Inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

To suppress leakage of ink from a waste ink container.SOLUTION: An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a waste ink container, and a suction mechanism, wherein the waste ink container includes a receiving port configured to receive ink ejected from the recording head, a suction port connected to the suction mechanism, and a suction air passage configured to allow the receiving port and the suction port to communicate with each other, and the suction air passage includes a reverse-direction air passage configured to guide a suction air flow in a direction away from the suction port, and a forward-direction air passage configured to guide the suction air flow in a direction approaching the suction port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventional inkjet recording apparatuses are equipped with a waste ink container for storing ink to be discarded. A waste ink container to be equipped with an inkjet recording apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

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

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

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

[0007] To achieve the above object, an inkjet recording device of the present invention includes a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium being transported in one direction in a first direction, a waste ink container that is arranged opposite the recording head in a second direction across the recording medium transport path and has a storage area therein and stores ink ejected from the recording head in the storage area, and a suction mechanism that sucks gas from the waste ink container. The waste ink container has a receiving port that receives ink ejected from the recording head, a suction port that is arranged at a distance from the receiving port when viewed from the second direction and is connected to the suction mechanism, and a suction air passage that connects the receiving port and the suction port and allows a suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism to pass through. The suction air passage has a reverse air passage that guides the suction airflow away from the suction port when viewed from the second direction, and a forward air passage that guides the suction airflow toward the suction port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The configuration of the present invention can prevent ink from leaking from the waste ink container. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a printing unit of the inkjet printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conveying belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a conveyor belt of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of a conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (a view showing a state in which all waste ink containers are installed); [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of a conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment (a view showing a state in which some waste ink containers are removed); [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a waste ink container of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a waste ink container of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the waste ink container shown in FIG. 8, with the ceiling portion omitted. [Figure 11] 9 is a perspective view of an absorbing member of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a suction air passage connected to a central receiving port of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a suction air passage connected to a front receiving port of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a suction air passage connected to a rear receiving port of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fifth absorption layer of the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth absorption layer of the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a third absorption layer of the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second absorption layer of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first absorption layer of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a turbulent flow generation region of the inkjet recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA′ in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21, using an inkjet printer 100 as an example. The printer 100 is installed on a flat floor and is used in this state. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the flat floor on which the printer 100 is installed (this direction is the vertical direction) is defined as the up-down direction of the printer 100. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the direction indicated by the letter D is the up-down direction, the side indicated by the arrow DU is the upper side, and the side indicated by the arrow DD is the lower side.

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

[0012] <Printer configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 (corresponding to an "inkjet recording device") of this embodiment includes a first transport unit 1 and a second transport unit 2. The first transport unit 1 feeds a sheet S (corresponding to a "recording medium") set in a paper feed cassette CA and transports it toward the printing position. In a print job performed by the printer 100, an image is printed on the sheet S as it passes the printing position. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the direction indicated by the symbol DC is the transport direction of the sheet S. The second transport unit 2 transports the sheet S after printing. The second transport unit 2 ejects the printed sheet S onto an ejection tray ET.

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

[0014] When the leading edge of the sheet S reaches the registration nip, the registration roller pair 11 stops rotating. On the other hand, the conveying roller member upstream of the registration roller pair 11 in the conveying direction of the sheet S continues to rotate. This corrects the skew of the sheet S.

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

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

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

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

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

[0020] The recording unit 4 includes four line heads 41, each corresponding to one of the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, as shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the cyan line head 41 is labeled with the symbol "C," the magenta line head 41 is labeled with the symbol "M," the yellow line head 41 is labeled with the symbol "Y," and the black line head 41 is labeled with the symbol "K" to distinguish them from one another.

[0021] The line head 41 of each color includes multiple (for example, three) recording heads 40. For example, the multiple recording heads 40 of each color are arranged in a staggered pattern in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 may be simply referred to as the belt width direction. In the drawings referred to in the following description, the direction indicated by the symbol DW is the belt width direction.

[0022] The recording heads 40 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction relative to the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30. In other words, the recording heads 40 are arranged at positions that face the sheet S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. In other words, the conveyor belt 30 adsorbs and conveys the sheet S below the recording heads 40.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0029] The registration sensor 61 has a detection position that is upstream of the registration nip in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The registration sensor 61 is, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor. The registration sensor 61 changes its output value depending on whether the sheet S is present or not at the corresponding detection position.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0044] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the printer 100 includes a waste ink container 7 for storing flushing ink. The printer 100 also includes a suction mechanism 10 (see FIG. 9) connected to the waste ink container 7. The suction mechanism 10 sucks gas from the waste ink container 7.

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

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

[0047] Each waste ink container 7 is attached to the apparatus main body on the inner circumferential side of the conveyor belt 30. When attached to the apparatus main body, each waste ink container 7 is positioned below a recording head 40 that ejects ink of the corresponding color. Each waste ink container 7 is positioned so as to face the nozzle face of the corresponding recording head 40 across the conveyor belt 30. In other words, each waste ink container 7 is positioned so as to face the corresponding recording head 40 in the vertical direction across the conveyance path of the sheet S. As a result, when a flushing process is performed, flushing ink passes through the flushing hole 30a and is stored in the storage area of ​​each waste ink container 7.

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

[0049] The suction mechanisms 10 generate suction airflow. One suction mechanism 10 is assigned to each waste ink container 7. Each suction mechanism 10 is connected to the corresponding waste ink container 7 and sucks flushing ink from the corresponding recording head 40 toward the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The function of each suction mechanism 10 to suck flushing ink can suppress contamination inside the machine due to flushing ink. In Figure 5, the black arrow indicates the suction direction of the flushing ink. The white arrow indicates the suction direction by the suction unit 300.

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

[0051] <Waste ink container configuration> 8 to 21, the configuration of one waste ink container 7 will be described. The waste ink containers 7 have the same configuration. Therefore, the following description will be used to refer to the configurations of the other waste ink containers 7, and so will not be described.

[0052] In the following explanation, for ease of understanding, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is used. The X direction along the X axis is one horizontal direction and corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the waste ink container 7. The Y direction along the Y axis is the other horizontal direction and corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the waste ink container 7. The Z direction along the Z axis is the vertical direction and corresponds to the up-down direction of the waste ink container 7.

[0053] In the following description, the X direction is referred to as the front-to-back direction, the Y direction as the left-to-right direction, and the Z direction as the up-to-down direction. Note that the side toward which the X-axis arrow points is the rear, and the opposite side is the front. The side toward which the Y-axis arrow points is the left, and the opposite side is the right. The side toward which the Z-axis arrow points is the top, and the opposite side is the bottom.

[0054] The left-right direction (Y direction) corresponds to the "first direction." The up-down direction (Z direction) corresponds to the "second direction." The sheet S being transported by the transport belt 30 moves in one direction in the Y direction. The waste ink container 7 is disposed opposite the recording head 40 in the Z direction, with the transport path of the sheet S sandwiched between them.

[0055] The waste ink container 7 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped container. When viewed from the top-bottom direction, the waste ink container 7 has a roughly rectangular area as a storage area that is long in the front-to-back direction and short in the left-to-right direction. Specifically, the waste ink container 7 has a ceiling portion 7A and a bottom portion 7B that faces the ceiling portion 7A in the top-to-bottom direction. The waste ink container 7 also has sidewall portions (reference numerals omitted) that surround the area between the ceiling portion 7A and the bottom portion 7B from the front, back, left, and right. The area surrounded by the ceiling portion 7A, the bottom portion 7B, and the sidewall portions forms the storage area.

[0056] The ceiling 7A, bottom 7B, and sidewalls are made of an air-impermeable material. The ceiling 7A, bottom 7B, and sidewalls are made of a material that is substantially impermeable to mist-like flushing ink (i.e., gas containing flushing ink). The ceiling 7A, bottom 7B, and sidewalls have lower air permeability than at least the absorbing member 8, which will be described later. The ceiling 7A, bottom 7B, and sidewalls may be made of metal or resin.

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

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

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

[0060] Of the three sockets 710, one socket 710 is disposed at a distance in the left-right direction from a suction port 730, which will be described later, when viewed from the top-bottom direction. Specifically, this socket 710 is disposed to the left of the suction port 730 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. In the following description, this socket 710 is referred to as a central socket 711. The opening shape of central socket 711, as viewed from the top-bottom direction, is a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction extending in the front-to-back direction.

[0061] Of the three sockets 710, two other sockets 710 than the central socket 711 are arranged at a distance from each other in the front-to-rear direction, sandwiching a suction port 730 (described later) between them, when viewed from the top-to-bottom direction. One of the two sockets 710 is arranged in front of the suction port 730, and the other is arranged behind the suction port 730. In the following description, one of the two sockets 710 will be referred to as the front socket 712, and the other will be referred to as the rear socket 713. The opening shape of each of the front socket 712 and the rear socket 713, when viewed from the top-to-bottom direction, is generally rectangular with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction.

[0062] Here, the waste ink container 7 has an absorbing member 8 as shown in FIG. 11. The absorbing member 8 is placed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. The absorbing member 8 is a porous member that absorbs the flushing ink. Melamine sponge can be used as a constituent material of the absorbing member 8. The absorbing member 8 absorbs the flushing ink and holds the flushing ink inside.

[0063] The waste ink container 7 has a suction air passage 70 in the storage area, which is partitioned by the absorbing member 8. The suction air passage 70 is formed by the space in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorbing member 8 is not present (i.e., the gaps present in the storage area). The suction air passage 70 is a space obtained by cutting away a portion of the absorbing member 8. The suction air passage 70 is a space surrounded by the absorbing member 8. The absorbing member 8 serves as a partition wall that partitions the suction air passage 70. The suction air passage 70 allows the suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism 10 to pass through.

[0064] The suction airflow ducts 70 are connected to the multiple receptacles 710, respectively. That is, there are multiple suction airflow ducts 70. In the following description, the suction airflow ducts 70 connected to the central receptacle 711 may be designated by reference numeral 71, the suction airflow ducts 70 connected to the front receptacle 712 by reference numeral 72, and the suction airflow ducts 70 connected to the rear receptacle 713 by reference numeral 73, for distinction.

[0065] Suction airflow path 71 is shown in Fig. 12, suction airflow path 72 is shown in Fig. 13, and suction airflow path 73 is shown in Fig. 14. In each of these figures, suction airflow path 70 is schematically shown by a dashed arrow (thick line). The direction of the dashed arrow corresponds to the flow direction of the suction airflow when viewed from above and below.

[0066] The waste ink container 7 also has a merging chamber 720 in the storage area, which is partitioned by the absorbing member 8. When viewed from the top and bottom, the merging chamber 720 is disposed at a distance from each of the multiple receiving ports 710. Similar to the suction air passage 70, the merging chamber 720 is formed by a space in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 where the absorbing member 8 is not present. The merging chamber 720 is part of the suction air passage 70.

[0067] The waste ink container 7 has a suction port 730 at a position overlapping with the merging chamber 720 when viewed from the top-bottom direction. That is, the suction port 730 is disposed at a position spaced apart from each of the multiple receiving ports 710 when viewed from the top-bottom direction.

[0068] The suction port 730 penetrates the bottom 7B in the vertical direction. The plurality of suction air passages 70 are connected to the suction port 730. The plurality of suction air passages 70 communicate with each of the plurality of receiving ports 710 and the suction port 730. The suction port 730 communicates between the merging chamber 720 and the outside of the storage area. The suction port 730 is also connected to the suction mechanism 10.

[0069] The suction mechanism 10 is disposed outside the waste ink container 7 and is connected to the suction port 730 via a duct (not shown). When the suction mechanism 10 is driven, a suction airflow flows from each receiving port 710 toward the merging chamber 720 (i.e., the suction port 730).

[0070] The suction airflow contains a mist of flushing ink. If the mist of flushing ink leaks through the suction port 730, problems such as contamination of the interior of the printer 100 may occur. To prevent such problems from occurring, it is necessary to effectively separate the gas flowing through the suction airflow duct 70 (i.e., the gas sucked in by the suction mechanism 10) from the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and to have the flushing ink absorbed by the absorbing member 8. In other words, it is necessary to improve the efficiency with which the flushing ink is collected in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7.

[0071] In order to improve the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, the inner wall of the suction air passage 70 is made of an absorbing member 8. With this configuration, the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink is improved by the flushing ink being absorbed by the absorbing member 8. The more bends the suction air passage 70 has, the easier it is for the flushing ink contained in the gas flowing through the suction air passage 70 to be separated by centrifugal force, and the recovery efficiency of the flushing ink is improved.

[0072] The absorbing member 8 is composed of five layers: a first absorbing layer 81, a second absorbing layer 82, a third absorbing layer 83, a fourth absorbing layer 84, and a fifth absorbing layer 85 (see FIG. 11). The first to fifth absorbing layers 81 to 85 are stacked in this order from bottom to top. All of the first to fifth absorbing layers 81 to 85 are formed of porous materials that absorb flushing ink.

[0073] Each of the first to fifth absorption layers 81 to 85 has at least one opening 80 penetrating therethrough in the vertical direction. For convenience, only some of the openings 80 are labeled with reference numerals in Fig. 11. By sequentially stacking the first to fifth absorption layers 81 to 85 in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, the openings 80 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction communicate with each other, forming a space extending from the receiving port 710 to the suction port 730. In other words, this space forms the suction air passage 70.

[0074] The fifth absorption layer 85 has a planar shape as shown in Fig. 15. The fifth absorption layer 85 is disposed at the top of the storage area. In other words, the fifth absorption layer 85 is disposed directly below the ceiling portion 7A. In Fig. 15, the storage area as viewed from the top-bottom direction is indicated by a dashed line (thick line).

[0075] The fifth absorbent layer 85 has openings 85A, 85B, and 85C as the openings 80. Opening 85A overlaps with the central socket 711 in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with the central socket 711. Opening 85B overlaps with the front socket 712 in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with the front socket 712. Opening 85C overlaps with the rear socket 713 in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with the rear socket 713.

[0076] The fifth absorption layer 85 also has openings 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858 and 859 as opening 80.

[0077] The fourth absorbent layer 84 has a planar shape as shown in Fig. 16. The fourth absorbent layer 84 is disposed below the fifth absorbent layer 85 so as to overlap with the fifth absorbent layer 85 in the vertical direction. The fourth absorbent layer 84 is the layer immediately below the fifth absorbent layer 85. In Fig. 16, the storage region when viewed from the vertical direction is indicated by a dashed line (thick line).

[0078] The fourth absorption layer 84 has openings 84A, 84B, and 85C as the openings 80. Opening 84A overlaps with opening 85A in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 85A. Opening 84B overlaps with opening 85B in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 85B. Opening 84C overlaps with opening 85C in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 85C. There are multiple openings 84A, 84B, and 84C. For convenience, in FIG. 16, openings 84A, 84B, and 84C are each surrounded by a dashed line, and lead lines are attached to the areas surrounded by the dashed lines.

[0079] The fourth absorption layer 84 also has openings 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, and 849 as the openings 80. There are a plurality of each of the openings 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, and 849. For convenience, in Figure 16, the openings 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848, and 849 are each surrounded by a dashed line, and lead lines are added to the areas surrounded by the dashed lines.

[0080] The third absorbent layer 83 has a planar shape as shown in Fig. 17. The third absorbent layer 83 is disposed below the fourth absorbent layer 84 so as to overlap with the fourth absorbent layer 84 in the vertical direction. The third absorbent layer 83 is the layer immediately below the fourth absorbent layer 84. In Fig. 17, the storage region when viewed from the vertical direction is indicated by a dashed line (thick line).

[0081] The third absorbent layer 83 has openings 83A, 83B, and 83C as the openings 80. Opening 83A overlaps with opening 84A in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 84A. Opening 83B overlaps with opening 84B in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 84B. Opening 83C overlaps with opening 84C in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 84C.

[0082] The third absorption layer 83 also has openings 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, and 839 as the openings 80. There are a plurality of each of the openings 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, and 839. For convenience, in Figure 17, the openings 831, 832, 833, 834, 835, 836, 837, 838, and 839 are each surrounded by a dashed line, and lead lines are added to the areas surrounded by the dashed lines.

[0083] The second absorbent layer 82 has a planar shape as shown in Fig. 18. The second absorbent layer 82 is disposed below the third absorbent layer 83 so as to overlap with the third absorbent layer 83 in the vertical direction. The second absorbent layer 82 is the layer immediately below the third absorbent layer 83.

[0084] The second absorption layer 82 has openings 82A, 82B, and 82C as the openings 80. Opening 82A overlaps with opening 83A in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 83A. Opening 82B overlaps with opening 83B in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 83B. Opening 82C overlaps with opening 83C in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 83C. There are multiple openings 82A, 82B, and 82C. For convenience, in FIG. 18, openings 82A, 82B, and 82C are each surrounded by a dashed line, and lead lines are attached to the areas surrounded by the dashed lines.

[0085] The second absorption layer 82 also has openings 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, and 829 as the openings 80. There are a plurality of each of the openings 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, and 829. For convenience, in Figure 18, the openings 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826, 827, 828, and 829 are each surrounded by a dashed line, and lead lines are added to the areas surrounded by the dashed lines.

[0086] The first absorbent layer 81 has a planar shape as shown in Fig. 19. The first absorbent layer 81 is disposed below the second absorbent layer 82 so as to overlap the second absorbent layer 82 in the vertical direction. The first absorbent layer 81 is the layer immediately below the second absorbent layer 82. The first absorbent layer 81 is disposed at the bottom of the storage region. In other words, the first absorbent layer 81 is disposed directly above the bottom 7B.

[0087] The first absorption layer 81 has openings 81A, 81B, and 81C as the openings 80. Opening 81A overlaps with opening 82A in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 82A. Opening 81B overlaps with opening 82B in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 82B. Opening 81C overlaps with opening 82C in the vertical direction and is in vertical communication with opening 82C.

[0088] The first absorption layer 81 also has openings 811 , 812 , 813 , 814 , 815 , 816 , 817 , 818 and 819 as the openings 80 .

[0089] The fifth absorbent layer 85 has a portion 725 (see FIG. 15) that covers the merging chamber 720 from above. The fourth absorbent layer 84 has an opening 724 (see FIG. 16) that becomes the merging chamber 720. The third absorbent layer 83 has an opening 723 (see FIG. 17) that becomes the merging chamber 720. The second absorbent layer 82 has an opening 722 (see FIG. 18) that becomes the merging chamber 720. The first absorbent layer 81 has an opening 721 (see FIG. 19) that becomes the merging chamber 720.

[0090] 19, opening 721 communicates with opening 814 and also communicates with opening 819. In other words, confluence chamber 720 communicates with opening 814 and also communicates with opening 819. In other words, openings 814 and 819 each communicate with suction port 730.

[0091] The suction airflow passage 70 is formed by the openings of the first to fifth absorption layers 81 to 85. When viewed from above and below, the suction airflow flows in the direction indicated by the dashed arrows (thick lines) as shown in Figures 12 to 14 as a result of the suction airflow flowing along the suction airflow passage 70. The flow path of the suction airflow from the receiving port 710 to the suction port 730 will be specifically described below.

[0092] 1. Flow path of suction airflow from the central receiving port 711 to the suction port 730 The suction airflow from central receiving port 711 flows through openings 85A, 84A, 83A and 82A in this order, and then reaches opening 81A.

[0093] Opening 81A communicates with opening 851 via openings 821, 831, and 841. Opening 851 communicates with opening 811 via openings 841, 831, and 821. This allows the suction airflow to flow from opening 81A through openings 821, 831, and 841 in this order, before reaching opening 851. The suction airflow also flows from opening 851 through openings 841, 831, and 821, before reaching opening 811.

[0094] Opening 811 communicates with opening 852 via openings 822, 832, and 842. Opening 852 communicates with opening 812 via openings 842, 832, and 822. As a result, the suction airflow flows from opening 811 through openings 822, 832, and 842 in this order, before reaching opening 852. The suction airflow also flows from opening 852 through openings 842, 832, and 822, before reaching opening 812.

[0095] Opening 812 communicates with opening 853 via openings 823, 833, and 843. Opening 853 communicates with opening 813 via openings 843, 833, and 823. This allows the suction airflow to flow from opening 812 through openings 823, 833, and 843 in this order, before reaching opening 853. The suction airflow also flows from opening 853 through openings 843, 833, and 823, before reaching opening 813.

[0096] Opening 813 communicates with opening 854 via openings 824, 834, and 844. Opening 854 communicates with opening 814 via openings 844, 834, and 824. As a result, the suction airflow flows from opening 813 through openings 824, 834, and 844 in this order, before reaching opening 854. The suction airflow also flows from opening 854 through openings 844, 834, and 824 in this order, before reaching opening 814.

[0097] Opening 814 communicates with opening 721 that forms part of joining chamber 720. That is, opening 814 communicates with suction port 730. This allows the suction airflow to reach suction port 730 from central receiving port 711.

[0098] 2. Flow path of suction airflow from the front receiving port 712 to the suction port 730 The suction airflow from the front receiving port 712 flows through the openings 85B, 84B, 83B and 82B in this order, and then reaches the opening 81B.

[0099] Opening 81B communicates with opening 855 via openings 825, 835, and 845. Opening 855 communicates with opening 815 via openings 843, 833, and 823. This allows the suction airflow to flow from opening 81B through openings 825, 835, and 845 in this order, before reaching opening 855. The suction airflow also passes from opening 855 through openings 843, 833, and 823, before reaching opening 815.

[0100] Opening 815 communicates with opening 852 via openings 822, 832, and 842. Opening 852 communicates with opening 812 via openings 842, 832, and 822. As a result, the suction airflow flows from opening 811 through openings 822, 832, and 842 in this order, before reaching opening 852. The suction airflow also flows from opening 852 through openings 842, 832, and 822, before reaching opening 812.

[0101] Opening 812 communicates with opening 853 via openings 823, 833, and 843. Opening 853 communicates with opening 813 via openings 843, 833, and 823. This allows the suction airflow to flow from opening 812 through openings 823, 833, and 843 in this order, before reaching opening 853. The suction airflow also flows from opening 853 through openings 843, 833, and 823, before reaching opening 813.

[0102] Opening 813 communicates with opening 854 via openings 824, 834, and 844. Opening 854 communicates with opening 814 via openings 844, 834, and 824. As a result, the suction airflow flows from opening 813 through openings 824, 834, and 844 in this order, before reaching opening 854. The suction airflow also flows from opening 854 through openings 844, 834, and 824 in this order, before reaching opening 814.

[0103] The opening 814 communicates with the opening 721 that forms part of the merging chamber 720. That is, the opening 814 communicates with the suction port 730. This allows the suction airflow to reach the suction port 730 from the front receiving port 712.

[0104] 3. Flow path of suction airflow from rear receiving port 713 to suction port 730 The suction airflow from rear receiving port 713 flows through openings 85C, 84C, 83C and 82C in this order, and then reaches opening 81C.

[0105] Opening 81C communicates with opening 856 via openings 826, 836, and 846. Opening 856 communicates with opening 816 via openings 846, 836, and 826. This allows the suction airflow to flow from opening 81C through openings 826, 836, and 846 in this order, before reaching opening 856. The suction airflow also flows from opening 856 through openings 846, 836, and 826 in this order, before reaching opening 816.

[0106] Opening 816 communicates with opening 857 via openings 827, 837, and 847. Opening 857 communicates with opening 817 via openings 847, 837, and 827. As a result, the suction airflow flows from opening 816 through openings 827, 837, and 847 in this order, before reaching opening 857. The suction airflow also flows from opening 857 through openings 847, 837, and 827 in this order, before reaching opening 817.

[0107] Opening 817 communicates with opening 858 via openings 828, 838, and 848. Opening 858 communicates with opening 818 via openings 848, 838, and 828. As a result, the suction airflow passes from opening 817 through openings 828, 838, and 848 in this order, before reaching opening 858. The suction airflow passes from opening 858 through openings 848, 838, and 828 in this order, before reaching opening 818.

[0108] Opening 818 communicates with opening 859 via openings 829, 839, and 849. Opening 859 communicates with opening 819 via openings 849, 839, and 829. As a result, the suction airflow passes from opening 818 through openings 829, 839, and 849 in this order, before reaching opening 859. The suction airflow passes from opening 859 through openings 849, 839, and 829 in this order, before reaching opening 819.

[0109] The opening 819 communicates with the opening 721 that forms part of the merging chamber 720. That is, the opening 819 communicates with the suction port 730. This allows the suction airflow to reach the suction port 730 from the rear receiving port 713.

[0110] <Turbulence generation region> In this embodiment, a turbulence generation region 9 (see FIG. 20) that generates turbulence is provided in the suction airflow duct 70. The turbulence generation region 9 is a region for intentionally disturbing the suction airflow. A conceptual diagram of the turbulence generation region 9 is shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 20 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the turbulence generation region 9 and its surroundings cut along a plane parallel to the up-down and left-right directions (the plane in question is the YZ plane). FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the turbulence generation region 9 and its surroundings, and does not directly depict the actual dimensions and shape.

[0111] The turbulence generation region 9 is composed of the openings 80 of three layers that are successively arranged in the vertical direction among the first to fifth absorbent layers 81 to 85 that make up the absorbent member 8. In the following explanation, of these three layers, the layer that is located in the middle in the vertical direction will be referred to as the middle layer 90. Furthermore, the layer that is located on one side (either above or below) of the middle layer 90 in the vertical direction will be referred to as the first layer 91, and the layer that is located on the other side (the other of the above or below) of the middle layer 90 in the vertical direction will be referred to as the second layer 92. In this case, it can be said that the absorbent member 8 includes the middle layer 90, and the first layer 91 and the second layer 92 that sandwich the middle layer 90 in the vertical direction.

[0112] The first layer 91 has a first opening 910 that passes through the first layer 91 in the vertical direction. The middle layer 90 has a middle opening 900 that communicates with the first opening 910 in the vertical direction. The middle opening 900 passes through the middle layer 90 in the vertical direction. The other layer 92 has a second opening 920 that communicates with the middle opening 900 in the vertical direction. The other opening 920 passes through the other layer 92 in the vertical direction.

[0113] The space formed by the one opening 910, the intermediate opening 900, and the other opening 920 constitutes a part of the suction airflow path 70. The suction airflow in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 flows through the one opening 910, the intermediate opening 900, and the other opening 920 in this order. Alternatively, the suction airflow in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7 flows through the other opening 920, the intermediate opening 900, and the one opening 910 in this order.

[0114] In this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the intermediate opening 900 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the one opening 910 and is also smaller than the opening area of ​​the other opening 920. The opening area is the area of ​​the opening 80 when viewed from the top-bottom direction (i.e., the size of the opening 80 when viewed from the top-bottom direction).

[0115] As a result, in this embodiment, the suction airflow path 70 is narrowed from the one opening 910 toward the intermediate opening 900, and is narrowed from the other opening 920 toward the intermediate opening 900. In other words, the suction airflow path 70 is widened from the intermediate opening 900 toward the one opening 910, and is widened from the intermediate opening 900 toward the other opening 920. In further other words, in a cross-sectional view of the absorbing member 8 cut along a plane parallel to the up-down direction and the left-right direction, the left-right width of the intermediate opening 900 is smaller than the left-right width of the one opening 910, and is smaller than the left-right width of the other opening 920.

[0116] In this embodiment, by providing the turbulence generation region 9 in the suction airflow passage 70, the suction airflow from the one opening 910 toward the intermediate opening 900 collides with the outer edge of the intermediate opening 900 at a portion of the suction airflow passage 70 where the suction airflow flows from the one layer 91 through the intermediate layer 90 toward the other layer 92. This causes turbulence in the suction airflow at and around the outer edge of the intermediate opening 900 on the one layer 91 side. Because turbulence in the suction airflow occurs at and around the outer edge of the intermediate opening 900 on the one layer 91 side, the flushing ink contained in the gas flowing through the suction airflow passage 70 becomes more likely to be absorbed by the inner wall of the suction airflow passage 70 (i.e., the absorbing member 8).

[0117] Furthermore, in a portion of the suction airflow passage 70 where the suction airflow flows from the one layer 91 through the intermediate layer 90 toward the other layer 92, the suction airflow from the intermediate opening 900 toward the other layer 92 spreads horizontally along the outer edge of the intermediate opening 900 on the other layer 92 side. This causes turbulence in the suction airflow at and around the outer edge of the intermediate opening 900 on the other layer 92 side. Due to the turbulence in the suction airflow at and around the outer edge of the intermediate opening 900 on the other layer 92 side, flushing ink contained in the gas flowing through the suction airflow passage 70 becomes more likely to be absorbed by the inner wall of the suction airflow passage 70 (i.e., the absorbing member 8).

[0118] As a result, in this embodiment, the flushing ink is effectively separated from the gas flowing through the suction air passage 70. In other words, the amount of flushing ink absorbed by the inner wall of the suction air passage 70 (i.e., the absorbing member 8) increases, improving the efficiency of recovering the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. As a result, it is possible to prevent the flushing ink from leaking from the waste ink container 7. If the leakage of flushing ink from the waste ink container 7 can be prevented, it is possible to prevent problems such as the interior of the apparatus (for example, the suction mechanism 10) being contaminated with flushing ink.

[0119] In this embodiment, the fifth absorbent layer 85 may be the one layer 91, the fourth absorbent layer 84 may be the middle layer 90, and the third absorbent layer 83 may be the other layer 92. In this case, any opening 80 in the fifth absorbent layer 85 may be the one opening 910, any opening 80 in the fourth absorbent layer 84 may be the middle opening 900, and any opening 80 in the third absorbent layer 83 may be the other opening 920.

[0120] Alternatively, the third absorbent layer 83 may be the one layer 91, the second absorbent layer 82 may be the middle layer 90, and the first absorbent layer 81 may be the other layer 92. In this case, the opening 80 of the third absorbent layer 83 may be the one opening 910, the opening 80 of the second absorbent layer 82 may be the middle opening 900, and the opening 80 of the first absorbent layer 81 may be the other opening 920.

[0121] For example, when focusing on a portion of the suction airflow passage 72 shown in a cross section taken along line AA' in Fig. 13 (see Fig. 21), the turbulence generation region 9 (referred to as the first turbulence generation region 9 here) is formed by the opening 85B of the fifth absorbent layer 85, the opening 84B of the fourth absorbent layer 84, and the opening 83B of the third absorbent layer 83. The turbulence generation region 9 (referred to as the second turbulence generation region 9 here) is formed by the opening 83B of the third absorbent layer 83, the opening 82B of the second absorbent layer 82, and the opening 81B of the first absorbent layer 81.

[0122] 21, there are multiple intermediate openings 900 (openings 84B) in the first turbulence generation region 9, and there are also multiple intermediate openings 900 (openings 82B) in the second turbulence generation region 9. In such a case, the total opening area of ​​the multiple intermediate openings 900 is made smaller than the opening area of ​​the one opening 910 and also smaller than the opening area of ​​the other opening 920.

[0123] That is, in the first turbulence generation region 9, the total opening area of ​​the plurality of openings 84B is smaller than the opening area of ​​opening 85B and also smaller than the opening area of ​​opening 83B. In the second turbulence generation region 9, the total opening area of ​​the plurality of openings 82B is smaller than the opening area of ​​opening 83B and also smaller than the opening area of ​​opening 81B.

[0124] The opening area of ​​the intermediate opening 900 needs only to be smaller than the opening area of ​​the one opening 910 and smaller than the opening area of ​​the other opening 920. However, the closer the opening areas of the one opening 910 and the other opening 920 are to the opening area of ​​the intermediate opening 900, the less effective it is at separating the flushing ink from the gas flowing through the suction airflow passage 70. On the other hand, the smaller the opening area of ​​the intermediate opening 900 is relative to the opening areas of the one opening 910 and the other opening 920, the greater the flow resistance of the suction airflow between the intermediate opening 900 and the one opening 910 and the other opening 920.

[0125] Therefore, in this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the intermediate opening 900 is smaller than half the opening area of ​​the one opening 910, and is also smaller than half the opening area of ​​the other opening 920. More preferably, the opening area of ​​the intermediate opening 900 is smaller than one-third the opening area of ​​the one opening 910, and is also smaller than one-third the opening area of ​​the other opening 920. This makes it easier to achieve a separation effect of the flushing ink at the boundary between the one opening 910 and the intermediate opening 900, and at the boundary between the intermediate opening 900 and the other opening 920.

[0126] In this embodiment, the absorbing member 8 is disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and the plurality of suction air passages 70 are formed by the spaces in the storage area where the absorbing member 8 is not present, so that the efficiency of collecting flushing ink can be easily improved. However, a member that has a lower ink absorption capacity than the absorbing member 8 or that does not absorb ink at all may be disposed in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7, and the plurality of suction air passages 70 may be formed by that member.

[0127] <Reverse air path / forward air path> This embodiment has a suction airflow duct 70 as shown in Figures 12 to 14. In Figures 12 to 14, the suction airflow duct 70 is schematically indicated by dashed arrows. In Figures 12 to 14, the direction indicated by the dashed arrows is the direction of suction airflow. In Figure 12, the suction airflow duct 71 extending from the central receiving port 711 to the suction port 730 is schematically indicated by dashed arrows. In Figure 13, the suction airflow duct 72 extending from the front receiving port 712 to the suction port 730 is schematically indicated by dashed arrows. In Figure 14, the suction airflow duct 73 extending from the rear receiving port 713 to the suction port 730 is schematically indicated by dashed arrows.

[0128] In this embodiment, each of suction airflow passages 71-73 has a reverse-direction airflow passage 70R and a forward-direction airflow passage 70F. Reverse-direction airflow passage 70R is an airflow passage that guides the suction airflow in a direction away from suction port 730 when viewed from the top and bottom. Forward-direction airflow passage 70F is an airflow passage that guides the suction airflow in a direction approaching suction port 730 when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0129] In this embodiment, by providing the reverse-direction air passage 70R and the forward-direction air passage 70F in the suction air passage 70, the circulation path of the suction air current from the receiving port 710 to the suction port 730 is lengthened. When the circulation path of the suction air current is lengthened, the opportunity for the flushing ink to be absorbed by the inner wall of the suction air passage 70 (i.e., the absorbing member 8) increases.

[0130] As a result, in this embodiment, the flushing ink is effectively separated from the gas flowing through the suction air passage 70. In other words, the amount of flushing ink absorbed by the inner wall of the suction air passage 70 increases, improving the efficiency of collecting the flushing ink in the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. As a result, it is possible to prevent the flushing ink from leaking from the waste ink container 7. If the leakage of flushing ink from the waste ink container 7 can be prevented, it is possible to prevent problems such as the interior of the device (for example, the suction mechanism 10) being contaminated with flushing ink.

[0131] In this embodiment, the suction airflow path 70 bends the flow direction of the suction airflow from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction multiple times, thereby increasing the opportunity for the flushing ink to be absorbed by the inner wall of the suction airflow path 70 (i.e., the absorbing member 8).

[0132] In this embodiment, at least two of the multiple suction air passages 70 (71 to 73) merge with each other before reaching the suction port 730. Specifically, suction air passages 71 and 72 merge with each other before reaching the junction chamber 720 and then reach the suction port 730. Furthermore, suction air passages 71 to 73 merge with each other in the junction chamber 720 and then reach the suction port 730. That is, suction air passages 71 to 73 merge with each other before reaching the suction port 730.

[0133] This configuration can reduce the space required to form the suction air passage 70 within the storage area of ​​the waste ink container 7. This can prevent the waste ink container 7 from becoming larger.

[0134] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 4 Recording section 7 Waste ink container 8 Absorbing member 10 Suction mechanism 40 Recording head 70, 71, 72, 73 Suction air path 70F forward air passage 70R Reverse air passage 100 Printers (inkjet recording devices) 710 Underbite 711 Central socket (Socket) 712 Front socket (Socket) 713 Rear socket (Socket) 730 Suction port S sheet (recording medium)

Claims

1. a recording head that records an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium being transported in one direction in a first direction; a waste ink container disposed opposite the recording head in a second direction across a transport path of the recording medium, the waste ink container having a storage area therein, and configured to store the ink ejected from the recording head in the storage area; a suction mechanism for suctioning gas from the waste ink container, The waste ink container is a receiving port for receiving the ink ejected from the recording head; a suction port that is disposed at a position spaced apart from the receiving port when viewed from the second direction and that is connected to the suction mechanism; a suction air passage that connects the receiving port and the suction port to pass a suction airflow generated by driving the suction mechanism; When viewed from the second direction, the suction air passage a reverse airflow path that guides the suction airflow in a direction away from the suction port; a forward airflow path that guides the suction airflow in a direction approaching the suction port.

2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the suction air passage bends the flow direction of the suction air current a plurality of times in the second direction.

3. a plurality of receiving ports are provided in the waste ink container; a plurality of suction air passages are provided in the waste ink container; the suction port is disposed at a position spaced apart from each of the plurality of receiving ports when viewed from the second direction; The plurality of suction air passages are respectively connected to different receiving ports, and communicate with the receiving ports to which they are connected and the suction port; The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least two of the plurality of suction air passages join together before reaching the suction port.

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

Images