example, during head cleaning.

[0117] The suction device 22 draws air from the interior space of the printhead 1, particularly the aforementioned flight space, and exhausts it to the exterior space of the printhead 1. The suction device 22 is electrically connected to the control unit 101 and operates upon receiving control signals from the control unit 101. By operating the suction device 22, air can be drawn into and expelled from the interior space of the printhead 1.

[0118] The ink supply tube 44, for example, forms a path (first path R1) for feeding ink (ink before concentration adjustment) from the ink cartridge 41 to the ink reservoir 106. Figure 5 As shown, the first path R1 is composed of a first ink tube 44a, a second ink tube 44b, and a third ink tube 44c, which serve as ink flow tubes. In this embodiment, the first ink tube 44a, the second ink tube 44b, and the third ink tube 44c are all disposed within the controller 100.

[0119] The first ink tube 44a has one end connected to the ink-using hollow needle 43 and the other end branching into the second ink tube 44b and the third ink tube 44c (see reference). Figure 5(B1 in the middle). The first ink tube 44a, which serves as an ink flow tube, is connected to the ink hollow needle 43 and the ink tank 106 via the second ink tube 44b and the third ink tube 44c, allowing ink to flow from the ink hollow needle 43 to the ink tank 106. Furthermore, in this embodiment, ink is introduced into the ink tank 106 via the third ink tube 44c, but it can also be introduced via, for example, the second ink tube 44b. In this case, the ink is not introduced into the ink tank 106 via the viscometer 46.

[0120] A first pump P1 is disposed midway through the first ink tube 44a. The first pump P1 is a suction pump used to draw in order to generate flow from the ink hollow needle 43 to the first ink tube 44a.

[0121] An eighth valve V8 is provided in the first ink tube 44a between the reservoir 42 and the first pump P1. The eighth valve V8 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the first ink tube 44a.

[0122] The second ink tube 44b connects the branch B1 of the first ink tube 44a to the ink tank 106. A first valve V1 is disposed in the middle of the second ink tube 44b. This first valve V1 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the second ink tube 44b.

[0123] The third ink tube 44c connects the branch B1 of the first ink tube 44a to the ink tank 106. An eleventh valve V11 is disposed in the middle of the third ink tube 44c. This eleventh valve V11 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the third ink tube 44c.

[0124] A viscometer 46 is disposed in the third ink tube 44c between the 11th valve V11 and the ink tank 106. The viscometer 46 detects the flow rate of ink or printing ink flowing in the third ink tube 44c and measures the viscosity based on the flow rate. The viscometer 46 inputs a detection signal corresponding to the measurement result to the control unit 101.

[0125] Based on the operating status of the first pump P1 and the opening and closing status of the first valve V1, the eighth valve V8 and the eleventh valve V11, the ink from the ink cartridge 41 passes sequentially through the ink hollow needle 43, the ink reservoir 42, the first ink tube 44a, the second ink tube 44b and the third ink tube 44c, and is supplied to the ink tank 106.

[0126] Solvent supply tube 54, together with a portion of ink supply tube 44, forms a second path R2 for supplying solvent from solvent cartridge 51 to ink tank 106.

[0127] like Figure 5 As shown, the second path R2 includes a first solvent tube 54a, a second solvent tube 54b, and a third solvent tube 54c of the solvent supply tube 54.

[0128] The first solvent tube 54a has one end connected to the solvent hollow needle 53 and the other end connected to the pressure device 11 of the printhead 1. Midway through the first solvent tube 54a in the solvent supply tube 54, a 28th valve V28, a second pump P2, a 16th valve V16, and a 12th valve V12 are sequentially arranged from upstream to downstream. The second pump P2 is a suction pump used to draw air to generate flow from the solvent hollow needle 53 toward the solvent supply tube 54.

[0129] Valve V28 (28), valve V16 (16), and valve V12 (12) are on / off valves used to open and close the flow path of the first solvent tube 54a. The portion of the first solvent tube 54a between valve V16 (16) and valve V12 (12) is connected to the second solvent tube 54b.

[0130] The second solvent tube 54b is connected to the controller 100 and the printhead 1 together with the solvent tube 1002. One end of the second solvent tube 54b is connected to the cleaning nozzle 17. For example, by opening the 28th valve V28 and the 16th valve V16 and closing the 12th valve V12, solvent can be supplied to the cleaning nozzle 17 via the first solvent tube 54a and the second solvent tube 54b.

[0131] The other end of the second solvent tube 54b is connected to the connection part B2 of the first ink tube 44a. A 15th valve V15, a 27th valve V27, a regulating tank 107, and a 9th valve V9 are arranged along the middle of the second solvent tube 54b. The 15th valve V15, the 27th valve V27, and the 9th valve V9 are on / off valves that open and close the flow path of the second solvent tube 54b. Specifically, the 15th valve V15 controls the supply of solvent to the cleaning nozzle 17.

[0132] The third solvent tube 54c has one end connected to the connection portion B2 of the first ink tube 44a and the other end connected to the portion between the 15th valve V15 and the 27th valve V27 in the second solvent tube 54b. A 13th valve V13 is disposed in the middle of the third solvent tube 54c. The 13th valve V13 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the third solvent tube 54c.

[0133] The ink supply tube 44 also forms a path (third path R3) for circulating and agitating the storage (printing ink) in the ink tank 106 within the controller 100. The third path R3 includes the fourth ink tube 44d, the second ink tube 44b, and the third ink tube 44c of the ink supply tube 44.

[0134] The fourth ink tube 44d has one end connected to the ink reservoir 106 and the other end connected to the connection portion B2 of the first ink tube 44a. A fifth valve V5 is disposed in the middle of the fourth ink tube 44d. This fifth valve V5 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the fourth ink tube 44d.

[0135] The printing ink in ink tank 106, based on the operating status of pump 1 P1 and the opening / closing status of valves 1 V1, 5 V5, 9 V9, and 11 V11, is drawn out by ink tube 44d and then sequentially passes through a portion of ink tube 44a. Figure 5 The ink from the connecting part B2 to the branch part B1, the second ink tube 44b, and the third ink tube 44c are sent back to the ink tank 106. Thus, the printing ink circulates within the controller 100.

[0136] The ink supply tube 44 also constitutes a fourth path R4 for supplying printing ink from the ink tank 106 into the print nozzle 12 and returning printing ink from the slot 16 to the ink tank 106. The fourth path R4 includes the ink supply tube 44 and the ink tube 1001 of the connecting cable 1000.

[0137] The fourth path R4 consists of ink tube 1001, the sixth ink tube 44f of the ink supply tube 44, and the seventh ink tube 44g. The sixth ink tube 44f and the seventh ink tube 44g are connected to the controller 100 and the print head 1 together with ink tube 1001.

[0138] The sixth ink tube 44f has one end connected to the ink reservoir 106 and the other end connected to the print nozzle 12 via the ink tube 1001. A third pump P3 and a 26th valve V26 are disposed midway along the sixth ink tube 44f. The third pump P3 is a suction pump used to draw water from the ink reservoir 106 toward the sixth ink tube 44f. The 26th valve V26 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the sixth ink tube 44f.

[0139] A 14th valve V14 is provided in the 6th ink tube 44f between the 3rd pump P3 and the print nozzle 12. This 14th valve V14 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the 6th ink tube 44f.

[0140] The 7th ink tube 44g has one end connected to the tank 16 via ink tube 1001 and the other end connected to the ink reservoir 106 via the 6th ink tube 44f. A 4th pump P4 and a 24th valve V24 are disposed midway along the 7th ink tube 44g. The 4th pump P4 is a suction pump used to draw flow from the tank 16 toward the 7th ink tube 44g. The 24th valve V24 is an on / off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the 7th ink tube 44g. The other end of the 7th ink tube 44g is connected to the portion between the 26th valve V26 and the 3rd pump P3 in the 6th ink tube 44f.

[0141] The printing ink in the ink tank 106 is drawn out by the sixth ink tube 44f according to the operating status of the third pump P3 and the opening and closing status of the second valve V26, and then ejected from the print nozzle 12. The printing ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 falls onto the surface of the printed object W during printing and is recovered by the tank 16 when not printing. The printing ink of the latter is drawn out by the seventh ink tube 44g according to the operating status of the fourth pump P4 and the opening and closing status of the second valve V24, and is sent back to the ink tank 106. Thus, the printing ink circulates between the controller 100 and the print head 1.

[0142] The solvent supply tube 54, together with a portion of the ink supply tube 44, forms a fifth path R5 for supplying cleaning solvent from the solvent cartridge 51 to the print nozzle 12. This fifth path R5 is composed of the ink supply tube 44 and the solvent tube 1002 of the connecting cable 1000.

[0143] like Figure 5 As shown, the fifth path R5 includes the solvent tube 1002 and the first solvent tube 54a in the solvent supply tube 54.

[0144] Solvent from solvent cartridge 51 is supplied to a midway point of the sixth ink tube 44f (the section between the 14th valve V14 and the print nozzle 12) via solvent hollow needle 53 and solvent reservoir 52, depending on the operating status of the second pump P2 and the opening / closing status of valves 28 V28, 16 V16, and 12 V12. The solvent supplied to this section is then ejected from the print nozzle 12. This solvent cleans the print head 1.

[0145] A cleaning nozzle 17 is connected to the second solvent pipe 54b, so that the solvent as a cleaning liquid can be sprayed or jetted from the cleaning nozzle 17. A 15 valve V15 is provided midway from the cleaning nozzle 17 to the second solvent pipe 54b to control the supply of solvent to the cleaning nozzle 17.

[0146] The controller 100 has a suction path 47 connected to the print nozzle 12, which is a path related to ink suction. A sixth valve V6 is provided in the suction path 47. For example, when not printing, by operating the first pump P1 with the sixth valve V6 open, ink can be drawn through the suction path 47 and the drawn ink can be returned to the controller 100.

[0147] <Air Injection Module>

[0148] The inkjet recording apparatus I of this embodiment includes an air jet module 3A that supplies high-pressure air into the printhead 1, as an element related to the cleaning process within the printhead 1. Figure 6 As shown, the air jet module 3A includes a controller-side module 108 disposed in the controller 100 and a head-side module 109 disposed in the printhead 1.

[0149] The controller-side module 108 includes an air pump 108a, a regulator 108b, a pressure sensor 108c, a flow sensor 108d, a 29th valve V29, and a 30th valve V30. The controller-side module 108 also includes a first air supply pipe 108A, a second air supply pipe 108B, and a drain pipe 108C as piping elements. The 29th valve V29 and the 30th valve V30 are on / off valves (solenoid valves) controlled by the controller 100.

[0150] Air pump 108a is an example of a high-pressure air generating unit provided in controller 100. Air pump 108a is, for example, a diaphragm air pump. Air pump 108a is electrically connected to control unit 101 and operates by receiving control signals from control unit 101.

[0151] The upstream end of the first air delivery pipe 108A is connected to the nozzle of the air pump 108a. The downstream end of the first air delivery pipe 108A is connected to the head-side module 109 via the umbilical cable 71 included in the connecting cable 1000. In the first air delivery pipe 108A, a regulator 108b, a pressure sensor 108c, and a flow sensor 108d are arranged sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0152] The regulator 108b is used to regulate the pressure of the high-pressure air ejected from the air pump 108a and to direct it to flow downstream of the first air delivery pipe 108A. It includes a pressure regulating valve and the like. The regulator 108b is equipped with the controller 100 and is an example of an air pressure regulating unit that regulates the pressure of the high-pressure air generated by the air pump 108a.

[0153] The air whose pressure is regulated by regulator 108b is an example of high-pressure air. High-pressure air, as used here, is simply air with a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure; there is no particular limitation. For example, it is air with a pressure of 100 kPa or higher but less than 300 kPa, or more specifically, air with a pressure of 150 kPa or higher but less than 250 kPa. As an example, in this embodiment, high-pressure air of less than 200 kPa flows downstream of the first air delivery pipe 108A.

[0154] Pressure sensor 108c detects the pressure of the high-pressure air after it has been regulated by regulator 108b. Flow sensor 108d detects the flow rate of the high-pressure air after it has been regulated by regulator 108b. Pressure sensor 108c and flow sensor 108d are electrically connected to control unit 101, and their detection signals are input to controller 100.

[0155] The upstream end of the second air supply pipe 108B is connected to the portion between the air pump 108a and the regulator 108b in the first air supply pipe 108A. The downstream end of the second air supply pipe 108B is connected to the head-side module 109 via the umbilical cable 71 included in the connecting cable 1000. A 29th valve V29 is disposed midway through the second air supply pipe 108B. The 29th valve V29 is an on / off valve (solenoid valve) that opens and closes the flow path of the second air supply pipe 108B.

[0156] Drain pipe 108C is a component used to discharge condensate contained in high-pressure air. It forms a drainage path, as detailed later. The upstream end of drain pipe 108C is connected to head-side module 109 via umbilical cable 71. The downstream end of drain pipe 108C is located on the controller 100 side, and condensate from head-side module 109 is discharged to the controller 100 side. A 30th valve V30 is located midway through drain pipe 108C. The 30th valve V30 is a drain on / off valve (solenoid valve) that opens and closes the flow path (drainage path) of drain pipe 108C.

[0157] The head-side module 109 includes a first air receiving pipe 109A, a second air receiving pipe 109B, a drain pipe 109C, and a high-pressure air supply pipe 109D as piping elements. The first air receiving pipe 109A and the second air receiving pipe 109B are examples of air receiving parts that receive high-pressure air.

[0158] The head-side module 109 also includes a removal section 109a for removing condensate contained in the high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A, an air injection section 109b, a dry air opening 109c, and a second valve V22.

[0159] The upstream end of the first air receiving pipe 109A is connected to the downstream end of the first air supply pipe 108A via an umbilical cable 71. That is, the first air receiving pipe 109A receives high-pressure air generated by the controller 100 via a connecting cable 1000 that fluidly and electrically connects the printhead 1 to the controller 100. The downstream end of the first air receiving pipe 109A is connected to the air inlet 109e of the removal section 109a. Therefore, the high-pressure air generated by the air pump 108a flows into the air inlet 109e of the removal section 109a via the first air supply pipe 108A and the first air receiving pipe 109A.

[0160] Sometimes, the high-pressure air compressed by the air pump 108a contains condensate. The part that removes this condensate is the removal unit 109a, which is composed of a component capable of removing the condensate contained in the high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A. In this embodiment, the removal unit 109a is a component that removes the condensate contained in the high-pressure air by pressurizing the high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A. More specifically, the removal unit 109a includes a hydrophobic airflow path 109g with micropores. High-pressure air flowing in this hydrophobic airflow path 109g is pressurized, and while condensate remains in the hydrophobic airflow path 109g, the high-pressure air is extracted from the hydrophobic airflow path 109g through the micropores.

[0161] The hydrophobic airflow path 109g is curved in a downward convex manner. This allows condensate to accumulate in the middle of the hydrophobic airflow path 109g using gravity. That is, if condensate were to accumulate along the entire flow direction of the hydrophobic airflow path 109g, it would become an obstacle preventing the extraction of high-pressure air from the hydrophobic airflow path 109g. Therefore, the flow path shape is designed to allow condensate to accumulate only in a portion of the flow direction of the hydrophobic airflow path 109g. Besides a downward convex curved shape (U-shape), such a flow path shape could also be, for example, an S-shaped curved shape.

[0162] The hydrophobic airflow path 109g of this embodiment is composed of a porous tube having multiple micropores that allow air to pass through. This allows high-pressure air to be extracted through the multiple micropores of the porous tube. Furthermore, the hydrophobic airflow path 109g is not limited to a porous tube; for example, it could be a porous sheet with multiple micropores. In other words, the components constituting the hydrophobic airflow path 109g are not particularly limited as long as they are hydrophobic and have micropores. The porous tube or porous sheet is, for example, made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0163] Because of this structure, the entire removal section 109a is housed within the airtight compartment 110. The high-pressure air flowing out from the micropores of the removal section 109a flows only into the airtight compartment 110.

[0164] The upstream end of the high-pressure air supply pipe 109D is connected to the airtight partition 110. The downstream end of the high-pressure air supply pipe 109D is connected to an air jet section 109b, which injects high-pressure air from the removal section 109a to remove condensate. The air jet section 109b is, for example, an air nozzle. A second valve V22, consisting of a solenoid valve controlling the flow rate of the high-pressure air, is disposed midway through the high-pressure air supply pipe 109D. This second valve V22 is a solenoid valve located midway through the air path from the air pump 108a to the air jet section 109b. The second valve V22 is controlled by the controller 100, and high-pressure air is injected from the air jet section 109b by controlling the opening and closing of the second valve V22.

[0165] The upstream end of the drain pipe 109C is connected to the condensate outlet 109f of the removal section 109a. The downstream end of the drain pipe 109C is connected to the upstream end of the drain pipe 108C via the umbilical cable 71. That is, the drain pipe 108C is located downstream of the hydrophobic airflow path 109g, forming a drainage passage for draining the condensate accumulated in the hydrophobic airflow path 109g.

[0166] According to the above structure, condensate contained in the high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A can be removed, but condensate can also be removed by structures other than those described above. For example, condensate can also be removed by heating the high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A. In this case, a heater (removal unit) for heating the high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A is provided in the printhead 1. The controller 100 activates the heater at a predetermined time, thereby heating the high-pressure air and removing the condensate.

[0167] Furthermore, the removal unit may also include an airflow path with a moisture-absorbing material. In this case, condensate is removed by circulating high-pressure air received by the first air receiving pipe 109A through the airflow path. That is, if the high-pressure air flowing through the airflow path contains condensate, the condensate is absorbed by the moisture-absorbing material. The moisture-absorbing material is then dried at a predetermined time using a heater or the like.

[0168] The downstream end of the second air receiving pipe 109B is connected to the upstream end of the second air supply pipe 108B via an umbilical cable 71. A dry air opening 109c is connected to the downstream end of the second air receiving pipe 109B to supply air at a pressure lower than that of high-pressure air to the interior of the printhead 1. That is, the printhead 1 has a dry air opening 109c for supplying low-pressure air to its interior. If valve V29 is opened while the air pump 108a is operating, low-pressure air is supplied from the dry air opening 109c.

[0169] like Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, the air jet 109b is disposed on the first electrode plate 151 such that it jets air toward the second electrode plate 152. The air jet 109b is embedded in the first electrode plate 151 and has an opening on the surface opposite to the second electrode plate 152. The opening of the air jet 109b is opposite to the second electrode plate 152.

[0170] like Figure 4A As illustrated, the air jet axis Aa in the air jet section 109b extends toward the second electrode plate 152 of the deflection electrode 15. In other words, the high-pressure air jet axis Aa is as follows: Figure 4A It intersects with the second electrode plate 152 as illustrated.

[0171] Furthermore, the "air jet axis Aa" mentioned here refers to the central axis of the high-pressure air ejected from the air jet section 109b. That is, the extension of the high-pressure air jet axis Aa toward the second electrode plate 152 indicates that the air jet section 109b of this embodiment ejects high-pressure air toward the deflection electrode 15, and in particular the second electrode plate 152.

[0172] like Figure 4A As illustrated, the jet axis Aa of the high-pressure air in the air jet section 109b intersects with the flight axis Ax. That is, the air jet section 109b of this embodiment is configured such that the flight axis Ax of the solvent ejected from the printing nozzle 12 is located between the air jet section 109b and the deflection electrode 15, particularly the second electrode plate 152.

[0173] During head cleaning, the control unit 101 operates the air pump 108a with valves 22 (V22), 30 (V30), and 29 (V29) closed. This allows the air to be pressurized. By opening valve 22 (V22) while the air is pressurized, high-pressure air is injected from the air injection unit 109b.

[0174] Here, as Figure 4B As illustrated by the symbol M1, the air jet section 109b crosses the flight axis Ax of the solvent ejected or sprayed within the printhead 1 with high-pressure air. The air jet section 109b diffuses the solvent within the printhead 1 by crossing the flight axis Ax with the high-pressure air. Specifically, in Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example shown, the flight axis Ax of the solvent ejected or sprayed from the printing nozzle 12 is located between the air jet section 109b and the second electrode plate 152, and this flight axis Ax intersects with the air jet axis Aa, thus enabling the high-pressure air ejected along the jet axis Aa to ( Figure 4B (As indicated by the symbol M1) comes into contact with either the axial solvent ejected from the printing nozzle 12 along the flight axis Ax or the droplet solvent ejected from the printing nozzle 12.

[0175] The air jet unit 109b can also contact high-pressure air with the axially shaped solvent to atomize the solvent. Specifically, the air jet unit 109b contacts the jetted high-pressure air with the solvent supplied from the solvent supply unit 105, thereby atomizing the solvent. Figure 4B The solvent is atomized as shown by the symbol M1.

[0176] The atomization of the solvent in the air jet module 3A is achieved by pressurizing the air. Furthermore, the pressurized air, upon contact with the solvent ejected along the flight axis Ax, collides with the second electrode plate 152. By colliding the air with the second electrode plate 152, dirt adhering to it is easily removed. Additionally, by atomizing the solvent, the cleaning area of ​​the components is expanded compared to the case where the solvent is not atomized. By bringing the solvent, atomized by collision with the pressurized air, into contact with the second electrode plate 152, it is possible to clean the components surrounding it, including the second electrode plate 152, i.e., the components within the printhead 1. Cleaning using this solvent is particularly effective, for example, for ink-induced contamination.

[0177] Whether the solvent can be atomized according to the target depends on the outflow state of the high-pressure air flowing out of the printhead 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is designed to detect the outflow state of the high-pressure air flowing out of the printhead 1. The inkjet recording apparatus I includes a pressure sensor 108c and a flow sensor 108d that function as an air outflow state detection unit for detecting the outflow state of the high-pressure air flowing out of the printhead 1. The pressure sensor 108c and the flow sensor 108d are provided in the controller 100, and thus detect the outflow state of the high-pressure air before it is ejected by the air jet unit 109b. More specifically, the pressure sensor 108c and the flow sensor 108d are disposed downstream of the regulator 108b, and thus detect the state of the high-pressure air after it has been regulated by the regulator 108b as the outflow state of the high-pressure air.

[0178] That is, the pressure sensor 108c detects the pressure state of the high-pressure air after it has been regulated by the regulator 108b as the outflow state of the high-pressure air. In addition, the flow sensor 108d detects the flow rate of the high-pressure air after it has been regulated by the regulator 108b as the outflow state of the high-pressure air.

[0179] In this embodiment, a second valve V22 is provided between the air pump 108a and the air jet section 109b. Therefore, when the flow rate of high-pressure air is detected by the flow sensor 108d, the second valve V22 is closed, causing the pressure between the air pump 108a and the second valve V22 to rise. The second valve V22 can be located on the printhead 1 side or on the controller 100 side, but considering the flow path resistance from the controller 100 to the printhead 1, it is sometimes preferable to locate it near the air jet section 109b. That is, opening the second valve V22 after the pressure has been stored in the path between the air pump 108a and the air jet section 109b allows for effective utilization of the initial momentum after the second valve V22 has just opened.

[0180] During the process of valve 22 V22 changing from closed to open, the pressure state of the high-pressure air can be detected using pressure sensor 108c. Firstly, if the pressure is low when valve 22 V22 is closed and air pump 108a is operating, the path up to air pump 108a or pressure sensor 108c may be blocked. Secondly, if the pressure is too high when valve 22 V22 is open, there is a possibility that the air injection section 109b may become narrow.

[0181] Furthermore, if the flow sensor 108d detects a certain flow rate when valve 22 V22 is closed, it may fail to close valve 22 V22 or other pathways, resulting in leakage. If the flow sensor 108d does not detect a certain flow rate when valve 22 V22 is open, the air injection section 109b may become narrow.

[0182] In this way, pressure sensor 108c detects the pressure of high-pressure air when valve 22 V22 is open and when it is closed. Additionally, flow sensor 108d detects the flow rate of high-pressure air when valve 22 V22 is open and when it is closed. Therefore, control unit 101 can determine whether there is any narrowing of the air jet section 109b. When control unit 101 determines that there is a possibility of narrowing of the air jet section 109b, or when it determines that the output of air pump 108a is abnormal, it displays error information on display unit 103a, etc., preventing the cleaning operation using high-pressure air from being performed.

[0183] As a functional element for controlling the head cleaning of the solvent supply unit 105 and the air jet module 3A, the control unit 101 includes a cleaning control unit 101a. Through the control of the cleaning control unit 101a, at least one of the timing of the solvent supply unit 105 ejecting or spraying solvent into the printhead 1 and the timing of the air jet module 3A causing the high-pressure air to cross the flight axis Ax is adjusted. This adjustment causes the air jet module 3A to cause the high-pressure air to cross the flight axis Ax. Specifically, the control of the cleaning control unit 101a adjusts both the timing of the solvent supply unit 105 ejecting or spraying solvent into the printhead 1 and the timing of the air jet module 3A causing the high-pressure air to cross the flight axis Ax.

[0184] Here, the cleaning control unit 101a can control the timing of solvent ejection or spraying within the printhead 1 via the opening timing of the 12th valve V12, which serves as a solvent control valve. The cleaning control unit 101a can also adjust the timing of the high-pressure air crossing the flight axis Ax via the opening timing of the 22nd valve V22.

[0185] Furthermore, when the cleaning control unit 101a sprays high-pressure air, it can also activate the baffle 21 to close the nozzle 10a. This can suppress solvent leakage from the printhead 1, and especially the housing 10 of the printhead 1.

[0186] Furthermore, when the nozzle 10a is closed by the baffle 21, the cleaning control unit 101a activates the suction unit 22 to draw air from and expel it from the printhead 1. This dries the interior of the printhead 1, causing the solvent adhering to the interior to evaporate. This effectively prevents solvent leakage from the printhead 1, and particularly from the printhead 1 housing 10.

[0187] like Figure 2 As shown, the controller 100 includes an error detection unit 101b. The error detection unit 101b detects errors related to ink contamination in at least one of the print nozzle 12, charged electrode 13, deflection electrode 15, and groove 16 provided in the print head 1. The error detection unit 101b detects at least one of the following errors related to ink contamination: a clogging error in the print nozzle 12, an error in the deflection electrode 15, a contamination error within the print head 1, and an error in the charged electrode 13. Furthermore, it is not necessary to notify the user of the detected errors; however, by notifying the user of the detected errors, for example, through the display unit 103a, the user can understand the error status of the device.

[0188] For example, a fault in the deflection electrode 15 is that it tends to short-circuit due to ink contamination, resulting in a voltage drop. For instance, by obtaining the voltage of the deflection electrode 15 through the fault detection unit 101b, a fault in the deflection electrode 15 can be detected. Furthermore, regarding the charged electrode 13, by obtaining the detection value from the charged electrode detection sensor 14 through the fault detection unit 101b, a fault in the charged electrode 13 can be detected.

[0189] Various methods exist for detecting errors in the error detection unit 101b. For example, when ink adheres to the deflection electrode 15 and the adhered ink grows significantly, the voltage sometimes drops. As a result, the ink particles cannot deflect properly, leading to printing disorder. At this time, an error occurs in the deflection electrode 15. When errors in the deflection electrode 15 occur repeatedly, a "printhead contamination error" may sometimes occur.

[0190] Additionally, the charge of the negatively charged ink particles is measured by the charge detection sensor 14, which is located immediately after the print nozzle 12. If the charge detection sensor 14 becomes contaminated, it cannot measure the charge, resulting in a "charge sensor contamination error." Consequently, a "phase alignment error" occurs when phase alignment cannot be performed correctly. Since both the deflection electrode 15 and the charge detection sensor 14 are located in the print head 1, these errors are caused by the print head 1 and are classified as errors caused by the print head 1.

[0191] The cause could be that errors in printhead 1 or other parts of printhead 1 can also be detected by the error detection unit 101b. For example, the ink can be monitored by the slot sensor 16b configured around the slot 16 to ensure proper ink recovery in the slot 16. That is, the error detection unit 101b obtains the detection result of the slot sensor 16b and can determine whether the ink has been properly recovered in the slot 16 based on the obtained result. If the ink is not recovered into the slot 16, a "nozzle clogging error" occurs during the startup of the startup processing execution unit 101f of the inkjet recording device I, and a "slot sensor not detected error" occurs after the inkjet recording device I is started once by the startup processing execution unit 101f. The startup processing execution unit 101f is the part that performs the startup process of recovering the ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 into the slot 16 and circulating the ink.

[0192] Possible reasons for ink not being recycled to the reservoir 16 include clogged print nozzles 12 and malfunctioning pumps P1 or P4. Clogged print nozzles 12 indicate a problem originating in printhead 1, while malfunctioning pumps P1 and P4 indicate a problem originating outside printhead 1 (controller 100). It is impossible to determine whether the cause of these errors lies within or outside printhead 1. Therefore, errors are categorized as potentially caused by either printhead 1 or other sources.

[0193] Errors whose cause is limited to printhead 1 can also be detected by error detection unit 101b. Examples of errors whose cause is limited to printhead 1 include low ink pressure and high ink pressure. These errors occur when the pressure gauge 49 located in ink supply pipe 44 is activated during the inkjet recording device I's startup state. Figure 2 The value of (as shown) becomes abnormal. For example, pressure gauge 49 can be installed in the sixth ink tube 44f of ink supply tube 44.

[0194] Normally, when the inkjet recording device I is activated, the ink pressure in the ink supply tube 44 is adjusted to a predetermined range to maintain normal ejection from the print nozzle 12. However, due to factors such as a faulty pressure reducing valve, the ink pressure in the ink supply tube 44 may sometimes deviate significantly from the predetermined range. For example, if the pressure reducing valve is located outside the print head 1, such errors are classified as errors whose causes are limited to those outside the print head 1.

[0195] based on Figure 7 The flowchart shown illustrates the operation during cleaning using high-pressure air. This operation is referred to as the basic cleaning operation. The basic cleaning operation can be performed periodically, in the event of the aforementioned error, or upon receiving a cleaning execution instruction from the user. In step SA1 after the start, the cleaning control unit 101a sets valves 22 (V22), 29 (V29), and 30 (V30) to the closed state.

[0196] In step SA2, the cleaning control unit 101a only opens valve 30 V30, while keeping valves 22 V22 and 29 V29 closed. In step SA3, the cleaning control unit 101a operates the air pump 108a. High-pressure air ejected from the air pump 108a flows through the first air delivery pipe 108A and the first air receiving pipe 109A and flows into the removal unit 109a. At this time, if condensate accumulates in the hydrophobic airflow path 109g of the removal unit 109a, the condensate is forced out from the condensate outlet 109f by the high-pressure air flowing into the removal unit 109a and flows into the drain pipe 109C. Since valve 30 V30 is open, the condensate flowing into the drain pipe 109C flows to the controller 100 side and is discharged from the drain pipe 108C.

[0197] The condensate drainage process is as follows: at a predetermined condensate drainage time, valve 30 V30 is opened, and high-pressure air is introduced from the upstream side of the hydrophobic air flow path 109g, thereby discharging the condensate accumulated in the hydrophobic air flow path 109g through the drainage passage. This condensate drainage process is performed by the cleaning control unit 101a. The condensate drainage process is performed before the basic cleaning operation. It may be mandatory to perform the condensate drainage process before the basic cleaning operation, or it may be performed, for example, only before one of multiple basic cleaning operations.

[0198] In step SA4, the operation of air pump 108a continues until the aforementioned condensate drainage is completed. In step SA5, at the stage where it is presumed that the condensate drainage is complete, cleaning control unit 101a closes valve 30 V30.

[0199] In step SA6, while the air pump 108a continues to operate, the system waits for the air pressure in the first air delivery pipe 108A and the first air receiving pipe 109A to rise. This waiting time can be a fixed time or the time until the pressure value measured by the pressure sensor 108c reaches a predetermined value.

[0200] When the air pressure in the first air supply pipe 108A and the first air receiving pipe 109A rises, step SA7 is entered, and the cleaning control unit 101a only opens the 22nd valve V22. As a result, high-pressure air is injected from the air injection unit 109b.

[0201] In step SA8, as described above, the cleaning control unit 101a ejects solvent monomers from the print nozzle 12 in an axial shape. The axially ejected solvent is atomized by high-pressure air and used for cleaning the deflection electrode 15, etc. If a predetermined cleaning time has elapsed, step SA9 is entered, and the ejection of solvent from the print nozzle 12 is stopped. In step SA10, the cleaning control unit 101a maintains the 22nd valve V22 in the open state. As a result, high-pressure air is continuously supplied to the deflection electrode 15, etc., thus shortening the drying time of the solvent adhering to the deflection electrode 15, etc.

[0202] In step SA11, the cleaning control unit 101a opens valve V29. As a result, air ejected from the air pump 108a is supplied to the interior of the printhead 1 through the drying air opening 109c, thus further shortening the drying time of solvent adhering to the deflection electrode 15, etc. Furthermore, step SA11 can be performed simultaneously with the solvent ejection stop in step SA9, or step SA11 can begin before the solvent ejection stop in step SA9.

[0203] Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of cleaning without using high-pressure air. The cleaning operation without high-pressure air can be performed periodically, or when an error occurs as described above, caused by a fault in printhead 1, or when a cleaning execution instruction is received from the user. In step SB1 after the start, the cleaning control unit 101a closes all the solvent ejection solenoid valves, including valves 28 V28, 16 V16, and 12 V12. In step SB2, the cleaning control unit 101a activates the second pump P2.

[0204] In step SB3, the solvent pressure in the solvent supply pipe 54 is allowed to rise. This waiting time can be a fixed time or the time until the pressure in the solvent supply pipe 54 reaches a predetermined value.

[0205] In step SB4, the cleaning control unit 101a sets the solvent ejection solenoid valve to the open state. In step SB5, the cleaning control unit 101a determines whether solvent has entered the tank 16 based on the signal output from the tank sensor 16b. When solvent enters the tank 16, solvent is ejected from the print nozzle 12, thus indicating that the print nozzle 12 is functioning normally. If the determination in step SB5 is "yes", the process proceeds to step SB6, where the solvent ejection solenoid valve is set to the closed state. Then, step SB7 is executed. Figure 7 The basic cleaning action is shown in the flowchart.

[0206] On the other hand, if the determination in step SB5 is "No" and the solvent does not enter the tank 16, it can be determined, for example, that the print nozzle 12 is clogged. In this case, the process proceeds to step SB8, where the cleaning control unit 101a opens the 15th valve V15 and sprays solvent from the cleaning nozzle 17 for a short time (e.g., a few seconds). The solvent sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 17 adheres to the print nozzle 12, eliminating the clog. Since there is a possibility that spraying solvent from the cleaning nozzle 17 only once is insufficient to eliminate the clog of the print nozzle 12, in step SB8, it is determined whether the short-term spraying of solvent from the cleaning nozzle 17 has been performed more than N times, i.e., the number of retries is determined to be greater than N times. If the determination is "No", the process proceeds to step SB4. On the other hand, if the determination is "Yes", the process proceeds to step SB10, and cleaning of the cleaning carrier unit 200 is performed.

[0207] That is, such as Figure 1 As shown, the inkjet recording apparatus I includes a cleaning mount 200. The cleaning mount 200 is located in a different location than the location where the printhead 1 is set when printing is performed by the inkjet recording apparatus I (the location where the printhead 1 is set on the production line).

[0208] The cleaning mount 200 is configured to mount the printhead 1 when cleaning it with solvent. The cleaning mount 200 and the printhead 1 are communicatively connected. Furthermore, the printhead 1 and the controller 100 are communicatively connected. When the printhead 1 is mounted on the cleaning mount 200, solvent is ejected from a solvent nozzle (not shown) provided on the cleaning mount 200. The solvent ejected from the solvent nozzle of the cleaning mount 200 contacts the deflection electrode 15, etc., of the printhead 1. Thus, the printhead 1 can be cleaned using the cleaning mount 200. The solvent received by the cleaning mount 200 is delivered to the controller 100.

[0209] Cleaning control unit 101a performs the following functions: Figure 7 The basic cleaning action using high-pressure air shown is as follows: Figure 8 The diagram shows multiple cleaning operations that do not use high-pressure air. Specifically, the cleaning control unit 101a can perform both a basic cleaning operation using high-pressure air and a cleaning operation without high-pressure air, which are multiple different online cleaning operations that clean the printhead 1 by supplying solvent to the printhead 1 via the connecting cable 1000 while the printhead 1 is set in the production line. Furthermore, the cleaning control unit 101a performs at least one online cleaning operation, either the basic cleaning operation using high-pressure air or the cleaning operation without high-pressure air, based on the type of error detected by the error detection unit 101b.

[0210] For example, when the error detection unit 101b detects at least one of an error in the deflection electrode 15, a contamination error in the printhead 1, and an error in the charged electrode 13, the cleaning control unit 101a atomizes the solvent supplied to the printhead 1 using high-pressure air ejected from the air jet unit 109b, thereby cleaning the printhead 1. On the other hand, when the error detection unit 101b detects a clogging error in the print nozzle 1, the cleaning control unit 101a cleans the printhead 1 using solvent ejected from the cleaning nozzle 17.

[0211] Specifically, the cleaning control unit 101a selects, based on the type of error detected by the error detection unit 101b, such as... Figure 7 The action shown involves using high-pressure air ejected from the air jet section 109b to atomize the solvent supplied to the print head 1 to clean the print head 1. Figure 8 As shown, one of the actions of cleaning the printhead 1 using solvent sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 17 is performed, and the selected cleaning action is executed.

[0212] During the online cleaning operation, when the solvent is atomized, the cleaning control unit 101a supplies solvent in an axial shape into the printhead 1. High-pressure air contacts this axial solvent, causing it to atomize. This allows the solvent to fully adhere to surrounding components, improving the cleaning effect. Furthermore, during the online cleaning operation, the solvent ejected from the cleaning nozzle 17 can also contact the printhead 1, ensuring an adequate amount of solvent is supplied to the printhead 1. Additionally, the cleaning control unit 101a can clean the printhead 1 by circulating the solvent within the ink path of the printhead 1 without using high-pressure air, based on the type of error detected by the error detection unit 101b.

[0213] The controller 100 includes a cleaning management unit 101d (see reference) that manages the amount of solvent supplied during the online cleaning operation of the cleaning control unit 101a. Figure 2 The cleaning management unit 101d manages the amount of solvent used during head cleaning, supplying an amount of solvent corresponding to the amount of high-pressure air ejected from the air jet unit 109b. That is, the cleaning management unit 101d manages the amount of solvent used during head cleaning, supplying an amount of solvent corresponding to the amount of air ejected from the air jet unit 109b, and suppresses solvent leakage from the nozzle 10a. For example, the cleaning management unit 101d performs processes to fill the solvent supply pipe 54 upstream of the 12th valve V12 with solvent and to discharge the solvent from the solvent supply pipe 54 downstream of the 12th valve V12. Therefore, during head cleaning, a certain amount of solvent can be used as much as possible, thus managing the amount of solvent used during head cleaning. Therefore, during head cleaning, solvent leakage from the nozzle 10a can be suppressed.

[0214] Error detection unit 101b performs error detection processing after the online cleaning operation of cleaning control unit 101a. Then, upon entering... Figure 8 In step SB10, if the error detection unit 101b detects an error related to ink contamination after the online cleaning operation of the cleaning control unit 101a, the controller 100 prompts the user to perform cleaning using the cleaning mount unit 200. The cleaning control unit 101a prompts the user to perform cleaning using the cleaning mount unit 200 by displaying a message or image on the display unit (notification unit) 103a. The message or image displayed on the display unit 103a indicates that it is best to perform cleaning using the cleaning mount unit 200. In addition, a speaker (notification unit) or the like can be provided to prompt the user to perform cleaning using the cleaning mount unit 200 using sound.

[0215] By setting Figure 8In the determination step of step SB9 shown, the controller 100 can detect an error related to ink contamination by the error detection unit 101b after the online cleaning operation performed by the cleaning control unit 101a, causing the cleaning control unit 101a to perform the online cleaning operation again. If the error detection unit 101b detects an error related to ink contamination after multiple online cleaning operations, the cleaning control unit 101a prompts the user to replace the printhead 1. In this case, similar to the case where the user is prompted to perform cleaning using the cleaning mount unit 200, the cleaning control unit 101a displays a message or image on the display unit 103a, or emits a sound from the speaker, thereby prompting the user to replace the printhead 1.

[0216] When the error detection unit 101b detects an error related to ink contamination, the controller 100 controls the printhead 1 to not perform printing. That is, when an error related to ink contamination occurs, it is presumed that normal printing cannot be performed, and therefore printing is not performed in such a case, thereby prompting the user to perform cleaning or other maintenance.

[0217] (Restore probability assessment function)

[0218] During the operation or startup of the inkjet recording device I, printing errors sometimes occur because ink particles cannot be properly ejected from the printhead 1. At this time, as mentioned above, the causes of printing errors include, for example, malfunctions of pumps P1 to P4 in the controller 100 and blockages in the ink flow path, as well as blockages in the print nozzles 1 in the printhead 1, malfunctions of the charged electrode 13 and the deflection electrode 15, etc. It is difficult for the user to find out the real cause at a glance.

[0219] In particular, as in this embodiment, when the printhead module 1B is modularized, including the charged electrode 13 and deflection electrode 15, it is difficult to determine whether replacing the printhead module 1B with a new one will resolve the printing error, or whether, for example, in the case of a malfunction in pumps P1 to P4 in the controller 100, replacing the printhead module 1B with a new one will not resolve the error. In other words, it is difficult for the user to determine the appropriate replacement time for the printhead 1. Furthermore, if the cause of the printing error is unknown, it is also considered to send the printhead 1 and the controller 100, which are integrated together via the connecting cable 1000 and cannot be separated, to a repair shop, as described above. However, this would take a long time until the error is resolved, resulting in, for example, longer production line downtime.

[0220] In contrast, the inkjet recording device I of this embodiment has a recovery probability determination function. In the event of a printing error, it determines the recovery probability based on replacing the head module 1B, so that the user can quickly understand the necessity of replacing the head module 1B for error recovery.

[0221] The controller 100 includes the aforementioned error detection unit 101b as an operation state detection unit for detecting the operation state of the inkjet recording device I. The error detection unit 101b detects various errors generated in the inkjet recording device I and determines the operation state of the inkjet recording device I. As described above, errors that can be detected by the error detection unit 101b include errors caused by the printhead 1, errors that may be caused by the printhead 1 or other errors, and errors whose causes are limited to those other than the printhead 1.

[0222] The controller 100 includes a determination unit 101e that determines the possibility of error recovery. When an error is detected by the error detection unit 101b, the determination unit 101e obtains the type of error detected by the error detection unit 101b as the operating state of the inkjet recording device I. The determination unit 101e is a component that, when an error occurs in the inkjet recording device I, determines the possibility of error recovery based on replacing the head module 1B with the head body 1A, based on the operating state of the inkjet recording device I detected by the error detection unit 101b. Specifically, the determination unit 101e determines the possibility of error recovery by replacing the head module 1B with the head body 1A based on the type of error detected by the error detection unit 101b. For example, the determination unit 101e determines whether the cause of the error detected by the error detection unit 101b lies in the controller 100 and whether it lies in the head module 1B. At this time, after determining whether the cause of the error lies in the controller 100, it determines whether it lies in the head module 1B.

[0223] The following is based on Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the handling of errors. This process begins when the error detection unit 101b detects any error. In step SC1, the determination unit 101e determines whether it wants to set the production line downtime caused by the error to within 15 minutes. Since the user inputs whether they want to set the production line downtime caused by the error to within 15 minutes through initial settings, the determination unit 101e performs the determination in step SC1 based on the user's initial settings. "15 minutes" is an example; it can be any predetermined time that the user wishes to restore. The same applies below.

[0224] If the desired production line downtime is within 15 minutes, proceed to step SC2. In step SC2, the determination unit 101e determines whether the cleaning unit 200 is connected to the controller 100. The user inputs whether the cleaning unit 200 is connected to the controller 100 through initial settings; therefore, the determination unit 101e performs the determination in step SC2 based on the user's initial settings.

[0225] If the cleaning mount 200 is connected to the controller 100, proceed to step SC3. In step SC3, the user mounts the printhead 1 onto the cleaning mount 200. In process A of step SA5 described later, mounting the printhead 1 onto the cleaning mount 200 is not mandatory, but it is done in step SC3. If the cleaning mount 200 is not connected to the controller 100, skip step SC3.

[0226] In step SC4, the determination unit 101e determines whether the cause of the error detected by the error detection unit 101b lies with the controller 100. If the cause of the error lies with the controller 100, the process proceeds to step SC5 and executes process A described later. On the other hand, if the cause of the error does not lie with the controller 100, step SC5 is skipped.

[0227] The details of processing A are based on Figure 10 The flowchart shown is used for explanation. Process A involves checking whether everything except printhead 1 is functioning correctly. If a problem is found, a process is implemented until the issue is resolved. Potentially faulty components include the solenoid valves and pumps 1 through 4 (P1 through P4), so these are the areas to be checked. Additionally, a malfunction in the pressure reducing valve or a clogged filter may also occur, but these faults can also be detected by checking the pump's stability.

[0228] In step SD1, the determination unit 101e performs the fixation release process for each solenoid valve. In the fixation release process for each solenoid valve, the determination unit 101e performs the process of opening and closing each solenoid valve multiple times at a certain interval.

[0229] In step SD2, the determination unit 101e performs a fixation check on the first to fourth pumps P1 to P4. Thus, if the determination unit 101e determines that the cause of the error detected by the error detection unit 101b lies with the controller 100, it determines whether the first to fourth pumps P1 to P4 of the controller 100 are fixed. When determining whether a pump is fixed, the determination unit 101e determines whether at least one of the first to fourth pumps P1 to P4 of the controller 100—namely, the solvent delivery pump, the ink delivery pump, the ink circulation pump, and the tank pump that delivers ink recovered from the tank 16—is fixed. In the pump fixation check of this embodiment, the determination unit 101e performs the following processes on the first to fourth pumps P1 to P4 within the controller 100 to determine whether they are fixed.

[0230] During the adhesion check of pump P1, a working signal is output to pump P1, and valves V5 and V11 are opened to allow ink to flow into viscometer 46 (refer to...). Figure 12 ).exist Figure 12In the diagram, the path used for the adhesion check of pump P1 is indicated by a thick line. At this point, the presence or absence of adhesion is determined by whether the level gauge of viscometer 46 reacts, i.e., whether ink has actually been added. If the level gauge of viscometer 46 reacts, pump P1 is considered normal; if the level gauge of viscometer 46 does not react, pump P1 is considered abnormal.

[0231] During the fixation check of the second pump P2, valves 23 V23, 16 V16, and 27 V27 are opened to operate the air pump 108a, thereby squeezing out the solvent in the solvent supply pipe 54 (see reference). Figure 13 ).exist Figure 13 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation check of the second pump P2 is indicated by a thick line. At this time, an empty detection sensor 80 is installed upstream of the second pump P2, and this sensor performs an empty detection. Then, valves 28 (V28) and 16 (V16) are opened, outputting a working signal to the second pump P2. If, even after a certain period, the empty detection sensor 80 still shows an empty detection, it is determined that the second pump P2 is fixated and cannot deliver solvent.

[0232] During the fixation check of pump P3 (3rd pump), a working signal is output to pump P3 (3rd pump), and valve V26 (26th valve) is set to the open state (refer to...). Figure 14 ).exist Figure 14 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation check of pump P3 (3rd pump) is indicated by a thick line. The check verifies whether the pressure value within the ink supply pipe 44 is above a certain threshold within a specified time. If the pressure value within the ink supply pipe 44 is above a certain threshold within a specified time, pump P3 is considered to be operating normally; otherwise, pump P3 is considered to be stuck.

[0233] During the adhesion check of the fourth pump P4, a slot sensor 16b is used, which is located in the slot 16. The slot sensor 16b is typically used to check whether the ink stream ejected from the print nozzle 12 has entered the slot 16, but it can also confirm the presence of airflow; therefore, the slot sensor 16b is used for the adhesion check of the fourth pump P4. Specifically, the third valve V3 and the tenth valve V10 are set to the open state, outputting a working signal to the fourth pump P4, generating airflow within the slot 16 (see...). Figure 15 ).exist Figure 15 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation check of pump P4 is indicated by a thick line. The detection value (resistance value) of the tank sensor 16b is checked to see if air flows within the tank 16. If air flows within the tank 16, pump P4 is considered to be operating normally; if no air flows within the tank 16, pump P4 is considered to be fixed.

[0234] exist Figure 10After performing the fixation check on each pump P1~P4 in step SD2, if an abnormality is found, the process proceeds to step SD3. In step SD3, the determination unit 101e performs pump recovery processing (fixation release processing).

[0235] In the process of releasing the fixation of the second pump P2, valves 23 (V23), 16 (V16), and 27 (V27) are opened, and air pump 108a is driven for a certain period of time to apply pressure, thereby releasing the fixation (see reference). Figure 16 ).exist Figure 16 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation release process of the second pump P2 is indicated by a thick line.

[0236] The fixation removal process for pump 1 P1 assumes that pump 2 P2 is not fixated. Therefore, if pump 2 P2 is fixated, the fixation of pump 2 P2 is removed first. In the fixation removal process for pump 1 P1, valves 28 V28, 16 V16, 13 V13, and 3 V3 are opened. Solvent drawn from the solvent cartridge is poured into each pump to dissolve the fixated component (ink). Pump 2 P2 is then driven for a certain period to apply pressure, thereby removing the fixation (see reference). Figure 17 ).exist Figure 17 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation release process of pump P1 is indicated by a thick line.

[0237] The process of releasing the fixation of pump P3 assumes that pumps P1 and P2 are not fixed. Therefore, if pumps P1 and P2 are fixed, the fixation of pumps P1 and P2 is released first. In the process of releasing the fixation of pump P3, valves V5, V24, and V2 are opened, causing pumps P1 and P2 to be driven for a certain period of time to apply pressure, thereby releasing the fixation (see reference). Figure 18 ).exist Figure 18 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation release process of pump P3 is indicated by a thick line.

[0238] The release of the fixation of pump P4 depends on the premise that pumps P1 and P2 are not fixed. Therefore, if pumps P1 and P2 are fixed, the fixation of pumps P1 and P2 is released first. In the process of releasing the fixation of pump P4, valves V5 and V4 are opened, and air pump 108a is driven for a certain period of time to apply pressure, thereby releasing the fixation (see reference). Figure 19 ).exist Figure 19 In the diagram, the path used for the fixation release process of pump P4 is indicated by a thick line.

[0239] exist Figure 10After step SD3, the process proceeds to step D4, where, similarly to step SD2, the determination unit 101e performs a fixation check on pumps 1 to 4, P1 to P4. If pumps 1 to 4, P1 to P4, are determined to be fixed in step SD4, step SD5 prompts a replacement of the controller 100's standby unit. When prompting a replacement of the standby unit, the determination unit 101e causes the display unit 103a to display a message or diagram. The message or diagram displayed on the display unit 103a indicates that it is best to replace the standby unit. Alternatively, a speaker or similar device can be installed to use sound to prompt the user to replace the standby unit.

[0240] In step SD6, after replacing the host machine with the backup machine body, the startup processing execution unit 101f performs startup processing. In step SD7, it is confirmed that the startup processing of the startup processing execution unit 101f has been completed.

[0241] After processing A and after determining in steps SD2 and SD4 that pumps P1 to P4 (numbers 1 to 4) are functioning normally, proceed to... Figure 9 The step SC6 is shown. Entering step SC6 indicates a state where the error has no cause on the controller 100 side. In step SC6, the determination unit 101e determines whether the cause of the error detected by the error detection unit 101b is in the print head 1, i.e., in the print head module 1B. If the cause of the error is in the print head module 1B, the process proceeds to step SC7, where it is determined whether the cleaning mount unit 200 is connected to the controller 100. If the cleaning mount unit 200 is connected to the controller 100, the process proceeds to step SC8, where the cleaning control unit 101a performs process B.

[0242] Process B performs a nozzle dissolution and cleaning process to remove blockages from the printing nozzle 12 and a process of spraying solvent into the printing nozzle 12 and the deflection electrode 15 through the cleaning nozzle 17.

[0243] An example of nozzle dissolution and cleaning treatment is illustrated. Figure 11A This is a cross-sectional view of the print nozzle. On the lower end face of the main body of the print nozzle 12, an ejection outlet 12a is formed, opening downwards, for ejecting ink vibrated by the pressure unit 11. Inside the main body of the print nozzle 12, between the pressure unit 11 and the ejection outlet 12a, an accumulation section 12b is formed. This accumulation section 12b is a space capable of temporarily accumulating ink vibrated by the pressure unit 11. The ejection outlet 12a communicates with the lower part of this accumulation section 12b.

[0244] Furthermore, an in-nozzle supply path 12c and an in-nozzle suction passage 12d are formed inside the main body of the print nozzle 12. The in-nozzle supply path 12c extends vertically inside the main body of the print nozzle 12, and its lower end is connected to the accumulation section 12b. Ink supplied from the controller 100 flows into the upper end of the in-nozzle supply path 12c. The in-nozzle suction passage 12d is a path that draws ink accumulated in the accumulation section 12b.

[0245] During the nozzle dissolution and cleaning process, the cleaning control unit 101a controls the controller 100 to supply ink to the accumulation section 12b of the printing nozzle 12, causing ink to leak from the ejection outlet 12a of the printing nozzle 12, such as... Figure 11B As shown, the ink supply is stopped before the ink leaks from the nozzle 12a and separates from the print nozzle 12 due to surface tension, forming droplets. This maintains the droplet-shaped ink adhering to the area around the nozzle 12a, thus dissolving solidified dirt components within the ink.

[0246] Before the solvent contained in the droplet-shaped ink completely evaporates, the cleaning control unit 101a controls the controller 100 to draw the ink, which has formed droplets, through the suction passage 12d inside the nozzle. Thus, as... Figure 11C As shown, when the droplet-shaped ink is used up, dirt components can be removed from the print nozzle 12. Thus, if the determination unit 101a determines that the error is due to the head module 1B, the cleaning control unit 101a will clean the print nozzle 12.

[0247] After processing B, proceed to step SC9, where the processing execution unit 101f performs the startup process. After the cleaning control unit 101a cleans the print nozzle 12, the startup processing execution unit 101f performs the startup process to recover the ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 into the tank 16 and circulate the ink.

[0248] If the startup process of the startup execution unit 101f is successful, proceed to step SC10 to confirm that the startup process is complete. If the startup process execution unit 101f fails to start in step SC9, proceed to step SC11. In step SC11, if the startup process of the startup execution unit 101f fails, the determination unit 101e determines that there is a possibility that the error can be recovered by replacing the head module 1B with the head body 1A.

[0249] If the determination unit 101e determines that the error can be recovered by replacing the head module 1B, it prompts the user to replace the head module 1B. When prompting the user to replace the head module 1B, the determination unit 101e displays a message or figure on the display unit 103a. The message or figure displayed on the display unit 103a indicates that it is best to replace the head module 1B. In addition, a speaker or the like can be set up to prompt the user to replace the head module 1B using sound.

[0250] When the user replaces head module 1B with a normally functioning head module 1B, the process proceeds to step SC12, and the startup execution unit 101f performs startup processing. Since the error is only in head module 1B, if head module 1B was replaced in step SC11, the startup processing in step SC12 will be successful. The process then proceeds to step SC13 to confirm that the startup processing has been completed.

[0251] The cleaning control unit 101a can also increase the amount of liquid used for cleaning the print nozzle 12 compared to the case where the startup process of the startup process execution unit 101f fails, in the event of a startup failure. That is, before replacing the head module 1B if the startup process of the startup process execution unit 101f fails, the cleaning control unit 101a increases the amount of liquid used to clean the print nozzle 12 to perform the cleaning operation. Therefore, if the blockage of the print nozzle 12 is eliminated, recovery can be achieved without replacing the head module 1B.

[0252] Furthermore, the cleaning control unit 101a can also extend the cleaning time of the print nozzle 12 compared to the case where the startup process of the startup process execution unit 101f fails. That is, before replacing the head module 1B if the startup process of the startup process execution unit 101f fails, the cleaning control unit 101a extends the cleaning time of the print nozzle 12. Therefore, if the clogging of the print nozzle 12 is eliminated, recovery can be achieved without replacing the head module 1B.

[0253] Furthermore, the startup processing execution unit 101f can re-execute the startup process even if the startup process fails. By attempting to execute the startup process again to recover the ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 into the tank 16 and circulate the ink, it is possible to eliminate the blockage of the print nozzle 12.

[0254] In step SC1, if the production line downtime caused by the error is not limited to within 15 minutes, the process proceeds to step SC14. In step SC14, the determination unit 101e determines whether the cleaning unit 200 is connected to the controller 100. If the cleaning unit 200 is not connected to the controller 100, the process proceeds to step SC18, and the aforementioned process A is executed. After step SC18, the process proceeds to step SC9.

[0255] With the cleaning mount 200 connected to the controller 100, proceed to step SC15. In step SC15, the printhead 1 is mounted on the cleaning mount 200. In step SC16, the cleaning control unit 101a executes process C. Figure 20 This is a flowchart showing the detailed process of handling C.

[0256] In step S1, printhead 1 is set (installed) on the cleaning mount 200. In the next step S2, the user presses the operation unit 103b, which serves as the start button. In step S3, the cleaning control unit 101a determines whether printhead 1 is detected. If the determination is "no", the process proceeds to step S4.

[0257] If the determination in step S3 is "yes", the process proceeds to step S5. At this time, the cleaning control unit 101a reads device information from the storage unit 102. The device information read in step S5 includes, in addition to error information (the latest error information) and the device's shutdown period, information related to previously performed maintenance actions and information indicating their execution results. Specifically, the cleaning control unit 101a uses the error information from the last shutdown as the latest error information.

[0258] In step S6, the cleaning control unit 101a analyzes the error information read from the storage unit 102. Similarly, in step S7 following step S6, the control unit 101 analyzes, for example, the stop period (device stop period) measured by a timer or the like.

[0259] In step S8, the cleaning control unit 101a determines the selection conditions that combine error information and stop period, and compares these selection conditions with a table used to determine the content of maintenance actions. By comparing the selection conditions, the cleaning control unit 101a selects and executes the maintenance actions to be performed on the print head 1 from maintenance processes A to G.

[0260] Each maintenance process A to G consists of at least one of automatic cleaning, error clearing, and startup processing, and the cleaning control unit 101a executes each process sequentially. In step S9, as a maintenance action, the cleaning control unit 101a determines whether any of the selected maintenance processes A to G has been completed normally. This determination is made based on whether the automatic cleaning, error clearing, and startup processing have been completed normally, respectively.

[0261] In step S10, for example, the user removes the printhead 1 from the cleaning mount 200. Alternatively, if the determination in step S9 is "No", proceed to step S11. In this case, it is determined that the maintenance action used to resolve the error itself has generated an error, the number of errors generated in the maintenance action up to this point is increased by 1, and proceed to step S12.

[0262] In step S12, the cleaning control unit 101a determines whether the number of times the maintenance operation error has occurred exceeds a predetermined number. If the determination is "no", it returns to step S5. In this case, the cleaning control unit 101a restarts from the selection of the maintenance operation. On the other hand, if the determination is "yes", it proceeds to step S13, and the control process is completed as an exception termination.

[0263] After processing C, proceed to... Figure 9 Step SC17. In step SC17, it is confirmed that the startup process has been completed.

[0264] (Maintenance procedures for the head module when it is not installed)

[0265] As in Figure 10 As described in step SD5, users prepare a backup unit in advance. In case of an error, the system can often be quickly restored by replacing it with the backup unit. To prevent ink adhesion, the backup unit undergoes regular maintenance such as ink circulation and solvent cleaning about once a week.

[0266] In this embodiment, since the head module 1B, including the charged electrode 13 and the deflection electrode 15, can be attached to and detached from the head body 1A, according to the error, such as Figure 9 As shown in step SC11, sometimes only the head module 1B needs to be replaced. In this case, removing the head module 1B from the head body 1A requires operations such as draining, which takes time. As a result, the production line downtime may become prolonged. Therefore, it is considered to remove the head module 1B from the head body 1A in advance, but the aforementioned periodic maintenance cannot be performed while the head module 1B is removed from the head body 1A, and ink adhesion may occur.

[0267] Therefore, in this embodiment, maintenance can be performed even when the head module 1B is not installed on the head body 1A, thereby suppressing ink adhesion. That is, the controller 100 includes a maintenance execution unit 101g, which performs maintenance when the head module 1B is not installed on the head body 1A based on the detection result of the installation detection unit 101c.

[0268] Figure 21 This diagram illustrates the first application method using a pre-built machine. Symbol 1 represents the printhead in operation (the machine body in operation), symbol 1A represents the main body of the printhead in operation, and symbol 1B represents the printhead module in operation. Conversely, symbol 1' represents the printhead in preparation (the pre-built machine body), symbol 1A' represents the pre-built main body of the printhead, and symbol 1B' represents the pre-built printhead module.

[0269] When printhead 1 is used, the head module 1B' is removed from the head body 1A' of the prepared printhead 1'. To prevent ink adhesion, the maintenance execution unit 101g performs maintenance. Details of the maintenance performed by the maintenance execution unit 101g will be described later.

[0270] When an error occurs in the head module 1B of printhead 1, execute Figure 7 The basic cleaning actions shown in the flowchart Figure 8The cleaning actions shown are considered short-term recovery procedures. If the problem persists even after these cleaning actions, the head module 1B is replaced. Specifically, after performing procedures (such as draining liquid) to remove the head module 1B from the head body 1A, it is removed. After removing the head module 1B from the head body 1A, a prepared head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A. The prepared head module 1B' operates normally, thus becoming printable immediately after the start-up process. This prevents prolonged downtime on the production line.

[0271] The malfunctioning head module 1B is installed onto the prepared head body 1A'. The cleaning operation for the malfunctioning head module 1B is performed using the prepared head body 1A'. For example, the cleaning control unit 101a performs the operation on the prepared head body 1A' side. Figure 7 The basic cleaning actions shown in the flowchart Figure 8 The cleaning actions shown are examples of this. These cleaning actions can be performed slowly or repeatedly. Therefore, if an error occurs in header module 1B, it can sometimes be recovered, and if recovered, header module 1B can be reused.

[0272] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the second application method using the pre-built machine. The symbols and... Figure 21 Same. In the second application mode, when using printhead 1, the head module 1B' is removed from the head body 1A' of the prepared printhead 1'. To prevent ink adhesion, the maintenance execution unit 101g performs maintenance.

[0273] When an error occurs in the head module 1B of printhead 1, execute Figure 7 The basic cleaning actions shown in the flowchart Figure 8 The cleaning actions shown are considered short-term recovery procedures. If the error is not resolved by these cleaning actions, the printhead 1 is replaced. Specifically, the prepared printhead module 1B' is installed on the prepared printhead body 1A'.

[0274] Then, the faulty printhead 1 is replaced with the prepared printhead 1'. In this application example, since the head module 1B is not removed from the faulty printhead 1, no drainage or other processing is required.

[0275] The prepared printhead 1 operates normally, thus becoming printable immediately after the start-up process. This prevents prolonged downtime on the production line.

[0276] In the printhead 1 where an error has occurred, the cleaning control unit 101a performs, for example... Figure 7 The basic cleaning actions shown in the flowchart Figure 8The cleaning actions shown are examples of this. These cleaning actions can be performed slowly or repeatedly. Therefore, a malfunctioning printhead 1 may sometimes recover, and in such cases, the printhead 1 can be reused.

[0277] The maintenance execution unit 101g receives the detection signal from the installation detection unit 101c. The maintenance execution unit 101g performs different maintenance depending on whether the installation detection unit 101c detects that the head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A' or not.

[0278] Specifically, the maintenance execution unit 101g performs maintenance to make ink flow through the head module 1B' when the installation detection unit 101c detects that the head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A', and performs maintenance to prevent ink from flowing through the head module 1B' when the installation detection unit 101c does not detect that the head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A'.

[0279] The storage unit 102 stores a maintenance table that specifies the maintenance required when the head module 1B' is not installed in the head body 1A'. When the installation detection unit 101c does not detect that the head module 1B' is installed in the head body 1A', the maintenance execution unit 101g performs maintenance based on the maintenance table stored in the storage unit 102.

[0280] Specifically, when the head module 1B' is not installed on the head body 1A', the maintenance execution unit 101g performs a cycle process for ink circulation as maintenance. Figure 23 The diagram shows the head module 1B' with its assembly removed. With the head module 1B' disassembled, valves 26 V26 and 2 V2 are opened (valve 24 V24 and valve 14 V14 are closed), driving pump 3. As a result, printing ink 106 flows through valve 26 V26, pump 3 P3, and valve 2 V2, enabling ink circulation. By performing this ink circulation, ink adhesion is suppressed, allowing the ink to be maintained in a readily usable state.

[0281] Here, during maintenance with the printhead module 1B' installed, the startup processing execution unit 101f performs the normal startup process, which involves supplying ink from the ink reservoir 106 to the printhead module 1B', applying pressure to eject the ink from the print nozzle 12, recovering the ink via the slot 16 and the 7th ink tube 44g, and returning it to the ink reservoir 106, thereby setting the path to a printable state. If this process is successful, it is considered to be without abnormalities; if it fails, it is considered that there is an abnormality in the path, and further processing is performed. Figure 10 The steps SD1 to SD4 show the fixation check and removal process.

[0282] On the other hand, during maintenance without the head module 1B' installed, the startup processing execution unit 101f cannot perform startup processing. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether there is an error in the path by checking if the startup was successful, so the maintenance execution unit 101g proceeds according to... Figure 24 The flowchart shown is used to perform maintenance. This flowchart begins when the installation detection unit 101c detects that the head module 1B' is not installed on the head body 1A' and starts performing maintenance.

[0283] In step SE1 after the start, the maintenance actuator 101g performs the locking release process for each solenoid valve. Thus, as maintenance, the maintenance actuator 101g performs the locking release process for the solenoid valves included in the controller 100. The locking release process for each solenoid valve is related to... Figure 10 The process is the same as step SD1 shown. Then, proceeding to step SE2, the maintenance execution unit 101g performs a fixation check on pumps 1 to 4, P1 to P4. Thus, as maintenance, the maintenance execution unit 101g determines whether pumps 1 to 4, P1 to P4, of the controller 100 are fixed. The fixation check on pumps 1 to 4, P1 to P4, is the same as... Figure 10 The process shown in step SD2 is the same.

[0284] Next, proceed to step SE3, where maintenance unit 101g performs pump recovery processing (adhesion release processing). Pump recovery processing is related to... Figure 10 The process is the same as step SD3 shown. After the pump recovery process, the maintenance actuator 101g performs the ink circulation process. At this time, as Figure 23 As shown, the ink is made to loop in a path that does not contain the head module 1B'.

[0285] When the installation detection unit 101c detects that the head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A', the maintenance execution unit 101g also performs maintenance. Specifically, when the installation detection unit 101c detects that the head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A', as maintenance, the maintenance execution unit 101g performs startup processing and ink circulation processing. In the startup processing, the ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 is recycled into the tank 16 for ink circulation.

[0286] Furthermore, when the installation detection unit 101c detects that the head module 1B' is installed on the head body 1A', the maintenance execution unit 101g performs the following actions: Figure 7 The basic cleaning actions shown in the flowchart and Figure 8 The cleaning action shown is a cleaning action. As a result, the printing nozzle 12, charged electrode 13, deflection electrode 15, etc. included in the head module 1B' can be cleaned.

[0287] like Figure 25As shown, in the print head body 1A', a component 1C can be installed in the print head body 1A' with a path state different from that of the print head module 1B' (including 1B) during printing, replacing the print head module 1B'. This component 1C has a passage 500 that guides ink ejected from the print nozzle 12 to the seventh ink tube 44g even when the print head module 1B' is removed. This component 1C can be attached and detached relative to the print head module 1B', and maintenance is performed by the maintenance execution unit 101g when the component is installed in the print head module 1B'.

[0288] Specifically, when component 1C, which is in a different path state than when printing via head module 1B', is installed on head body 1A' instead of head module 1B', maintenance execution unit 101g performs the same maintenance as when head module 1B' is not installed on head body 1A'. This is because component 1C does not include print nozzle 12, charged electrode 13, deflection electrode 15, etc. Furthermore, even when head module 1B' includes charged electrode 13 and deflection electrode 15, maintenance execution unit 101g performs the same maintenance as when head module 1B' is not installed on head body 1A', even if head module 1B' is composed only of print nozzle 12.

[0289] (Processing example)

[0290] Figure 26 This is a flowchart illustrating the process for handling errors that occur even without triggering an input. Upon start, in step SF1, the start processing execution unit 101f performs the start processing. In step SF2, the controller 100 and printhead 1 are set to a printable state. In step SF3, the determination unit 101e determines whether the error detection unit 101b has detected an error, i.e., the aforementioned cause that hinders normal printing. If the error detection unit 101b detects an error, the process proceeds to step SF4, an error occurs, the system becomes busy, and printing is not performed. In step SF5, a recovery action, such as cleaning, is performed. In step SF6, it is determined whether the cause hindering normal printing persists. If the cause hindering normal printing persists, the process proceeds to step SF7, where it is determined whether the recovery action in step SF5 has been retried a predetermined number of times. In step SF8, if the recovery action has been retried a predetermined number of times, the self-recovery action is stopped, and the cleaning action of the cleaning unit 200 or the user's response is urged.

[0291] If the result in step SF3 is "No", proceed to step SF9 to determine whether a trigger output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 has been input. If no trigger output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 has been input, return to step SF2. If a trigger output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 has been input, proceed to step SF10 to execute the printing action.

[0292] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the handling of output errors after an input trigger. Upon start, in step SG1, the start processing execution unit 101f performs the start processing. In step SG2, the controller 100 and print head 1 are set to a printable state. In step SG3, it is determined whether a trigger output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 has been input. If no trigger output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 has been input, the process returns to step SG2.

[0293] When a trigger is input from the workpiece detection sensor 901, the process proceeds to step SG4, where the determination unit 101e determines whether the error detection unit 101b has detected an error, i.e., the cause of the printing failure. If the error detection unit 101b detects an error, the process proceeds to step SG5, an error occurs, the process becomes busy, and printing is not performed. In step SG6, a recovery action, such as cleaning, is performed. In step SG7, it is determined whether the cause of the printing failure persists. If the cause of the printing failure persists, the process proceeds to step SG8, ​​where it is determined whether the recovery action in step SG6 has been retried a predetermined number of times. In step SG9, if the recovery action has been retried a predetermined number of times, the self-recovery action is stopped, and the cleaning action of the cleaning unit 200 or the user's response is urged.

[0294] If the result in step SG4 is "No", the printing action is performed, and the process proceeds to step SG2. Conversely, if the result in step SG7 is "No", the process returns to step SG2.

[0295] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted as limiting. Furthermore, all modifications and alterations falling within the scope of the claimed patent protection are within the scope of this invention.

[0296] Industrial availability

[0297] As explained above, the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed herein can be used, for example, for printing various workpieces.

[0298] Symbol Explanation

[0299] 1. Print head,

[0300] 1A head body,

[0301] 1B head module,

[0302] 12 printing nozzles

[0303] 13 charged electrodes

[0304] 15 deflection electrodes

[0305] 16 slots

[0306] 100 controller

[0307] 101a Cleaning Control Department

[0308] 101b Error Detection Department

[0309] 101c Installation and Testing Department

[0310] 101d Cleaning Management Department

[0311] 101e Judgment Department

[0312] 101f Startup Processing Execution Unit

[0313] 101g Maintenance Execution Department

[0314] 103a Display Unit

[0315] 108a air pump

[0316] 108b regulator

[0317] 108c pressure sensor

[0318] 108d flow sensor

[0319] 109A No. 1 air receiving pipe

[0320] 109a Removal Section

[0321] 109b air jet section

[0322] Inkjet recording device,

[0323] Pumps P1 to P4 are the 1st to 4th pumps.

Claims

1. A continuous inkjet recording device, comprising: A printhead internally contains a print nozzle that ejects particulate ink, a charged electrode that charges the particulate ink ejected from the print nozzle, a deflection electrode that deflects the flight direction of the charged ink passing through the charged electrode, and a trough that collects the ink that has become undeflected after passing through the deflection electrode. The printhead ejects the ink deflected by the deflection electrode to the outside. The controller includes an ink supply unit that supplies ink to the printhead, and a control unit that controls the ink supply from the ink supply unit to the printhead; and A cable connecting the printhead and the controller, and supplying ink from the controller to the printhead, characterized in that... The print head has: The head body, which is connected to the cable, supplies ink to the print nozzles via the cable; and The head module, which is detachable relative to the head body, includes the printing nozzle, the charged electrode, the deflection electrode, and the slot. The controller has: The installation detection unit detects whether the head module is installed on the head body; and The maintenance execution unit performs a first maintenance if the installation detection unit does not detect that the head module is installed on the head body, and performs a second maintenance different from the first maintenance if the installation detection unit detects that the head module is installed on the head body.

2. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the installation detection unit detects that the head module is installed on the head body, the maintenance execution unit performs maintenance that allows ink to flow in the head module. On the other hand, when the installation detection unit does not detect that the head module is installed on the head body, the maintenance execution unit performs maintenance that prevents ink from flowing in the head module.

3. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inkjet recording device includes a storage unit for a maintenance table, which specifies the maintenance required when the head module is not installed on the head body. If the installation detection unit does not detect that the head module is installed on the head body, the maintenance execution unit performs maintenance based on the maintenance table.

4. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the head module is not installed on the head body, the maintenance execution unit performs a cycle process for ink circulation as the first maintenance.

5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The maintenance execution unit determines whether the pump of the controller is stuck, as the first maintenance.

6. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The maintenance execution unit performs a fixation release process on the valves of the controller as the first maintenance.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the installation detection unit detects that the head module is installed on the head body, the maintenance execution unit performs a start-up process to recover ink ejected from the print nozzle into the tank and circulate the ink, and an ink circulation process, as the second maintenance.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the installation detection unit detects that the head module is installed on the head body, the maintenance execution unit performs a cleaning operation.

9. The inkjet recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a component that is installed on the head body in place of the head module in a different path state than when printing based on the head module, the maintenance execution unit performs the same maintenance as when the head module is not installed on the head body.

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