Mist collection device and liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide a mist recovery device which can recover mist occurring in the device.SOLUTION: A mist recovery device of the invention includes: a passage in which airflow containing mist occurring in the device flows; and a mist recovery part which is provided within the passage and in which the mist contacts to be liquefied. The mist recovery part has a hydrophilic surface area and a hydrophobic surface area. The hydrophobic surface area is arranged below the hydrophilic surface area. A lower end of the mist recovery part is the hydrophobic surface area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in an image forming apparatus (such as an inkjet recording apparatus) that employs a liquid ejection recording method using a liquid ejection head (droplet ejection head) that ejects liquid (droplets), it is known to discharge ink mist inside the apparatus to the outside of the apparatus (Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, since the ink mist is discharged to the outside in the method disclosed in Patent Document 1, the surrounding area becomes dirty.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a mist collection device capable of collecting mist generated within the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The above problem is solved by a mist collection device comprising a flow path through which an airflow containing mist generated within the device passes, and a mist collection section provided within the flow path for contacting and liquefying the mist, wherein the mist collection section has a hydrophilic surface region and a hydrophobic surface region, the hydrophobic surface region is disposed below the hydrophilic surface region, and a lower end of the mist collection section is the hydrophobic surface region. Effect of the Invention

[0006] The mist generated within the device can be collected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of a mechanism of the main body of the apparatus shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the path of air current within the device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path. [Diagram 5] 13(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a mist collection section provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path, and (c) is a schematic diagram for explaining the behavior principle of ink mist. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the path of air current movement within an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mist collecting plate. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view (part 1) of a first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view (part 2) of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a third perspective view of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a fourth perspective view of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 13] FIG. 5 is a fifth perspective view of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a perspective view (part 6-1) of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is a perspective view (part 6-2) of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 16] FIG. 6 is a perspective view (part 6-3) of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 17] FIG. 7-1 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 18] FIG. 7-2 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 19] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 13 is a modification of the first flow path according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 13 shows a first modified example of the first flow path according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24] 13 shows a second modified example of the first flow path according to the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 25] 6 is a schematic diagram (part 1) showing a modified example of the mist collecting portion of FIG. 5. [Figure 26] 6 is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the mist collecting portion of FIG. 5. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] 1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection device (inkjet recording device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. The inkjet recording device 100 is a serial type image forming device, and includes a device main body 101 and a scanner 102 provided on the upper part of the device main body 101.

[0009] Further, a paper feed cassette 103 that integrates a paper feed cassette for accommodating recording media and a paper output tray for receiving the recording media on which an image has been formed is removably attached to the front side of the device body 101.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the mechanical section of the device body shown in Fig. 1. Inside the device body 101, a carriage unit 32 mounting two recording heads 30 that eject droplets onto a recording medium (paper) to form an image is arranged so as to be capable of reciprocating in the main scanning direction (a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the recording medium).

[0011] A transport unit 34 that transports the recording medium is provided facing the carriage unit 32. The transport unit 34 uses a transport belt 36 here, but may instead be configured to use a transport roller and a platen member (transport guide member) or the like.

[0012] 3 is a perspective view showing the path of airflow within the device. The movement of airflow containing mist will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] In the inkjet recording device 100 of this embodiment, ink mist, which is ink in a mist form, is generated when ink (liquid) is ejected from the recording head 30. In addition, since the recording head 30 is reciprocated by the carriage unit 32, the conveyor belt 36 of the conveying section 34 becomes a mist generating region 200.

[0014] For this reason, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment includes a fan 18 which is an airflow generating means for generating an airflow, and a first flow path 14 and a second flow path 16 which pass the airflow containing mist from an air intake port 14a to an exhaust port 16a facing the outside of the apparatus. These constitute an example of a mist collecting device.

[0015] In addition, the fan 18 is provided between the first flow path 14 and the second flow path 16 , and sends the airflow from the exhaust port 14 b of the first flow path 14 to the second flow path 16 .

[0016] Therefore, the mist generated in the mist-generating region 200 is sucked into the first flow path 14 from the air intake port 14a by the airflow generated by the fan 18. The airflow containing the mist moves through the first flow path 14 along the arrows in the figure, passes through the fan 18 on the way, and further passes through the second flow path 16, and is discharged from the exhaust port 16a.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first flow path, and Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mist collecting section provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path. As shown in Fig. 4, the first flow path 14 is a hollow member provided in the cover 104 of the device body 101, and has an air inlet 14a and an exhaust port 14b facing the fan 18 shown in Fig. 3. The first flow path 14 is configured to be a bent flow path, and in particular, is configured to be approximately L-shaped.

[0018] Further, a mist collecting section 20 that adsorbs mist contained in the airflow and turns it into droplets is provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14. The mist collecting section 20 may be installed on both sides of the inner wall surface, and is preferably installed at an inlet, midway, or outlet of the first flow path 14 at an angle rather than horizontally.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 5, the mist collecting section 20 has a hydrophilic surface region 40a and a hydrophobic surface region 40b in the part where the mist collides and in the surrounding area. Hydrophilicity means that the substance has a high affinity with water, that is, that the substance is easily dissolved in water or easily mixed with water. Examples of this include alcohol and surfactants. On the other hand, hydrophobicity means that the substance has a low affinity with water, is poorly dissolved in water, or is poorly mixed with water. Examples of this include water and oil.

[0020] As an example of the mist collecting section 20, the mist collecting section 20 shown in Fig. 5(a) has hydrophilic surface areas 40a arranged in a band shape with a predetermined interval between them, and a hydrophobic surface area 40b arranged around them. Also, the mist collecting section 20 shown in Fig. 5(b) has hydrophilic surface areas 40a arranged in a dot (circle / ball) shape, and a hydrophobic surface area 40b arranged around them. And, in each mist collecting section 20, the bottom in the vertical direction (the lower end of the mist collecting section 20) is the hydrophobic surface area 40b.

[0021] A tank 22 is provided below the mist collecting section 20 as a storage section for storing mist that has turned into droplets. The bottom surface of the first flow path 14 is inclined toward the tank side. The tank 22 is configured to be detachable from the first flow path 14.

[0022] The behavior principle of the ink mist in the mist collection section 20 will be described with reference to FIG. (1) On the hydrophilic surface region 40a-1, the mist that adheres thereto tends to spread evenly (becomes a liquid film). The mist that is not retained thereon falls onto the hydrophobic surface region 40b-1 below. (2) On the hydrophobic surface area 40b-1, the mist rolls up (forms into droplets) and falls. (3) On the hydrophilic surface region 40a-2, the mist tends to spread evenly. Any mist that is not retained falls onto the hydrophobic surface region 40b-2 below. (4) In the hydrophobic surface area 40b-2, the mist curls up, flows downward, and drips down from the lower end and falls from the mist collection section 20.

[0023] Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, when the airflow containing the ink mist enters the first flow path 14, the ink mist collides with or comes into contact with the hydrophilic surface region 40a and the hydrophobic surface region 40b, and adheres to and is collected on the hydrophilic surface region 40a. The collected ink mist turns into droplets, and when it reaches an amount (weight) that the hydrophilic surface region 40a cannot hold, the droplets drip downward.

[0024] Since the hydrophobic surface region 40b is arranged around the hydrophilic surface region 40a (see Figs. 5(a) and (b)), the rolling droplets are not held but fall and drip onto the hydrophobic part below. If there is a hydrophilic part below, the droplets will collect there, and when they can no longer be held, they will drip onto the hydrophobic part below. Since the bottom part is hydrophobic, the droplets drip from the mist collection section 20 and are stored in the tank 22 below.

[0025] In this way, the ink mist that has entered the first flow path 14 is separated from the airflow by the mist collection unit 20 and stored in the tank 22. Furthermore, the mist collection unit does not require particularly frequent replacement and can perform continuous collection. Therefore, the ink mist is not discharged outside the device, or the amount of discharge can be significantly reduced. Since the tank 22 is detachable from the first flow path 14, the stored ink can be easily disposed of.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, if the mist collecting section 20 is located upstream of the fan 18, this is advantageous because it reduces the risk of mist adhering to the fan 18.

[0027] Second embodiment Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the movement path of air currents in an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in Fig. 3 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The inkjet recording apparatus 150 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that a second mist collecting section 24 is provided downstream of the second flow path 16. Specifically, the second mist collecting section 24 is provided at the exhaust port 16a (see FIG. 3) of the second flow path 16, and an exhaust port 26 is provided downstream of the second mist collecting section 24.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5 above, the second mist collection section 24 also has a hydrophilic surface area 40a and a hydrophobic surface area 40b at the part where the mist collides and the surrounding area, and the hydrophobic surface area 40b is arranged around the hydrophilic surface area 40a.

[0030] Furthermore, a tank 22 for storing mist droplets is provided below the second mist collecting section 24, and the bottom surface of the second flow path 16 is inclined toward this tank side. This tank 22 is configured to be detachable from the second flow path 16.

[0031] In this embodiment, ink mist is collected using a two-stage configuration consisting of a mist collection section 20 provided in the first flow path 14 and a second mist collection section 24 provided in the second flow path 16, which further reduces the risk of ink mist being discharged outside the device.

[0032] Third embodiment Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first flow path according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, for ease of understanding, some of the components are omitted in the drawing.

[0033] In this embodiment, at least one mist collection plate 42 that collects mist contained in the airflow is provided inside the first flow path 14. As shown in Fig. 8, this mist collection plate 42 has a hydrophilic surface area 40a and a hydrophobic surface area 40b at a portion where the mist collides and its surrounding portion, and the hydrophobic surface area 40b is disposed around the hydrophilic surface area 40a.

[0034] The mist collecting plate 42 is disposed at an angle, with one end (the right end in FIG. 7) located above the inclined bottom surface of the first flow path 14. Therefore, the mist captured by the mist collecting plate 42 flows along the inclined surface of the mist collecting plate 42 and falls onto the inclined bottom surface of the first flow path 14, and then enters the tank 22 and is stored therein.

[0035] Furthermore, since the mist collecting plate 42 has a flat plate shape, it also has the role of controlling the flow of the air current and directing it in a targeted direction. Therefore, the air current can be made to travel a shorter path from the air supply port 14a to the exhaust port 14b while separating the ink mist from the air current.

[0036] This embodiment can be used in combination with the first and second embodiments.

[0037] 9 to 19 are perspective views of the first flow path showing modified examples of the mist collecting plate. In Fig. 9 to 19, the same components as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, for ease of understanding, some of the components are omitted.

[0038] (Variation 1) 9, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged inside the first flow path 14, vertically dividing the first flow path 14 into multiple parts. By narrowing the width of the flow path, the ink mist becomes more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, improving the efficiency of collection of the ink mist.

[0039] 9, the mist collecting plates 42 terminate just before the exhaust port 14b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mist collecting plates 42 may extend to the lower side of the exhaust port 14b.

[0040] (Variation 2) 10, multiple mist collection plates 42 are disposed inside the first flow path 14 at an angle from the air supply port 14a toward the tank 22. This configuration allows the ink mist in the form of droplets to flow quickly into the tank 22, thereby improving the efficiency of collecting the ink mist.

[0041] (Variation 3) 11, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged inside the first flow path 14 so that the first flow path 14 narrows from the air inlet 14a toward the fan 18. By narrowing the width of the flow path, the ink mist becomes more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, improving the efficiency of collection of the ink mist.

[0042] (Variation 4) As shown in Fig. 12, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged inside the first flow path 14 so that the first flow path 14 narrows from the air supply port 14a toward the fan 18. This configuration differs from the third modified example (Fig. 11) in that the longitudinal direction of the multiple mist collection plates 42 is perpendicular to the gas flow direction. In this case as well, the narrowing of the flow path makes it easier for the ink mist to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, improving the efficiency of ink mist collection.

[0043] (Variation 5) 13, multiple mist collection plates 42 are disposed in the air supply port 14a in a diagonally downward direction with respect to the air supply port 14a. With this configuration, when gas flows into the inside of the first flow path 14, it immediately collides with the mist collection plates 42, so that the ink mist can be captured near the air supply port 14a.

[0044] (Variation 6) 14 to 16, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged alternately inside the first flow path 14. In this configuration, the gas movement path becomes complex, so that the ink mist easily collides with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, and the collection efficiency of the ink mist can be improved.

[0045] (Variation 7) 17 and 18, a mist collection plate 42 having at least one hole (opening) is disposed inside the first flow path 14 so as to block the flow of the flow path. Most of the gas collides with the mist collection plate 42 and then flows through the hole in the mist collection plate 42. Therefore, the ink mist is more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, and the collection efficiency of the ink mist can be improved.

[0046] It is preferable to arrange more hydrophilic surface areas 40a around the holes and on the cross sections of the holes in the mist collecting plate 42 to make it easier to capture the ink mist.

[0047] (Variation 8) 19, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged near the exhaust port 14b. In this configuration, the mist collection plates 42 collect the ink mist that was not completely collected by the mist collection unit 20, thereby reducing the risk of the ink mist adhering to the fan 18 located downstream of the exhaust port 14b.

[0048] In the third embodiment and its modified examples (Nos. 1 to 8), the mist collecting plate 42 has a hydrophilic surface area 40a and a hydrophobic surface area 40b in the part where the mist collides and in the surrounding area as shown in Fig. 8. The arrangement of these hydrophilic / hydrophobic surface areas is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8, and may be arranged as shown in Fig. 5(a), for example.

[0049] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first flow path according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 20, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In this embodiment, a rotating blade 44 that rotates due to the airflow is provided inside the first flow path 14. The airflow that has flowed into the inside of the first flow path 14 is induced and stirred by the rotation of the rotating blade 44. Therefore, the ink mist is more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface region 40a of the mist collection section 20 provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14 (including the inlet, middle, and outlet of the first flow path 14), and the collection efficiency of the ink mist can be improved.

[0051] 21 shows a modified example of the fourth embodiment. In this modified example, a plurality of (three) rotating blades 44 that rotate by the airflow are provided inside the first flow path 14. As the number of rotating blades 44 increases, the airflow is induced and stirred to a greater extent, and the efficiency of collecting the ink mist can be further improved.

[0052] In the fourth embodiment and its modified example, the rotating blade 44 may have a hydrophilic surface region 40a and a hydrophobic surface region 40b on one or both sides of each blade, and the hydrophobic surface region 40b may be disposed around the hydrophilic surface region 40a. This allows the rotating blade 44 itself to function as the mist collecting section 20.

[0053] Fifth embodiment Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first flow path according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 22, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first flow path 14 is configured to be a bent flow path, particularly a serpentine shape. The air flow that has flowed into the inside of the first flow path 14 changes its flow direction multiple times, so that the ink mist easily collides with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection section 20 provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14, and the collection efficiency of the ink mist can be improved.

[0055] 23 and 24 show a modification of the fifth embodiment. The first flow path 14 may be configured in a substantially U-shape or a substantially W-shape.

[0056] In the fifth embodiment and its modified example, it is preferable that the mist collecting portion 20 provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14 is arranged in a large number especially at a bent portion (a portion where the flow direction changes). This is because collision of flowing gas is likely to occur at the bent portion.

[0057] 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams showing modifications of the mist collecting portion shown in FIG.

[0058] The mist collecting unit 20 includes: (1) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a are arranged in a band shape at a predetermined interval, and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged around them, and the width of each hydrophilic surface region 40a and the width of each hydrophobic surface region 40b are different (see FIG. 25(a)). (2) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a are randomly arranged in terms of size and shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.), and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged around them (see FIG. 25(b)). (3) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a are arranged in a dot pattern, and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged around them (see FIG. 25(c)). (4) The hydrophilic surface region 40a is arranged in a spiral shape, and the hydrophobic surface region 40b is arranged around it (see FIG. 25(d)). (5) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged alternately in a concentric rectangular shape (see FIG. 26(a)). (6) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are alternately arranged in a diagonal direction (see FIG. 26(b)), or (7) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a may be arranged in a wavy pattern, and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b may be arranged around them (see FIG. 26(c)). In each mist collecting portion 20, the bottom in the vertical direction (the lower end of the mist collecting portion) is made to be a hydrophobic surface region 40b.

[0059] In the modified mist collecting section of Figures 25 and 26, it can be seen that a vertical cross section shows a striped pattern in which the hydrophilic surface areas 40a and the hydrophobic surface areas 40b are alternately arranged, as shown in Figure 5(c) above, and therefore exhibits the behavior of the ink mist described in Figure 5(c) above.

[0060] Moreover, the second mist collecting section 24, the mist collecting plate 42, the rotating blade 44, etc. may also have a similar configuration.

[0061] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the tank 22 is not limited to a container. For example, the tank 22 may be an absorbent that absorbs the liquid dropped from the mist collecting unit 20, or may be a container that contains the absorbent. The hydrophobic surface area 40b may be formed by applying or attaching a material having the above-mentioned properties to the collecting member, or the material of the collecting member may be made of a material having the above-mentioned hydrophobic properties. The hydrophilic surface area 40a may be formed by attaching a material having a high affinity for water to the collecting member.

[0062] Next, clear definitions are provided for terms used in this application.

[0063] A "liquid ejection device" is a device that includes a liquid ejection head or a liquid ejection unit, and ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejection head. Devices that eject liquid include not only devices that can eject liquid onto objects to which the liquid can adhere, but also devices that eject liquid into air or liquid.

[0064] This "liquid ejection device" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging objects onto which liquid can be attached, as well as pre-processing devices and post-processing devices.

[0065] Examples of "liquid ejection devices" include image forming devices that eject ink to form an image on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices that eject modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed by layering powder in order to create a three-dimensional object.

[0066] Furthermore, the term "liquid ejection device" is not limited to devices that visualize meaningful images such as characters and figures by ejecting liquid. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and devices that create three-dimensional images.

[0067] The above-mentioned "object to which liquid can adhere" means an object to which liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and to which the liquid adheres and sticks, or to which the liquid adheres and penetrates, etc. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, cloth, and other recording media, electronic boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all objects to which liquid can adhere.

[0068] The material of the above-mentioned "object to which liquid can adhere" may be any material to which liquid can adhere even temporarily, such as paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing.

[0069] The "liquid" may be any liquid having a viscosity and surface tension that allows it to be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the viscosity is 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and pressure, or by heating or cooling. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a functionalizing material such as a polymerizable compound, a resin, or a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, an amino acid, a protein, or calcium, an edible material such as a natural dye, etc. These can be used for applications such as inkjet ink, a surface treatment liquid, a liquid for forming a component of an electronic element or a light-emitting element, an electronic circuit resist pattern, a material liquid for three-dimensional modeling, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, the term "liquid ejection device" includes devices in which a liquid ejection head and an object to which liquid can be attached move relatively, but is not limited to this. Specific examples include serial type devices in which a liquid ejection head moves, and line type devices in which a liquid ejection head does not move.

[0071] Other examples of "liquid ejection devices" include treatment liquid application devices that eject treatment liquid onto paper to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper, etc. There are also jet granulation devices that eject a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed through a nozzle to granulate fine particles of the raw materials.

[0072] A "liquid ejection unit" is a collection of components related to ejecting liquid, in which functional parts and mechanisms are integrated with a liquid ejection head. For example, a "liquid ejection unit" includes a combination of a liquid ejection head and at least one of the following components: a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance and recovery mechanism, and a main scanning movement mechanism.

[0073] Here, integration includes, for example, a liquid ejection head, a functional part, and a mechanism that are fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engaging, etc., and one is held movably relative to the other. Also, the liquid ejection head, the functional part, and the mechanism may be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0074] The main scanning movement mechanism includes the guide member alone, and the supply mechanism includes the tube alone and the loading unit alone.

[0075] A "liquid ejection head" is a functional device that ejects and sprays liquid from a nozzle. As an energy source for ejecting liquid, a piezoelectric actuator (a laminated piezoelectric element or a thin-film piezoelectric element), a thermal actuator that uses an electrothermal conversion element such as a heating resistor, an electrostatic actuator consisting of a vibration plate and an opposing electrode, etc. are used.

[0076] In this specification, "paper" does not mean a material limited to paper, but includes overhead projectors, cloth, glass, substrates, etc., and means anything onto which ink droplets or other liquids can adhere, including things called recording media, recording media, recording paper, recording paper, etc. In addition, image formation, recording, printing, copying, and printing are all synonymous terms.

[0077] Unless otherwise specified, the term "ink" is used as a general term for all liquids capable of forming an image, including not only those called ink, but also those called recording liquid, fixing treatment liquid, liquid, etc., and also includes, for example, DNA samples, resists, pattern materials, resins, etc.

[0078] The term "image" is not limited to flat objects, but also includes an image given to a three-dimensional object, and an image formed by three-dimensionally modeling a solid object itself.

[0079] The present invention has been described in detail above using the embodiment and modified examples. The embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, multiple embodiments and modified examples may be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 14 First flow path 14a Air supply port 14b, 16a, 26 Exhaust port 16 Second flow path 18 Fans 20 Mist collection section 22 Tank 24 Second mist collection section 30 Recording head 32 Carriage unit 34 Conveyor 36 Conveyor belt 40a Hydrophilic surface area 40b Hydrophobic surface region 42 Mist collection board 44 Rotating Blade 100, 150 Inkjet recording device 101 Device body 102 Scanner 103 Paper feed / output cassette 104 Cover 200 Mist Generation Area [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0081] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6318616

Claims

1. A flow path for passing an airflow containing mist generated within the device; A mist collecting section is provided in the flow path and contacts the mist to liquefy it. The mist collecting section has a hydrophilic surface region and a hydrophobic surface region, and the hydrophobic surface region is disposed below the hydrophilic surface region, A mist collection device, characterized in that a lower end of the mist collection portion is the hydrophobic surface area.

2. The mist collecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the mist collecting portion is provided upstream of the flow path.

3. 3. The mist collection device according to claim 1, wherein the mist collection section is disposed so as to divide the flow path into a plurality of parts.

4. The mist collection device according to claim 3 , wherein the mist collection section is disposed such that the flow path narrows from the upstream to the downstream of the flow path.

5. The mist collection device according to claim 1 , wherein the mist collection portion has a hole through which the air current passes.

6. The mist recovery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a rotating blade that is rotated by the airflow is provided in the flow path.

7. The mist collecting device according to claim 6 , wherein the rotating blade comprises the mist collecting portion.

8. 3. The mist collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path is a meandering flow path.

9. A storage section for storing the liquefied mist is provided below the mist collection section, The mist collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a bottom surface of the flow passage is inclined toward the storage portion.

10. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; The mist collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A liquid ejection device comprising:

Images