Inkjet recording device

Abstract

To provide an inkjet recording device having a printing head cleaning function of avoiding outflow of cleaning liquid to a periphery of an inkjet recording device, and storing the cleaning liquid after used in cleaning in a container having high sealability.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording device, which includes a body having an ink container storing ink for performing printing on a printing object and a cleaning liquid container storing cleaning liquid, and a printing head having a nozzle which is connected to the ink container and discharges pressurized and supplied ink, a charging electrode for charging ink particles used in printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged in the charging electrode and a gutter for recovering the ink particles which is not used in printing, includes a head cleaning unit having a cleaning nozzle for discharging a cleaning liquid and an insertion port capable of inserting the printing head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a head cleaning function of an inkjet recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] As the background art of this technical field, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-136934 (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, as a head cleaning method of an inkjet recording apparatus, cleaning is performed by ejecting a cleaning liquid from a cleaning nozzle inside the head toward the nozzle ejection port. And it is disclosed that the cause of nozzle clogging is removed by performing a drying process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, when the cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle inside the head toward the nozzle ejection port, there is a possibility that the cleaning liquid flows out to the outside of the head.

[0005] Inkjet recording apparatuses are often used in production lines where management in terms of hygiene such as food, drinking water, drugs, and cosmetics is important. Therefore, it is required that cleaning liquid and ink do not flow out to the inside, peripheral equipment, floor, etc. of the inkjet recording apparatus.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording apparatus having a printing head cleaning function that avoids the outflow of the cleaning liquid to the periphery of the inkjet recording apparatus and stores the cleaning liquid after use in a highly airtight container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In view of the above background art, to give an example, the present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus including a main body having an ink container that stores ink for printing on a printing target and a cleaning liquid container that stores a cleaning liquid, a nozzle to which the ink pressurized and supplied to the ink container is ejected, a charging electrode that charges ink particles used for printing, a deflection electrode that deflects the ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter that collects ink particles not used for printing. The inkjet recording apparatus is provided with a head cleaning unit having a cleaning nozzle from which the cleaning liquid is ejected and an insertion port into which the printing head can be inserted.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inkjet recording apparatus provided with a head cleaning unit for a printing head that can avoid the outflow of the cleaning liquid around the inkjet recording apparatus and remove the cause of nozzle clogging.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Example

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the usage state of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is the inkjet recording apparatus main body, 2 is the print head, 3 is the operation display unit, 4 is the conduit (print head), 5 is the conduit (head cleaning unit), and 300 is the head cleaning unit (external unit). The inkjet recording apparatus 400 includes the operation display unit 3 in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1, and includes the print head 2 and the head cleaning unit 300 externally. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 and the print head 2 are connected by a conduit 4 of approximately 3000 mm, and the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 and the head cleaning unit 300 are connected by a conduit 5 of approximately 3500 mm.

[0012] Also, 13 is an object to be printed on which numbers and characters are printed, 15 is a belt conveyor that conveys the object to be printed 13, 16 is a rotary encoder that measures the conveyance distance of the belt conveyor 15, 17 is a printing sensor, 18 is a stand that fixes the print head in an arbitrary posture, and 19 is a fixing jig for fixing the print head 2 to the stand 18.

[0013] The inkjet recording apparatus 400 is installed, for example, on a production line in a factory where food, beverages, etc. are produced. The inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 is installed at a position where it can be operated by the user, and the printing head 2 is installed at a position where it can be close to the printing object 13 fed on the production line such as a belt conveyor 15. At this time, a fixing jig 19 may be attached to the printing head 2 and fixed to the stand 18. In order to print with the same width regardless of the feeding speed on the production line such as the belt conveyor 15, an encoder 16 that outputs a signal corresponding to the feeding speed to the inkjet recording apparatus 400, and a printing sensor 17 that detects the printing object 13 and outputs a signal instructing printing to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 are installed, and each is connected to a control unit (not shown) in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1. The control unit controls the charge amount and charging timing of the ink particles ejected from the nozzles according to the signals from the encoder 16 and the printing sensor 17, and the charged and deflected ink particles are attached to the printing object 13 while the printing object 13 passes near the printing head 2 to perform printing.

[0014] The head cleaning unit 300 is installed near the printing head 2. At this time, in order to provide freedom in installing the head cleaning unit 300, the conduit 5 is longer than the conduit 4. When cleaning and drying the printing head, the printing head 2 is installed in the head cleaning unit 300. Then, the air and solvent (hereinafter also referred to as cleaning liquid) sent from the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 to the head cleaning unit 300 through the conduit 5 are ejected from the nozzles in the head cleaning unit to clean and dry the printing head 2.

[0015] Next, the operating principle of the inkjet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 20 denotes a main ink container, 7A denotes ink, 24 denotes a pump (for supply) that pressurizes and feeds the ink, 9 denotes an electrostrictive element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency when a voltage is applied, 8 denotes a nozzle that discharges the ink, and 7B denotes an ink column. Reference numeral 10 denotes a charging electrode for charging ink particles, 7C denotes ink particles, 11 denotes a ground deflection electrode, 12 denotes a plus deflection electrode, 13 denotes a printing object to be printed, and 14 denotes a gutter that collects ink particles that are not printed.

[0016] The ink 7A in the main ink container 20 is sucked and pressurized by the pump (for supply) 24 to form an ink column 7B and is discharged from the nozzle 8. The nozzle 8 is provided with an electrostrictive element 9, which applies vibration to the ink at a predetermined frequency to atomize the ink column 7B discharged from the nozzle 8. The number of ink particles 7C generated thereby is determined by the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the electrostrictive element 9 and is the same as that frequency. The ink particles 7C are charged by applying a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the printing information to the charging electrode 10.

[0017] The ink particles 7C charged by the charging electrode 10 fly in the electric field between the ground deflection electrode 11 and the plus deflection electrode 12. The deflection electric field is formed between the plus deflection electrode 12 to which a high voltage of 1 to 7 kV is applied and the ground deflection electrode 11 installed. The charged ink particles 7C are deflected by a force proportional to their charge amount and fly toward the printing object 13 and land.

[0018] At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes according to the charge amount. Further, by moving the production line in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction with respect to the printing object 13, it becomes possible to land the particles also in a direction orthogonal to the deflection direction, and characters are formed by a plurality of landed ink particles 7D to perform printing. The ink particles 7C that were not used for printing fly linearly between the plus deflection electrodes 12, are captured by the gutter 14, and then are sucked by a pump (for recovery) 25 and recovered into the main ink container 20.

[0019] Next, the ink supply path of the inkjet recording apparatus 400 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus in the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 is provided with a main ink container 20 that holds the circulating ink 7A, and the main ink container 20 is provided with a liquid level sensor 46 that detects whether or not the liquid in the main ink container 20 has reached a reference liquid level that is an appropriate amount for holding the liquid inside.

[0020] The main ink container 20 is connected to a viscosity measuring device 43 via a path 201 in order to grasp the viscosity of the ink 7A in the main ink container 20. The viscosity measuring device 43 is connected to a solenoid valve (for supply) 34 that opens and closes the path via a path 202, and the solenoid valve (for supply) 34 is connected to a pump (for supply) 24 that is used to suck and pump the ink 7A via a path 203. Then, the pump (for supply) 24 is connected to a filter (for supply) 28 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink 7A via a path 204.

[0021] The filter (for supply) 28 is connected to a pressure regulating valve 33 that adjusts the ink 7A pumped from the pump (for supply) 24 to an appropriate pressure for printing via a path 205, and the pressure regulating valve 33 is provided with a pressure sensor 31 that measures the pressure of the ink 7A supplied to the nozzle 8 via a path 206. The pressure sensor 31 is connected to a switching valve 42 for controlling whether or not to supply the ink 7A to the nozzle 8 via a path 207 passing through the conduit 4.

[0022] The switching valve 42 is connected to the nozzle 8 having a discharge port for discharging the ink 7A via the path 209. The switching valve 42 is a three-way solenoid valve, and an ink supply path 207 and a cleaning path 237 are connected to the switching valve 42, and the supply of ink and solvent to the nozzle 8 can be switched. In the straight-ahead direction of the discharge port of the nozzle 8, a charging electrode 10 for adding a predetermined amount of charge to the ink particles 7C, a deflection electrode 12 for deflecting the ink particles 7C used for printing, and a gutter 14 for capturing the ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because they are not used for printing are arranged.

[0023] Next, the ink recovery path will be described. In FIG. 2, the gutter 14 is connected to a filter (for recovery) 30 that removes foreign matter mixed in the ink disposed in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 via a path 212 passing through the conduit 4. The filter (for recovery) 29 is connected to a solenoid valve (for recovery) 35 that opens and closes the path via a path 213.

[0024] The solenoid valve (for recovery) 35 is connected to a pump (for recovery) 25 that sucks the ink particles 7C captured by the gutter 14 via a path 214. The pump (for recovery) 25 is connected to the main ink container 20 via a path 215 and a path 216. The main ink container 20 is connected to an exhaust path 217, and the exhaust path 217 is configured to communicate with the outside of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1.

[0025] Next, the ink supply path will be described. In FIG. 2, the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 is provided with an auxiliary ink container 21 that holds ink for replenishment. The auxiliary ink container 21 is connected to a solenoid valve 36 that opens and closes the path via a path 221. The solenoid valve 36 is connected to a confluence path 223 connected to the ink supply path 203 via a path 222.

[0026] Next, the ink circulation path will be described. In FIG. 2, the nozzles 8 provided in the print head 2 are connected to a solenoid valve 37 provided in the ink jet recording apparatus main body 1 and disposed within the conduit 4 via a path 225 in addition to the path 207 for ink supply, and the solenoid valve 37 opens and closes the flow path. The solenoid valve 37 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 26 that sucks ink from the nozzles 8 via a path 226. The pump (for circulation) 26 is connected via a path 227 to a confluence path 228 connected to an ink recovery path 215.

[0027] Next, the solvent supply path will be described. In FIG. 2, the ink jet recording apparatus main body 1 is provided with a solvent container 22 that holds a solvent 6 for solvent supply, and the solvent container 22 is connected to a pump (for solvent) 27 that is used to suck and pressure-feed the solvent 6 via a path 231. The pump (for solvent) 27 is connected to a solenoid valve (for solvent supply) 38 for opening and closing the flow path via a path 232 and a branch path 235, and the solenoid valve (for solvent supply) 38 is connected to the main ink container 20 via a path 233.

[0028] Next, the cleaning path will be described. In FIG. 2, the pump (for solvent) 27 is connected to a solenoid valve (for cleaning) 39 for opening and closing the flow path via a branch path 235 and a path 236 in the path 232. The solenoid valve (for cleaning) 39 is configured to be connected to a switching valve 42 for controlling whether to send a solvent for cleaning to the nozzles 8 via a path 237.

[0029] Next, the head cleaning unit path will be described. In FIG. 2, path 236 is connected to a solenoid valve (for head cleaning unit) 40 for opening and closing the flow path via a branch path 238 and a path 239. The solenoid valve (for head cleaning unit) 40 is connected to a filter (for head cleaning unit) 30 that removes foreign matter mixed in the solvent disposed in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 via a path 240. The filter (for head cleaning unit) 30 is connected to a cleaning nozzle 242 via a path 241. The cleaning nozzle 242 is configured to include cleaning nozzle ports 242A and 242B that discharge the solvent 6. Also, the number of these cleaning nozzle ports may be single or multiple.

[0030] Next, the drying path will be described. In FIG. 2, path 243 is connected to an air compressor provided externally for supplying air, or is connected to a pump for supplying air provided inside the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1. The path 243 is connected to a solenoid valve (for air supply) 41 for opening and closing the path. The solenoid valve (for air supply) 41 is connected to a drying nozzle (air nozzle) 245 via a path 244. The drying nozzle 245 is provided with a drying nozzle port 245A for discharging air. Also, the number of these drying nozzle ports may be single or multiple.

[0031] Next, the waste liquid path will be described. In FIG. 2, the solvent 6 discharged from the cleaning nozzle ports 242A to 242B is supplied to a waste liquid container 23 in the head cleaning unit 300 via a container connection portion 51.

[0032] Next, the exhaust path of the head cleaning unit 300 will be described. In FIG. 2, a path 246 configured to communicate with the inside 59 of the head cleaning unit passes through a conduit 5 and is connected to an exhaust path 217 via a confluence path 247 in the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 of the inkjet recording apparatus 400.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 in the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 into which the printing head 2 in the present embodiment is inserted, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit main body 50 and the waste liquid container 23 provided in the head cleaning unit 300.

[0034] In FIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B, 50 is the head cleaning unit main body, 23 is the waste liquid container, 51 is the container connection part, 52 is the insertion port, 53 is the head cleaning unit lid part, 54 is the seal part, 55 is the solvent receiver, 56 is the connection path, 57 is the sensor (for the printing head), 58 is the sensor (for the waste liquid container), and 60 is the sealing plug.

[0035] First, the usage state of the head cleaning unit 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5A and 5B. In FIG. 3, the head cleaning unit 300 is provided with an insertion port 52 into which the printing head 2 can be inserted. The insertion port 52 is structured such that when the printing head 2 is not inserted, the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 and the outside air are blocked by the head cleaning unit lid portion 53. That is, the head cleaning unit lid portion 53 is biased by a biasing member such as a torsion coil spring 61 to close the insertion port 52. Further, the solvent receiver 55 is structured such that the solvent 6 supplied into the head cleaning unit 59 is supplied to a connection path 56 passing through the container connection portion 51. The container connection portion 51 is detachably connected to the waste liquid container 23 such that the solvent 6 supplied to the connection path 56 is supplied to the waste liquid container 23 within the head cleaning unit 300 without leaking to the outside. Also, the head cleaning unit 300 includes a sensor (for printing head) 57 which is a head detection means capable of detecting whether the printing head 2 is attached to the head cleaning unit 300, and a sensor (for waste liquid container) 58 which is a container detection means capable of detecting whether the waste liquid container 23 is attached to the head cleaning unit 300. Note that the positions of the sensors 57 and 58 are not limited to the illustrated positions and may be arranged at positions where the printing head 2 or the waste liquid container 23 can be detected. For example, the sensor (for waste liquid container) 58 may be arranged at the position of the connection path 56. Also, sensors provided on the printing head 2 and the waste liquid container 23 may be used.

[0036] In FIG. 4, in the head cleaning unit 300 into which the printing head 2 is inserted, the seal portion 54 is in close contact with the printing head 2, preventing the cleaning liquid from flowing out except through the connection path 56, and ensuring that the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit does not mix with the outside air. Also, when the printing head 2 is removed from the insertion port 52, the head cleaning unit lid portion 53 is biased by a biasing member so as to block the insertion port 52 again to prevent the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 from mixing with the outside air. Further, the cleaning nozzle ports 242A and 242B are provided at positions and in orientations such that the solvent 6 can be brought into contact with the nozzles 8, charging electrodes 10, ground deflection electrodes 11, plus deflection electrodes 12, and gutters 14 provided on the printing head 2. Furthermore, the drying nozzle port 245A is provided at a position and in an orientation such that the solvent 6 adhering to the nozzles 8, charging electrodes 10, ground deflection electrodes 11, plus deflection electrodes 12, and gutters 14 provided on the printing head 2 can be dried by the air supplied from the drying nozzle 245.

[0037] The head cleaning unit 300 can supply the solvent 6 that has passed through the conduit (head cleaning unit) 5 from the cleaning nozzle ports 242A and 242B into the head cleaning unit interior 59 to clean the printing head 2. The solvent 6 used for cleaning is supplied from the solvent receiver 55 through the connection path 56 to the waste liquid container 23. At this time, the solvent 6 discharged from the cleaning nozzle ports 242A and 242B may be sucked from the nozzles 8 inside the printing head 2 using the circulation path of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1. Also, the head cleaning unit 300 can supply the air that has passed through the conduit (head cleaning unit) 5 from the drying nozzle port 245A into the head cleaning unit interior 59 to dry the printing head 2.

[0038] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 in a state where the container connection portion 51 of the head cleaning unit main body 50 and the waste liquid container 23 are connected, and FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 in a state where the waste liquid container 23 is removed from the container connection portion 51. In FIG. 5B, when the waste liquid container 23 contains the solvent 6, the waste liquid container 23 can block the outside air and the atmosphere inside the waste liquid container 23 by including a sealing plug 60 that is detachable from the waste liquid container 23, and the solvent 6 can be prevented from flowing out from the waste liquid container 23 to the outside.

[0039] The operation flow of the head cleaning unit in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, first, in step 101, it shows a state where the start of the function of the head cleaning unit 300 is instructed from the operation display unit 3 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 400, and automatic cleaning is started.

[0040] Next, in step 102, it is determined by a sensor (for waste liquid container) provided in the head cleaning unit 300 and a sensor provided in the waste liquid container 23 whether the waste liquid container 23 is connected to the container connection portion 51 provided in the head cleaning unit 300. If the waste liquid container 23 is not connected to the container connection portion 51, the process proceeds to step 109. If the waste liquid container 23 is connected to the container connection portion 51, the process proceeds to step 103.

[0041] Next, in step 103, it is determined by a sensor (for print head) provided in the head cleaning unit 300 and a sensor provided in the print head 2 whether the print head 2 is inserted into the insertion port 52 provided in the head cleaning unit 300. If the print head 2 is not inserted into the insertion port 52, the process proceeds to step 109. If the print head 2 is inserted into the insertion port 52, the process proceeds to step 104.

[0042] In step 104, using the solvent 6 and the path in the inkjet recording apparatus 400, the solenoid valve and the pump are operated to discharge the solvent 6 from the cleaning nozzle 242, the print head 2 is cleaned, and a cleaning sequence is executed in which the solvent 6 used for cleaning is supplied to the waste liquid container 23.

[0043] Next, step 105 executes a drying sequence that operates the solenoid valves and pumps within the inkjet recording apparatus 400 to discharge air from the drying nozzles 245 to dry the print head 2.

[0044] Next, step 106 stops the operation of the solenoid valves and pumps within the inkjet recording apparatus 400 and performs a stop process for automatic cleaning.

[0045] Step 107 is an end message display process that indicates to the operator that the steps of steps 104 to 106 have been performed normally.

[0046] Finally, step 108 indicates that the function of the head cleaning unit 300 has been successfully terminated and ends the automatic cleaning.

[0047] Step 109 indicates a state where it has been determined in steps 102 and 103 that the function of the head cleaning unit 300 cannot be used normally, and performs an interruption process for automatic cleaning.

[0048] Step 110 is a process that indicates to the operator the state of step 109, and outputs a message such as "The print head is not set in the cleaning unit." or "The waste liquid container is not set." Step 111 performs the processes of steps 109 to 110 and indicates a stopped state.

[0049] Note that in steps 104 and 105, the operator may be able to select different types of sequences for the operation of the solenoid valves and pumps.

[0050] As described above, this embodiment includes a head cleaning unit having an insertion port into which the print head of the inkjet recording apparatus can be inserted, a path for supplying cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container of the inkjet recording apparatus to the head cleaning unit, a nozzle for supplying cleaning liquid inside the head cleaning unit, and a container for collecting the cleaning liquid without the cleaning liquid flowing out to the periphery of the apparatus.

[0051] As a result, by inserting the print head 2 into the head cleaning unit 300 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 400, cleaning it internally with a solvent, and drying it, the cause of nozzle clogging can be removed. Further, the solvent can be prevented from flowing out to the periphery of the apparatus by the seal portion 54 and the sealing plug 60. Furthermore, since the waste liquid container 23 whose interior is blocked from the outside air by the sealing plug 60 can be removed from the head cleaning unit 300 and moved to another location, the operator can perform waste liquid treatment procedures according to the operator's equipment.

[0052] In the above description, the head cleaning unit 300 has been described as including the head cleaning unit main body 50 and the waste liquid container 23. However, the waste liquid container 23 may be an external attachment to the head cleaning unit 300 as a separate body from the head cleaning unit 300. Further, the head cleaning unit 300 may include an adapter that is attached to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 or other equipment.

[0053] Also, in the above description, the head cleaning unit 300 has been described as having a cleaning nozzle and a drying nozzle. However, it may be separate units for the cleaning nozzle and the drying nozzle.

Example

[0054] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit in this example. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 5A are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 5A is that it has a waste liquid tank 74 connected to the waste liquid container 23.

[0055] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the waste liquid container 23 connected to the head cleaning unit 300 and the waste liquid tank 74 in a state of being connected to the waste liquid container 23. In FIG. 8, 71 and 72 are paths (for waste liquid), 73 is a path opening / closing cock, 74 is a waste liquid tank, and 81 is waste liquid.

[0056] The head cleaning unit 300 includes a waste liquid container 23 connected to a waste liquid tank 74 via paths 71 and 72 in a removable state at a container connection portion 51. In other words, the waste liquid container 23 is provided with a pipe capable of discharging the internal waste liquid to the outside. The path 71 is connected to the waste liquid container 23 in a removable state, and the path 72 is connected to the waste liquid tank 74 in a removable state.

[0057] The head cleaning unit 300 can supply the solvent 6 in the waste liquid container 23 to the waste liquid tank 74 through the paths 71 and 72 by free fall movement by opening the path opening / closing cock 73.

[0058] Thus, according to this embodiment, the head cleaning unit 300 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 can discard the solvent 6 in the waste liquid container 23 without removing the waste liquid container 23 from the container connection portion 51. Further, since the path 71 can be detached from the waste liquid container 23, the waste liquid container 23 can be removed from the container connection portion 51 and discarded as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the operator can perform a waste liquid treatment procedure according to the operator's equipment.

Embodiment

[0059] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit in this embodiment. In FIG. 9, the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The difference between FIG. 9 and FIG. 4 is that it has a configuration connectable to an external exhaust device 93.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 having a configuration connectable to the external exhaust device 93. In FIG. 9, 91 is an exhaust port, 92 is a conduit (exhaust), and 93 is an external exhaust device. The head cleaning unit 300 has an exhaust port 91, and the exhaust port 91 can communicate the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 with the external exhaust device 93 via the conduit 92.

[0061] As described above, according to this embodiment, the head cleaning unit 300 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 can discharge the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 to the outside through a path other than the exhaust path 217 of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1. Therefore, the operator can perform exhaust treatment according to the operator's equipment.

[0062] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. Further, for a part of the configuration of each embodiment, addition, deletion, or replacement with other configurations is possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0063] 1: Inkjet recording apparatus main body, 2: Printing head, 5: Conduit (for head cleaning unit), 6: Solvent, 8: Nozzle, 14: Gutter, 20: Main ink container, 21: Auxiliary ink container, 22: Solvent container, 23: Waste liquid container, 30: Filter (for head cleaning unit), 38: Electromagnetic valve (for solvent supply), 39: Electromagnetic valve (for cleaning), 40: Electromagnetic valve (for head cleaning unit), 41: Electromagnetic valve (for air supply), 50: Head cleaning unit main body, 51: Container connection part, 52: Insertion port, 53: Head cleaning unit lid part, 54: Seal part, 55: Solvent receiver, 56: Connection path, 57: Sensor (for printing head), 58: Sensor (for waste liquid container), 59: Inside of head cleaning unit, 60: Sealing plug, 61: Twisted coil spring, 71, 72: Path (for waste liquid), 73: Path opening and closing cock, 74: Waste liquid tank, 81: Waste liquid, 91: Exhaust port, 92: Conduit (for exhaust), 93: External exhaust device, 236 - 237: Path (for cleaning), 239 - 241: Path (for head cleaning unit), 242: Cleaning nozzle, 242A - B: Cleaning nozzle opening, 243 - 244: Path (for air supply), 245: Drying nozzle, 245A: Drying nozzle opening, 246: Path (for exhaust), 300: Head cleaning unit, 400: Inkjet recording apparatus

Claims

1. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a main body having an ink container for storing ink for printing on a printing object and a cleaning liquid container for storing a cleaning liquid; a nozzle connected to the ink container for discharging pressurized and supplied ink; a charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing; a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode; and a gutter for collecting ink particles not used for printing, wherein the inkjet recording apparatus further comprises a head cleaning unit having a cleaning nozzle for discharging the cleaning liquid and an insertion port into which the printing head can be inserted.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body and the head cleaning unit are provided separately.

3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the head cleaning unit is connected to the main body by a conduit.

4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning liquid container is connected to the cleaning nozzle through a cleaning path.

5. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the head cleaning unit has a container connection portion for connectably attaching a waste liquid container for storing the cleaning liquid used for cleaning.

6. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the head cleaning unit is provided with head detection means for detecting whether the printing head is inserted into the insertion port.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the head cleaning unit has container detection means for detecting whether the waste liquid container is connected to the container connection portion.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insertion port has a seal portion for blocking the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit from the outside air.

9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, An inkjet recording apparatus, wherein the head cleaning unit has an air nozzle from which air is ejected.

10. An inkjet recording apparatus comprising: a main body having an ink container for storing ink for printing on a printing target and a cleaning liquid container for storing a cleaning liquid; a nozzle to which the ink container is connected and from which pressurized and supplied ink is ejected; a charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing; a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink particles charged by the charging electrode; and a gutter for collecting ink particles not used for printing. An inkjet recording apparatus, comprising an external unit having an air nozzle from which air is ejected and an insertion port into which the printing head can be inserted.

11. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the main body and the external unit are provided separately.

12. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the external unit is connected to the main body by a conduit.

13. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the air nozzle is connected to an air pump for sending air.

14. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the air nozzle is connected to a path connectable to an external air compressor for sending air.

15. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3 or 12, wherein the main body is connected to the printing head by a head conduit, and the conduit is longer than the head conduit.

16. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the waste liquid container is provided with a pipe for discharging internal waste liquid to the outside.

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