Inkjet recording device

Abstract

To suppress ink from leaking from a waste ink container.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording device comprises a recording head, a waste ink container and a suction mechanism. The waste ink container has a plurality of receiving ports for receiving ink, suction ports which are connected to the suction mechanism, and a plurality of suction air passages through which the receiving ports to be connected therewith are communicated with the suction port to enable suction airflow to pass therethrough. The plurality of suction air passages include a plurality of first air passages that are connected to a first receiving port that is one of the plurality of receiving ports and a plurality of second air passages that are respectively connected to a plurality of second receiving ports other than the first receiving ports of the plurality of receiving ports and extend from the second receiving ports to be connected therewith to the suction ports. The plurality of first air passages respectively do not extend to the suction ports and merge with the different second air passages, so as to communicate the first receiving ports with the suction ports.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A waste ink container for storing ink to be discarded is attached to a conventional inkjet recording apparatus. A waste ink container attached to an inkjet recording apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-340092 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The waste ink container is connected to a suction mechanism. The suction mechanism sucks gas from the waste ink container. The gas sucked by the suction mechanism flows through an air passage provided inside the waste ink container. Note that the gas contains mist-like ink.

[0005] In this configuration, if the ink is not properly separated from the gas flowing through the air passage, the ink will leak from the connection port between the waste ink container and the suction mechanism, resulting in the inconvenience of the ink contaminating the inside of the machine.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an inkjet recording device that is capable of suppressing leakage of ink from a waste ink container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the inkjet recording device of the present invention includes a recording head that records an image by discharging ink onto a recording medium being transported, a waste ink container that is disposed so as to face the recording head in a predetermined direction across the transport path of the recording medium, has a storage area therein, and stores in the storage area ink that is discharged from the recording head but is not used for recording an image, and a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the waste ink container. The waste ink container has a plurality of receptacles that receive ink discharged from the recording head, a suction port that is disposed at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receptacles when viewed from a predetermined direction and is connected to the suction mechanism, and a plurality of suction air passages that are connected to any of the plurality of receptacles and communicate the receptacle to the suction port, thereby allowing a suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism to pass through. The suction air passage includes a plurality of first air passages that are connected to a first receptacle that is one of the plurality of receptacles, and a plurality of second air passages that are connected one by one to a plurality of second receptacles other than the first receptacle among the plurality of receptacles, and that extend from the second receptacle to the suction port. The plurality of first air passages do not reach the suction port, but merge into different second air passages, thereby connecting the first receiving port and the suction port. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The configuration of the present invention can suppress leakage of ink from the waste ink container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a plan view of a printing unit of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a transport belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a conveyor belt of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of a conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (a view showing a state in which all waste ink containers are attached). [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the periphery of a conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (a view showing a state in which a part of a waste ink container is removed). [Figure 8] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a storage area of ​​a waste ink container of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a schematic diagram corresponding to a cross section taken along line AA shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9 is a diagram showing the position of the narrowest part of each suction air passage shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining inconveniences that occur when the suction air duct is bent on a horizontal plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1 to 10, an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described using a printer 100 as an example. The printer 100 is installed on a flat floor and used in this state. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the flat floor on which the printer 100 is installed is defined as the up-down direction.

[0011] The printer 100 also records (i.e., prints) an image on a sheet S as a recording medium. Paper is mainly used as the sheet S. Other sheets S such as overhead projector sheets can also be used. Cloth, cardboard, and the like can also be used.

[0012] <Printer configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 100 (corresponding to an "inkjet recording device") of this embodiment includes a first transport unit 1 and a second transport unit 2. The first transport unit 1 feeds a sheet S (corresponding to a "recording medium") set in a paper feed cassette CA, and transports the sheet S toward a recording position. In a print job by the printer 100, an image is recorded (printed) on the sheet S that passes the recording position. The second transport unit 2 transports the sheet S on which recording has been performed. The second transport unit 2 discharges the sheet S on which recording has been performed onto a discharge tray ET.

[0013] The first conveying section 1 includes a plurality of conveying roller members including a registration roller pair 11. In FIG. 1, only the registration roller pair 11 among the plurality of conveying roller members is labeled with a reference symbol. Each of the plurality of conveying roller members conveys the sheet S by rotating. The registration roller pair 11 includes a pair of rollers that are in pressure contact with each other. A registration nip is formed between the pair of rollers. The sheet S fed from a paper feed cassette CA enters the registration nip. The registration roller pair 11 rotates to convey the sheet S that has entered the registration nip toward the belt conveying section 3 described later.

[0014] When the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the registration nip, the registration roller pair 11 stops rotating. On the other hand, the transport roller member upstream of the registration roller pair 11 in the transport direction DC of the sheet S is rotating. This causes the skew of the sheet S to be corrected.

[0015] The printer 100 includes a belt conveyor 3. The belt conveyor 3 receives and conveys the sheet S from the first conveyor 1. The belt conveyor 3 includes a conveyor belt 30. The conveyor belt 30 is endless and supported so as to be rotatable. The belt conveyor 3 also includes a plurality of tension rollers 301. The plurality of tension rollers 301 are supported so as to be rotatable. The conveyor belt 30 is tensioned by the plurality of tension rollers 301 and rotates. The sheet S conveyed from the first conveyor 1 reaches the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30.

[0016] One of the multiple tension rollers 301 is connected to a belt motor (not shown) and rotates by transmitting the driving force of the belt motor. When the tension roller 301 connected to the belt motor rotates, the conveyor belt 30 rotates accordingly. At this time, the other tension rollers 301 also rotate accordingly.

[0017] The belt conveying section 3 further includes a suction unit 300. The suction unit 300 is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the conveying belt 30. The suction unit 300 sucks the sheet S on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying belt 30.

[0018] Specifically, the conveyor belt 30 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown). The suction holes of the conveyor belt 30 penetrate the conveyor belt 30 in the thickness direction. The suction unit 300 sucks the sheet S through the suction holes of the conveyor belt 30. As a result, the sheet S is adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30. The conveyor belt 30 rotates while adsorbing and holding the sheet S on its outer peripheral surface. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed. That is, the conveyor belt 30 conveys the sheet S by adsorbing it to its outer peripheral surface.

[0019] The printer 100 includes a recording unit 4. The recording unit 4 is disposed so as to face the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. During conveyance of the sheet S, the sheet S on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 and the recording unit 4 face each other at a distance in the vertical direction. As a result, during conveyance of the sheet S, the sheet S passes between the nozzle surface of a recording head 40 (described later) and the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30. In other words, the space between the nozzle surface of the recording head 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 forms part of the conveyance path of the sheet S. In this configuration, the conveyance direction DC of the sheet S being conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 is horizontal.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the recording unit 4 includes four line heads 41 respectively corresponding to the colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In Fig. 2, the cyan line head 41 is marked with the symbol "C", the magenta line head 41 is marked with the symbol "M", the yellow line head 41 is marked with the symbol "Y", and the black line head 41 is marked with the symbol "K" to distinguish them from one another. The same is true for Fig. 5, which will be referred to later in the description.

[0021] The line head 41 of each color includes multiple (e.g., three) recording heads 40. For example, the multiple recording heads 40 of each color are arranged in a staggered pattern in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DC of the sheet S by the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DC of the sheet S by the conveyor belt 30 may be simply referred to as the width direction.

[0022] Each recording head 40 is disposed at an interval in the up-down direction with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30. In other words, each recording head 40 is disposed at a position facing the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 in the up-down direction. In further other words, the conveyor belt 30 adsorbs and conveys the sheet S below each recording head 40. The up-down direction is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DC of the sheet S by the conveyor belt 30 and the width direction.

[0023] Each recording head 40 has a nozzle surface that faces the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. The nozzle surface of each recording head 40 has a plurality of nozzles 4N. The plurality of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 ejects ink of a corresponding color downward. For example, the number of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 is the same. The plurality of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 are arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt 30. In FIG. 2, the nozzles 4N are indicated by dashed lines. Note that, in reality, more nozzles 4N are provided in each recording head 40. For convenience, only some of the nozzles 4N are labeled with reference numerals.

[0024] Each recording head 40 ejects ink from the nozzles 4N toward the sheet S on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 based on image data to be recorded on the sheet S in a print job. The ink ejected from each recording head 40 adheres to the sheet S. This causes an image to be recorded on the sheet S. In other words, the area between each recording head 40 and the conveyor belt 30 is a recording position, and the image is recorded on the sheet S at that recording position.

[0025] Here, the viscosity of ink remaining in the nozzles 4N that eject ink less frequently among the multiple nozzles 4N increases over time. As a result, clogging occurs and image quality deteriorates. To prevent such problems, each recording head 40 performs a flushing process. In the flushing process by each recording head 40, ink remaining in the nozzles 4N is ejected. This prevents clogging. The flushing process will be described in detail later.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 1, the printer 100 includes a drying unit 51 and a decurler 52. The drying unit 51 dries the ink adhering to the sheet S while transporting the sheet S toward the decurler 52. The decurler 52 straightens out curls in the sheet S. The decurler 52 transports the sheet S after the curl has been straightened toward the second transport section 2.

[0027] 3, the printer 100 also includes a control unit 6. The control unit 6 includes processing circuits such as a CPU and an ASIC. The control unit 6 controls print jobs. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the operations of the first conveying unit 1, the second conveying unit 2, the belt conveying unit 3, the recording unit 4, the drying unit 51, and the decurler 52. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the conveyance of the sheet S and the ink ejection of each recording head 40. The control unit 6 also controls the flushing process performed by each recording head 40.

[0028] A registration sensor 61, a sheet sensor 62, and a belt sensor 63 are connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the conveyance of the sheet S and the recording of an image on the sheet S based on the outputs of the registration sensor 61, the sheet sensor 62, and the belt sensor 63.

[0029] The registration sensor 61 has a detection position that is upstream of the registration nip in the conveying direction DC of the sheet S. The registration sensor 61 is, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor. The registration sensor 61 changes an output value depending on the presence or absence of the sheet S at the corresponding detection position.

[0030] The control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading end of the sheet S at the detection position of the registration sensor 61 and the passage of the trailing end thereof based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. In other words, the control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading end of the sheet S at the registration nip and the passage of the trailing end thereof based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. The control unit 6 measures the timing at which the registration roller pair 11 starts conveying the sheet S (the timing at which the registration roller pair 11 starts rotating) based on the elapsed time after the registration sensor 61 detects the arrival of the leading end of the sheet S at its detection position.

[0031] The sheet sensor 62 has a detection position between the recording position of the line head 41 located most upstream in the conveying direction DC of the sheet S among the multiple line heads 41 and the registration nip. The sheet sensor 62 changes an output value depending on the presence or absence of the sheet S at the corresponding detection position. A CIS (Contact Image Sensor) may be used as the sheet sensor 62. A reflective or transmissive optical sensor may also be used as the sheet sensor 62. For example, a CIS is used as the sheet sensor 62.

[0032] The control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading end and the passing of the trailing end of the sheet S at the detection position of the sheet sensor 62 based on the output value of the sheet sensor 62. The control unit 6 measures the timing of ejecting ink onto the sheet S transported by the transport belt 30 based on the output value of the sheet sensor 62. Note that the timing of ejecting ink onto the sheet S transported by the transport belt 30 may be measured based on the elapsed time from when the pair of registration rollers 11 starts transporting the sheet S.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 6 measures the paper passing time taken from when the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the detection position of the sheet sensor 62 until the trailing edge of the same sheet S passes the detection position of the sheet sensor 62. The paper passing time at the detection position of the sheet sensor 62 varies depending on the size of the sheet S in the transport direction DC. Therefore, the control unit 6 recognizes the size of the sheet S in the transport direction DC transported by the conveyor belt 30 based on the paper passing time. This allows the control unit 6 to recognize the size of the sheet S in the transport direction DC even if the sheet S transported by the conveyor belt 30 is of an irregular size.

[0034] The belt sensor 63 is a sensor for detecting a predetermined reference position (home position) of the conveyor belt 30. For example, a predetermined mark is provided at the reference position of the conveyor belt 30. This makes it possible to detect the reference position of the conveyor belt 30 based on the output value of the belt sensor 63. A CIS may be used as the belt sensor 63. Also, a transmissive or reflective optical sensor may be used as the belt sensor 63.

[0035] The control unit 6 detects the reference position of the conveyor belt 30 based on the output value of the belt sensor 63. In other words, the control unit 6 detects the position of a flushing area 31 (flushing hole 30a) described later based on the output value of the belt sensor 63.

[0036] The printer 100 also includes a storage unit 601. The storage unit 601 includes storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage unit 601 is connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 reads information from the storage unit 601. The control unit 6 also writes information to the storage unit 601.

[0037] The printer 100 includes an operation unit 602. The operation unit 602 includes, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen displays software buttons and messages, and receives touch operations from the user. The operation unit also includes hardware buttons for receiving settings and instructions. The operation unit 602 is connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the display operation of the operation unit 602 (touch screen). The control unit 6 also detects operations performed on the operation unit 602.

[0038] The printer 100 includes a communication unit 603. The communication unit 603 includes a communication circuit and the like. The communication unit 603 is connected to a user terminal PC via a network NT. The user terminal PC is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The control unit 6 communicates with the user terminal PC using the communication unit 603. For example, print data (such as PDL data) including image data to be recorded on a sheet S in a print job is transmitted from the user terminal PC to the printer 100. In other words, a request to execute a print job is transmitted from the user terminal PC to the printer 100. The print data of the print job includes various setting data related to printing, such as the size of the sheet S used in the print job.

[0039] <Flushing process overview> As shown in Fig. 4, the conveyor belt 30 has a flushing area 31. In Fig. 4, the flushing area 31 is surrounded by a dashed line. The flushing area 31 is an area including flushing holes 30a which are through holes penetrating the conveyor belt 30 in the thickness direction. The conveyor belt 30 is provided with a plurality of flushing areas 31. The plurality of flushing areas 31 are arranged at predetermined intervals from each other in the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30 (the conveying direction DC of the sheet S).

[0040] Each flushing area 31 includes a plurality of flushing holes 30a. The opening shape of the flushing holes 30a (the shape when viewed from the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 30) is not particularly limited. The shape of the flushing holes 30a may be circular, elliptical, oval, or rectangular. Each of the plurality of nozzles 4N faces at least one of the flushing holes 30a in the vertical direction by the rotation of the conveyor belt 30.

[0041] The flushing process involves ejecting ink from the nozzles 4N of each recording head 40. When the flushing process is performed, ink is ejected from each nozzle 4N at a timing that vertically faces the flushing hole 30a. The ink then passes through the flushing hole 30a. As a result, even when the flushing process is performed, ink does not adhere to the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the ink ejected from each nozzle 4N when the flushing process is performed is referred to as flushing ink, and is distinguished from ink that contributes to image recording on the sheet S. Ink that does not contribute to image recording on the sheet S is called flushing ink.

[0042] During execution of a print job, the control unit 6 controls the flushing process. Specifically, the control unit 6 measures the start timing of conveying the sheet S from the pair of registration rollers 11 to the conveyor belt 30 so that the flushing area 31 appears periodically between the sheets (the interval between the rear end of the preceding sheet S and the front end of the next sheet S). Then, the control unit 6 ejects ink from each nozzle 4N at a timing that vertically faces a flushing hole 30a that is not overlapped with the sheet S. In other words, the control unit 6 ejects ink from each nozzle 4N at a timing different from the timing of recording an image onto the sheet S.

[0043] <Storage of Flushing Ink> The flushing ink is stored in the main body (hereinafter simply referred to as the device main body) of the printer 100. Then, when the amount of stored flushing ink reaches a certain amount, the flushing ink is discarded.

[0044] 5 to 10, the printer 100 includes a waste ink container 7 and a suction mechanism 10 connected to the waste ink container 7. The suction mechanism 10 sucks gas from the waste ink container 7.

[0045] In the flushing process, the flushing ink passes through the flushing holes 30a of the conveyor belt 30, and is sucked by the suction mechanism 10, leading to the waste ink container 7. The waste ink container 7 has a storage area therein. The waste ink container 7 stores the flushing ink in the storage area. Note that the suction by the suction mechanism 10 makes it difficult for the flushing ink mist to come out of the waste ink container 7.

[0046] A plurality of waste ink containers 7 are installed. One waste ink container 7 is assigned to each line head 41. In other words, one waste ink container 7 is assigned to each of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0047] Each waste ink container 7 is attached to the inner periphery of the conveyor belt 30 of the device body. When attached to the device body, each waste ink container 7 is disposed below a recording head 40 that ejects ink of the corresponding color. Each waste ink container 7 is disposed to face the nozzle surface of the corresponding recording head 40 across the conveyor belt 30. That is, each waste ink container 7 is disposed to face the corresponding recording head 40 in the vertical direction across the conveyor path of the sheet S. As a result, when a flushing process is performed, flushing ink passes through the flushing hole 30a and is stored in the storage area of ​​each waste ink container 7. In this configuration, the vertical direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction."

[0048] Each waste ink container 7 is removably attached to the device body. Each waste ink container 7 can be removed from the device body by pulling it forward (forward in the width direction) from the front of the printer 100. When the amount of flushing ink stored in any of the waste ink containers 7 reaches a certain amount, that waste ink container 7 is removed from the device body and replaced.

[0049] The suction mechanism 10 generates a suction airflow. One suction mechanism 10 is assigned to each waste ink container 7. Each suction mechanism 10 is connected to the corresponding waste ink container 7 and sucks flushing ink from the corresponding recording head 40 toward the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The flushing ink is sucked by the function of each suction mechanism 10, thereby suppressing contamination inside the machine due to the flushing ink. In FIG. 5, the suction direction of the flushing ink is indicated by a solid black arrow. The white arrow indicates the suction direction by the suction unit 300.

[0050] Each waste ink container 7 stores ink to be discarded, such as flushing ink. Ink to be discarded is ink that is ejected from the recording head 40 but is not used to record an image. In other words, each waste ink container 7 stores ink that does not contribute to recording an image. In the following description, for convenience, ink to be discarded, including flushing ink, is collectively referred to as flushing ink.

[0051] <Waste ink container composition> 8 and 9, the configuration of one waste ink container 7 will be described. The waste ink containers 7 have the same configuration. Therefore, the configuration of the other waste ink containers 7 will not be described below as the following description is incorporated herein by reference.

[0052] When viewed from the top-bottom direction (corresponding to the "predetermined direction"), the waste ink container 7 has a generally rectangular shape that is short in one horizontal direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction and long in the other horizontal direction perpendicular to the one direction. In the following description, the one horizontal direction perpendicular to the top-bottom direction is referred to as the short side direction DS, and the other horizontal direction perpendicular to the one direction is referred to as the long side direction DL. The short side direction DS is a direction parallel to the conveying direction DC of the sheet S by the conveyor belt 30. The long side direction DL is the width direction of the conveyor belt 30 (a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30).

[0053] 8 and 9 referred to in the following description are schematic diagrams of the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and do not directly show the actual dimensions and shape, etc. The same applies to Figs. 10 and 11.

[0054] The waste ink container 7 is a container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The waste ink container 7 is made of, for example, sheet metal. The waste ink container 7 has a ceiling portion 7A and a bottom portion 7B that faces the ceiling portion 7A in the vertical direction. The waste ink container 7 also has a sidewall portion (reference number omitted) that laterally surrounds the area between the ceiling portion 7A and the bottom portion 7B. The waste ink container 7 has an internal area surrounded by the ceiling portion 7A, the bottom portion 7B, and the sidewall portion as a storage area for flushing ink.

[0055] The waste ink container 7 has an absorbing member 8. The absorbing member 8 is disposed in a storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The absorbing member 8 is a porous member that absorbs the flushing ink. Melamine sponge can be used as a constituent material of the absorbing member 8. The absorbing member 8 absorbs the flushing ink and holds the flushing ink therein.

[0056] Here, the waste ink container 7 has a suction air passage 70 in the storage area through which the suction air current generated by driving the suction mechanism 10 passes. There are multiple suction air passages 70. The suction air passages 70 are formed by spaces in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorbing member 8 does not exist (i.e., gaps present in the storage area). For example, the suction air passage 70 is a space obtained by cutting away a part of the absorbing member 8. In other words, the suction air passage 70 is a space surrounded by the absorbing member 8.

[0057] The ceiling portion 7A functions as an ink receiving portion that receives the flushing ink sucked by the suction mechanism 10. Specifically, the ceiling portion 7A has a rectangular receiving opening 710 that penetrates in the vertical direction. There are multiple receiving openings 710. The receiving openings 710 open upward. That is, the opening direction of the receiving openings 710 is the vertical direction.

[0058] One receiving port 710 is assigned to each recording head 40. If there are three recording heads 40, there are three receiving ports 710. Each receiving port 710 faces the corresponding recording head 40 in the vertical direction, with the conveyor belt 30 (i.e., the conveyor path of the sheet S) in between. Therefore, the receiving ports 710 are arranged at intervals from each other when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0059] Each receiving port 710 is an opening for recovering flushing ink ejected from the corresponding recording head 40 into a storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The flushing ink of each recording head 40 passes through the corresponding receiving port 710 and reaches the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7.

[0060] A cylindrical duct 731 is disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The axis of the duct 731 extends in the vertical direction. The duct 731 has an opening on one end side in the vertical direction as a suction port 730. That is, the waste ink container 7 has the suction port 730.

[0061] The bottom 7B has a connection port (reference number omitted) that penetrates in the vertical direction. The duct 731 extends cylindrically upward from the edge of the connection port of the bottom 7B. The suction mechanism 10 is disposed outside the waste ink container 7 and connected to the connection port of the bottom 7B. That is, the suction mechanism 10 is connected to the duct 731. The duct 731 may be a hole obtained by perforating a part of the absorbing member 8 in the vertical direction, or a pipe material disposed in the hole may be used as the duct 731.

[0062] The suction air passages 70 are assigned to the three receptacles 710, respectively. That is, the waste ink container 7 has a plurality of suction air passages 70. Each of the plurality of suction air passages 70 communicates with the receptacle 710 to which it is connected and the suction port 730. In Fig. 8, the three receptacles 710 are each indicated by a dashed line. The suction port 730 is disposed at a position spaced apart from each of the three receptacles 710 when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0063] Of the three receiving ports 710, one receiving port 710 is disposed at an interval in the short direction DS from the suction port 730 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, this one receiving port 710 is disposed in the center of the waste ink container 7 (specifically, the ceiling portion 7A) in the longitudinal direction DL. In the following description, this one receiving port 710 is referred to as a central receiving port 711. The opening shape of the central receiving port 711 when viewed from the top-bottom direction is a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction DL as the longitudinal direction. The central receiving port 711 corresponds to the "first receiving port."

[0064] Of the three sockets 710, the two sockets 710 other than the central socket 711 are disposed at an interval from each other in the longitudinal direction DL across the suction port 730 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Of the two sockets 710, one is disposed on the rear side (one side in the width direction), and the other is disposed on the front side (the other side in the width direction). In the following description, one of the two sockets 710 is referred to as the rear socket 712, and the other is referred to as the front socket 713. The opening shape of each of the rear socket 712 and the front socket 713 when viewed from the top-bottom direction is a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction DL as the longitudinal direction. The rear socket 712 and the front socket 713 each correspond to a "second socket."

[0065] In the following, in order to distinguish between the multiple suction air ducts 70, the suction air duct 70 connected to the central receiving port 711 may be denoted by the symbol 71, the suction air duct 70 connected to the rear receiving port 712 may be denoted by the symbol 72, and the suction air duct 70 connected to the front receiving port 713 may be denoted by the symbol 73.

[0066] <Shape of the suction air duct> The suction airflow contains a mist of flushing ink. If the mist of flushing ink leaks out through the suction port 730, problems such as contamination of the interior of the printer 100 may occur. To prevent such problems from occurring, it is necessary to effectively separate the gas flowing through the suction air passage 70 (i.e., the gas sucked in by the suction mechanism 10) and the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 and to have the absorbing member 8 absorb the flushing ink. In other words, it is necessary to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7.

[0067] In order to improve the efficiency of recovery of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, the inner wall of each suction air duct 70 is made of an absorbing member 8. In this configuration, the efficiency of recovery of the flushing ink is improved by the flushing ink being absorbed by the absorbing member 8. The more bends each suction air duct 70 has, the easier it is for the flushing ink contained in the gas flowing through each suction air duct 70 to be separated by centrifugal force, and the efficiency of recovery of the flushing ink is improved.

[0068] In order to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink, the suction air passages 72 and 73 are each bent multiple times from the connection destination receptacle 710 (i.e., the rear receptacle 712 and the front receptacle 713) to the suction port 730 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. The suction air passages 72 and 73 each have a portion that bends from the short side direction DS to the long side direction DL when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and a portion that bends from the long side direction DL to the short side direction DS when viewed from the top-bottom direction. In other words, the suction air passages 72 and 73 each have a bent portion that is bent in an accordion-like shape when viewed from the top-bottom direction. This makes it easier for the flushing ink to be separated from the gas in the suction air passages 72 and 73.

[0069] In order to promote separation of the flushing ink from the gas sucked through the central receiving port 711, for example, it is possible to adopt a shape as shown in FIG. 11 as the shape of the suction air passage 71 viewed from the top and bottom. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the suction air passage 71 merges with the suction air passage 72. This causes the gas sucked through the central receiving port 711 to pass through the bent portion of the suction air passage 72. As a result, the flushing ink is also easily separated from the gas sucked through the central receiving port 711.

[0070] 11, however, suction air passage 71 interferes with the bent portion of suction air passage 72. Specifically, when viewed from the top-bottom direction, the gap G in the short-side direction DS between suction air passage 71 and the bent portion of suction air passage 72 becomes too small. As a result, problems such as the partition between suction air passage 71 and the bent portion of suction air passage 72 being torn occur. In addition, if gap G is too small in the first place, problems occur in which the absorbing member 8 cannot be manufactured.

[0071] The position of each suction air passage 70 when viewed from the top-bottom direction depends on the horizontal position of the receiving port 710 to which it is connected (i.e., the horizontal position of the corresponding recording head 40). For this reason, it is difficult to take measures such as changing the position of each suction air passage 70 when viewed from the top-bottom direction in order to prevent the above-mentioned inconvenience from occurring.

[0072] To eliminate the above-mentioned inconvenience, for example, the diameter of suction air passage 71 (the width in the short-side direction DS of suction air passage 71 in the example shown in FIG. 11) may be reduced. However, when the diameter of suction air passage 71 is reduced, a new inconvenience occurs in that the suction force of central receptacle 711 to which suction air passage 71 is connected is reduced compared to other receptacles 710.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, suction air passage 71 connected to central receiving port 711 is divided into multiple passages. That is, multiple suction air passages 71 are connected to central receiving port 711. Meanwhile, there is one suction air passage 72 connected to rear receiving port 712, and there is also one suction air passage 73 connected to front receiving port 713. In this configuration, suction air passage 71 corresponds to the "first air passage." Suction air passages 72 and 73 each correspond to the "second air passage."

[0074] There are two suction air passages 71 connected to the central receiving port 711. The two suction air passages 71 are connected to different positions of the central receiving port 711 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. One suction air passage 71 is connected to the rear side of the central receiving port 711 (i.e., one side in the longitudinal direction DL) when viewed from the top-bottom direction. The other suction air passage 71 is connected to the front side of the central receiving port 711 (i.e., the other side in the longitudinal direction DL) when viewed from the top-bottom direction. That is, the two suction air passages 71 are connected to different positions of the central receiving port 711 when viewed from the top-bottom direction, and extend in different directions from each other.

[0075] Suction airflow passage 72 reaches from rear receptacle 712, which is a connection destination, to suction port 730. Suction airflow passage 73 reaches from front receptacle 713, which is a connection destination, to suction port 730. On the other hand, two suction airflow passages 71 connected to central receptacle 711 do not reach suction port 730.

[0076] However, one suction air passage 71 merges with suction air passage 72 at a predetermined first position P1. The other suction air passage 71 merges with suction air passage 73 at a predetermined second position P2. In Fig. 8, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are each surrounded by a dashed circle.

[0077] As a result, each of the two suction air passages 71 communicates with the central receptacle 711 of the connection destination and the suction port 730. One suction air passage 71 merges with the suction air passage 72, thereby communicating with the central receptacle 711 of the connection destination and the suction port 730 via the suction air passage 72. The other suction air passage 71 merges with the suction air passage 73, thereby communicating with the central receptacle 711 of the connection destination and the suction port 730 via the suction air passage 73.

[0078] In this embodiment, two suction air passages 71 are connected to the central receiving port 711, so that suction at the central receiving port 711 is performed via the two suction air passages 71. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the suction force at the central receiving port 711 even if the two suction air passages 71 are formed to have a small air passage diameter.

[0079] In this configuration, it is possible to reduce the air passage diameter of suction air passage 71 (specifically, two suction air passages 71) connected to central receiving port 711. This allows suction air passage 71 connected to central receiving port 711 to merge with each of suction air passages 72 and 73 without interfering with each of the bent portions of suction air passages 72 and 73.

[0080] As the suction air passage 71 joins the suction air passages 72 and 73, the gas (which includes the flushing ink in a mist) sucked through the central receiving port 711 is separated into two passages, suction air passages 72 and 73. The gas flowing through the suction air passage 72 passes through a bent portion of the suction air passage 72, so that the flushing ink is effectively separated. The gas flowing through the suction air passage 73 passes through a bent portion of the suction air passage 73, so that the flushing ink is effectively separated.

[0081] As a result, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 is improved, and the leakage of the flushing ink from the waste ink container 7 is suppressed. If the leakage of the flushing ink from the waste ink container 7 is suppressed, the occurrence of inconveniences such as contamination of the inside of the machine (for example, the suction mechanism 10) with the flushing ink is suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, if the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 is improved, the amount of flushing ink that reaches the suction mechanism 10 will be reduced, which will prevent the fan from breaking down. Furthermore, the reduction in the amount of flushing ink that reaches the suction mechanism 10 will reduce the frequency of replacing the filter disposed in the fan.

[0083] 11, in order to prevent the suction air passage 71 connected to the central receiving port 711 from interfering with the bent portion of the suction air passage 72, for example, the suction air passage 71 may be directly connected to the suction port 730 (i.e., the suction air passage 71 may be extended from the central receiving port 711 in the short direction DS) to prevent the suction air passage 71 from bending. However, this would result in the suction air passage 71 not being able to efficiently separate the flushing ink from the gas.

[0084] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the multiple suction air passages 70 do not interfere with each other. That is, in this embodiment, the number of bends of each of the multiple suction air passages 70 can be easily increased without causing the multiple suction air passages 70 to interfere with each other.

[0085] In order to prevent the plurality of suction air passages 70 from interfering with each other, the first cross-sectional area of ​​each of the two suction air passages 71 connected to the central receiving port 711 is smaller than the second cross-sectional area of ​​each of the other suction air passages 72 and 73. This makes it possible to easily prevent the plurality of suction air passages 70 from interfering with each other.

[0086] The first cross-sectional area of ​​suction air passage 71 and the second cross-sectional area of ​​suction air passage 72 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The first cross-sectional area of ​​suction air passage 71 is the cross-sectional area when the narrowest portion 71a of suction air passage 71 (i.e., the portion with the smallest air passage diameter) is cut by a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the suction airflow in suction air passage 71. The second cross-sectional area of ​​suction air passage 72 is the cross-sectional area when the narrowest portion 72a of suction air passage 72 (i.e., the portion with the smallest air passage diameter) is cut by a plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the suction airflow in suction air passage 72.

[0087] Suction air passages 72 and 73 are disposed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of suction port 730 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Suction air passages 72 and 73 are formed in shapes symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of suction port 730 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. That is, suction air passages 72 and 73 have the same shape. Therefore, the second cross-sectional areas of suction air passages 72 and 73 are the same to each other.

[0088] Here, in this embodiment, the sum of the first cross-sectional areas of the two suction airflow passages 71 is equal to the second cross-sectional area. This makes it possible to prevent a large difference in the suction forces of the multiple sockets 710 from occurring.

[0089] For example, if the suction power is reduced in a portion of the multiple receiving ports 710, the suction of the sheet S becomes insufficient in that portion, causing the sheet S to float up and collide with the recording head 40. Furthermore, the suction of the flushing ink becomes insufficient in the portion of the multiple receiving ports 710 where the suction power is reduced, causing the interior of the machine to be contaminated by the flushing ink. Furthermore, if the suction power of one portion of the multiple receiving ports 710 is stronger than that of the other portions, the ink may be washed away by the suction power of that portion, causing a deviation in the landing position of the ink on the sheet S, resulting in a deterioration in image quality.

[0090] On the other hand, in this embodiment, since there is no large difference in the suction forces of the multiple receiving ports 710, it is possible to suppress floating of the sheet S, contamination inside the machine, deterioration of image quality, and the like.

[0091] In this embodiment, the absorbing member 8 is disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and the multiple suction air passages 70 are formed by the spaces in the storage area where the absorbing member 8 is not present, so that it is possible to easily improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink. However, a member that has a lower ink absorption capacity than the absorbing member 8 or does not absorb ink may be disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and the multiple suction air passages 70 may be formed by the member.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 7 Waste ink container 8 Absorbing material 10 Suction mechanism 40 Recording head 70 Suction air path 71 Suction air path (1st air path) 72, 73 Suction air path (second air path) 71a, 72a part 100 Printers (inkjet recording devices) 710 Underbite 711 Central socket (first socket) 712 Rear socket (second socket) 713 Front socket (second socket) 730 Suction port S sheet (recording medium)

Claims

1. a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium being conveyed; a waste ink container disposed opposite the recording head in a predetermined direction across a transport path of the recording medium, the waste ink container having a storage area therein, and configured to store in the storage area the ink that is ejected from the recording head but is not used in recording the image; a suction mechanism for suctioning gas from the waste ink container, The waste ink container is a plurality of receiving ports for receiving the ink ejected from the recording head; a suction port that is disposed at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receiving ports when viewed from the predetermined direction and is connected to the suction mechanism; a plurality of suction air passages connected to any of the plurality of receptacles and communicating the receptacle to the suction port, thereby allowing a suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism to pass therethrough; The suction air duct includes: A plurality of first air passages connected to a first socket that is one of the plurality of sockets; a plurality of second air passages each connected to a plurality of second receiving ports other than the first receiving port among the plurality of receiving ports and extending from the second receiving port to the suction port; the first air passages do not reach the suction port, but merge into different second air passages, thereby connecting the first receiving port and the suction port.

2. A first cross-sectional area of ​​the first air passage is smaller than a second cross-sectional area of ​​the second air passage, the first cross-sectional area is a cross-sectional area when a narrowest portion of the first air passage is cut along a plane perpendicular to a flow direction of the suction airflow, The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second cross-sectional area is a cross-sectional area obtained by cutting the narrowest portion of the second air passage along a plane perpendicular to a flow direction of the suction airflow.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein a sum of the first cross-sectional areas of the plurality of first air passages is equal to the second cross-sectional area.

4. the waste ink container has an absorbing member in the storage area that absorbs the ink, The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of suction air passages are formed by spaces in the storage area where the absorbing member is not present.

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