Inkjet recording system

Abstract

To prevent contamination of the surrounding environment by cleaning fluid, print heads that are not placed on the cleaning mounting section are not cleaned. [Solution] The inkjet recording system includes a cleaning station that cleans the print head while the print head is set, a placement detection unit that detects when the print head is set in the cleaning station, a collection container attached to the cleaning station for collecting cleaning liquid, a container detection unit that detects when the collection container is attached to the cleaning station, and a liquid volume detection unit that detects the amount of liquid in the collection container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inkjet recording system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inkjet recording apparatus for printing on a workpiece has been known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called continuous inkjet recording apparatus that circulates ink inside the apparatus even when not printing on a workpiece. This inkjet recording apparatus includes a printing head for ejecting ink particles and a controller connected to this printing head. This inkjet recording apparatus also includes a cleaning unit, and these components constitute an inkjet recording system.

[0004] The printing head houses inside it a printing nozzle for ejecting ink or a solvent, a charging electrode for charging the particulate ink (ink particles) ejected from this printing nozzle, and a deflection electrode for deflecting the flying direction (travel direction) of the ink charged by this charging electrode. The ink deflected by the deflection electrode is ejected to the outside to perform printing. Ink particles not used for printing are to be recovered from the gutter of the printing head.

[0005] Also, the controller includes an ink supply unit including an ink supply path for supplying ink to the printing nozzle and a control unit for controlling each part.

[0006] In the inkjet recording device described in Patent Document 1, when transitioning from a state where ink circulation has stopped to an operating state, a startup process is performed by controlling the ink supply unit to discharge pressurized ink from the print nozzles, making it possible to print. During this startup process, the print head is placed on a cleaning table, and cleaning fluid is sprayed from a cleaning nozzle, which is provided separately from the print nozzles within the print head, toward the print nozzles. This automatically cleans the print nozzles and their surroundings, removing solid ink particles adhering to the holes of the print nozzles and the gutter openings. During cleaning, cleaning fluid leaks from the print head, but this leaked cleaning fluid is collected on the cleaning table. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-136934 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, in some cases, multiple inkjet recording devices are installed in a printing facility, such as a first inkjet recording device, a second inkjet recording device, and so on. Each inkjet recording device is equipped with a print head, a controller, and a cleaning station, so there will be a first print head, a second print head, and so on; a first controller, a second controller, and so on; and a first cleaning station, a second cleaning station, and so on.

[0009] In such environments, there was a possibility that automatic cleaning of the print head would be performed incorrectly. Specifically, if a user intended to place the first print head, which is connected to the first controller, on the first cleaning platform for cleaning, but mistakenly placed the second print head, which is connected to the second controller, on the first cleaning platform, the first print head would not be on the cleaning platform. If automatic cleaning were performed in this state, there would be no one to catch the cleaning fluid leaking from the first print head, which could lead to contamination of the surrounding environment or volatilization, creating an undesirable environment.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment by cleaning fluid by preventing the cleaning of print heads that are not placed on the cleaning mounting section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, a first aspect of this disclosure is a print head that houses a nozzle for ejecting ink, a charging electrode for charging particulate ink ejected from the nozzle, and a deflection electrode for deflecting the flight direction of the ink charged by the charging electrode, and ejects the ink deflected by the deflection electrode to the outside; an ink supply unit connected to the print head and supplying ink to the print head; a solvent supply unit connected to the print head and supplying solvent to the print head; and a controller having a control unit that controls the ink supply from the ink supply unit to the print head and controls the solvent supply from the solvent supply unit to the print head. An inkjet recording system comprising: an inkjet recording device that prints on a workpiece using ink supplied from the ink supply unit; and a cleaning and mounting unit located in a different location from the location where the print head is installed when printing is performed by the inkjet recording device, on which the print head is placed when cleaning the print head using a solvent supplied from the solvent supply unit, characterized in that the system comprises a mounting detection unit configured to detect when the print head is placed on the cleaning and mounting unit, and which, when it detects that the print head has been placed, sends a signal to the control unit connected to the print head placed on the cleaning and mounting unit based on the confirmation of the placement of the print head.

[0012] In this configuration, when the print head is placed on the cleaning and mounting section, the mounting detection section detects that the print head has been placed. When the mounting detection section detects that the print head has been placed, a signal based on the confirmation of the print head's placement is sent to the control unit connected to the print head placed on the cleaning and mounting section. As a result, the control unit can confirm that the print head connected to it is placed on the cleaning and mounting section, and can determine that the print head is ready for cleaning. Therefore, the print head placed on the cleaning and mounting section can be cleaned, and any solvent leaked from the print head can be received by the cleaning and mounting section, preventing contamination of the surrounding environment.

[0013] Here, assuming a site where multiple inkjet recording devices, namely a first inkjet recording device and a second inkjet recording device, are installed, it is conceivable that the intention is to clean the first print head connected to the first controller, but in reality, the second print head connected to the second controller is placed on the first cleaning mounting unit. In this case, since the first print head is not placed on the first cleaning mounting unit, a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the first print head is not sent to the control unit of the first controller. As a result, the first controller can determine that the first print head connected to it is not placed on the cleaning mounting unit, and can prevent cleaning the first print head and thus prevent cleaning fluid from leaking from the first print head.

[0014] The placement detection unit may be provided on the print head or on the cleaning and placement unit. Furthermore, the signal based on the print head placement confirmation may indicate that the print head has been placed on the cleaning and placement unit, or it may indicate that the placed print head is connected to the controller. The determination of whether or not the print head is placed on the cleaning and placement unit may also be performed by the controller.

[0015] Furthermore, the placement detection unit can be composed of various sensors, or it can be composed of detection means such as contacts or power supply terminals provided on the print head and the cleaning placement unit, respectively, so that power is supplied only when the print head is placed on the cleaning placement unit. In this case, the placement of the print head on the cleaning placement unit can be detected by the supply of power between the contacts.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure is that the controller includes a cleaning operation unit that performs a cleaning operation on the print head placed on the cleaning installation unit when the control unit receives a signal based on the confirmation of the print head placement sent by the aforementioned placement detection unit, and the aforementioned placement detection unit sends the signal based on the confirmation of the print head placement to the control unit as a permission signal to permit the cleaning operation by the cleaning operation unit.

[0017] With this configuration, when a signal based on confirmation of the print head's placement is received, the print head can be automatically cleaned.

[0018] A third aspect of this disclosure is that the aforementioned placement detection unit sends a signal based on the confirmation of the placement of the print head to the control unit as a disallowance signal to disallow printing on the workpiece by the print head and the control unit.

[0019] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is that the cleaning unit is configured to prohibit the cleaning operation of the print head when it has not received a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the print head.

[0020] In other words, if a signal based on confirmation of print head placement is not received, it means that the print head is not placed on the cleaning and placement unit. In this case, the print head cleaning operation is prohibited, thus preventing print heads that are not placed on the cleaning and placement unit from being accidentally cleaned.

[0021] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is that the aforementioned placement detection unit is configured to send a signal based on the confirmation of the placement of the print head to the control unit via a cable connecting the print head and the controller.

[0022] In this configuration, control signals from the controller are sent to the print head via a cable, thereby controlling the print head. Since this cable can be used to send signals based on print head placement confirmation, the system configuration can be simplified.

[0023] A sixth aspect of this disclosure is that the print head and the controller are connected by a cable, the controller and the cleaning and placement unit are connected by a signal line which is either wired or wireless and is different from the cable, and the placement detection unit is configured to send a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the print head to the control unit via the signal line.

[0024] The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that the controller and the cleaning placement unit are connected by a signal line, either wired or wireless, capable of transmitting the identification information possessed by the controller to the cleaning placement unit, and are configured to send a signal based on the placement confirmation of the printing head and the identification information of the controller acquired in advance via the signal line to the control unit.

[0025] According to this configuration, the identification information of the controller can be acquired in advance. By sending this identification information of the controller to the control unit, the control unit can determine the consistency between the sent identification information and its own identification information. If they match, it can be determined that it is the printing head connected to itself. If they do not match, it can be determined that it is not the printing head connected to itself. Thereby, the determination of the feasibility of the cleaning operation can be performed more accurately.

[0026] The identification information possessed by the controller can be information unique to the controller, such as the serial number of the controller, etc., and can be composed of, for example, numbers, letters, symbols, etc. It may be composed of only any one of numbers, letters, symbols, etc., or may be composed of a combination of any two or more. The identification information of the controller and the signal based on the placement confirmation of the printing head may be sent simultaneously or at different timings.

[0027] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to send a signal based on the placement confirmation of the printing head and the identification information of the controller to the control unit via the signal line.

[0028] According to this configuration, by using the signal line for acquiring the identification information of the controller, the signal based on the placement confirmation of the head and the identification information of the controller can be sent to the control unit, so the system configuration can be simplified.

[0029] A ninth aspect of this disclosure is that when acquiring identification information of the print head placed on the cleaning and placement unit and sending a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the print head, the identification information of the print head is also sent to the control unit.

[0030] With this configuration, identification information of the print head placed on the cleaning and mounting section is sent to the control unit, allowing it to determine whether the print head and the controller are connected to each other. This enables a more accurate determination of whether or not the cleaning operation can be performed.

[0031] The identification information of the print head can be unique to the print head, such as the print head's serial number, and can consist of numbers, letters, symbols, etc. It may consist of any one of these, or any two or more. The print head identification information and the signal based on the print head placement confirmation may be sent simultaneously or at different times.

[0032] A tenth aspect of this disclosure is configured such that the control unit and the cleaning and mounting unit are communicatively connected, the cleaning and mounting unit and the print head are communicatively connected, the print head and the control unit are communicatively connected, the control unit transmits authentication information to the cleaning and mounting unit, the cleaning and mounting unit transmits the authentication information transmitted from the control unit to the print head, the print head transmits the authentication information transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to perform an authentication process to determine whether the print head is connected to the control unit based on the authentication information transmitted to the cleaning and mounting unit and the authentication information received from the print head.

[0033] In this configuration, if the controller, cleaning unit, and print head are in the correct combination, the authentication information transmitted by the controller is sent to the control unit via the cleaning unit and print head, and the print head is authenticated as being connected to the controller during the authentication process. On the other hand, if the combination is not correct, the authentication information may not be received at all, and there may be a discrepancy between the authentication information transmitted by the control unit and the authentication information received from the print head during the authentication process. This allows for a determination that the combination is not correct, enabling a more accurate determination of whether or not the cleaning operation can be performed.

[0034] The authentication information could be, for example, the controller's serial number, a random number, or date and time information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] As explained above, the inkjet recording system prevents the print head that is not placed on the cleaning and placement section from being cleaned, thus preventing contamination of the surrounding environment by solvents. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an inkjet recording system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a print head. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the pathways of ink and solvent in an inkjet recording device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the print head from below. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of an inkjet recording device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating process A in the startup process. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating process B in the startup process. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating process C in the startup process. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the startup process for an inkjet recording device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating process D in the rise process. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating process E in the rise process. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating process F in the rise process. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the print head in the cleaning and mounting section. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the washing and placement section. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the washing and placement section. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a magnified view of the back of the print head. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a portion of the print head and cleaning / mounting section seated in their proper positions. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a simplified block diagram of the controller, print head, and cleaning and mounting unit. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 15, showing an alternative method for discharging the cleaning fluid received in the cleaning and placement section. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the washing and placing section, showing the state before the collection container is held by the holding section. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows the state before the collection container is raised, and is a perspective view of the washing and placement section from the rear. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the state shown in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a plan view of the washing and placement section. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view with the collection container attached. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the collection container when it is full. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating the maintenance execution process. [Figure 29] Figure 29 illustrates a scenario in a workplace where multiple automatic printing systems are installed, and the print head is placed on the cleaning and mounting section of another system. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a flowchart illustrating the process for checking the connection of the print head. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a flowchart illustrating the process for confirming whether maintenance is feasible. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 20 relating to Modification 1. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 30 relating to Modification 1. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 20 relating to Modification 2. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 30 relating to Modification 2. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 20 relating to Modification 3. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 30 relating to Modification 3. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 20 relating to Modification 4. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 30, relating to Modification 4. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 20, relating to Modification 5. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 30, relating to Modification 5. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a flowchart showing an example of how sleep mode works. [Figure 43]Figure 43 shows an example of a user interface for maintenance. [Figure 44] Figure 44 shows an example of a status display user interface. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a flowchart showing how to operate the sleep mode while checking for abnormalities on the cleaning and placement unit side. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a timing chart for when an anomaly is detected during the startup process. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a diagram equivalent to Figure 45, showing the process related to a modified example of the sleep mode. [Figure 48] Figure 48 shows an example of a user interface for selecting a time period, which is displayed when the system is shut down. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a flowchart showing an example of the sleep mode transition determination process. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining whether to automatically transition to sleep mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description of preferred embodiments is essentially illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0038] In other words, although this specification describes an industrial inkjet printer as an example of an inkjet recording device, the technology disclosed herein can be applied to general equipment that uses inkjet technology to project particulate ink onto a workpiece, regardless of whether it is called an inkjet recording device or an industrial inkjet printer.

[0039] Furthermore, this specification describes printing using an inkjet recording device, but the term "printing" as used herein includes all processing processes that utilize inkjet technology, such as printing characters and marking shapes.

[0040] <Overall Structure> Figure 1 illustrates the overall configuration of the inkjet recording system S. Figure 2 illustrates the schematic configuration of the inkjet recording device I, and Figure 3 illustrates the schematic configuration of the print head 1 in the inkjet recording device I. Figure 4 illustrates the ink and solvent pathways in the inkjet recording device I. The automatic printing system S illustrated in Figure 1 is installed, for example, on a transport line L in a factory, and is configured to print sequentially on each workpiece W flowing along the transport line L. The application of this disclosure is not limited to the automatic printing system S. It can also be applied to printing systems using methods other than automatic. The transport line L can be configured, for example, as a belt conveyor.

[0041] Specifically, the automatic printing system S comprises an inkjet recording device I that prints by depositing particulate ink (ink droplets) onto a workpiece W, an operating terminal 800 and external equipment 900 connected to the inkjet recording device I, and a cleaning and mounting unit 200 connected to the inkjet recording device I for cleaning the print head 1. Note that the operating terminal 800 and external equipment 900 are not mandatory.

[0042] The inkjet recording device I illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a print head 1 that ejects ink droplets from a nozzle 12 and deposits the ink droplets onto a workpiece W, and a controller 100 that supplies control signals, ink, and solvent to the print head 1. The controller 100 controls the trajectory of the ink droplets by supplying control signals to the print head 1. This adjusts the landing position of the ink droplets on the workpiece W, thereby achieving the desired printing.

[0043] In particular, the inkjet recording device I according to this embodiment is configured as a so-called continuous inkjet printer (CIJ). That is, in order to prevent clogging caused by ink evaporation (especially clogging of the nozzle 12), ink is constantly circulating inside the inkjet recording device I even when printing is not being performed, as long as the inkjet recording device I is in operation. By adopting a continuous method, it becomes possible to use fast-drying ink without causing ink clogging.

[0044] Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus I according to this embodiment can clean various parts of the print head 1, such as the nozzles 12, by sending a solvent to the print head 1. The solvent used for cleaning can be recovered as needed and reused to adjust the ink concentration (viscosity).

[0045] To achieve ink circulation, the print head 1 is equipped with a gutter 16 that recovers the ink or solvent discharged from the nozzle 12, in addition to the nozzle 12 (see Figure 3). The ink or solvent sent from the controller 100 to the print head 1 is discharged from the nozzle 12 and recovered by the gutter 16. The recovered ink or solvent is then sent back to the controller 100 for reuse. By repeating this process, the ink can be circulated.

[0046] The operating terminal 800 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device, and is connected to the controller 100. This operating terminal 800 functions as a terminal for setting processing conditions in printing and for displaying printing-related information to the user.

[0047] The machining conditions set by the operating terminal 800 are output to the controller 100 and stored in its memory unit 102. In addition to the memory unit 102 of the controller 100, or instead of the memory unit 102, the operating terminal 800 may also store the machining conditions.

[0048] In addition to the content of the string to be printed, the processing conditions according to this embodiment include conditions and parameters related to the start-up process described later (hereinafter also referred to as "cleaning settings").

[0049] The operating terminal 800 can be integrated into, for example, the controller 100. In this case, the term "operating terminal" would not be used; instead, a term such as "control unit" would be used.

[0050] External devices 900 are connected to the controller 100 as needed. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the external devices 900 include a work detection sensor 901, a transport speed sensor 902, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) 903.

[0051] Specifically, the workpiece detection sensor 901 detects the presence or absence of a workpiece W in the transport line L and outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating the detection result to the controller 100. The detection signal output from the workpiece detection sensor 901 functions as a trigger (print trigger) to start printing.

[0052] The transport speed sensor 902 is composed of, for example, a rotary encoder and can detect the transport speed of the workpiece W. The transport speed sensor 902 outputs a signal (detection signal) indicating the detection result to the controller 100. Based on the detection signal input from the transport speed sensor 902, the controller 100 controls the timing of ink droplet ejection from the print head 1, etc.

[0053] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 2, the PLC903 is electrically connected to the controller 100. The PLC903 is used to control the inkjet recording system S according to a predetermined sequence.

[0054] In addition to the devices and equipment described above, the inkjet recording device I can also be connected to devices for operation and control, computers for various other processing, storage devices, peripheral devices, etc. These connections may be, for example, serial connections such as IEEE1394, RS-232, RS-422, and USB, or parallel connections. Alternatively, electrical, magnetic, or optical connections can be used via networks such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T. Furthermore, in addition to wired connections, wireless connections using IEEE802 or other wireless LANs, or Bluetooth®, etc., utilizing radio waves, infrared, or optical communication are also acceptable. For storage devices used for data exchange and saving various settings, for example, various memory cards, magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memory, and hard disks can be used.

[0055] <Controller 100> The controller 100 is configured to electrically control the print head 1 and to supply printing ink and a solvent for diluting the ink to the print head 1.

[0056] Specifically, the controller 100 according to this embodiment includes, as components related to electrical control, a storage unit 102 for storing the aforementioned processing conditions, a control unit 101 for controlling each part of the controller 100 and the print head 1, an operation display unit 103 for receiving user operations and displaying information to the user, and a power supply unit 121 for guiding power supplied from an external source to the control unit 101.

[0057] The controller 100 also includes components related to the supply of ink, etc., such as an ink supply unit 104 that supplies ink to the nozzles 12 of the print head 1, and a solvent supply unit 105 that supplies solvent to the nozzles 12 and the ink supply unit 104.

[0058] The control unit 101, the ink supply unit 104, and the solvent supply unit 105 may be configured as separate units. The storage unit 102 may also be configured as a separate unit from the ink supply unit 104 and the solvent supply unit 105. The operation display unit 103 may also be configured as a separate unit from the ink supply unit 104 and the solvent supply unit 105. In these cases as well, the components can be combined to form the controller 100.

[0059] (Storage unit 102) The memory unit 102 stores the processing conditions set via the operation display unit 103 (described later) or the operation terminal 800, and is configured to output the stored processing conditions to the control unit 101 based on an external control signal.

[0060] Specifically, the storage unit 102 is configured using volatile memory, non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and can temporarily or continuously store information indicating processing conditions. If the operation terminal 800 is incorporated into the controller 100, the operation terminal 800 may also function as the storage unit 102.

[0061] (Control Unit 101) The control unit 101 controls at least the ink supply unit 104 and solvent supply unit 105 in the controller 100, and the nozzle 12, charging electrode 13, and deflection electrode 15 in the print head 1, based on the processing conditions stored in the memory unit 102. By controlling each part, the control unit 101 ensures that printing on the workpiece W is performed at a predetermined timing.

[0062] Specifically, the control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU, memory, and input / output bus, and generates control signals based on signals indicating information input via the operation display unit 103 or the operation terminal 800, and signals indicating processing conditions read from the storage unit 102. The control unit 101 controls printing on the workpiece W by outputting the generated control signals to the controller 100 and the inkjet recording device I.

[0063] For example, when printing on the workpiece W, the control unit 101 reads the printing content stored in the memory unit 102 and generates a control signal based on that printing content. The control unit 101 then outputs this control signal to the charged electrode 13 to set the flight direction of the ink droplets so that the landing position corresponds to the printing content.

[0064] (Operation display section 103) As shown in Figure 1, the operation display unit 103 can be provided in, for example, the housing that constitutes the controller 100, but it may also be configured separately from the housing and installed in a different location. This operation display unit 103 includes a display unit 103a that displays various information related to the inkjet recording device I, and an operation unit 103b consisting of, for example, a touch-type operation panel, buttons, switches, etc. The display unit 103a is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel, is controlled by the control unit 101, and is configured to display a user interface, as described later.

[0065] When a user operates the operation unit 103b of the operation display unit 103, the operation information is input to the control unit 101, which can detect what operation was performed. For example, by operating the operation unit 103b, the user can switch the power ON / OFF of the inkjet recording device I, make various settings, input information, etc. If the operation terminal 800 is incorporated into the controller 100, the operation terminal 800 may also function as the operation display unit 103. The display unit 103a of the operation display unit 103 is a notification unit that notifies the user of various information, and the operation unit 103b is an input unit that can input various information.

[0066] The operation display unit 103, like the operation terminal 800 mentioned above, can also be used to set the processing conditions for printing. The processing conditions set by the operation display unit 103 are output to the controller 100 and stored in its memory unit 102. The following description assumes that the user operates the operation display unit 103, but the operation terminal 800 can also be used instead of the operation display unit 103.

[0067] (Ink supply unit 104) The ink supply unit 104 mainly consists of an ink cartridge 104a containing refill ink, a main tank 104b from which ink is supplied from the ink cartridge 104a, and an ink flow path 104c. The ink cartridge 104a, the main tank 104b, and the print head 1 are fluidly connected via the ink flow path 104c.

[0068] Of these, the ink cartridge 104a is configured to be detachable from the controller 100, and by replacing it, ink can be replenished in the main tank 104b.

[0069] As described above, the inkjet recording device I according to this embodiment is configured as a so-called "cartridge-type" inkjet printer, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, it may be configured to include a tank that can be opened and closed manually, and to replenish the ink in that tank.

[0070] The main tank 104b is a container that stores the ink supplied to the nozzle 12, and is specifically configured to hold ink whose concentration (viscosity) has been adjusted with a solvent. To achieve this configuration, a solvent supply path is connected to the path from the ink cartridge 104a to the main tank 104b.

[0071] Furthermore, the ink distribution path 104c is a path for supplying ink to the print head 1, and for example, it includes a path for sending ink to the nozzle 12 and a path for sending ink back from the gutter 16. The path for sending ink to the nozzle 12 connects the ink cartridge 104a, the main tank 104b, and the nozzle 12. The path for sending ink back from the gutter 16 connects the gutter 16 and the main tank 104b. These paths allow ink to be circulated between the print head 1 and the controller 100.

[0072] As described later, the ink distribution path 104c is provided with a plurality of solenoid valves, including the first valve V1, and a plurality of pumps, including the ink pump P1. Of these, each solenoid valve can open and close in response to a control signal output from the control unit 101, thereby controlling the flow of ink. On the other hand, each pump can pump ink under pressure in response to a control signal output from the control unit 101, and in the same way as the solenoid valves, it can control the flow of ink.

[0073] (Solvent supply unit 105) The solvent supply unit 105 has as its main components a solvent cartridge 105a containing replenishment solvent, a conditioning tank 105b for storing the solvent used for cleaning, and a solvent flow path 105c. The solvent cartridge 105a, the conditioning tank 105b, and the print head 1 are fluidly connected via the solvent flow path 105c. The solvent flow path 105c through which the solvent flows consists of multiple paths, some of which are also used by the path that returns ink from the gutter 16.

[0074] The solvent cartridge 105a is configured to be detachably attached to the controller 100. By replacing this solvent cartridge 105a, the solvent can be replenished in the controller 100. A solvent tank may be provided instead of the solvent cartridge 105a. The solvent supply unit 105 has a function to detect whether the solvent in the solvent cartridge 105a is empty or whether the amount of solvent remaining is low. The solvent contained in the solvent cartridge 105a is used to adjust the ink concentration and is also used as a cleaning agent to clean the ink flow path and other related areas.

[0075] The conditioning tank 105b is configured to contain the solvent used for cleaning. As mentioned above, the solvent discharged from the nozzle 12 is recovered by the gutter 16, just like the ink. Therefore, the path for returning the ink from the gutter 16 also serves as the path for returning the solvent.

[0076] Furthermore, the solvent distribution path 105c includes a path for supplying solvent to the print head 1 and the main tank 104b, etc., and for example, has a path for supplying solvent to the nozzle 12 and a path for supplying solvent back from the gutter 16. The path for supplying solvent to the nozzle 12 connects the solvent cartridge 105a and the nozzle 12. The path for supplying solvent back from the gutter 16 also serves as the path for supplying ink back, as described above.

[0077] As described later, the solvent flow path 105c is equipped with multiple solenoid valves, including the 16th valve V16, and multiple pumps, including the solvent pump P2. Each solenoid valve can open and close in response to a control signal output from the control unit 101, thereby controlling the flow of the solvent. On the other hand, each pump pumps the solvent under pressure in response to a control signal output from the control unit 101, and can control the flow of the solvent in the same way as the solenoid valves.

[0078] It should be noted that the classification of solvent distribution path 105c and the aforementioned ink distribution path 104c is merely a convenient classification made for the sake of simplicity in explanation. Since the solvent distribution path 105c and the ink distribution path 104c are either interconnected or one serves the other, they are practically inseparable.

[0079] (Power supply section 121) The power supply unit 121 is interposed between the commercial power supply 700 and the control unit 101, and can relay the power supplied from the commercial power supply 700 and supply it to the control unit 101.

[0080] (Other components) The controller 100 is provided with a connecting cable 107, which is a bundle of electrical wiring for sending and receiving control signals, tubes for sending and receiving ink (specifically, tubes that partition the ink flow path 104c), and tubes for sending and receiving solvent (specifically, tubes that partition the solvent flow path 105c). This connecting cable 107 is flexible and is connected to the upper end of the print head 1 (see Figure 1). The controller 100 and the print head 1 are electrically and fluidly connected via this connecting cable 107.

[0081] <Print head 1> The print head 1 ejects ink, whose concentration has been adjusted based on the control signals, ink, and solvent supplied from the controller 100, as particulate ink droplets. The print head 1 deflects the flight direction of the ejected ink droplets and causes the deflected ink droplets to land on the surface of the workpiece W, thereby enabling printing on the workpiece W.

[0082] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the print head 1 according to this embodiment includes an exciter 11 for vibrating the ink, a nozzle 12 for ejecting the ink vibrated by the exciter 11, a charging electrode 13 for charging the particulate ink ejected from the nozzle 12, a charge detection sensor 14 for monitoring the charge state of the ink, a deflection electrode 15 for deflecting the flight direction of the ink charged by the charging electrode 13, and a gutter 16 for recovering the ink that has been de-deflected by the deflection electrode 15, or the solvent ejected from the nozzle 12.

[0083] The print head 1 houses an exciter 11, a nozzle 12, a charging electrode 13, a charge detection sensor 14, a deflection electrode 15, and a gutter 16, and includes a housing 10 that partitions the flight space S1 for ink particles. This print head 1 can eject ink particles deflected by the deflection electrode 15 to the outside of the housing 10 via the flight space S1.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, an ejection port A is provided on the lower surface of the housing 10, which forms the outer shape of the print head 1, for ejecting ink deflected by the deflection electrode 15 to the outside. The ink is ejected from this ejection port A toward the bottom of the housing 10.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, the print head 1 during printing is supported, for example, by a support member 2. When the print head 1 is supported by the support member 2, its ejection hole A is positioned so that it faces the printing surface of the workpiece W from above. This is an example of the installation location of the print head 1 when printing is performed by the inkjet recording device I.

[0086] The following describes each part of print head 1 in order. In the following description, "up and down direction" refers to the direction along the vertical. For example, the top of the paper in Figure 3 corresponds to the "up direction," and the bottom of the paper in the same figure corresponds to the "down direction." In other figures as well, the corresponding direction is called the "up and down direction."

[0087] (Vibrator 11) As illustrated in Figure 3, the vibrator 11 is positioned near the upper end of the housing 10 in the flight space S1. The vibrator 11 according to this embodiment incorporates a device (e.g., a piezoelectric element) for imparting vertical vibration (excitation) to the ink. The vibrator 11 is configured to receive ink via a connecting cable 107, and can then excite the supplied ink. The ink excited by the vibrator 11 is supplied to the nozzle 12.

[0088] Although not shown in the illustration, the vibrator 11 in this embodiment is grounded.

[0089] (Nozzle 12) As illustrated in Figure 3, the nozzle 12 is connected to the lower end of the vibrator 11 and is positioned with its opening (ink ejection port) facing downwards. Ink vibrated by the vibrator 11 can be ejected from the opening of the nozzle 12. A suction path 27 is connected to the nozzle 12, which functions as a return path to release pressure inside the print head 1 when it is in a downward position (see Figure 4). Solvent can also be drawn from the nozzle 12 through the suction path 27.

[0090] Here, ink ejected from the nozzle 12 without being vibrated by the vibrator 11 flows as an axial "ink shaft." On the other hand, vibrated ink is atomized immediately after being ejected from the nozzle 12, becoming what is called "ink droplets." The ink ejected from the nozzle 12 is axial immediately after being ejected, but becomes granular as it moves away from the nozzle 12. This position where it becomes granular is called the breakpoint. The ink (ink droplets) ejected from the nozzle 12 passes through the charged electrode 13, which will be described later.

[0091] The solvent supplied to clean the print head 1 passes through the vibrator 11 and the nozzle 12 in sequence, and is discharged from the tip of the nozzle 12. The discharged solvent then flows axially and passes through the charged electrode 13.

[0092] (Charged electrode 13) As illustrated in Figure 3, the charging electrode 13 is composed of a pair of conductive metal plates and is positioned below the nozzle 12. Here, the pair of metal plates constituting the charging electrode 13 are fixed to the housing 10 in a position where their respective longitudinal directions are aligned vertically and they face each other horizontally. The distance between the pair of metal plates is set to be greater than the particle size of the ink ejected from the nozzle 12, so that the ink ejected from the nozzle 12 passes between the pair of metal plates.

[0093] In this embodiment, a potential (positive potential) is applied to the charging electrode 13 at least when the printing operation is performed. This creates a potential difference between the exciter 11 and the charging electrode 13, making it possible to charge the ink particles passing through the charging electrode 13. In order to charge each ink particle, the charging electrode 13 in this embodiment is positioned near the breakpoint where the ink ejected from the nozzle 12 becomes a particle.

[0094] A pulse potential controllable by the controller 100 is applied to the charging electrode 13. When a relatively high voltage is applied to the charging electrode 13, the amount of charge (magnitude of negative charge) of each ink droplet becomes larger compared to when a lower voltage is applied. When the amount of charge of each ink droplet is large, it is deflected more by the deflection electrode 15 compared to when the charge is small. The amount of deflection of the ink droplets can be controlled by adjusting the magnitude of the pulse potential of the controller 100. The ink droplets charged by the charging electrode 13 reach the deflection electrode 15, which has passed to the side of the charge detection sensor 14.

[0095] Furthermore, the solvent discharged from the nozzle 12 passes to the side of the charge detection sensor 14 without being charged, and reaches the deflection electrode 15.

[0096] (Static charge detection sensor 14) As illustrated in Figure 3, the charge detection sensor 14 is positioned below the charging electrode 13. More specifically, the charge detection sensor 14 is positioned below the metal plate constituting the charging electrode 13 (the metal plate on the right side of the page in the example shown in Figure 3) so as not to intersect with the trajectory of the flying ink droplets. By positioning the charge detection sensor 14 in this way, it is possible to avoid collisions between the ink droplets and the charge detection sensor 14.

[0097] Furthermore, the charge detection sensor 14 according to this embodiment is connected to a circuit board provided inside the housing 10. The charge detection sensor 14 can detect the charge state of ink droplets passing to its side. The detection result from the charge detection sensor 14 is output to the control unit 101 as a detection signal. Based on this detection signal, the control unit 101 can determine whether each ink droplet is properly charged or not.

[0098] (Deflection electrode 15) As illustrated in Figure 3, the deflection electrode 15 is composed of a pair of conductive metal plates (so-called "counter electrodes") and is positioned below the charging electrode 13 and the charge detection sensor 14. Here, the pair of metal plates are fixed to the housing 10 in a position where their respective longitudinal directions are aligned approximately vertically and they face each other horizontally. Ink particles that pass between the pair of metal plates constituting the charging electrode 13 will pass between the pair of metal plates constituting the deflection electrode 15.

[0099] A voltage controllable by the controller 100 is applied to the deflection electrode 15. This creates a potential difference between the pair of metal plates that make up the deflection electrode 15. This potential difference allows the flight direction of the ink particles to be deflected according to the charge level of the ink particles. The flight direction of the ink particles can be deflected along the direction in which the pair of metal plates that make up the deflection electrode 15 are aligned.

[0100] In other words, the flight direction of the ink droplets can be controlled via the voltage applied to the charging electrode 13 and the deflection electrode 15, respectively. The ink droplets whose flight direction is controlled in this way include those deflected by the deflection electrode 15 and those not deflected by the deflection electrode 15 (undeflected). Of these, the ink droplets deflected by the deflection electrode 15 are involved in printing on the workpiece W. The ink droplets deflected by the deflection electrode 15 are discharged from the discharge port A provided on the lower surface of the housing 10 and land on the workpiece W.

[0101] On the other hand, ink particles that are not deflected by the deflection electrode 15 do not participate in printing on the workpiece W. These ink particles, or axial ink that is not atomized in the first place, reach the gutter 16, as illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 3. Similarly, solvent used to clean the nozzle 12, etc., in the print head 1 and that has passed through the deflection electrode 15 also reaches the gutter 16.

[0102] (Gutter 16) As illustrated in Figure 3, the gutter 16 is composed of a curved tube with its open end facing upward and is positioned below the deflection electrode 15. In this embodiment, the gutter 16 can recover ink that is not involved in printing on the workpiece W and solvent that has passed through the nozzle 12 (specifically, solvent discharged from the nozzle 12).

[0103] In this embodiment, the open end (upstream end) of the gutter 16 and the open end of the nozzle 12 are positioned facing each other, with the open end of the nozzle 12 located directly above the open end of the gutter 16. This arrangement allows the fluid flowing vertically from the open end of the nozzle 12 to be received by the open end of the gutter 16.

[0104] The ink or solvent recovered by the gutter 16 is sent back to the controller 100 via the ink distribution path 104c, the solvent distribution path 105c, etc., and stored in the main tank 104b or the conditioning tank 105b.

[0105] To explain in detail the recovery of ink or solvent by gutter 16, the configuration of the ink flow path 104c and the solvent flow path 105c will be described using Figure 4. In Figure 4, the component labeled F is an example of a filter. The following description omits the explanation of the arrangement, configuration, etc., of filter F.

[0106] <Regarding the ink and solvent pathways> As described above, the controller 100 according to this embodiment includes an ink distribution path 104c for supplying ink to the print head 1, and a solvent distribution path 105c for supplying solvent to the print head 1 and the main tank 104b, etc.

[0107] Specifically, the ink distribution path 104c includes, as a path related to supplying ink to the nozzle 12, a first ink path 21 connecting the ink cartridge 104a and the first branch 51, a sixth ink path 26 connecting the first branch 51 (more specifically, an intermediate portion in the second ink path 22) and the second branch 52, an eighth ink path 28 connecting the second branch 52 and the main tank 104b, and a fourth ink path 24 connecting the main tank 104b and the nozzle 12. Here, the sixth ink path 26 in this embodiment is connected to the second branch 52 via the fifth ink path 25, which will be described later.

[0108] Furthermore, the ink distribution path 104c includes a second ink path 22, which connects the first branch 51 and the main tank 104b and is interposed with the viscometer 53, as a path related to viscosity measurement by the viscometer 53, and a third ink path 23, which is provided independently of the second ink path 22 and connects the main tank 104b and the first branch 51.

[0109] Furthermore, the ink distribution path 104c has a fifth ink path 25 that connects the gutter 16 and the main tank 104b, as a path related to the recovery of ink by the gutter 16.

[0110] Here, the second ink path 22 is equipped with a circulation pump P4, an 11th valve V11, and a viscometer 53 in that order. The fourth ink path 24 is equipped with an ink pump P1, a pressure reducing valve, a pressure gauge, and a 14th valve V14 in that order. The fifth ink path 25 is equipped with a 10th valve V10, a gutter pump P3, and a second branch 52 in that order.

[0111] On the other hand, the solvent distribution path 105c has a first solvent path 31 that connects the solvent cartridge 105a and the nozzle 12, as a path related to the supply of solvent to the nozzle 12.

[0112] Furthermore, the solvent distribution path 105c may include an intermediate portion of the first solvent path 31 and a second solvent path 32 connecting the first branch 51, as a path related to adjusting the concentration (viscosity) of the ink by the solvent contained in the solvent cartridge 105a (part of the path connecting the solvent cartridge 105a and the main tank 104b).

[0113] Furthermore, the solvent distribution path 105c may also have a third solvent path 33 connecting the first branch 51 and the conditioning tank 105b, as a path related to concentration adjustment by the solvent stored in the conditioning tank 105b (part of the path connecting the main tank 104b and the conditioning tank 105b).

[0114] Furthermore, the fifth ink route 25, which was exemplified as ink distribution route 104c, is related to the recovery of solvent by the gutter 16. As mentioned above, the classifications "ink distribution route 104c" and "solvent distribution route 105c" are merely classifications for convenience.

[0115] Here, the first solvent path 31 is equipped with, in order, an optical air detection mechanism 44, a solvent pump P2, a 16th valve V16, and a 12th valve V12. A cleaning nozzle 19, which serves as a solvent spraying unit, is connected to the first solvent path 31. The cleaning nozzle 19 is a nozzle for cleaning the vibrator 11, the tip of the nozzle 12, the charging electrode 13, the deflection electrode 15, etc., of the print head 1 by spraying solvent onto them, and is capable of spraying solvent as a cleaning liquid. A 15th valve V15 is provided between the cleaning nozzle 19 and the first solvent path 31.

[0116] Here, the first branch section 51 includes a fifth valve V5 that opens and closes the gap between the third ink path 23 and the second ink path 22, an eighth valve V8 that opens and closes the gap between the first ink path 21 and the second ink path 22, a ninth valve V9 that opens and closes the gap between the third solvent path 33 and the second ink path 22, and a thirteenth valve V13 that opens and closes the gap between the second solvent path 32 and the second ink path.

[0117] Furthermore, the second branch section 52 includes a first valve V1 that opens and closes the connection between the sixth ink path 26 and the eighth ink path 28, a third valve V3 that opens and closes the connection between the sixth ink path 26 and the conditioning tank 105b, and a fourth valve V4 that opens and closes the connection between the sixth ink path 26 and the waste liquid tank (indicated as "waste liquid" in Figure 4).

[0118] The control unit 101 can configure a desired flow path within the controller 100 by outputting control signals to valves provided in each path, such as the 11th valve V11, and to each valve forming the first branch section 51 and the second branch section 52.

[0119] For example, by opening the 8th valve V8 and the 1st valve V1, it becomes possible to replenish ink from the ink cartridge 104a to the main tank 104b. Also, although this is not the intended circulation operation, by opening the 5th valve V5 and the 11th valve V11, it becomes possible to circulate ink between the 2nd ink path 22, the main tank, and the 3rd ink path 23, and measure the viscosity of the ink with the viscometer 53.

[0120] The same applies to the solvent-related pathways. For example, by opening the 13th valve V13 and the 1st valve V1, the solvent contained in the solvent cartridge 105a can be supplied to the main tank 104b, allowing the concentration of the ink stored in the tank to be adjusted. Also, by opening the 9th valve V9 and the 1st valve V1, the ink-mixed solvent stored in the conditioning tank 105b is supplied to the main tank 105a by passing through the 3rd solvent pathway 33, the 1st branch 51, the 6th ink pathway 26, the 2nd branch 52, and the 8th ink pathway 28.

[0121] The controller 100 also has pathways related to air circulation. For example, the main tank 104b is connected to a first exhaust pipe 41 that leads to an exhaust port (not shown). Similarly, the conditioning tank 105b is connected to a second exhaust pipe 42 that leads to the same exhaust port.

[0122] As another example of a path related to air circulation, the controller 100 has a suction path 27 connecting the nozzle 12 and the first branch 51. The suction path 27 is provided with a sixth valve V6, and by opening this sixth valve V6 and the aforementioned fifth valve V5, the nozzle 12 can be connected to the atmosphere via the suction path 27, the first branch 51, the sixth ink path 26, the second branch 52, the eighth ink path 28, the main tank 104b, and the first exhaust pipe 41. This makes it possible to adjust the injection pressure of the ink droplets discharged from the nozzle 12.

[0123] Furthermore, when printing is performed, the 14th valve V14 is opened, and ink is supplied from the main tank 104b via the 4th ink path 24. The supplied ink is then ejected from the nozzle 12 as particulate ink droplets.

[0124] Here, of the ink (ink particles) ejected from the nozzle 12, the ink involved in printing is ejected from the print head 1 as explained with reference to Figure 3. On the other hand, the ink not involved in printing, and the solvent used for cleaning the nozzle 12, etc., are collected in the gutter 16 and sent back to the controller 100 through the fifth ink path 25.

[0125] In this case, the ink to be returned to the main tank 104b is supplied from the first branch 51 to the main tank 104b via the sixth ink path 26, the first valve V1 in the second branch 52, and the eighth ink path 28. On the other hand, the solvent to be returned to the conditioning tank 105b is supplied from the fifth ink path 25 to the conditioning tank 105b via the third valve V3 in the second branch 52.

[0126] The recovery of ink or solvent by the gutter 16 is performed, for example, in conjunction with the startup and shutdown processes of the inkjet recording device I. Here, "startup process" refers to the process performed when power is turned on to the inkjet recording device I, before printing begins. On the other hand, "shutdown process" refers to the process performed when power is turned off to the inkjet recording device I, before the device stops operating.

[0127] In detail, the inkjet recording device I according to this embodiment does not immediately start printing even when the power switch is turned ON. The inkjet recording device I performs a predetermined startup process before starting printing. In this startup process, the print head 1 is cleaned with a solvent, and then ink ejection begins. The ink ejected immediately after the start of the startup process forms the aforementioned ink shaft and is collected by the gutter 16.

[0128] Similarly, the inkjet recording device I according to this embodiment does not immediately stop operating when the power switch is about to be turned OFF. Before stopping operation, the inkjet recording device I performs a predetermined startup process, such as nozzle cleaning. In this startup process, solvent is discharged from the nozzles 12 to clean and recover any ink remaining therein. The ink discharged from the nozzles 12 along with the discharge of the solvent is recovered by the gutter 16, similar to the ink shaft in the startup process.

[0129] In this embodiment, the "power switch" includes not only physical push buttons but also switches configured as touch-type operation panels displayed on the operation display unit 103, etc. Furthermore, the OFF operation of the power switch refers not only to the operation of physically pressing a push button, etc., but also to the shutdown operation commanded via the operation terminal 800, operation display unit 103, etc. The same applies to the ON operation of the power switch.

[0130] The following describes in detail the startup and shutdown processes of the inkjet recording device I.

[0131] <Basic Operation of Inkjet Recording Device I> Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the basic operation of the inkjet recording device I. This flowchart illustrates the basic operation of the inkjet recording device I, including the startup process.

[0132] First, in step SA1 of Figure 6, the power switch of the inkjet recording device I is turned from OFF to ON, and power is supplied to the inkjet recording device I.

[0133] In step SA2, which follows step SA1, the control unit 101 performs a startup process.

[0134] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the startup process of inkjet recording device I. This flowchart illustrates the details of step SA2 in Figure 6. Specifically, the four steps SB1, SB2, SB3, and SB4 in Figure 7 constitute step SA2 in Figure 6.

[0135] Furthermore, Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating process A in the startup process, Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating process B in the startup process, and Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating process C in the startup process.

[0136] In step SB1, the control unit 101 executes process A, which increases the pressure of the ink and solvent pathways in the inkjet recording device I. In this process A, in order to prepare the solvent, the control unit 101 keeps the 16th valve V16 open and the 12th valve V12 closed. In this state, the solvent pump P2 operates, supplying the solvent contained in the solvent cartridge 105a to the vicinity of the 12th valve V12 via the first solvent pathway 31 (see the thick line in Figure 8).

[0137] Furthermore, in order to prepare the ink, the control unit 101 keeps the 14th valve V14 in a closed state. When the ink pump P1 is activated in this state, the pressure of the ink in the 4th ink path 24 increases (see the thick line in Figure 8).

[0138] Furthermore, in order to prepare the gutter 16, the control unit 101 keeps the 10th valve V10 and the 1st valve V1 in an open state. When the gutter pump P3 is activated in this state, the ink or solvent recovered by the gutter 16 can be sent back to the main tank 104b via the 5th ink path 25 and the 2nd branch 52 (see the thick line in Figure 8).

[0139] In process A, the control unit 101 receives a detection signal from the pressure gauge. Based on this detection signal, the control unit 101 waits until the pressure in the fourth ink path 24 exceeds a specified value.

[0140] In step SA2, which follows step SA1, the control unit 101 executes process B, causing solvent to be discharged from the nozzle 12. In this process B, the control unit 101 opens the 12th valve V12, drawing the solvent out of the nozzle 12 and discharging it. The discharged solvent is then collected by the gutter 16. Since this process B is executed over a short period of less than one second, a smaller amount of solvent is discharged compared to other processes. Therefore, the solvent discharged in process B is sent back to the main tank 104b via the 5th ink path 25 through the 1st valve V1 (see the thick line in Figure 9).

[0141] Furthermore, if a large amount of solvent is injected in process B, the third valve V3 is opened instead of the first valve V1, and the solvent is sent back to the conditioning tank 105b from the fifth ink path 25.

[0142] In step SA3, which follows step SA2, the control unit 101 executes process C, causing ink to be ejected from the nozzle 12. In this process C, in order to eject the ink, the control unit 101 closes the 12th valve V12 and opens the 14th valve V14. As a result, axial ink (ink shaft) is ejected from the nozzle 12. The ejected ink is then collected by the gutter 16. The collected ink is then sent back to the main tank 104b via the 5th ink path 25 through the 1st valve V1 (see the thick line in Figure 10).

[0143] In step SA4, which follows step SA3, the control unit 101 starts vibrating the ink ejected from the nozzle 12 and applying it to the charging electrode 13 and the deflection electrode 15. This makes it possible to atomize, charge, and deflect the ink.

[0144] Once the process shown in step SA4 is completed, the system returns, and the control process returns from the control process shown in Figure 7 to the control process shown in Figure 6. Then, the control unit 101 executes step SA3, which follows from step SA2.

[0145] In step SA3, the control unit 101 prints on the workpiece W by depositing particulate ink (ink particles) onto the workpiece W.

[0146] When printing to the workpiece W is started, as shown in Figure 3, ink excited by the vibrator 11 is ejected from the nozzle 12. This ink is supplied as needed from the ink supply unit 104 of the controller 100. Immediately after ejection, the ink ejected from the nozzle 12 begins to atomize, and at the atomized stage, it is charged by the charging electrode 13. The ink particles charged by the charging electrode 13 have their charge state detected by the charge detection sensor 14, and then pass through the deflection electrode 15.

[0147] The ink droplets, whose flight direction is deflected by the deflection electrode 15, then pass through the flight section S1 within the housing 10 and are ejected to the outside of the print head 1. As shown in Figure 1, the ink droplets ejected from the print head 1 land on the surface of the workpiece W, forming characters and shapes. Here, the landing position of the ink droplets is controlled via the charge amount of each ink droplet and the voltage applied to the deflection electrode 15.

[0148] Furthermore, as described above, since the inkjet recording device I according to this embodiment is configured as a continuous inkjet printer, ink continues to be ejected from the nozzle 12 even when printing is not being performed, in the printable state after the startup process (operating state of the inkjet recording device I). The ink ejected at this time is not deflected by the deflection electrode 15 (in other words, it is "undeflected"). The undeflected ink is not involved in printing, is collected by the gutter 16, circulates inside the device, and is reused.

[0149] Now, let's consider the case where printing is completed without any problems and the inkjet recording device I shuts down normally. Specifically, let's assume that in step SA3, the power switch of the inkjet recording device I is about to be switched from ON to OFF.

[0150] In this case, in step SA4, the control unit 101 performs a fall-down process. This fall-down process is an example of a "cleaning operation" in this embodiment. The cleaning operation is performed by the cleaning operation unit 101a of the control unit 101.

[0151] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the start-up process of inkjet recording device I. This flowchart illustrates the details of step SA4 in Figure 6. Specifically, the five steps SC1 to SC5 in Figure 11 constitute step SA4 in Figure 6.

[0152] Furthermore, Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating process D in the rise time process, Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating process E in the rise time process, and Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating process F in the rise time process.

[0153] In step SC1, the control unit 101 stops the excitation of the ink ejected from the nozzle 12, as well as the application of voltage to the charging electrode 13 and the deflection electrode 15 (ink atomization, charging, and deflection: ON → OFF). As a result, ink atomization, charging, and deflection are stopped, and an axial shaft of ink is ejected from the nozzle 12.

[0154] In step SC2, which follows step SC1, the control unit 101 stops the ejection of ink from the ink shaft (stops ink ejection). Specifically, in step SC2, in order to stop the ejection of ink, the control unit 101 closes the 14th valve V14. As a result, ink is no longer ejected from the nozzle 12.

[0155] In step SC3, which follows step SC2, the control unit 101 performs intermittent solvent discharge (intermittent solvent ejection). Specifically, in order to intermittently discharge the solvent, the control unit 101 alternately performs step D, illustrated in Figure 12, and step E, illustrated in Figure 13. By intermittently discharging the solvent, the inkjet recording device I, in particular the nozzles 12 that make up the print head 1, can be cleaned. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "intermittent ejection operation".

[0156] In step D shown in Figure 12, the control unit 101 opens the 16th valve V16, the 12th valve (also called the solvent injection valve) V12, the 10th valve V10, and the 1st valve V1. With the solvent pump P2 and gutter pump P3 in this state, the solvent contained in the solvent cartridge 105a is discharged from the nozzle 12 via the first solvent path 31 and recovered by the gutter 16. The solvent recovered by the gutter 16 is sent back to the main tank 104b via the 5th ink path 25 and the 2nd branch section 52 (see the thick line in Figure 12).

[0157] Immediately after starting the process shown in Figure 11, it is assumed that a large amount of ink remains in the fifth ink path 25. Therefore, the solvent in step D shown in Figure 12 is returned to the main tank 104b instead of the conditioning tank 105b.

[0158] Furthermore, in step E shown in Figure 13, the control unit 101 closes the 12th valve V12 and opens the 6th valve V6. As a result, the negative pressure exerted by the circulation pump P4 causes the solvent remaining in the nozzle 12 to be drawn into the main tank 104b via the suction path 27, the first branch 51, the 6th ink path 26, the first valve V1, and the 8th ink path 28 (see the thick lines in Figure 13).

[0159] In step E shown in Figure 13, the 12th valve V12 may be left open instead of closed. In this case, while solvent is supplied from the solvent cartridge 105a to the nozzle 12, the supplied solvent is also drawn in through the suction path 27. This improves the flow rate of the solvent through the 6th valve V6, allowing for more thorough cleaning.

[0160] Process D shown in Figure 12 and process E shown in Figure 13 are repeated multiple times (e.g., several sets). Here, the time spent performing process D in step SC3 (e.g., less than 1 second) is shorter than the time spent performing process E (e.g., several seconds).

[0161] Furthermore, by closing the 12th valve V12 in process E and then opening it in process D, the solvent is injected intermittently. When transitioning from process D to process E, the 12th valve V12 may be closed for a few seconds. This increases the pressure of the solvent near the 12th valve V12, allowing the solvent to be discharged forcefully when the 12th valve V12 is opened.

[0162] In step SC4, which follows step SC3, the control unit 101 executes only process D shown in Figure 12, causing solvent to be discharged from the nozzle 12. The time spent executing process D in step SC4 is, for example, about 30 seconds, which is longer than the time spent executing process D in step SC3. By executing step SC4, the fifth ink path 25 leading to the gutter 16 can be cleaned. Hereinafter, this operation will be referred to as the "gutter cleaning operation".

[0163] In step SC5, which follows step SC4, the control unit 101 executes process F shown in Figure 14 to recover solvent from the print head 1. Specifically, in this process F, the control unit 101 opens the 10th valve V10 and the 3rd valve V3. With the gutter pump P3 operating in this state, the solvent remaining in the nozzle 12 is sucked into the conditioning tank 105b via the 5th ink path 25 and the 2nd branch 52 (see the thick line in Figure 14). By executing this step S65, the solvent used for cleaning can be recovered.

[0164] Since the solvent was discharged in step SC4 before step SC5 was executed, it is assumed that a relatively large amount of solvent remains in the fifth ink path 25. Therefore, the solvent in step F is sent back to the conditioning tank 105b instead of the main tank 104b.

[0165] Once the process shown in step SC5 is completed, the system returns, and the control process returns from the control process shown in Figure 11 to the control process shown in Figure 6. Then, in step SA5, which follows step SA4, the power supply to the inkjet recording device I is cut off, and the inkjet recording device I stops operating.

[0166] <Washing and placement section 200> As shown in Figure 1, the cleaning and mounting section 200 is located in a different location from where the print head 1 is installed when printing is performed by the inkjet recording device I. As shown in Figure 15, the cleaning and mounting section 200 is configured so that the print head 1 is placed on it when cleaning the print head 1 with a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution can also be a liquid other than a solvent.

[0167] The cleaning and mounting unit 200 and the print head 1 are connected in a communication manner, and this connection may be wired or wireless. Furthermore, the print head 1 and the controller 100 are connected in a communication manner, and this connection may be wired or wireless. Additionally, the controller 100 and the cleaning and mounting unit 200 are connected in a communication manner, and this connection may be wired or wireless. As an example of these connection configurations, a signal line capable of transmitting and receiving signals can be used.

[0168] When printing is performed by an inkjet recording device I, the installation location of the print head 1 is specified as shown in Figure 1, and the cleaning and mounting unit 200 is installed at a location away from that installation location. The cleaning and mounting unit 200 can be installed away from the controller 100, but it may also be installed in the same location as the controller 100. The cleaning and mounting unit 200 is a unit that cleans the print head 1 while the print head 1 is mounted on it, and can also be called, for example, a cleaning station, cleaning dock, cleaning and mounting device, cleaning unit, etc.

[0169] As shown in Figure 16, the cleaning and mounting section 200 comprises a main body 210 and a collection container 300 for collecting the cleaning solution from the print head 1. The main body 210 includes a back plate 211 that extends vertically. A guide support member 230 is provided on the upper part of the back plate 211 to guide and support the print head 1. As shown in Figure 17, the guide support member 230 has a pair of left and right rail sections 230a, 230a and a support section 230b. The rail sections 230a, 230a are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, both extend vertically, and are arranged to protrude forward from the front surface of the back plate 211. The upper ends of the rail sections 230a, 230a are open. The support section 230b is the part that supports the print head 1 when it is placed in the correct position, and is composed of a protruding part that protrudes forward from between the rail sections 230a, 230a. The support portion 230b can also be called the stopper portion.

[0170] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 18, a guided member 18 is provided in the middle of the vertical direction on the back of the housing 10 of the print head 1. The guided member 18 is made of a plate or the like and is arranged to protrude from the back of the housing 10. On the left side of the guided member 18, a guided portion 18a is formed to protrude to the left so as to fit into the left rail portion 230a of the cleaning and mounting portion 200. On the right side of the guided member 18, a guided portion 18a is formed to protrude to the right so as to fit into the right rail portion 230a of the cleaning and mounting portion 200.

[0171] The left and right guided portions 18a, 18a extend in the vertical direction and are formed to be insertable into the rail portions 230a, 230a of the cleaning and mounting section 200 from the upper ends of the rail portions 230a, 230a. When the guided portions 18a, 18a are inserted into the rail portions 230a, 230a, they are guided in the vertical direction by the rail portions 230a, 230a. At this time, the movement direction of the print head 1 is restricted to the vertical direction only, and it does not move in the left-right or front-back directions relative to the cleaning and mounting section 200.

[0172] The lower end surface of the guided member 18 is a contact surface 18b that abuts against the upper surface of the support portion 230b provided on the guide support member 230 of the cleaning and mounting section 200. The print head 1 can be moved downward relative to the cleaning and mounting section 200 until the contact surface 18b abuts against the upper surface of the support portion 230b shown in Figure 17. In other words, the height of the print head 1 when it is mounted on the cleaning and mounting section 200 can be set by the height of the contact surface 18b of the guided member 18 or the height of the upper surface of the support portion 230b. In this embodiment, the height of the print head 1 when it is mounted on the cleaning and mounting section 200 is set as shown in Figure 15, and this position is the normal position. Although not shown, a rail portion may be provided on the print head 1 and the guided member may be provided on the cleaning and mounting section 200. The structure for positioning the print head 1 in the normal position is not limited to the structure described above, and any configuration that allows the print head 1 to be supported in the normal position by a part of the main body portion 210 is acceptable.

[0173] As shown in Figures 16 and 19, a magnet 211a is provided inside the back plate portion 211 of the cleaning and placement section 200. The magnet 211a is positioned so that its magnetic force penetrates the back plate portion 211 and acts forward. Also, as shown in Figure 19, a substrate 211b is provided inside the back plate portion 211, and a light-emitting element 211c that emits infrared light for infrared communication is mounted on this substrate 211b. As shown in Figure 20, the light-emitting element 211c is connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 and is controlled by the control unit 101. As shown in Figure 19, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting element 211c faces forward. The back plate portion 211 is provided with a transparent member 211d that transmits the infrared light from the light-emitting element 211c. The infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element 211c passes through the transparent member 211d and is irradiated toward the front of the back plate portion 211.

[0174] Meanwhile, a circuit board 10a is provided inside the housing 10 of the print head 1. A magnetic sensor 10b and a light-receiving element 10c for infrared communication are mounted on the circuit board 10a. The magnetic sensor 10b is a non-contact magnetic sensor configured to convert and output an electrical signal when it detects a magnetic force above a predetermined threshold, and can be made of, for example, a Hall element. The magnetic sensor 10b is positioned so that it is at approximately the same height as the magnet 211a of the cleaning and mounting section 200 when the print head 1 is in its normal position. The point with the strongest magnetic force is at the same height as the magnet 211a in front of the magnet 211a, and the magnetic sensor 10b is configured to output a magnetic force detection signal only when it is at this position. Therefore, for example, if the print sensor 1 is placed higher than its normal position, the distance between the magnetic sensor 10b and the magnet 211a becomes greater, and the magnetic sensor 10b does not output a magnetic force detection signal. This can be used to detect whether the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200 and whether it is placed in the correct position. The magnetic sensor 10b is connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 and is configured to output a signal to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 may also be responsible for determining whether the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200 and whether it is placed in the correct position.

[0175] The light-receiving element 10c has its light-receiving surface facing backward so that it can receive infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element 211c of the cleaning and mounting unit 200. The height of the light-receiving element 10c is set so that the light-receiving element 10c can receive infrared light from the light-emitting element 211c only when the print head 1 is in the correct position. The directivity of the infrared light from the light-emitting element 211c is narrowed so that it does not diffuse over a wide area, and the directivity of the light-receiving element 10c is also narrowed so that the light-receiving element 10c can receive infrared light from the light-emitting element 211c only when the print head 1 is in the correct position. Based on whether or not this communication is established, it is possible to detect whether or not the print head 1 is mounted on the cleaning and mounting unit 200 and whether or not it is mounted in the correct position. The light-receiving element 10c is connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 and is configured to output a signal to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 may determine whether the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200 and whether it is placed in the correct position, based on whether communication is established or not. The housing 10 is provided with a window portion 10d that transmits infrared light from the light-emitting element 211c.

[0176] The positions of the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c are not limited to those shown in the figure; they should be in a positional relationship such that the light-receiving element 10c can receive infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element 211c only when the print head 1 is in its normal position. Similarly, the positions of the magnet 211a and the magnetic sensor 10b are not limited to those shown in the figure; they should be in a positional relationship such that the magnetic sensor 10b outputs a magnetic force detection signal only when the print head 1 is in its normal position.

[0177] As described above, the magnetic sensor 10b does not output a magnetic force detection signal unless the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting section 200. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 10b corresponds to a mounting detection unit that detects whether the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting section 200. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 10b does not output a magnetic force detection signal unless the print head 1 is placed in the correct position relative to the cleaning and mounting section 200. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 10b can also detect whether the print head 1 is placed in the correct position relative to the cleaning and mounting section 200. The magnetic force detection signal is a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the print head 1.

[0178] Furthermore, if the print head 1 is not placed on the cleaning and mounting section 200, the light-receiving element 10c cannot receive infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element 211c. Therefore, the light-receiving element 10c corresponds to a mounting detection unit that detects when the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting section 200. Also, if the print head 1 is not placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting section 200, the light-receiving element 10c cannot receive infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element 211c. Therefore, the light-receiving element 10c can also detect when the print head 1 is placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting section 200. In addition, if the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c cannot communicate in infrared light, it can be inferred that the print head 1 is not placed. Therefore, based on the output of the light-receiving element 10c, the control unit 101 can detect when infrared communication is possible and the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting section 200. Similarly, if the print head 1 is not placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting unit 200, the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c cannot communicate in infrared. Therefore, the control unit 101 can detect, based on the output of the light-receiving element 10c, that the print head 1 is placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting unit 200 when infrared communication is possible. The infrared communication signal acquired by the light-receiving element 10c is a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the print head 1.

[0179] The magnetic force detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 10b and the infrared communication signal acquired by the light-receiving element 10c are sent from the print head 1 to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 via the connecting cable 107.

[0180] The placement detection unit may use magnetic force detection signals or infrared communication, or it may use, for example, a proximity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or a laser sensor. When using these sensors, it is possible to detect that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200, or placed in the correct position, when the distance between the print head 1 and the cleaning and placement unit 200 falls below a predetermined distance.

[0181] In this embodiment, the system is configured to output both a magnetic force detection signal and infrared communication signals as signals based on confirmation of the placement of the print head 1. However, it is also possible to configure the system to output only one of these signals. By outputting two or more signals based on confirmation of the placement of the print head 1, the detection accuracy can be improved.

[0182] As shown in Figure 16, the back plate portion 211 is provided with a bottom wall portion 212 extending forward from the middle portion in the vertical direction, and a peripheral wall portion 213 extending upward from the bottom wall portion 212, forming a cup shape. As shown by dashed lines in Figure 24, the lower part of the print head 1, which is placed in the correct position, is inserted into the peripheral wall portion 213. In this state, the upper part of the print head 1 protrudes upward from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 213. The bottom wall portion 212 is located at a distance below the discharge port A (shown in Figure 5) of the print head 1. The solvent used when cleaning the print head 1 mainly leaks out from the discharge port A of the print head 1, and the bottom wall portion 212 and peripheral wall portion 213 are designed to receive this leaked solvent. Although the bottom wall portion 212 and the peripheral wall portion 213 are shown separately in this explanation, their boundaries may be integrated into a shape that is indistinguishable from each other. In short, it is sufficient that it is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the lower part of the print head 1.

[0183] <Mounting structure of collection container 300> As shown in Figure 16, a recovery container 300 for recovering the cleaning agent from the print head 1 is attached to the bottom wall portion 212. The recovery container 300 can be made of, for example, a resin bottle, and may be translucent so that the amount of cleaning liquid inside can be seen from the outside, or it may have markings. As shown in the modified example in Figure 21, instead of directly attaching the recovery container 300 to the bottom wall portion 212, a pipe 350 made of, for example, a hose or piping member may be attached to the bottom wall portion 212, and the cleaning liquid may be recovered into another recovery container (not shown) via this pipe 350. In this case, the recovery container can be provided on the controller 100. The pipe 350 may be a component that constitutes part of the recovery container, or it may be a component that constitutes part of the cleaning mounting portion 200. The mounting structure of the recovery container 300 to the bottom wall portion 212 and the mounting structure of the pipe 350 to the bottom wall portion 212 may be different or the same. The mounting structure of the recovery container 300 to the bottom wall portion 212 will be described in detail below.

[0184] As shown in Figure 22, the upper part of the collection container 300 is provided with a cylindrical opening 301. Screw threads 301a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the opening 301. A flange portion 301b is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the opening 301 below the screw threads 301a. The collection container 300 can be a component that forms part of the washing and placement section 200.

[0185] As shown in Figure 24, a cylindrical portion 212a protruding downward is formed in the bottom wall portion 212. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 212a is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the mouth portion 301 of the collection container 300. As shown in Figure 26, the lower end of the cylindrical portion 212a is inserted into the inside of the collection container 300 when the collection container 300 is attached to the bottom wall portion 212, and reaches below the lower end of the mouth portion 301.

[0186] As shown in Figure 24, a passage hole 212b is formed within the cylindrical portion 212a, extending vertically, through which the cleaning fluid for the print head 1 passes. The upper end of the passage hole 212b opens towards the front of the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 212. The lower end of the passage hole 212b opens at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 212a.

[0187] As shown in Figure 25, a receiving member 214 made of a conductive metal plate is provided on the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 212. The receiving member 214 is a member that receives ink leaking from the print head 1 and is connected to equipotential lines. The ink leaking from the print head 1 may be charged by the charging electrode 13 and deflection electrode 15. When the charged ink touches the receiving member 214, the charge of the ink can be released, thereby suppressing the accumulation of charge.

[0188] The receiving member 214 is positioned opposite the ejection hole A of the print head 1. As shown in Figure 24, the receiving member 214 is inclined so that it is positioned lower towards the front. This allows the cleaning liquid received by the receiving member 214 to be guided toward the front of the bottom wall portion 212 and flow toward the upper end opening of the passage hole 212b.

[0189] The front end and the intermediate portion in the front-to-back direction of the receiving member 214 have a protruding plate portion 214a that projects upward. The receiving member 214 also has an opening 214b. The protruding plate portion 214a and the opening 214b are not essential.

[0190] A mounting cylinder portion 215 is formed on the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 212 so as to protrude downward. The mounting cylinder portion 215 is larger in diameter than the cylindrical portion 212a so as to surround the cylindrical portion 212a. The lower end of the mounting cylinder portion 215 is located above the lower end of the cylindrical portion 212a. A screw groove 215a is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the mounting cylinder portion 215. The screw threads 301a of the recovery container 300 are screwed into the screw groove 215a. By screwing the screw threads 301a of the recovery container 300 into the screw groove 215a, the recovery container 300 can be attached to the bottom wall portion 212 without leakage. As shown in Figure 26, when the recovery container 300 is attached, the opening portion 301 is inserted into the mounting cylinder portion 215, and the lower end of the cylindrical portion 212a is positioned inside the recovery container 300. Note that the pipe 350 shown in Figure 21 can also be attached by screw.

[0191] As shown in Figures 16 and 22, the washing and placement section 200 is equipped with a container holder 220. The container holder 220 is mounted on the back plate section 211 of the main body section 210 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction relative to the portion below the bottom wall section 212. The container holder 220 has a pair of left and right engaging protrusions 221, 221 that are provided to protrude forward. A gap is formed between the engaging protrusions 221, 221, allowing the mouth 301 of the collection container 300 to be inserted laterally. The lateral spacing between the engaging protrusions 221, 221 is set to be shorter than the outer diameter of the flange portion 301b of the opening 301. By inserting the opening 301 of the collection container 300 between the engaging protrusions 221, 221 from the side (indicated by arrow X in Figure 22), the flange portion 301b of the opening 301 can be hooked onto and held by the engaging protrusions 221, 221 from above.

[0192] The container holder 220 can be switched between an unmounted position, as shown in Figures 22 to 24, and a mounted position, as shown in Figures 15, 16, 26, etc. The container holder 220 can be stopped from moving downward from the unmounted position by a well-known locking mechanism or stopper, and the user can easily switch from the unmounted position to the mounted position. The cleaning and mounting section 200 may be equipped with a biasing member such as a spring that biases the container holder 220 downward.

[0193] The non-mounted position is the lowered end position of the container holder 220, and the position where the recovery container 300 has been removed from the washing and mounting section 200. In the non-mounted position, it is possible to insert the mouth 301 of the recovery container 300 between the engaging protrusions 221, 221, and to remove the mouth 301 that has been inserted between the engaging protrusions 221, 221. By moving the container holder 220 in the non-mounted position upward, i.e., vertically, it can be switched to the mounted position. In this mounted position, the container holder 220 is at its raised end position, and it is no longer possible to insert the mouth 301 of the recovery container 300 between the engaging protrusions 221, 221. Since the mouth 301 of the recovery container 300 held by the container holder 220 in the mounted position is inserted into the mounting cylinder 215, it is no longer possible to move the recovery container 300 laterally.

[0194] After the container holder 220 is positioned in the mounting position while holding the container holder 220, the recovery container 300 can be attached to the bottom wall portion 212 by rotating the container holder 300 in the direction in which the threads 301a of the mouth portion 301 are screwed into the thread grooves 215a of the mounting cylinder portion 215. During the process of screwing the threads 301a into the thread grooves 215a, the recovery container 300 gradually moves upward, and as the recovery container 300 moves upward, the container holder 220 is pushed upward by the recovery container 300, reaching the completed mounting position shown in Figure 26. In this state, the lower end opening of the through hole 212b formed in the bottom wall portion 212 faces into the recovery container 300, making it possible to recover the entire amount of cleaning liquid leaked from the print head 1 in the recovery container 300.

[0195] To remove the collection container 300, rotate the collection container 300 in the opposite direction to the installation direction to detach the opening 301 from the mounting cylinder 215. Then, switch the container holder 220 to the non-attached position and move the collection container 300 laterally to remove the opening 301 from between the engaging protrusions 221, 221.

[0196] The mounting structure for the collection container 300 is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the opening 301 of the collection container 300 may be press-fitted into the mounting cylinder 215. The pipe 350 shown in Figure 21 may also be press-fitted into the mounting cylinder 215. The container holder 220 may be attached to the collection container 300 and guided by the main body 210. The container holder 220 may also be omitted.

[0197] <Container detection sensor 235> As shown in Figure 24, the washing and mounting unit 200 is equipped with a container detection sensor 235, which acts as a container detection unit to detect when a collection container 300 is attached. The container detection sensor 235 can be a non-contact magnetic sensor, and can be made of, for example, a Hall element. That is, the container holder 220 is provided with a magnet 231. The magnet 231 is positioned so that its magnetic force acts upward. On the other hand, the container detection sensor 235 is provided, for example, inside the bottom wall 212 and is positioned directly above the magnet 231. When the container holder 220 is in the non-attached position, the magnet 231 and the container detection sensor 235 are furthest apart, and the magnetic force of the magnet 231 cannot be detected by the container detection sensor 235, so the container detection sensor 235 does not output a magnetic force detection signal. As shown in Figure 26, when the threads 301a of the opening 301 are screwed into the thread grooves 215a of the mounting cylinder 215, and the container holder 220 is in the mounting complete position, the magnet 231 and the container detection sensor 235 are closest together. Only at this time is the container detection sensor 235 configured to output a magnetic force detection signal. In other words, even if the collection container 300 is held in the container holder 220, the container detection sensor 235 is configured not to output a magnetic force detection signal unless the opening 301 is connected to the mounting cylinder 215. The container detection sensor 235 is connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 and is configured to output a signal to the control unit 101.

[0198] Although not shown in the diagram, a magnet may be provided on the collection container 300. In this case as well, the container detection sensor 235 turns ON only when the collection container 300 is in the mounting position, so the container detection sensor 235 can detect that the collection container 300 has been attached. If the container holder 220 is omitted, the attachment of the collection container 300 can be detected by providing a magnet on the collection container 300.

[0199] The container detection unit may utilize methods other than magnetic force detection signals, such as proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, laser sensors, or the infrared communication described above. When using proximity sensors, photoelectric sensors, or laser sensors, it is possible to detect that the collection container 300 has been attached to the bottom wall 212 when the distance between the collection container 300 and the bottom wall 212 falls below a predetermined distance. In the case of infrared communication, a light-emitting element is provided on one of the collection container 300 and the bottom wall 212, and a light-receiving element is provided on the other. Based on whether communication is possible between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, it is possible to determine that the collection container 300 has been attached to the bottom wall 212.

[0200] If a biasing member is provided to bias the container holder 220 downward, it is possible to prevent the container holder 220 from being positioned at the upper end position when the collection container 300 is not attached. This prevents false detection by the container detection sensor 235.

[0201] <Liquid volume sensor 240> As shown in Figures 23 and 27, the cleaning mounting unit 200 is equipped with a liquid level sensor 240 for detecting the amount of liquid in the recovery container 300. The liquid level sensor 240 has two electrodes. These electrodes protrude downward from the lower surface of the bottom wall 212 and are formed to reach below the opening 301 of the recovery container 300 when it is mounted. The measurement principle of the liquid level sensor 240 utilizes the fact that the cleaning liquid containing ink is a conductor, and by measuring the impedance between the two electrodes, it is possible to detect whether the liquid level is above a predetermined level based on the change in impedance. For example, the positions of the lower ends of both electrodes can be set so that they contact the cleaning liquid when the liquid level of the cleaning liquid reaches the vicinity of the opening 301 inside the recovery container 300. In this case, if the impedance between the two electrodes changes suddenly, it means that the cleaning liquid is full, and the liquid level sensor 240 can be used as a sensor to detect fullness. The liquid level sensor 240 can also be called an overflow detection sensor that detects the state just before the cleaning liquid overflows. The liquid level sensor 240 is connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100 and is configured to output a signal to the control unit 101.

[0202] If the pure cleaning solution is non-conductor, the cleaning solution in the recovery container 300 can always contain ink by controlling the nozzle 12 to dispense a small amount of ink before the cleaning operation. This allows the detection method described above to be used.

[0203] The configuration of the liquid volume sensor 240 is not limited to the configuration described above; any sensor that can directly or indirectly obtain the height of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the recovery container 300, or the amount or weight of the cleaning liquid in the recovery container 300, may be used. An example of a sensor that obtains the height of the liquid level of the cleaning liquid is a displacement sensor. When detecting the liquid volume with a displacement sensor, the presence or absence of the recovery container 300 can also be detected by the displacement sensor.

[0204] Furthermore, the liquid level sensor 240 may be, for example, a float sensor, a capacitive level sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or the like.

[0205] <Maintenance execution process> Figure 28 is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed when maintenance is carried out. Maintenance refers to, for example, a cleaning operation. The following determinations and controls can be performed by the control unit 101 of the controller 100. When the user sets the print head 1 on the cleaning and mounting unit 200, step SE1 determines whether the print head 1 is placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting unit 200. The output signal of the magnetic sensor 10b can be used for this determination. If a magnetic force detection signal is output from the magnetic sensor 10b, the print head 1 is placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting unit 200, so the determination is YES. On the other hand, if a magnetic force detection signal is not output from the magnetic sensor 10b, the print head 1 is not placed in the correct position on the cleaning and mounting unit 200, so the determination is NO. Step SE1 can also be determined based on whether infrared communication has been established between the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c. In this case, if infrared communication has been established between the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c, the result is YES, while if infrared communication has not been established between the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c, the result is NO. Alternatively, Step SE1 can also be determined based on both the signal from the magnetic sensor 10b and the infrared communication. If the magnetic sensor 10b does not output a magnetic force detection signal or if infrared communication has not been established, the result is NO. If the result in Step SE1 is YES, proceed to Step SE4.

[0206] On the other hand, if step SE1 is determined to be NO and the process proceeds to step SE2, a message is issued instructing the user to place the print head 1 in the correct position. This message can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2. This prompts the user to confirm the position of the print head 1. The process then proceeds to step SE3, where the same determination as in step SE1 is made. If it is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step SE2 and the message is issued again. If step SE3 is determined to be YES and the print head 1 is placed in the correct position, the process proceeds to step SE4.

[0207] In step SE4, it is determined whether the container detection sensor 235 is ON, that is, whether the collection container 300 is attached or not. If the collection container 300 is attached, the container detection sensor 235 outputs a magnetic force detection signal (the container detection sensor 235 turns ON), in which case it is determined to be YES and the process proceeds to step SE7. On the other hand, if the collection container 300 is not attached, it is determined to be NO in step SE4 and the process proceeds to step SE5, where a message is issued prompting the user to attach the collection container 300. This message can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2. This prompts the user to attach the collection container 300. After that, the process proceeds to step SE6, where the same determination as in step SE4 is made, and if it is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step SE5 and the message is issued again. If it is determined to be YES in step SE6 and the collection container 300 is attached, the process proceeds to step SE7.

[0208] In step SE7, it is determined whether the liquid level sensor is ON, that is, whether the recovery container 300 is full or nearly full. If the recovery container 300 is not full or nearly full, the liquid level sensor 240 turns OFF, in which case the result is determined to be YES and the process proceeds to step SE10. On the other hand, if the recovery container 300 is full or nearly full, the result is determined to be NO in step SE7 and the process proceeds to step SE8, where a message is issued to discard the cleaning liquid in the recovery container 300. This message can be displayed, for example, on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2. This prompts the user to discard the liquid in the recovery container 300. After that, the process proceeds to step SE9, where the same determination as in step SE7 is made, and if the result is determined to be NO, the process proceeds to step SE8 and the message is issued again. If the result in step SE9 is determined to be YES and the liquid is discarded, the process proceeds to step SE10. In step SE10, a signal to allow the cleaning operation is output, enabling various maintenance tasks to be performed.

[0209] In this example, the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100 performs a cleaning operation on the print head 1 placed on the cleaning mounting unit 200 when it receives a signal (magnetic force detection signal) based on the placement confirmation of the print head 1 sent from the magnetic sensor 10b, which is the placement detection unit, in step SE1 or SE3, and prohibits the cleaning operation otherwise. Also, the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100 performs a cleaning operation on the print head 1 placed on the cleaning mounting unit 200 when it receives an infrared communication signal (a signal based on the placement confirmation of the print head 1) acquired by the light receiving element 10c in step SE1 or SE3, and prohibits the cleaning operation otherwise. In other words, in step SE1 or SE3, the cleaning operation of the print head 1 can be prohibited when the cleaning operation unit 101a has not received a signal based on the placement confirmation of the print head 1.

[0210] <Connection verification process> In the flowchart process shown in Figure 28 above, upon receiving a signal based on confirmation of the placement of the print head 1, the recovery container 300 and liquid volume are detected. If there are no problems, the cleaning unit 101a performs the cleaning operation of the print head 1. In a site where only one automatic printing system S is installed, the print head 1 placed on the cleaning platform 200 belongs to that automatic printing system S, so no particular problems arise in the flowchart process shown in Figure 28.

[0211] However, as shown in Figure 29, there are cases where multiple automatic printing systems S are installed in a single site. In this example, one automatic printing system S is composed of a first controller A, a first print head A, and a first cleaning and mounting unit A, and another automatic printing system S is composed of a second controller B, a second print head B, and a second cleaning and mounting unit B. Since the structure and shape of the first and second print heads A and B are the same, and the structure and shape of the first and second cleaning and mounting units A and B are also the same, as shown in Figure 29, if a user intends to place the first print head A, which is connected to the first controller A, on the first cleaning and mounting unit A for cleaning, but mistakenly places the second print head B, which is connected to the second controller B, on the first cleaning and mounting unit A, then the first print head A will not be placed on either the cleaning and mounting unit A or B. If automatic cleaning is performed in this state, there is no one to catch the cleaning fluid leaking from the first print head A, so there is a risk that the cleaning fluid may contaminate the surrounding environment or volatilize, creating an undesirable environment. In other words, in the flowchart process shown in Figure 28, there is a possibility that the print head 1 will be cleaned even if it has been placed incorrectly.

[0212] In this case, the flowchart shown in Figure 30 can be performed. In step SF1, the placement of the print head 1 on the cleaning and placement unit 200 is detected. This can be detected based on the magnetic force detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 10b or the infrared communication signal acquired by the light receiving element 10c. Then, in step SF2, the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100 confirms that the print head 1 is placed therein.

[0213] In step SF3, the controller 100 transmits its identification information, the serial number, to the cleaning and placement unit 200. The identification information held by the controller 100 is not limited to the serial number, but can be information unique to the controller 100, and can consist of numbers, letters, symbols, etc., and may consist of any one of these, or any two or more in combination. The identification information held by the controller 100 may also be a random number.

[0214] In step SF4, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 receives the serial number transmitted from the controller 100. In step SF5, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 transmits the serial number transmitted from the controller 100 to the print head 1. This can be transmitted via infrared communication using the light-emitting element 211c and the light-receiving element 10c. In step SF6, the print head 1 receives the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SF7, the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit 200 is transmitted back to the controller 100. In step SF8, the controller 100 receives the serial number transmitted from the print head 1. In step SF9, the control unit 101 of the controller 100 determines whether the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1 matches the serial number transmitted by the controller 100 in step SF3. This process is an authentication process to determine whether the print head 1 placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200 is connected to the controller 100. If the two do not match, it means that the print head 1 is not connected to the controller 100, so the process does not proceed to the next step, and the process returns to step SF3, and steps SF3 to SF9 are repeated. If a mismatch is determined in step SF9 after repeating the process a predetermined number of times, this flow is interrupted and the user is notified or an error message is displayed.

[0215] On the other hand, in step SF9, if it is determined that the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1 matches the serial number transmitted by the controller 100 in step SF3, the process proceeds to step SF10. In step SF10, a request for output of sensor status is made to the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SF11, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 transmits the sensor status, i.e., the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240, to the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100. In step SF12, the cleaning operation unit 101a receives the sensor status. In step SF13, it is confirmed whether maintenance can be performed.

[0216] The flowchart for the verification process is shown in Figure 31. After the sensor status verification begins, step SG1 checks the status of the magnetic sensor 10b. If the magnetic sensor 10b is ON, i.e., outputting a magnetic force detection signal, the process proceeds to step SG2. If the magnetic sensor 10b is OFF, i.e., not outputting a magnetic force detection signal, the process proceeds to step SG4. Instead of the magnetic sensor 10b, the infrared communication signal acquired by the photodetector 10c can be used.

[0217] In step SG2, the status of the container detection sensor 235 is checked. If the container detection sensor 235 is ON, i.e., the recovery container 300 is installed, the process proceeds to step SG3. If the container detection sensor 235 is OFF, i.e., the recovery container 300 is not installed, the process proceeds to step SG4. In step SG3, the status of the liquid level sensor 240 is checked. If the liquid level sensor 240 is OFF, i.e., the amount of cleaning agent in the recovery container 300 is less than full, the process returns to the initial step and maintenance can be performed. If the liquid level sensor 240 is ON, i.e., the amount of cleaning agent in the recovery container 300 is full, the process proceeds to step SG4. In step SG4, maintenance is prohibited, so the cleaning operation unit 101a does not permit cleaning. Unless the process proceeds to step SG4, the cleaning operation unit 101a permits cleaning. Therefore, in step SF13 of the flowchart shown in Figure 30, it is determined to be "possible," and the process proceeds to step SF14. If we proceed to step SG4 in the flowchart shown in Figure 31, we will be judged as "impossible" at step SF13 in the flowchart shown in Figure 30 and return to step SF10.

[0218] In step SF14, the cleaning unit 101a performs maintenance. Specifically, it activates the solvent pump P2 of the controller 100 and opens the solvent injection valve. During the cleaning operation, the flowchart shown in Figure 31 is repeatedly executed, and when the process proceeds to step SG4, the cleaning unit 101a interrupts the cleaning operation.

[0219] The print head 1 is configured to send a signal in step SF1 based on confirmation of its placement, and in step SF7, to send previously acquired identification information of the controller 100 to the controller 100 via the signal line. Therefore, the cleaning operation will not be performed simply by placing the print head 1, and the cleaning operation will not be performed unless the identification information of the controller 100 matches in step SF9. For example, as shown in Figure 29, when the second print head B is placed on the first cleaning placement unit A, the identification information transmitted from the first controller A will be received by the second controller B, and as a result, it will not be transmitted to the first controller A, so the first controller A will not perform the cleaning operation. Thus, it is possible to prevent cleaning fluid from leaking out of the first print head A.

[0220] Furthermore, when sending a signal based on the confirmation of the placement of the print head 1 in step SF1, the system can also be configured to send the identification information of the print head 1 to the controller 100. If the print head 1 connected to the controller 100 is assigned identification information consisting of a unique identification number, the controller 100 can confirm whether or not it is the print head 1 connected to the controller 100 by checking the identification information of the print head 1. The cleaning operation unit 101a can be configured to permit the cleaning operation of the print head 1 when the placement of the print head 1 has been confirmed and it has been confirmed that it is the print head 1 connected to the controller 100.

[0221] <Example 1> Figure 32 is a simplified block diagram relating to Modification 1 of the embodiment. In Modification 1, the print head 1 is equipped with a magnet 10e and a light-emitting element 10f, and the light-emitting element 10f is controlled by the control unit 101 of the controller 100. The cleaning and mounting unit 200 is equipped with a magnetic sensor 200a and a light-receiving element 200b. The magnetic sensor 200a of the cleaning and mounting unit 200 is capable of detecting the magnetic force of the magnet 10e of the print head 1. The light-receiving element 200b of the cleaning and mounting unit 200 is capable of receiving infrared light emitted by the light-emitting element 10f of the print head 1. The magnetic sensor 200a and the light-receiving element 200b are connected to the control unit 101 of the controller 100. In this Modification 1, the placement of the print head 1 and whether it is in the correct position can be accurately determined based on infrared communication and the detection results from the magnetic sensor 200a.

[0222] Figure 33 is a flowchart illustrating the process according to Modification 1 of the embodiment. In step SH1, the cleaning and placement unit 200 detects that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200. This can be detected based on a magnetic force detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 200a or an infrared communication signal acquired by the light receiving element 200b. Subsequently, in step SH2, the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100 confirms that the print head 1 has been placed.

[0223] In step SH3, the controller 100 transmits its identification information, the serial number, to the print head 1. In step SH4, the print head 1 receives the serial number transmitted from the controller 100. In step SH5, the print head 1 transmits the serial number transmitted from the controller 100 to the cleaning and mounting unit 200. This can be transmitted via infrared communication between the light-emitting element 10f and the light-receiving element 200b. In step SH6, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 receives the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1. In step SH7, the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1 is transmitted back to the controller 100. In step SH8, the controller 100 receives the serial number transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit 200. Steps SH9 to SH16 are the same as steps SF9 to SF16 in the flowchart shown in Figure 30. As a result, if the serial number does not match in step SH9, the cleaning operation will not be performed, and the first print head A will not be cleaned in the state shown in Figure 29.

[0224] <Modification 2> Figure 34 is a simplified block diagram relating to a modified example 2 of the embodiment. In modified example 2, the print head 1 is provided with a light-emitting element 10f in addition to the light-receiving element 10c. The light-emitting element 10f is controlled by the control unit 101 of the controller 100. The cleaning and mounting unit 200 is provided with a light-receiving element 200b in addition to the light-emitting element 211c. Furthermore, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 is provided with a control unit 200c. The container detection sensor 235, the liquid volume sensor 240, the light-receiving element 200b, and the light-emitting element 211c are connected to the control unit 200c. The detection results from the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240, and the information received by the light-receiving element 200b are processed by the control unit 200c, then transmitted to the print head 1 by the light-emitting element 211c, and received by the light-receiving element 10c. The information received by the print head 1 is transmitted to the control unit 101 of the controller 100. In this modified example 2, the controller 100 only supplies power to the cleaning and mounting unit 200, and there is no direct communication between the controller 100 and the cleaning and mounting unit 200. The cleaning and mounting unit 200 may have a built-in battery.

[0225] Figure 35 is a flowchart illustrating the process according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. In step SI1, the print head 1 detects that it has been placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200. This can be detected based on a magnetic force detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 10b or an infrared communication signal acquired by the light-receiving element 10c. Subsequently, in step SI2, the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100 confirms that the print head 1 is placed therein.

[0226] In step SI3, a request for output of sensor status is sent to the print head 1. In step SI4, the print head 1 sends a request for output of sensor status to the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SI5, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 receives the request for output of sensor status transmitted from the print head 1. In step SI6, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 transmits the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 to the print head 1. In step SI7, the print head 1 receives the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit 200.

[0227] In step SI8, the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 is received to check whether maintenance is possible. If it is possible, the process proceeds to step SI9, then to steps SI10 and SI11 to perform the cleaning operation. If it is not possible, the process returns to step SI13.

[0228] In this modified example 2, the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 can be acquired via the print head 1. Therefore, even in the case of incorrect placement as shown in Figure 29, control can be performed based on the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240, thereby ensuring safety.

[0229] <Variation 3> Figure 36 is a simplified block diagram relating to Modification 3 of the embodiment. In Modification 3, a control unit 200c is provided in the washing and mounting unit 200. A magnetic sensor 211a, a container detection sensor 235, a liquid volume sensor 240, and a light-emitting element 211c are connected to the control unit 200c. The detection results from the magnetic sensor 211a, the container detection sensor 235, and the liquid volume sensor 240 are processed by the control unit 200c and then transmitted to the print head 1 by the light-emitting element 211c and received by the light-receiving element 10c. The information received by the print head 1 is transmitted to the control unit 101 of the controller 100. In this Modification 3, the controller 100 only supplies power to the washing and mounting unit 200, and there is no direct communication between the controller 100 and the washing and mounting unit 200.

[0230] Figure 37 is a flowchart illustrating the process according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. In step SJ1, the cleaning and placement unit 200 detects that the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200. This can be detected based on the magnetic force detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 211a. Subsequently, in step SJ2, the cleaning and placement unit 200 transmits the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 to the print head 1. In step SJ3, the print head 1 transmits the sensor status transmitted from the cleaning and placement unit 200 to the controller 100.

[0231] In step SJ4, the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 is received to check whether maintenance is possible. If it is possible, the process proceeds to step SJ5, then to steps SJ6 and SJ7, and the cleaning operation is performed. If it is not possible, this flow is terminated.

[0232] In Modification 3, instead of a command response method from the controller 100, the cleaning and placement unit 200 outputs the sensor status unidirectionally when it detects placement. This allows the infrared communication unit to be configured for unidirectional communication, thus reducing the number of light-emitting and light-receiving elements.

[0233] <Modification 4> Figure 38 is a simplified block diagram relating to Modification 4 of the embodiment. In Modification 4, a cleaning nozzle 200d and a cleaning pump P5 are provided on the cleaning mounting section 200, as well as a control unit 200c. A cleaning tank or cleaning cartridge (not shown) is connected to the cleaning pump P5. A magnetic sensor 211a, a container detection sensor 235, a liquid volume sensor 240, and a light-emitting element 211c are connected to the control unit 200c. The detection results from the magnetic sensor 211a, the container detection sensor 235, and the liquid volume sensor 240 are processed by the control unit 200c, and the control unit 200c controls the solenoid valve (cleaning agent spray valve) of the cleaning nozzle 200d and the cleaning pump P5 to perform the cleaning operation. The cleaning nozzle 200d can be arranged as shown in Figure 24, as shown in the cleaning nozzle 360. In this Modification 4, it is not necessary to use the solvent in the controller 100 as the cleaning agent, so water or a water-soluble cleaning agent can be used.

[0234] Figure 39 is a flowchart illustrating the process according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. In step SK1, the cleaning and placement unit 200 detects that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200. This can be detected based on the magnetic force detection signal output from the magnetic sensor 211a. Subsequently, in step SK2, the cleaning operation unit 101a of the controller 100 confirms that the print head 1 has been placed.

[0235] In step SK3, the controller 100 transmits its identification information, the serial number, to the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SK4, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 receives the serial number transmitted from the controller 100. In step SK5, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 transmits the serial number transmitted from the controller 100 to the print head 1. In step SK6, the print head 1 receives the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SK7, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 transmits the serial number of the controller 100 back to the controller 100. In step SK8, the controller 100 receives the serial number transmitted from the print head 1. In step SK9, it is determined whether the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1 matches the serial number transmitted by the controller 100 in step SK3. If they do not match, the process returns to step SK3.

[0236] On the other hand, in step SK9, if it is determined that the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1 matches the serial number transmitted by the controller 100 in step SK3, the process proceeds to step SK10. In step SK10, a maintenance execution request is sent to the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SK11, the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 is transmitted to the control unit 200c. In step SK12, the control unit 200c determines whether maintenance can be performed based on the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240. If it is "impossible", the process returns to step SK10. If it is "possible", the process proceeds to step SK13, then in step SK14 the pump P5 is activated, and in step SK15 the detergent spray valve is opened.

[0237] <Modification 5> Figure 40 is a simplified block diagram relating to Modification 5 of the embodiment. In Modification 5, the print head 1 has an AND circuit, which can control the solenoid valve of the cleaning nozzle 19. The AND circuit receives a control signal from the control unit 101 as well as the output signal from the magnetic sensor 10b. When the control signal from the control unit 101 is a cleaning operation permission signal and the magnetic force detection signal from the magnetic sensor 10b is input, the solenoid valve of the cleaning nozzle 19 can be switched from closed to open to perform the cleaning operation.

[0238] Figure 41 is a flowchart illustrating the process according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. In step SL1, the controller 100 transmits the serial number to the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SL2, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 receives the serial number transmitted from the controller 100. In step SL3, the cleaning and mounting unit 200 transmits the serial number received from the controller 100 to the print head 1. In step SL4, the print head 1 receives the serial number transmitted from the cleaning and mounting unit 200. In step SL5, the print head 1 transmits the serial number received from the cleaning and mounting unit 200 to the controller 100. In step SL6, the controller 100 receives the serial number transmitted from the print head 1.

[0239] In step SL7, it is determined whether the serial number of the controller 100 transmitted from the print head 1 matches the serial number transmitted by the controller 100 in step SL1. If they do not match, the process returns to step SL1. If they do match, the process proceeds to step SL8, where a request for sensor status output is sent to the cleaning and placement unit 200. In step SL9, the cleaning and placement unit 200 transmits the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 to the controller 100. In step SL10, the status of the container detection sensor 235 and the liquid volume sensor 240 is received, and in step SL11, it is checked whether maintenance is possible. If it is "impossible", the process proceeds to step SL8; if it is "possible", the process proceeds to step SL12 to perform maintenance. In this case, the pump is activated in step SL14. Meanwhile, the print head 1 obtains the result of the print head 1 placement detection based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 10b, and only if the AND condition between this placement detection signal and the maintenance execution permission signal is met, the process proceeds to step SL15 to open the solvent injection valve.

[0240] In this modified example 5, the valve can be controlled by the AND of the signals from the container detection sensor 235, the liquid volume sensor 240, and the placement detection signal, and the placement detection signal is not transmitted to the control unit 101. The cleaning control unit in this modified example 5 can be configured to include the AND circuit of the print head 1.

[0241] <Sleep Mode> In this embodiment, the automatic printing system S is configured to perform a sleep mode that periodically performs automatic cleaning to reduce the likelihood of malfunctions due to ink hardening when the system is shut down for an extended period. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 101 of the controller 100 includes a mode operation unit 101b. The mode operation unit 101b is the part that, when a placement detection unit (such as a magnetic sensor 10b or a light-receiving element 10c) detects that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning placement unit 200, activates a sleep mode to automatically perform a cleaning operation of the print head 1 at predetermined intervals while the inkjet recording device I, which is supplied with external power, is shut down. In order to activate the sleep mode, power is supplied to the inkjet recording device I from, for example, a commercial power supply 700, as shown in Figure 2.

[0242] Figure 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sleep mode operation. This flow begins when the system detects that the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and placement unit 200 after power shutdown. Once the flow begins, the mode operation unit 101b generates the maintenance user interface 400 shown in Figure 43 and displays it on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2. The maintenance user interface 400 includes a start button 400a to be operated when starting sleep mode, and a display area 400b to display explanatory text and diagrams related to sleep mode. When the start button 400a is pressed in step SM1 of Figure 42, the mode operation unit 101b detects this and activates sleep mode. The mode operation unit 101b also generates the status display user interface 401 shown in Figure 44 and displays it on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2. The status display user interface 401 includes a release button 401a for exiting (ending) sleep mode, a status display area 401b for displaying ink levels and other information, and a display area 401c for displaying explanatory text and diagrams. The status display user interface 401 can be kept displayed while in sleep mode.

[0243] Step SM2 in Figure 42 shows a case where the device is left unattended for a long period of time, from several weeks to several months or more. During this time, the cleaning operation unit 101a automatically starts up the inkjet recording device I and performs a cleaning operation in which solvent is supplied to the nozzle 12 by the solvent supply unit 105 and ejected from the nozzle 12. The cleaning operation may also be, for example, a cleaning operation in which solvent is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 19, or a cleaning operation in which ink is supplied from the ink supply unit 104 to the nozzle and ejected from the nozzle. Two or more of these multiple cleaning operations can also be performed. The cleaning nozzle is not limited to the cleaning nozzle 19, but may be, for example, a cleaning agent nozzle 360 ​​provided on the cleaning mounting unit 200, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 24. The cleaning agent nozzle 360 ​​can be supplied with cleaning agent from the controller 100 in the same way as the cleaning nozzle 19. The cleaning agent nozzle 360 ​​can spray cleaning agent onto the nozzle 12, the charging electrode 13, etc.

[0244] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 101 of the controller 100 includes a time measurement unit 101c that measures the time the inkjet recording device I is in sleep mode. This time measurement unit 101c is a so-called timer and can be configured to start timing from the time the start button 400a of the maintenance user interface 400 shown in Figure 43 is pressed, or it can be configured to start timing from the time the mode operation unit 101b activates sleep mode.

[0245] When the cleaning operation unit 101a detects that the mode operation unit 101b has activated sleep mode, it acquires the time during sleep mode operation measured by the time measurement unit 101c. When the time during sleep mode operation measured by the time measurement unit 101c reaches a predetermined time, the cleaning operation unit 101a performs a cleaning operation.

[0246] In step SM3 shown in FIG. 42, when the release button 401a of the status display user interface 401 shown in FIG. 44 is pressed, the mode operation unit 101b detects this and releases the sleep mode. When the control unit 101 detects that the mode operation unit 101b has released the sleep mode, it executes the startup process of step SM4, and then executes the printing process of step SM5.

[0247] In the above example, the case where the sleep mode is operated without checking for abnormalities on the cleaning placement unit 200 side has been described. However, it is not limited to this, and the sleep mode can also be operated while checking for abnormalities on the cleaning placement unit 200 side.

[0248] FIG. 45 is a flowchart of the case where the sleep mode is operated while checking for abnormalities on the cleaning placement unit 200 side. When the start button 400a shown in FIG. 43 is pressed in step SN1, the mode operation unit 101b detects this and operates the sleep mode. In step SN2, the time measurement unit 101c starts timing and performs a process of adding "7 days" to the date and time when the inkjet recording apparatus I is turned off. This "7 days" is the period during which it is determined that a cleaning operation is necessary, and it is not limited to "7 days". A process of adding time instead of the number of days may be performed.

[0249] After waiting in step SN3, it proceeds to step SN4 to determine whether a predetermined time (7 days in this example) has elapsed. If it is determined NO in step SN4 and 7 days have not elapsed, it proceeds to step SN3 to wait and the determination in step SN4 is made again. If it is determined YES in step SN4 and 7 days have elapsed since the inkjet recording apparatus I was turned off, it proceeds to step SN5 to perform an error release process. Errors will be described later.

[0250] After that, it proceeds to step SN6 to perform an abnormality detection determination. The abnormality detection can be performed using the flowchart shown in FIG. 31. That is, when the magnetic sensor 10b, which is the placement detection unit, is OFF, it means that the printing head 1 is not in the normal position, so it is detected as an abnormality in step SN6 of FIG. 45. Also, when the container detection sensor 235 is OFF, it means that the collection container 300 is not attached, so it is detected as an abnormality in step SN6 of FIG. 45. Furthermore, when the liquid volume sensor 240 is ON, it means that the cleaning agent in the collection container 300 is in a full or nearly full state, so it is detected as an abnormality in step SN6 of FIG. 45.

[0251] The cleaning operation unit 101a is configured to execute a placement confirmation process in step SN6 to confirm whether, before the time during the sleep mode operation reaches a predetermined time and before performing the cleaning operation, the placement detection unit has detected that the printing head 1 is placed on the cleaning placement unit 200.

[0252] If any one of the above-mentioned multiple abnormalities is detected, it becomes "abnormal" in step SN6 and proceeds to step SN7. In step SN7, an alert is output, an error screen is displayed on the display unit 103a, etc., and the error is recorded. That is, the cleaning operation unit 101a is configured to perform an error output in step SN7 when it is determined that the placement detection unit has not detected that the printing head 1 is placed on the cleaning placement unit 200 based on the execution result of the placement confirmation process in step SN6. The error output may be in a form of displaying an error on the display unit 103a, generating an error sound from a speaker or the like (not shown), or outputting an error signal to an external device.

[0253] If it is determined to be "normal" in step SN6, it proceeds to step SN8, and the cleaning operation unit 101a performs a cleaning operation. Thereby, the startup success rate can be increased.

[0254] When the cleaning operation starts, the process proceeds to step SN9, where an abnormality detection determination similar to that in step SN6 is performed. In step SN9, the cleaning operation unit 101a performs a placement confirmation process to check whether the placement detection unit has detected that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning placement unit 200 during the cleaning operation. If an "abnormality" is determined in step SN9, the process proceeds to step SN20, where the cleaning operation is emergency stopped, and then to step SN19. Therefore, the cleaning operation unit 101a is configured to stop the cleaning operation if, based on the result of the placement confirmation process in step SN9, it is determined that the placement detection unit has not detected that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning placement unit 200.

[0255] For example, as shown in Figure 46, if the print head 1 is removed during the cleaning operation, the magnetic sensor 10b is turned OFF and the cleaning operation is stopped immediately. Also, if the liquid volume sensor 240 detects an overflow of cleaning agent from the recovery container 300 during the cleaning operation, the cleaning operation is stopped immediately. Furthermore, if the container detection sensor 235 detects that the recovery container 300 has become detached during the cleaning operation, the cleaning operation is stopped immediately.

[0256] If step SN9 determines that the operation is "normal", proceed to step SN10 to determine whether the cleaning operation has finished. If step SN10 determines that the operation is not finished and the cleaning operation has not finished, the cleaning operation continues. If step SN10 determines that the operation is finished and the cleaning operation has finished, proceed to step SN11 to execute the startup process. After executing the startup process, proceed to step SN12 to perform an abnormality detection determination similar to step SN6. If step SN12 determines that the operation is "abnormal", proceed to step SN18 to immediately execute the shutdown process. If step SN12 determines that the operation is "normal", proceed to step SN13 to determine whether the startup process has finished. If step SN13 determines that the operation is not finished and the startup process has not finished, the startup process continues. If step SN13 determines that the operation is finished and the startup process has finished, proceed to step SN14, where the time measurement unit 101c starts timing again and adds "7 days" to the current date and time.

[0257] Next, the process proceeds to step SN15, where the ink is circulated and its viscosity is adjusted to prevent ink from solidifying. Then, the process proceeds to step SN16, where an abnormality detection check is performed in the same manner as in step SN6. If an "abnormality" is detected in step SN16, the process proceeds to step SN18, where the shutdown process is immediately executed. If a "normal" condition is detected in step SN16, the process proceeds to step SN17, where it is determined whether the predetermined ink adjustment time has elapsed. If the adjustment time has not elapsed, step SN15 is continued.

[0258] If step SN17 is determined to be YES and the ink adjustment time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step SN18 to perform the shutdown process. Then, the process proceeds to step SN19 to stop the inkjet recording device I, and then proceeds to step SN3. In the subsequent step SN5, the aforementioned error is cleared.

[0259] <Variations of sleep mode> Figure 47 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the sleep mode, which differs from the process shown in Figure 45 in that it reduces the amount of cleaning agent consumed. Steps SP1 to SP7 are the same as steps SN1 to SN7 in the flowchart shown in Figure 45. Step SP8 performs the startup process and proceeds to step SP9. In step SP9, an abnormality detection is performed, similar to step SN6 in Figure 45. If an "abnormality" is detected in step SP9, the process proceeds to step SP21, where the startup process is emergency stopped, and then the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0260] If step SP9 is determined to be "normal", the process proceeds to step SP10 to determine whether an error was detected. This error differs from the error determined by the abnormality detection determination and is an error that occurs, for example, when nozzle 12 is clogged. If step SP10 is determined to be "normal", the process proceeds to step SP11 to determine whether the startup process has finished. If step SP11 is determined to be NO and the startup process has not finished, the startup process continues.

[0261] On the other hand, if an "abnormality" is determined in step SP10, it means that a blockage or other issue has occurred in the nozzle 12, and there is a high need for a cleaning operation, so the process proceeds to step SP12 and the cleaning operation is performed. In other words, in this modified example, the cleaning operation is performed only when it is determined that there is a high need for a cleaning operation, so the amount of cleaning agent consumed can be reduced.

[0262] When proceeding from step SP12 to step SP13, an abnormality detection check is performed in the same way as in step SP9. If an "abnormality" is detected in step SP13, the process proceeds to step SP21, where the cleaning operation is emergency stopped, and then to step SP20. If "normal" is detected in step SP13, the process proceeds to step SP14 to determine whether the cleaning operation has finished. If the result in step SP14 is NO and the cleaning operation has not finished, the cleaning operation continues.

[0263] If step SP14 is determined to be YES and the cleaning operation is completed, the process proceeds to step SP15, where the time measurement unit 101c starts timing again and adds "7 days" to the current date and time.

[0264] Next, the process proceeds to step SP16, where the ink is circulated and its viscosity is adjusted. Then, the process proceeds to step SP17, where an abnormality detection check is performed in the same manner as in step SP9. If an "abnormality" is detected in step SP17, the process proceeds to step SP19, where the shutdown process is immediately executed. If "normal" is detected in step SP17, the process proceeds to step SP18, where it is determined whether the ink viscosity is within the normal viscosity range. If the result in step SP18 is NO, the viscosity is adjusted until the ink viscosity is within the normal viscosity range. If the result in step SN18 is YES, the process proceeds to step SN19, where the shutdown process is executed. After that, the process proceeds to step SP20, where the inkjet recording device I is stopped, and then the process proceeds to step SP3.

[0265] <Sleep mode transition detection> The system may automatically transition to sleep mode after the shutdown process, or, after the shutdown process, the mode operation unit 101b may generate a user interface 402 for period selection shown in Figure 48, display it on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2, and determine whether or not to transition to sleep mode based on the period selection result.

[0266] The user interface 402 for selecting a period, shown in Figure 48, includes an input section 402a for inputting information about the period from shutdown to the next operation before shutting down the inkjet recording device I, as well as an OK button 402b and a Cancel button 402c. The input section 402a has selection buttons for 6 days or less, 7 days or more, and 21 days or more, allowing the user to input the period from shutdown to the next operation of the inkjet recording device I by operating the selection buttons. Alternatively, the user may input the number of days from shutdown to the next operation of the inkjet recording device I; in this case, the entered number of days becomes the information regarding the period from shutdown to the next operation. Furthermore, the date of the next operation may be input from, for example, a calendar; in this case, the entered date becomes the information regarding the period from shutdown to the next operation. In any case, the period until the next operation can be obtained.

[0267] Figure 49 is a flowchart showing an example of the sleep mode transition determination process. This flow begins after the inkjet recording device I finishes printing and the shutdown process starts. The start of the shutdown process can be detected by the user pressing the shutdown process start button (not shown).

[0268] In step SQ1, a period determination is made based on the period information entered into the input section 402a of the period selection user interface 402 shown in Figure 48. If it is 6 days or less, the process proceeds to step SQ2 and a normal start-up process is performed. If it is 7 days or more, the process proceeds to step SQ3 and a long-term start-up process is performed. In the long-term start-up process, the detergent discharge time is set to be longer, the amount of detergent discharged is set to be larger, and the number of detergent discharges is set to be higher compared to the normal start-up process.

[0269] If the result of the period determination in step SQ1 is 21 days or more, the process proceeds to step SQ4. In step SQ4, communication between the controller 100 and the cleaning and mounting unit 200 is checked. If the check reveals that the controller 100 and the cleaning and mounting unit 200 are not connected, the process proceeds to step SQ3. If the controller 100 and the cleaning and mounting unit 200 are connected, the process proceeds to step SQ5, where the maintenance user interface 400 shown in Figure 43 is displayed on the display unit 103a shown in Figure 2. When the start button 400a is pressed in step SQ6, the mode operation unit 101b detects this, activates sleep mode, and proceeds to step SQ7. In step SQ7, a mounting confirmation process is performed to check whether the mounting detection unit has detected that the print head 1 has been mounted on the cleaning and mounting unit 200.

[0270] If it is determined in step SQ7 that "not placed" and the printing head 1 is not placed on the cleaning placement unit 200, the process proceeds to step SQ8 to output an alert and display it on the display unit 103a. On the other hand, if it is determined in step SQ7 that "placed", the process proceeds to step SQ9 to perform the falling process, and then the mode operation unit 101b operates in the sleep mode. Therefore, the mode operation unit 101b determines whether the period until the next operation is longer than a predetermined period in step SQ1 based on the information regarding the period input to the input unit 402a of the period selection user interface 402 shown in FIG. 48. If it is determined that the period until the next operation is longer than the predetermined period, after proceeding to steps SQ4 to SQ7 and SQ7, since it is configured to operate in the sleep mode, maintenance according to the operation stop period can be automatically performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the period until the next operation is less than the predetermined period, the process proceeds to step SQ2 or SQ3, so the mode operation unit 101b does not operate in the sleep mode.

[0271] <Automatic transition to sleep mode> FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing an example of the automatic transition determination process for the sleep mode. This flow starts when it is detected that the printing head 1 is placed on the cleaning placement unit 200. In step SR1, it is determined whether each pump of the controller 100 is stopped. If it is determined NO in step SR1, it is considered to be in operation, so the process proceeds to step SR2 to update and store the operation date and time. During operation, that is, when the pump is operating, such as when performing the printing process, the operation date and time will be updated and rewritten at any time. On the other hand, if it is determined YES in step SR1, the process proceeds to step SR3 to calculate the idle period. The idle period is obtained by subtracting the operation date and time from the current date and time.

[0272] In step SR4, the mode operation unit 101b determines whether the idle period is longer than a specified number of days. The specified number of days can be set to, for example, several weeks, but in this embodiment it is set to 21 days. If step SR4 determines NO and the idle period is less than the specified number of days, the process returns to step SR1. On the other hand, if step SR4 determines YES and the idle period is longer than the specified number of days, the mode operation unit 101b activates the sleep mode.

[0273] In this example, without displaying the period selection user interface 402 shown in Figure 48, the inkjet recording system S automatically determines whether or not to switch to sleep mode based on the period of inactivity, and switches to sleep mode if necessary. Therefore, even if the user forgets to set it to sleep mode, the cleaning operation can be performed.

[0274] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, when the print head 1 is placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200, it is possible to detect that the print head 1 has been placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200. A signal based on the confirmation of the placement of the print head 1 is then sent to the controller 100, which is connected to the print head 1 placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200. As a result, the controller 100 can confirm that the print head 1 connected to it is placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200, and can determine that the print head 1 is ready for cleaning. Therefore, the print head 1 placed on the cleaning and mounting unit 200 can be cleaned, and any cleaning fluid leaking from the print head 1 can be received by the cleaning and mounting unit 200, preventing contamination of the surrounding environment.

[0275] Furthermore, the mode operation unit 101b can activate sleep mode while the inkjet recording device I is stopped. When the time spent in sleep mode reaches a predetermined time, the cleaning operation unit 101a automatically starts up the inkjet recording device I and performs a cleaning operation. This reduces the likelihood of malfunctions caused by ink hardening when the device is expected to be stored for a long period before being restarted.

[0276] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0277] As described above, the present invention can be used, for example, when printing on various workpieces. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0278] 1. Print head 10b Magnetic sensor 10c light-receiving element 12 nozzles 13 Charged electrodes 15 Deflection electrode 100 controllers 101 Control Unit 101a Cleaning operation unit 101b Mode Operation Unit 101c Time Measurement Unit 104 Ink supply unit 105 Solvent supply unit 200 Washing and placement section 211a magnet 211c light-emitting element 212 Bottom wall section 212b Passing hole 213 Peripheral wall section 235 Container detection sensor 240 Liquid volume sensor 300 collection containers I. Inkjet recording device S Inkjet Recording System

Claims

1. A continuous-type inkjet recording device equipped with a print head, A cleaning station for cleaning the print head while the print head is set, A placement detection unit that detects when the print head is set in the washing station, A collection container attached to the aforementioned washing station for collecting the washing solution, A container detection unit that detects when the collection container is attached to the washing station, A liquid volume detection unit for detecting the amount of liquid in the aforementioned collection container, An inkjet recording system having [a specific feature].

2. The print head comprises a nozzle for ejecting ink and a charging electrode for charging the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle. The aforementioned cleaning station is A cleaning and mounting section to which the aforementioned collection container is attached and to which the aforementioned print head is set, A cleaning nozzle different from the aforementioned nozzle, comprising a cleaning nozzle for spraying cleaning liquid onto the nozzle set in the cleaning mounting section or onto the charging electrode, The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that the recovery container recovers the cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle via the cleaning mounting section.

3. The inkjet recording device further includes a controller that supplies ink and solvent to the print head. The inkjet recording system according to claim 2, characterized in that the cleaning station sprays a solvent supplied from the controller as a cleaning solution from the cleaning nozzle.

4. The placement detection unit has a first magnetic sensor and a first magnet. The first magnetic sensor is provided on the print head, The inkjet recording system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first magnet is provided in the cleaning station at a position where the magnetic force is detected by the first magnetic sensor when the print head is set in the correct position.

5. The cleaning station is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape into which the print head is inserted and into which a portion of the print head can be accommodated, and has a member extending in the direction into which the print head is inserted. The inkjet recording system according to claim 4, characterized in that the first magnet is provided on the member of the cleaning station.

6. The inkjet recording system according to claim 5, characterized in that the cleaning station includes a guide support member that restricts the direction of movement of the print head to only the direction in which the print head is inserted when the print head is inserted.

7. The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that the container detection unit is provided in the washing station and includes a second magnetic sensor and a second magnet that detect the attachment of the collection container by magnetic force, and the second magnet is provided in the collection container.

8. The inkjet recording system according to claim 7, characterized in that the second magnet is provided in the collection container at a position where the magnetic force is detected by the second magnetic sensor when the collection container is rotated and attached to the mounting completion position.

9. The inkjet recording device further, The controller to which the print head is connected, The controller has a display unit provided on it, The aforementioned display unit is The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that an error display is made in any of the following cases: when the placement detection unit detects that the print head is not in the correct position in the cleaning station before the print head is cleaned in the cleaning station; when the container detection unit detects that the recovery container is not attached to the cleaning station; or when the liquid volume detection unit detects that the liquid volume in the recovery container has exceeded a predetermined amount.

10. The inkjet recording device further, The controller to which the print head is connected, The controller has a display unit, The aforementioned display unit is During sleep mode, in which the print head is periodically cleaned automatically while the system is shut down, the system displays the status of the ink, refill fluid, filter, and pump, as well as the release button to be operated when exiting sleep mode. The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller cancels the sleep mode when it detects that the release button has been pressed.

11. The inkjet recording device further, The setting of the print head to the washing station is detected by the placement detection unit described above. The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning operation unit that performs a cleaning operation of the print head when the attachment of the collection container to the cleaning station is detected by the container detection unit and the amount of liquid in the collection container detected by the liquid volume detection unit is less than a predetermined amount.

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