Ink waste liquid treatment apparatus and ink jet printer using the same

Abstract

To provide an ink waste liquid treatment apparatus for detoxifying UV curable ink waste liquid.SOLUTION: An ink waste liquid treatment apparatus 100 comprises: a stirring container 130; a stirring device 140; a waste liquid flow path 150; a UV ray irradiation device 156; and a filter 161. Silicon oil SL and UV curable ink WK are stirred in the stirring container 130 by the stirring device 140. The UV curable ink WK made particulate in a stirring solution MS is irradiated with a UV ray by the UV ray irradiation device 156 at a UV ray irradiation unit 151 of the waste liquid flow path 150. Cured ink SK irradiated with the UV ray to be cured is removed through the filter 161. The cured ink SK is cured to the inside to be detoxified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste ink treatment device and an inkjet printer equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers that collect ultraviolet curable ink (UV ink) discharged during a cleaning operation in a waste liquid tank have been known. Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that includes a waste liquid tank that collects waste liquid, and a waste liquid amount measuring device that includes a determination unit that determines the storage state of waste liquid in the waste liquid tank. In this printer, the storage state of the waste liquid tank is notified to a user based on the determination result by the determination unit. This eliminates the need for the user to check the amount of waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank each time. For example, the user can recognize that the waste liquid tank is full from the notification. In other words, the user can know the timing for replacing the waste liquid tank from the notification. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-185695 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in a printer such as that shown in Patent Document 1, a full waste liquid tank is replaced with a new one. Uncured UV ink is stored in the full waste liquid tank. Since uncured UV ink contains harmful substances, it is outsourced to a specialized company for disposal, for example. Therefore, a place to store the full waste liquid tank is required until it is collected by the specialized company. In addition, costs may be incurred in outsourcing the disposal to a specialized company.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ink waste liquid treatment apparatus that treats ultraviolet curable ink waste liquid by rendering it harmless. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The ink waste liquid treatment device of the present invention includes a storage and stirring container for storing a mixed solution of an oil-based medium and an ultraviolet curable ink, a stirring device attached to the stirring container and stirring the mixed solution, a waste liquid flow path connected to the stirring container and through which the mixed solution flows and having an ultraviolet irradiation section through which ultraviolet light passes, an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light to the ultraviolet irradiation section and hardens the ultraviolet curable ink, and a filter positioned downstream of the ultraviolet irradiation section in the flow direction of the mixed solution and for removing the hardened ultraviolet curable ink.

[0007] According to this ink waste liquid treatment device, the oil-based medium and the ultraviolet curable ink are stirred by the stirring device in the stirring container. At this time, the ultraviolet curable ink is micronized in the mixed solution by the oil-based medium and becomes in a particulate state. The stirred mixed solution passes through the waste liquid flow path. At this time, the ultraviolet irradiation device irradiates the ultraviolet irradiation section with ultraviolet light. Since the ultraviolet irradiation section transmits ultraviolet light, the ultraviolet curable ink in the mixed solution passing through the ultraviolet irradiation section is cured. The cured ultraviolet curable ink is removed by the filter. Since the ultraviolet curable ink has been micronized by the oil-based medium, it is cured to the inside and is rendered harmless. Therefore, it is possible to render the ultraviolet curable ink waste liquid harmless and treat it. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink waste liquid treatment apparatus that treats ultraviolet curable ink waste liquid by rendering it harmless. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a printer according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a cleaning device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an ink waste liquid treatment apparatus. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for treating ultraviolet curable ink by rendering it harmless using an ink waste liquid treatment device. [Figure 6] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of an ultraviolet irradiating section and an ultraviolet irradiating device according to another embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of an inkjet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a "printer") according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It should be noted that the embodiment described here is not intended to limit the present invention in any particular way. Also, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts that perform the same functions, and duplicated descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate. In this specification, the term "inkjet printer" refers to printers in general that utilize printing methods using conventionally known inkjet technology, for example, continuous methods such as a binary deflection method or a continuous deflection method, or various on-demand methods such as a thermal method or a piezoelectric element method.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 10. FIG. 2 is a front view of the printer 10 with the front cover 13 open. In the following description, the terms left, right, top, and bottom refer to the left, right, top, and bottom as seen from a user (a user of the printer 10) in front of the printer 10, and the side of the printer 10 approaching the user is the front, and the side away from the user is the rear. In addition, the symbols Fr, R, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom, respectively. The symbols X, Y, and Z in the drawings represent the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction, respectively. However, these directions are merely for the convenience of explanation, and do not limit the installation form of the printer 10 in any way.

[0012] The printer 10 is a device that receives print data from an external device such as a host computer and prints an image on a print substrate 25a based on the print data. The shape and material of the print substrate 25a are not particularly limited. The material of the print substrate 25a may be, of course, paper such as plain paper or inkjet printing paper, but may also be, for example, resins such as polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyester, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer, fabrics such as woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, leather, metals such as aluminum and stainless steel, carbon, pottery, ceramic, glass, rubber, etc. In addition, in this specification, the term "image" refers to an image formed on the print substrate 25a, and the content thereof is not particularly limited. Images include letters, numbers, symbols, figures, patterns, designs, etc.

[0013] 2, the printer 10 includes a printer body 10a, a guide rail 18, a carriage 19, a carriage movement mechanism 20, an ink head 22, an ink cartridge 21, an ultraviolet lamp 23, a table 25, a table movement mechanism 26, a cleaning device 30, an ink waste liquid treatment device 100, and a control device 90 (see FIG. 1). Each component will be described below.

[0014] The printer body 10a is formed in a box shape extending in the left-right direction Y. The printer body 10a includes a casing 12 having an opening 11, and a front cover 13 that covers the opening 11 in an openable and closable manner. The front cover 13 is supported on the upper surface of the casing 12 so as to be rotatable about its rear end as an axis. When the front cover 13 is opened upward about its rear end as an axis, the internal space of the casing 12 is connected to the external space.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the guide rail 18 is provided above the table 25. The guide rail 18 is fixed to the casing 12 and extends in the left-right direction Y. A carriage 19 is slidably provided on the guide rail 18. The guide rail 18 guides the movement of the carriage 19 in the left-right direction Y. The carriage 19 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) Y by a carriage movement mechanism 20. When printing is not being performed, the carriage 19 waits at a home position HP. The home position HP is, for example, the right end position of the guide rail 18.

[0016] The carriage movement mechanism 20 is configured to move the carriage 19 relative to the table 25 in the left-right direction Y. The carriage movement mechanism 20 includes a pair of pulleys 20a arranged at the right and left ends of the guide rail 18, a belt 20b, and a carriage motor (not shown) connected to the pulleys 20a. The carriage 19 is fixed to the belt 20b. The belt 20b is wound around the pair of pulleys 20a. A carriage motor is connected to one of the pair of pulleys 20a. The carriage motor is electrically connected to a control device 90 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 90. When the carriage motor is driven, the pulleys 20a rotate and the belt 20b runs. As a result, the carriage 19 moves in the left-right direction Y along the guide rail 18. However, the mechanism described here is merely an example, and the configuration of the carriage movement mechanism 20 is not particularly limited.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 19 is equipped with an ink head 22 and two ultraviolet lamps 23. The printer 10 is an ultraviolet curing printer. The ink heads 22 are arranged in the left-right direction Y. However, the arrangement of the ink heads 22 is not particularly limited. The ink head 22 has a nozzle 22a (see FIG. 3) that opens downward. The ink head 22 is configured to eject ink from the nozzle 22a toward the printing substrate 25a during printing. The ink head 22 is electrically connected to a control device 90 (see FIG. 1). The ejection of ink from the nozzle 22a is controlled by the control device 90. The ink heads 22 are each connected to an ink cartridge 21 by a flexible ink tube (not shown).

[0018] The ink cartridge 21 is a container for storing ultraviolet curable ink. The ultraviolet curable ink containing a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator is stored in the ink cartridge 21. The ultraviolet curable ink contains a coloring material such as a pigment.

[0019] The ultraviolet lamp 23 is a light irradiation device for curing the ink on the printing material 25a. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, one ultraviolet lamp 23 is arranged on each of the left and right sides of the entire ink head 22. The light irradiated from the ultraviolet lamp 23 has an ultraviolet wavelength capable of curing the ink. The ultraviolet lamp 23 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a fluorescent lamp (low pressure mercury lamp), a high pressure mercury lamp, or the like. The ultraviolet lamp 23 is electrically connected to the control device 90 and is controlled by the control device 90. Note that, although there are two ultraviolet lamps 23 in this embodiment, the number of the ultraviolet lamps 23 is merely an example and is not particularly limited. The ultraviolet lamp 23 may be arranged only on the left or right side of the entire ink head 22. In addition, the ultraviolet lamp 23 may be mounted on a carriage separate from the ink head 22, for example, and may be provided directly or indirectly on the wall surface of the casing 12.

[0020] The table 25 is a platform on which a printing material 25a is placed during printing. As shown in Fig. 2, the table 25 is disposed below the carriage 19. The table 25 is a flat plate-like member, and has a flat surface when viewed from the front. The printer 10 is a so-called flatbed type printer. The table 25 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction X by a table movement mechanism 26.

[0021] The table moving mechanism 26 is configured to move the table 25 relative to the carriage 19 in the front-rear direction X. The table moving mechanism 26 includes two slide rails 26a and 26b, a conveying member 26c, and a conveying motor (not shown). The slide rails 26a and 26b extend parallel to each other along the front-rear direction X. The conveying member 26c is provided so as to be slidable relative to the slide rails 26a and 26b. The table 25 is supported above the conveying member 26c. The conveying motor is electrically connected to the control device 90 and is controlled by the control device 90. When the conveying motor is driven, the conveying member 26c moves along the slide rails 26a and 26b. This causes the table 25 to move in the front-rear direction X. However, the mechanism described here is merely an example, and the configuration of the table moving mechanism 26 is not particularly limited.

[0022] The cleaning device 30 is configured to remove deposits (e.g., dust, thickened ink, hardened ink, debris, etc.) that have adhered to the nozzles 22a of the ink heads 22. The cleaning device 30 is disposed directly below the carriage 19 at the home position HP. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the cleaning device 30. The cleaning device 30 includes a cap 31, a cap moving mechanism 32, a suction pump 33, and a waste liquid path 34. In this embodiment, a cleaning device 30 is provided for each ink head 22. However, some components may be common to multiple ink heads 22. For example, the cap moving mechanism 32 and / or the suction pump 33 may be common (single) for multiple (e.g., two) ink heads 22.

[0023] The cap 31 is configured to cover the periphery of the nozzle 22a of the ink head 22. In this embodiment, the cap 31 is provided for each ink head 22. At the home position HP (see FIG. 2), the cap 31 is located directly below the corresponding ink head 22. Although not particularly limited, the cap 31 has, for example, a box shape with an open top and a closed bottom. The cap 31 is connected to a cap moving mechanism 32. The cap 31 is detachably attached to the nozzle 22a of the ink head 22 by the cap moving mechanism 32.

[0024] The cap moving mechanism 32 is a mechanism for attaching the cap 31 to the nozzle 22a of the ink head 22 and for separating the cap 31 from the nozzle 22a of the ink head 22. The cap moving mechanism 32 is a mechanism for supporting the cap 31 and for raising and lowering the cap 31 in the up-down direction Z. The cap moving mechanism 32 includes a cap moving motor (not shown). The cap moving motor is electrically connected to the control device 90 and is controlled by the control device 90. When the cap moving motor is driven, the cap 31 moves relative to the ink head 22 and moves between a position covering the nozzle 22a and a position separated from the nozzle 22a. However, the mechanism described here is merely an example, and the configuration of the cap moving mechanism 32 is not particularly limited.

[0025] The waste liquid path 34 is a path that guides waste liquid from the cap 31 to the ink waste liquid processing device 100 described later. The waste liquid refers to, for example, ultraviolet curable ink discharged from the nozzle 22a to remove attached matter. The waste liquid path 34 is composed of, for example, a flexible tube. A suction pump 33 is provided in the middle of the waste liquid path 34. The suction pump 33 is connected to the bottom surface of the cap 31. The suction pump 33 sucks ultraviolet curable ink and the like from the nozzle 22a in a state in which the cap 31 is attached to the nozzle 22a. The suction pump 33 sends the ultraviolet curable ink and the like accumulated in the cap 31 to the ink waste liquid processing device 100. Although not particularly limited, the suction pump 33 is, for example, a vacuum pump. The suction pump 33 is electrically connected to a control device 90 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 90.

[0026] When the suction pump 33 is driven with the cap 31 attached to the nozzle 22a, ultraviolet curable ink is sucked out of the nozzle 22a through the cap 31 and accumulates in the cap 31. When the ink head 22 is driven with the cap 31 attached to the nozzle 22a, ultraviolet curable ink is discharged into the cap 31 and accumulates in the cap 31. The cap 31 is in communication with the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 via a waste liquid path 34. The ultraviolet curable ink accumulated in the cap 31 is discharged to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 via the waste liquid path 34.

[0027] Next, the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The ink waste liquid treatment device 100 is a treatment device that cures and renders harmless the ultraviolet curable ink discharged from the waste liquid path 34. Here, in the following description, the ultraviolet curable ink discharged from the waste liquid path 34 is referred to as ultraviolet curable ink WK. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 includes a waste liquid tank 110, a waste liquid suction flow path 120, a waste liquid suction pump 125, a stirring container 130, a stirring device 140, a waste liquid flow path 150, a circulation pump 155, an ultraviolet ray irradiation device 156, a filter 161, a funnel 162, and a transmittance sensor 170. The waste liquid tank 110 is provided with an ink lower limit sensor 111, an ink upper limit sensor 112, and an ink maximum value sensor 113. The stirring container 130 is provided with a solution lower limit sensor 131 and a solution upper limit sensor 132.

[0028] The waste liquid tank 110 is a tank that stores the ultraviolet curable ink WK. The waste liquid tank 110 is disposed downstream of the waste liquid path 34. The waste liquid tank 110 stores the ultraviolet curable ink WK discharged from the waste liquid path 34. The waste liquid tank 110 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the waste liquid tank 110 is not particularly limited. The shape of the waste liquid tank 110 may be other shapes such as a cylindrical shape or a cube. The waste liquid tank 110 is made of a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, or fluorine-based resin. The waste liquid tank 110 may be black and have light-shielding properties.

[0029] The ink lower limit sensor 111 is a sensor that detects whether the remaining amount of the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 is a predetermined lower limit or not. The ink lower limit sensor 111 is an example of a second lower limit sensor in the present invention. The ink lower limit sensor 111 is, for example, a capacitance type liquid level sensor. When the liquid level of the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the waste liquid tank 110 is stored at a position higher than the detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111, the ink lower limit sensor 111 is configured to emit a signal to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1). The detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111 is set in advance by the user. The detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111 is, for example, a position slightly above the inlet 120a of the waste liquid suction flow path 120 described later. The detection method of the ink lower limit sensor 111 is not limited to the capacitance type. The detection method of the ink lower limit sensor 111 may be, for example, a float type, an ultrasonic type, or an optical type.

[0030] The ink upper limit sensor 112 is a sensor that detects whether the remaining amount of the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 is a predetermined upper limit value. The ink upper limit sensor 112 is an example of a second upper limit sensor in the present invention. The ink upper limit sensor 112 is a capacitance type liquid level sensor similar to the ink lower limit sensor 111. However, the ink upper limit sensor 112 may be a sensor different from the ink lower limit sensor 111. When the liquid level position of the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the waste liquid tank 110 is stored to a position higher than the detection position of the ink upper limit sensor 112, the ink upper limit sensor 112 is configured to emit a signal to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1). The detection position of the ink upper limit sensor 112 is set in advance by the user. For example, the ink upper limit sensor 112 is installed so that the amount of the ultraviolet curable ink WK included from the detection position of the ink upper limit sensor 112 to the detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111 is an amount that can be processed by one processing. In this specification, "one process" refers to curing the ultraviolet curable ink WK without replacing the filter 161 described below. Note that the detection method of the ink upper limit sensor 112, like the ink lower limit sensor 111, is not limited to the electrostatic capacitance type.

[0031] The ink maximum value sensor 113 is a sensor that detects whether the remaining amount of the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 is a predetermined maximum value. Here, the "maximum value" refers to the maximum amount of the ultraviolet curable ink WK that can be stored in the waste liquid tank 110. In other words, the ink maximum value sensor 113 is a sensor for preventing the amount of the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 from becoming excessive. The ink maximum value sensor 113 is a capacitance type liquid level sensor similar to the ink lower limit sensor 111. However, the ink maximum value sensor 113 may be a sensor different from the ink lower limit sensor 111. When the liquid level of the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the waste liquid tank 110 is stored to a position higher than the detection position of the ink maximum value sensor 113, the ink maximum value sensor 113 is configured to issue a signal to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1). For example, when the ink maximum value sensor 113 issues a signal to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1), the suction pump 33 (see FIG. 3) is configured to stop. Therefore, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is not stored above the detection position of the ink maximum value sensor 113. The ink maximum value sensor 113 does not have to be installed. Similarly to the ink lower limit sensor 111, the detection method of the ink maximum value sensor 113 is not limited to the electrostatic capacitance type.

[0032] The waste liquid suction flow path 120 is a flow path that connects the waste liquid tank 110 and the stirring container 130. The waste liquid suction flow path 120 guides the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 to the stirring container 130. The ultraviolet curable ink WK flows in from an inlet 120a of the waste liquid suction flow path 120 and flows out from an outlet 120b. The inlet 120a of the waste liquid suction flow path 120 is disposed inside the waste liquid tank 110. In this embodiment, the inlet 120a is disposed at a position lower than the ink lower limit sensor 111. The outlet 120b is disposed inside the stirring container 130. The waste liquid suction flow path 120 is formed, for example, by a flexible tube.

[0033] The waste liquid suction pump 125 is provided in the waste liquid suction flow path 120. The waste liquid suction pump 125 is a pump that sends the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 to the stirring container 130. In this embodiment, when the ink upper limit sensor 112 issues a signal, the waste liquid suction pump 125 is controlled to send the liquid. That is, when the liquid level of the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 becomes higher than the detection position of the ink upper limit sensor 112, the waste liquid suction pump 125 starts sending the liquid. At this time, the ink lower limit sensor 111 also issues a signal. In addition, when the ink lower limit sensor 111 stops issuing a signal, the waste liquid suction pump 125 is controlled to stop. That is, when the liquid level of the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 becomes lower than the detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111, the waste liquid suction pump 125 stops. At this time, the ink upper limit sensor 112 does not emit a signal either. The type of waste liquid suction pump 125 is not particularly limited, but the waste liquid suction pump 125 is, for example, a diaphragm pump or a tube pump. The waste liquid suction pump 125 is electrically connected to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 90.

[0034] The stirring vessel 130 is a vessel in which the mixed solution MS is stored. The stirring vessel 130 is, for example, a tank similar to the waste liquid tank 110. However, the stirring vessel 130 may be a vessel different from the waste liquid tank 110. The stirring vessel 130 is, for example, formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the shape of the stirring vessel 130 is not particularly limited. In addition, the stirring vessel 130 is made of a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, silicone, or fluorine-based resin. The stirring vessel 130 may be black and have light-shielding properties.

[0035] The mixed solution MS is a solution in which silicone oil SL and ultraviolet curable ink WK are mixed. By emulsifying the silicone oil SL and the ultraviolet curable ink WK, the bonds between the ultraviolet curable inks WK in the mixed solution MS are cut off. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is finely divided, has a particulate shape, and is dispersed in the mixed solution MS. Note that while FIG. 4 shows the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the mixed solution MS in a schematic manner, in reality, the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the mixed solution MS is in the form of relatively small particles with a diameter of about 0.1 to 0.3 mm.

[0036] The solution lower limit sensor 131 is a sensor that detects whether the remaining amount of the mixed solution MS stored in the stirring vessel 130 is a predetermined lower limit or not. The solution lower limit sensor 131 is an example of a first lower limit sensor in the present invention. The solution lower limit sensor 131 is a capacitance type liquid level sensor similar to the ink lower limit sensor 111. However, the solution lower limit sensor 131 may be a sensor different from the ink lower limit sensor 111. When the liquid level of the mixed solution MS in the stirring vessel 130 is stored to a position higher than the detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131, the solution lower limit sensor 131 is configured to emit a signal to the control device 90. The detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131 is set in advance by the user. The detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131 is set, for example, to a lower limit position of the amount of silicone oil SL in the stirring vessel 130 that can sufficiently emulsify the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the stirring vessel 130. For example, the user may add silicone oil SL when the amount of silicone oil SL contained in the stirring vessel 130 is small and the liquid level of the mixed solution MS is located below the detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131. Note that the detection method of the solution lower limit sensor 131 is not limited to the electrostatic capacitance type, similar to the ink lower limit sensor 111.

[0037] The solution upper limit sensor 132 is a sensor that detects whether the remaining amount of the mixed solution MS stored in the stirring container 130 is a predetermined upper limit value. The solution upper limit sensor 132 is an example of a second lower limit sensor in the present invention. The solution upper limit sensor 132 is a capacitance type liquid level sensor similar to the ink lower limit sensor 111. However, the solution upper limit sensor 132 may be a sensor different from the ink lower limit sensor 111. When the liquid level of the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the stirring container 130 is stored to a position higher than the detection position of the solution upper limit sensor 132, the solution upper limit sensor 132 is configured to emit a signal to the control device 90. The detection position of the solution upper limit sensor 132 is set in advance by the user. The detection position of the solution upper limit sensor 132 is a position higher than the ink lower limit sensor 111. The solution upper limit sensor 132 is disposed, for example, at a position lower than the outlet 120b of the waste liquid suction flow path 120. It should be noted that the detection method of the solution upper limit sensor 132, like the ink lower limit sensor 111, is not limited to the capacitance type.

[0038] The stirring device 140 is provided at the bottom 130D inside the stirring vessel 130. The stirring device 140 is a device that stirs the mixed solution MS. The stirring device 140 of this embodiment includes two stirring blades 141 and a rotating shaft 142. The rotating shaft 142 is connected to a motor (not shown). The motor is electrically connected to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 90. When the motor is driven, the rotating shaft 142 rotates in the direction of the arrow D1, and the stirring blades 141 rotate. However, the direction in which the rotating shaft 142 rotates may be reversed. The stirring device 140 is configured to stir for a certain period of time after the liquid transfer by the waste liquid suction pump 125 is completed. The stirring time of the stirring device 140 is a time during which the ultraviolet curable ink WK can be sufficiently dispersed in the mixed solution MS by the silicone oil SL. The time may be determined in advance by the user, or may be determined each time. The configuration of the stirring device 140 is not limited to this. The stirring device 140 may be, for example, one that stirs the mixed solution MS using a stirrer having a magnet.

[0039] The waste liquid flow path 150 is connected to the stirring vessel 130 and is a flow path through which the mixed solution MS flows. The waste liquid flow path 150 has an ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 which is a section that transmits ultraviolet rays. However, in this embodiment, the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 and the other sections of the waste liquid flow path 150 are formed of a single material. In this embodiment, the waste liquid flow path 150 including the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 is formed of, for example, a flexible and transparent tube. In this embodiment, the tube has an inner diameter of 3 mm. In this embodiment, the waste liquid flow path 150 is a flow path through which the mixed solution MS stored in the stirring vessel 130 circulates. The mixed solution MS flowing in from the inlet 150a of the waste liquid flow path 150 passes through the circulation pump 155 and the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151, and then flows out from the outlet 150b and is stored in the stirring vessel 130. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 is formed of a tube arranged in a bellows shape. The ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 is disposed inside a main body 156a of an ultraviolet ray irradiation device 156, which will be described later.

[0040] The circulation pump 155 is provided in the waste liquid flow path 150. The circulation pump 155 is a pump that sends the mixed solution MS stored in the stirring container 130. The circulation pump 155 is an example of a liquid sending pump in the present invention. In this embodiment, the circulation pump 155 is configured to send the mixed solution MS after the stirring device 140 stirs the mixed solution MS for a certain period of time. In addition, when the liquid level of the mixed solution MS stored in the stirring container 130 is lower than the detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131, the circulation pump 155 is configured to stop. The type of the circulation pump 155 is not particularly limited, but the circulation pump 155 is, for example, a diaphragm pump or a tube pump. The circulation pump 155 is electrically connected to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1) and is controlled by the control device 90.

[0041] The ultraviolet irradiation device 156 is a device that irradiates the ultraviolet irradiation section 151 with ultraviolet light. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation device 156 is disposed downstream of the circulation pump 155 in the direction of flow of the mixed solution MS in the waste liquid flow path 150. The ultraviolet irradiation device 156 includes a main body 156a and an ultraviolet lamp 156b. The main body 156a is a housing that houses the ultraviolet irradiation section 151. For example, a hole (not shown) through which the waste liquid flow path 150 can be inserted is formed on the left and right surfaces of the main body 156a as viewed in the drawing. By passing the waste liquid flow path 150 through the hole, the ultraviolet irradiation section 151 can be disposed inside the main body 156a. The main body 156a is formed, for example, of a member having light-shielding properties. The ultraviolet lamp 156b is disposed on the upper portion of the main body 156a. The ultraviolet lamp 156b irradiates the ultraviolet irradiation section 151 with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet lamp 156b may be the same as the ultraviolet lamp 23 (see FIG. 2). The ultraviolet lamp 156b is electrically connected to the control device 90 and is controlled by the control device 90 (see FIG. 1). However, the configuration of the ultraviolet irradiation device 156 is not limited to this.

[0042] The filter 161 is provided downstream of the ultraviolet irradiating unit 151 in the flow direction of the mixed solution MS. The filter 161 removes the ultraviolet curable ink WK cured by the ultraviolet irradiating device 156. The filter 161 has a plurality of holes (not shown). In this embodiment, the filter 161 is installed in the funnel 162. The filter 161 is detachably attached to the funnel 162 and is detachable from the waste liquid flow path 150. As shown in FIG. 4, the filter 161 collects the cured ink SK that is irradiated with ultraviolet rays and cured. That is, the diameter of the hole of the filter 161 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cured ink SK. The mixed solution MS can pass through the hole of the filter 161. The filter 161 is, for example, a paper filter. However, the material of the filter 161 is not limited to this. The filter 161 may be, for example, a cloth filter. The filter 161 may also be provided in the waste liquid flow path 150.

[0043] The funnel 162 has a filter 161 installed therein, and guides the mixed solution MS that has passed through the filter 161 to the stirring vessel 130. In this embodiment, the funnel 162 is formed of a transparent material. The funnel 162 is formed of a material that does not impede detection by a transmittance sensor 170, which will be described later. The funnel 162 has a reduced diameter section 162a whose inner diameter decreases downward, and a discharge section 162b that extends downward from the lower end of the reduced diameter section 162a. The filter 161 is attached to the reduced diameter section 162a. The mixed solution MS that has passed through the filter 161 passes through the discharge section 162b.

[0044] The transmittance sensor 170 is provided between the filter 161 and the stirring vessel 130, and is a sensor that measures the transmittance of light of the mixed solution MS. In this embodiment, the transmittance sensor 170 is attached to the discharge portion 162b of the funnel 162. The transmittance sensor 170 measures the transmittance of the mixed solution MS that has passed through the filter 161. The transmittance sensor 170 includes a light-emitting portion 171 and a light-receiving portion 172. The light-emitting portion 171 is a device that includes a light-emitting element and emits light toward the light-receiving portion 172. The light is, for example, a laser beam. The light-receiving portion 172 is a device that includes a light-receiving element that receives the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 171. The light-receiving portion 172 is, for example, a photosensor. When the light received by the light-receiving portion 172 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light, the light-receiving portion 172 is configured to emit a signal to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 10 includes a control device 90. The control device 90 is a device that controls the ink waste liquid treatment device 100. The control device 90 in this embodiment also serves as a device that controls printing on a print substrate 25a (see FIG. 2). The configuration of the control device 90 is not particularly limited. The control device 90 is, for example, a microcomputer. The hardware configuration of the microcomputer is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, an interface (I / F) that receives print data from an external device such as a host computer, a central processing unit (CPU) that executes instructions of a control program, a read only memory (ROM) that stores a program executed by the CPU, a random access memory (RAM) used as a working area for expanding the program, and a storage device such as a memory that stores the program and various data. In this embodiment, the control device 90 is provided inside the printer main body 10a (see FIG. 2). However, the control device 90 does not necessarily need to be provided inside the printer main body 10a, and may be, for example, a computer installed outside the printer main body 10a. In this case, the control device 90 is communicably connected to the printer main body 10a via wire or wirelessly.

[0046] The configuration of the printer 10 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, a process for rendering the ultraviolet curable ink WK harmless and treating it by the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 will be described. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a process for rendering the ultraviolet curable ink WK harmless and treating it by the ink waste liquid treatment device 100.

[0047] In step S101, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is stored in the waste liquid tank 110. By controlling the suction pump 33, the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the cap 31 passes through the waste liquid path 34 and is discharged into the waste liquid tank 110. The discharged ultraviolet curable ink WK is stored in the waste liquid tank 110.

[0048] In step S102, when the ultraviolet curable ink WK is stored in the waste liquid tank 110 and the ink upper limit sensor 112 issues a signal, the waste liquid suction pump 125 starts sending the liquid. As a result, the ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the waste liquid tank 110 is sent to the stirring container 130. When the amount of ultraviolet curable ink WK contained in the waste liquid tank 110 decreases and the position of the liquid level of the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the waste liquid tank 110 falls below the detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111, the ink lower limit sensor 111 stops sending a signal. When the ink lower limit sensor 111 stops sending a signal, the waste liquid suction pump 125 stops.

[0049] In step S103, when the waste liquid suction pump 125 stops, the stirring device 140 starts stirring. Therefore, the silicone oil SL and the ultraviolet curable ink WK are stirred in the stirring container 130. At this time, the silicone oil SL and the ultraviolet curable ink WK are emulsified, and the ultraviolet curable inks WK are separated from each other. The ultraviolet curable ink WK becomes particulate in the mixed solution MS. When the stirring device 140 stirs for a certain period of time, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is sufficiently dispersed in the mixed solution MS. In this embodiment, the silicone oil SL prevents color materials such as pigments contained in the ultraviolet curable ink WK from dissolving in the mixed solution MS. The stirring device 140 stops after stirring for a certain period of time.

[0050] In step S104, when the stirring device 140 stirs for a certain period of time, the circulation pump 155 starts pumping the liquid. As a result, the mixed solution MS containing the ultraviolet curable ink WK flows from the inlet 150a of the waste liquid flow path 150 toward the outlet 150b.

[0051] In step S105, ultraviolet rays are irradiated to the ultraviolet irradiation section 151 by the ultraviolet irradiation device 156. This causes the ultraviolet curable ink WK contained in the mixed solution MS passing through the ultraviolet irradiation section 151 to cure, generating cured ink SK. The cured ink SK passes through the waste liquid flow path 150 together with the mixed solution MS, and flows out from the outlet 150b.

[0052] In step S106, the cured ink SK flowing out from the outlet 150b is collected by the filter 161. The mixed solution MS flowing out from the outlet 150b passes through the filter 161 and flows through the discharge portion 162b of the funnel 162.

[0053] In step S107, the transmittance of the mixed solution MS flowing through the discharge portion 162b is measured by the transmittance sensor 170. The transmittance value is measured, for example, by measuring the average value of the transmittance of the mixed solution MS passing through the discharge portion 162b during a predetermined fixed period of time.

[0054] In step S108, it is determined whether the light received by the light receiving unit 172 of the transmittance sensor 170 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light. That is, it is determined whether the control device 90 receives a signal emitted by the light receiving unit 172 of the transmittance sensor 170. If the control device 90 receives a signal, that is, if it is determined that the light received by the light receiving unit 172 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light, the flow ends. If the control device 90 does not receive a signal, that is, if it is determined that the light received by the light receiving unit 172 is less than the predetermined amount of light, the flow returns to step S105. Therefore, steps S105 to S108 are repeated until it is determined in step S108 that the light receiving unit 172 has received light equal to or greater than a predetermined amount of light. That is, steps S105 to S108 are repeated until the transmittance of the mixed solution MS passing through the discharge unit 162b reaches a predetermined transmittance.

[0055] As described above, according to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the silicone oil SL and the ultraviolet curable ink WK, which are oil-based media, are stirred in the stirring container 130 by the stirring device 140. At this time, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is dispersed in a particulate state in the mixed solution MS by the silicone oil SL. The stirred mixed solution MS passes through the waste liquid flow path 150. At this time, the ultraviolet irradiation device 156 irradiates the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 with ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 is formed of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays. As a result, the ultraviolet curable ink WK passing through the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 151 is cured. The cured ink SK is collected by the filter 161. The ultraviolet curable ink WK is finely divided by the silicone oil SL and exists in the mixed solution MS, so that it is cured to the inside by the ultraviolet rays and is rendered harmless. Therefore, the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 can render the ultraviolet curable ink WK harmless and treat it.

[0056] Furthermore, in the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is cured in the mixed solution MS. As a result, oxygen inhibition during curing is less likely to occur compared to when the ultraviolet curable ink WK is cured in air. In addition, when the ultraviolet curable ink WK is cured, curing heat is generated. In this embodiment, since the ultraviolet curable ink WK is contained in the mixed solution MS, even if curing heat is generated, the generated heat is cooled by the mixed solution MS. Here, for example, when the ultraviolet curable ink WK is cured in air, it is necessary to manage the temperature of the ultraviolet curable ink WK so that the temperature of the ultraviolet curable ink WK does not rise too much due to the generated curing heat. As in this embodiment, by curing the ultraviolet curable ink WK while cooling the curing heat with the mixed solution MS, the temperature of the mixed solution MS containing the ultraviolet curable ink WK is less likely to rise. Therefore, temperature management when curing the ultraviolet curable ink WK becomes relatively easy. In addition, since the mixed solution MS contains silicone oil SL, silicone oil SL adheres to the waste liquid flow path 150 and the inner wall of the tube through which the mixed solution MS passes. This reduces friction between the waste liquid flow path 150 and the curable ink SK. Therefore, clogging of the waste liquid flow path 150 with the curable ink SK is suppressed. Furthermore, when the silicone oil SL and the ultraviolet curable ink WK are stirred, the silicone oil prevents color materials such as pigments contained in the ultraviolet curable ink WK from dissolving into the silicone oil SL. If the color materials dissolve into the silicone oil SL, the mixed solution MS becomes a harmful solution even if the curable ink SK is removed. In this embodiment, since the silicone oil SL contains silicone oil, the silicone oil SL is prevented from becoming harmful due to color materials such as pigments contained in the ultraviolet curable ink WK.

[0057] According to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, silicon oil SL is used as the oil-based medium. The inventors of the present application have confirmed that the effects of the present invention can be obtained by using silicon oil SL. Silicon oil SL is a suitable embodiment of the oil-based medium.

[0058] The ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment includes a circulation pump 155. The waste liquid flow path 150 is a flow path through which the mixed solution MS stirred by the stirring device 140 circulates. The silicone oil SL from which the cured ink SK has been removed flows through the waste liquid flow path 150 by the circulation pump 155, passes through the funnel 162, and is again collected in the stirring container 130. The collected silicone oil SL can be used to cure the ultraviolet curable ink WK again. This makes it possible to reduce the frequency with which the silicone oil SL is added to the stirring container 130.

[0059] The ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment includes a transmittance sensor 170. The transmittance sensor 170 is attached to the discharge portion 162b of the funnel 162, and is disposed between the filter 161 and the stirring vessel 130. By measuring the transmittance of the mixed solution MS after passing through the filter 161, it is possible to determine whether the mixed solution MS has reached a predetermined transparency or higher. In other words, the transmittance sensor 170 can determine whether the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the mixed solution MS has been removed.

[0060] According to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the filter 161 is detachably attached. When the amount of collected curable ink SK is relatively large, the user can cure the ultraviolet curable ink WK while replacing the filter 161. Since the curable ink SK has been cured and rendered harmless, the filter 161 can be discarded. After the filter 161 has collected the curable ink SK up to the upper limit of the amount that the filter 161 can collect, the user can replace the filter 161 with a new one to cure the ultraviolet curable ink WK again. Therefore, even if the amount of collected curable ink SK is relatively large, the ultraviolet curable ink WK can be cured and treated.

[0061] According to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the stirring vessel 130 is provided with a solution lower limit sensor 131 and a solution upper limit sensor 132. When the liquid level of the mixed solution MS is lower than the detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131, for example, silicon oil SL needs to be added. When the liquid level of the mixed solution MS is higher than the detection position of the solution upper limit sensor 132, for example, there is a risk that the silicon oil SL contained in the stirring vessel 130 may flow back from the waste liquid suction passage 120. Therefore, by setting the liquid level of the mixed solution MS higher than the detection position of the solution lower limit sensor 131 and lower than the detection position of the solution upper limit sensor 132, an appropriate amount of the mixed solution MS can be maintained.

[0062] According to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the inner diameter of the waste liquid flow path 150 is 3 mm. Here, if the inner diameter of the waste liquid flow path 150 is relatively large, the amount of the mixed solution MS passing through the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151 becomes relatively large. At this time, there is a risk that the ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation device 156 will not completely cure the ultraviolet curable ink WK to the inside. Therefore, in order to completely cure the ultraviolet curable ink WK, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151 is small. On the other hand, if the inner diameter of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151 is relatively small, there is a risk that the curable ink SK will clog the waste liquid flow path 150. Therefore, in order to prevent the waste liquid flow path 150 from being clogged by the curable ink SK, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the waste liquid flow path 150 is large. According to the present inventors, it has been confirmed that by setting the inner diameter of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151 to 3 mm, the ultraviolet curable ink WK can be cured to the inside while the waste liquid flow path 150 is less likely to be clogged. Therefore, an inner diameter of the waste liquid flow path 150 of 3 mm is a specific embodiment that can obtain the effects of the present invention.

[0063] The ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment is provided with a waste liquid tank 110 that stores the ultraviolet curable ink WK, and a waste liquid suction pump 125 that sends the ultraviolet curable ink WK in the waste liquid tank 110 to the stirring container 130. This makes it possible to adjust the amount of ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the stirring container 130. In other words, the amount of ultraviolet curable ink WK to be cured can be determined according to the amount of solution SL and the size of the filter 161.

[0064] According to the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 of this embodiment, the waste liquid tank 110 is provided with an ink lower limit sensor 111 and an ink upper limit sensor 112. In this embodiment, the amount of ultraviolet curable ink WK contained between the detection position of the ink upper limit sensor 112 and the detection position of the ink lower limit sensor 111 is the amount for one treatment. As in this embodiment, the ink lower limit sensor 111 and the ink upper limit sensor 112 can be used to control the amount of ultraviolet curable ink WK stored in the stirring container 130.

[0065] The printer 10 of this embodiment is equipped with an ink waste liquid treatment device 100. As a result, the ultraviolet curable ink WK that is disposed of as waste liquid by the operation of the printer 10 is cured by the ink waste liquid treatment device 100. Therefore, for example, a cleaning operation and a process for curing the ultraviolet curable ink WK can be performed in a series of operations.

[0066] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in various other forms.

[0067] In this embodiment, the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 151 is arranged in a bellows shape inside the main body 156a, but is not limited to this. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 151A and the ultraviolet ray irradiation device 156A according to another embodiment. The ultraviolet ray irradiation device 156A shown in FIG. 6 includes a main body 156Aa, an irradiation unit 156Ab, and an ultraviolet ray lamp 156Ac. The main body 156Aa is a cylindrical member that opens upward and downward. Although not shown, a hole that allows the waste liquid flow path 150 to pass through is formed in the main body 156Aa. The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 151A is arranged in a spiral shape in the space 156Aaa inside the main body 156Aa. The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 151A is formed of a flexible tube, as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The ultraviolet ray irradiation unit 151A is arranged so as to protrude from the inner wall of the main body 156Aa. The irradiation unit 156Ab is a cover that covers an upper opening of the main body 156Aa, and is a member that includes an ultraviolet lamp 156Ac. The ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 156Ac is irradiated to the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151A. The ultraviolet light is reflected by the inner wall of the main body 156Aa and travels through the space 156Aaa. In addition, since the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151A is arranged in a spiral shape, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 151A takes up a relatively small amount of space.

[0068] In this embodiment, the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 is provided in the printer 10, but this is not limiting. The ink waste liquid treatment device 100 does not have to be provided in the printer 10. For example, the printer 10 may be provided with a waste liquid tank 110, and when the ultraviolet curable ink WK is stored in the waste liquid tank 110, the waste liquid tank 110 may be removed from the printer 10. At this time, the removed waste liquid tank 110 is installed in the ink waste liquid treatment device 100, and the ultraviolet curable ink WK is cured.

[0069] In this embodiment, the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 includes the waste liquid suction pump 125, but the ink waste liquid treatment device 100 does not necessarily have to include the waste liquid suction pump 125. For example, the waste liquid tank 110 may be disposed at a higher position than the stirring container 130. In this case, the ultraviolet curable ink WK is sent from the waste liquid tank 110 to the stirring container 130 by utilizing the height difference between the waste liquid tank 110 and the stirring container 130.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the waste liquid flow path 150 is a flow path through which the mixed solution MS circulates, but is not limited thereto. For example, the outlet 150b of the waste liquid flow path 150 may be disposed inside a container different from the stirring container 130. That is, the waste liquid flow path 150 may be a flow path that connects the container and the stirring container 130.

[0071] The technology disclosed herein can be applied to various types of printers. In addition to the flatbed type printer described in the above embodiment, the technology can also be applied to so-called roll-to-roll type printers that transport a roll-shaped printing material in the front-rear direction X. The technology can also be applied to so-called gantry type printers that move a carriage in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction X relative to the printing material placed on a table. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 100 Ink waste liquid treatment device 130 Mixing vessel 140 Mixing device 150 Waste flow path 151 Ultraviolet irradiation unit 156 Ultraviolet irradiation device 161 Filters MS mixed solution SL Silicone Oil WK UV curable ink

Claims

1. a mixing vessel for storing a mixed solution of an oil-based medium and an ultraviolet curable ink; a stirring device attached to the stirring vessel and configured to stir the mixed solution; a waste liquid flow path connected to the stirring vessel, through which the mixed solution flows and having an ultraviolet ray irradiation section through which ultraviolet rays pass; an ultraviolet irradiation device that irradiates ultraviolet light to the ultraviolet irradiation unit to cure the ultraviolet curable ink; a filter disposed downstream of the ultraviolet irradiating unit in a flow direction of the mixed solution, the filter removing the cured ultraviolet curable ink.

2. The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the oil-based medium is silicone oil.

3. a liquid delivery pump provided in the waste liquid flow path for delivering the mixed solution; The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the waste liquid flow path is a flow path through which the mixed solution stored in the stirring vessel circulates.

4. 4. The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 3, further comprising a transmittance sensor provided in the waste liquid flow path between the filter and the stirring vessel, the transmittance sensor measuring the light transmittance of the mixed solution.

5. The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the filter is detachable.

6. a first lower limit sensor provided in the stirring vessel and configured to detect whether a remaining amount of the mixed solution stored in the stirring vessel is equal to or exceeds a predetermined lower limit; 2 . The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first upper limit sensor provided in the stirring container for detecting whether a remaining amount of the mixed solution stored in the stirring container is equal to a predetermined upper limit.

7. The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the inside diameter of the waste liquid flow path is 3 mm.

8. a waste liquid tank for storing the ultraviolet curable ink; The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1 , further comprising a waste liquid suction pump that sends the ultraviolet curable ink stored in the waste liquid tank to the stirring container.

9. a second lower limit sensor provided in the waste liquid tank for detecting whether the remaining amount of the ultraviolet curable ink is equal to or exceeds a predetermined lower limit; 9. The ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 8, further comprising: a second upper limit sensor provided in the waste liquid tank for detecting whether or not the remaining amount of the ultraviolet curable ink is equal to a predetermined upper limit.

10. 10. An inkjet printer comprising the ink waste liquid treatment device according to claim 1.

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