Inkjet recording device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] As a background art of this technical field, there is JP 2015-136934 A (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a head cleaning method of an inkjet recording device is disclosed in which a cleaning liquid is sprayed from a cleaning nozzle inside the head toward the nozzle outlet, and then a drying process is performed to remove the cause of nozzle clogging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-136934 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the method of Patent Document 1, when the cleaning liquid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle inside the head toward the nozzle outlet, there is a possibility that the cleaning liquid may flow out of the head.

[0005] Inkjet recording devices are often used in production lines where hygiene control is important for food, drinking water, medicines, cosmetics, etc. For this reason, it is required that cleaning fluid and ink do not leak into the inside of the inkjet recording device, surrounding equipment, floors, etc.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording device having a print head cleaning function that prevents cleaning liquid from leaking into the vicinity of the inkjet recording device and stores the cleaning liquid after use for cleaning in a highly airtight container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned background art, the present invention provides, as an example, an inkjet recording device comprising: a main body having an ink container for storing ink for printing on a print object and a cleaning liquid container for storing cleaning liquid, and a print head having a nozzle connected to the ink container and ejecting ink supplied under pressure, a charging electrode for charging ink particles to be used for printing, a deflection electrode for deflecting ink particles charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for collecting ink particles not used for printing, the inkjet recording device comprising: a head cleaning unit having a cleaning nozzle from which cleaning liquid is ejected and an insertion opening into which the print head can be inserted. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inkjet recording apparatus equipped with a head cleaning unit for a print head, which can prevent cleaning liquid from flowing out to the periphery of the inkjet recording apparatus and remove the cause of nozzle clogging. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an inkjet recording apparatus according to a first embodiment is used. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a head cleaning unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a head cleaning unit into which a print head is inserted in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a connection state of a head cleaning unit and a waste liquid container in the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a waste liquid container is removed from the head cleaning unit in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the head cleaning unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the operation principle of the inkjet recording apparatus. [Figure 8]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a head cleaning unit in a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a head cleaning unit in a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the usage state of an inkjet recording device 400 in this embodiment. In Fig. 1, 1 is an inkjet recording device main body, 2 is a print head, 3 is an operation display unit, 4 is a conduit (print head), 5 is a conduit (head cleaning unit), and 300 is a head cleaning unit (external unit). Inkjet recording device 400 is equipped with an operation display unit 3 in inkjet recording device main body 1, and is equipped with a print head 2 and a head cleaning unit 300 externally, with the inkjet recording device main body 1 and print head 2 connected by a conduit 4 of approximately 3000 mm, and the inkjet recording device main body 1 and head cleaning unit 300 connected by a conduit 5 of approximately 3500 mm.

[0012] In addition, reference numeral 13 denotes a printing object on which numbers and letters are printed, 15 denotes a belt conveyor that transports the printing object 13, 16 denotes a rotary encoder that measures the transport distance of the belt conveyor 15, 17 denotes a printing sensor, 18 denotes a stand that fixes the print head in any position, and 19 denotes a fixing jig for fixing the print head 2 to the stand 18.

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

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

[0015] Next, the operating principle of the inkjet recording device will be explained with reference to Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, 20 is a main ink container, 7A is ink, 24 is a pump (for supply) that pressurizes and sends out the ink, 9 is an electrostrictive element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency when a voltage is applied, 8 is a nozzle that ejects ink, 7B is an ink column, 10 is a charging electrode that charges the ink particles, 7C is an ink particle, 11 is a ground deflection electrode, 12 is a positive deflection electrode, 13 is a printing object to be printed, and 14 is a gutter that collects ink particles that are not printed.

[0016] Ink 7A in the main ink container 20 is sucked into and pressurized by a pump (for supply) 24 to become an ink column 7B, which is then ejected from a nozzle 8. The nozzle 8 is equipped with an electrostrictive element 9, which applies vibrations to the ink at a predetermined frequency to atomize the ink column 7B ejected from the nozzle 8. The number of ink particles 7C generated in this way is determined by the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the electrostrictive element 9, and is the same number as that frequency. The ink particles 7C are given an electric charge by applying a voltage of a magnitude corresponding to the print information to a charging electrode 10.

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

[0018] At that time, the landing position of the ink particles 7C in the deflection direction changes depending on the amount of charge, and further, by moving the printing target 13 on the production line in a direction perpendicular to the deflection direction, it becomes possible for the particles to land in a direction perpendicular to the deflection direction as well, and characters are formed and printed by a plurality of landing ink particles 7D. Ink particles 7C not used for printing fly in a straight line between the positive deflection electrodes 12 and are captured by the gutter 14, and then sucked up by the pump (for recovery) 25 and collected in the main ink container 20.

[0019] Next, an ink supply path of the inkjet recording device 400 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the path configuration of the inkjet recording device in this embodiment. In Fig. 2, the inkjet recording device main body 1 is provided with a main ink container 20 that holds circulating ink 7A, and the main ink container 20 is provided with a liquid level sensor 46 that detects whether the liquid in the main ink container 20 has reached a reference liquid level, which is an appropriate amount to be held inside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0026] Next, the ink circulation path will be described. In Fig. 2, the nozzles 8 provided in the print head 2 are connected to an electromagnetic valve 37 provided in the inkjet recording device body 1 and opening and closing the flow path via a path 225 passing through the conduit 4 in addition to the path 207 for supplying ink. The electromagnetic valve 37 is connected to a pump (for circulation) 26 that sucks ink from the nozzles 8 via a path 226. The pump (for circulation) 26 is connected to a junction path 228 that is connected to the ink recovery path 215 via a path 227.

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

[0028] Next, the cleaning path will be described. In Fig. 2, the pump (for solvent) 27 is connected to an electromagnetic valve (for cleaning) 39 for opening and closing the flow path via a branch path 235 and a path 236 in the path 232. The electromagnetic valve (for cleaning) 39 is connected to a switching valve 42 for controlling whether or not to send the cleaning solvent to the nozzle 8 via a path 237.

[0029] Next, the head cleaning unit path will be described. In Fig. 2, the path 236 is connected to an electromagnetic valve (for head cleaning unit) 40 via a branch path 238 and a path 239 to open and close the flow path, and the electromagnetic valve (for head cleaning unit) 40 is connected to a filter (for head cleaning unit) 30 via a path 240 to remove foreign matter mixed in the solvent arranged in the inkjet recording device main body 1. The filter (for head cleaning unit) 30 is connected to a cleaning nozzle 242 via a path 241, and the cleaning nozzle 242 is configured to include cleaning nozzle ports 242A and 242B that eject the solvent 6. The number of cleaning nozzle ports may be one or many.

[0030] Next, the drying path will be described. In Fig. 2, a path 243 is connected to an externally installed air compressor that supplies air. Alternatively, it is connected to a pump that supplies air that is installed inside the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1. The path 243 is connected to an electromagnetic valve (for air supply) 41 for opening and closing the path, and the electromagnetic valve (for air supply) 41 is connected to a drying nozzle (air nozzle) 245 via a path 244. The drying nozzle 245 has a drying nozzle port 245A that ejects air. Also, the number of the drying nozzle ports may be one or multiple.

[0031] 2, the solvent 6 discharged from the cleaning nozzle ports 242A and 242B is supplied to the waste liquid container 23 in the head cleaning unit 300 via the container connection part 51. As shown in FIG.

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

[0033] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 in this embodiment. Also, Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 with the print head 2 inserted in this embodiment, and Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit main body 50 and waste liquid container 23 provided in the head cleaning unit 300.

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

[0035] First, the use state of the head cleaning unit 300 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5A and 5B. In Fig. 3, the head cleaning unit 300 has an insertion opening 52 through which the print head 2 can be inserted, and the insertion opening 52 is structured to be blocked by a head cleaning unit lid 53 so that the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 does not mix with the outside air when the print head 2 is not inserted. That is, the head cleaning unit lid 53 is biased to close the insertion opening 52 by a biasing member such as a torsion coil spring 61. The solvent receiver 55 is structured so that the solvent 6 supplied to the head cleaning unit interior 59 is supplied to a connection path 56 passing through the container connection part 51, and the container connection part 51 is detachably connected to the waste liquid container 23 so that the solvent 6 supplied to the connection path 56 is supplied to the waste liquid container 23 in the head cleaning unit 300 without leaking to the outside. The head cleaning unit 300 also includes a sensor (for print head) 57, which is a head detection means capable of detecting whether the print head 2 is attached to the head cleaning unit 300, and a sensor (for waste liquid container) 58, which is a container detection means capable of detecting whether the waste liquid container 23 is attached to the head cleaning unit 300. The positions of the sensors 57, 58 are not limited to those shown in the figure, and they may be placed at any position where the print head 2 or waste liquid container 23 can be detected. For example, the sensor (for waste liquid container) 58 may be placed at the position of the connection path 56. Also, sensors provided on the print head 2 and waste liquid container 23 may be used.

[0036] 4, in the head cleaning unit 300 with the print head 2 inserted, the seal portion 54 and the print head 2 are in close contact with each other, preventing the cleaning liquid from flowing out from anywhere other than the connection path 56 and preventing the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit from mixing with the outside air. Furthermore, the head cleaning unit lid portion 53 is structured so that when the print head 2 is removed from the insertion opening 52, a biasing member biases the insertion opening 52 again to prevent the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 from mixing with the outside air. Furthermore, the cleaning nozzle openings 242A and 242B are provided in positions and orientations that allow the solvent 6 to come into contact with the nozzle 8, charged electrode 10, ground deflection electrode 11, positive deflection electrode 12, and gutter 14 provided on the print head 2. Furthermore, the drying nozzle port 245A is positioned and oriented so that the air supplied from the drying nozzle 245 can dry the solvent 6 adhering to the nozzle 8, the charged electrode 10, the ground deflection electrode 11, the positive deflection electrode 12, and the gutter 14 provided on the print head 2.

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

[0038] Fig. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 in a state in which the waste liquid container 23 is connected to the container connection part 51 of the head cleaning unit main body 50, and Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit 300 in a state in which the waste liquid container 23 is detached from the container connection part 51. In Fig. 5B, when the waste liquid container 23 contains a solvent 6, the waste liquid container 23 can be provided with a removable sealing plug 60, thereby isolating the atmosphere inside the waste liquid container 23 from the outside air, and preventing the solvent 6 from leaking out of the waste liquid container 23 to the outside.

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

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

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

[0042] In step 104, a cleaning sequence is executed in which the solvent 6 and paths within the inkjet recording device 400 are used to operate the solenoid valve and pump to eject the solvent 6 from the cleaning nozzle 242 to clean the print head 2, and the solvent 6 used for cleaning is supplied to the waste liquid container 23.

[0043] Next, in step 105, the solenoid valve and pump in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 are operated to eject air from the drying nozzle 245, thereby executing a drying sequence for drying the print head 2.

[0044] Next, in step 106, the operation of the electromagnetic valves and pumps in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 is stopped, and processing for stopping the automatic cleaning is performed.

[0045] Step 107 is a process for displaying a completion message to inform the operator that steps 104 to 106 have been completed normally.

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

[0047] Step 109 indicates a state in which it has been determined in steps 102 and 103 that the head cleaning unit 300 is not in a state in which it can function normally, and a process of interrupting automatic cleaning is carried out.

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

[0049] In steps 104 and 105, the operator may be allowed to select from among different types of sequences involving different operations of the solenoid valves and pumps.

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

[0051] As a result, the cause of nozzle clogging can be eliminated by inserting the print head 2 into the head cleaning unit 300 provided in the inkjet recording device 400, cleaning it with a solvent inside, and drying it. Also, the seal portion 54 and sealing plug 60 can prevent the solvent from leaking out to the periphery of the device. Furthermore, the waste liquid container 23, the inside of which is sealed off from the outside air by the sealing plug 60, can be removed from the head cleaning unit 300 and moved to another location, allowing the operator to carry out a waste liquid treatment procedure that suits their equipment.

[0052] In the above description, the head cleaning unit 300 has been described as including the head cleaning unit main body 50 and the waste liquid container 23, but the waste liquid container 23 may be separate from the head cleaning unit 300 and attached externally to the head cleaning unit 300. The head cleaning unit 300 may also include an adaptor that can be attached to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 or other equipment.

[0053] In the above description, the head cleaning unit 300 has been described as having a cleaning nozzle and a drying nozzle, but it may be configured as separate units for the cleaning nozzle and the drying nozzle. EXAMPLES

[0054] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit in this embodiment. In Fig. 8, the same components as in Fig. 5A are given the same reference numerals, and their explanation will be omitted. Fig. 8 differs from Fig. 5A in that it has a waste liquid tank 74 connected to the waste liquid container 23.

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

[0056] The head cleaning unit 300 includes a waste liquid container 23 that is connected to a waste liquid tank 74 via paths 71 and 72 in a detachable state from the container connection part 51. In other words, the waste liquid container 23 includes piping that can discharge the waste liquid therein to the outside. The path 71 is detachably connected to the waste liquid container 23, and the path 72 is detachably connected to the waste liquid tank 74.

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

[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment, the head cleaning unit 300 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 can discard the solvent 6 in the waste liquid container 23 without removing the waste liquid container 23 from the container connection part 51. In addition, since the path 71 can be removed from the waste liquid container 23, it is also possible to remove the waste liquid container 23 from the container connection part 51 and perform disposal processing as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the operator can carry out a waste liquid processing procedure that suits the operator's equipment. EXAMPLES

[0059] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the head cleaning unit in this embodiment. In Fig. 9, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. Fig. 9 differs from Fig. 4 in that it has a configuration that can be connected to an external exhaust device 93.

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

[0061] In this way, according to this embodiment, the head cleaning unit 300 provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 can exhaust the atmosphere inside the head cleaning unit 59 to the outside through a route other than the exhaust route 217 of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1. Therefore, the operator can perform exhaust processing suited to the operator's equipment.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes various modified examples. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. It is also possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of each embodiment with another configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1: Inkjet recording device main body, 2: Print head, 5: Conduit (head cleaning unit), 6: Solvent, 8: Nozzle, 14: Gutter, 20: Main ink container, 21: Auxiliary ink container, 22: Solvent container, 23: Waste liquid container, 30: Filter (for head cleaning unit), 38: Solenoid valve (for solvent supply), 39: Solenoid valve (for cleaning), 40: Solenoid valve (for head cleaning unit), 41: Solenoid valve (for air supply), 50: Head cleaning unit main body, 51: Container connection part, 52: Insertion port, 53: Head cleaning unit cover part, 54: Seal part, 55: Solvent receiver, 56: Connection path, 57: Sensor (for print head) , 58: sensor (for waste liquid container), 59: inside of head cleaning unit, 60: sealing plug, 61: torsion coil spring, 71, 72: path (for waste liquid), 73: path opening / closing cock, 74: waste liquid tank, 81: waste liquid, 91: exhaust port, 92: conduit (exhaust), 93: external exhaust device, 236-237: path (for cleaning), 239-241: path (for head cleaning unit), 242: cleaning nozzle, 242A-B: cleaning nozzle port, 243-244: path (for air supply) 245: drying nozzle, 245A: drying nozzle port, 246: path (for exhaust), 300: head cleaning unit, 400: inkjet recording device

Claims

1. An inkjet recording device having a main body and a print head, the main body portion includes an ink container that contains ink for printing on a print target and supplies ink to the print head portion; the print head unit has a nozzle connected to the ink container and ejecting pressurized ink, a charging electrode for charging ink droplets ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink droplets charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for collecting ink not used for printing; The inkjet printer further includes a head cleaning unit that is configured separately from the main body and that can accommodate the print head unit. the head cleaning unit has an insertion opening for mounting the print head unit, and a print head sensor for detecting whether the print head unit is inserted into the head cleaning unit, an operation display unit that receives a cleaning instruction to start a cleaning function of the print head; an inkjet recording device, characterized in that after receiving the cleaning instruction, cleaning of the print head unit is interrupted if the print head sensor detects that the print head unit is not inserted in the head cleaning unit.

2. 2. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, the main body portion has a solvent container that supplies a solvent to the print head portion, an inkjet recording device, characterized in that, while the print head sensor detects that the print head unit is attached to the insertion port, the print head unit is cleaned using a solvent supplied from the solvent container.

3. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, the main body portion has a solvent container that supplies a solvent to the print head portion, an inkjet recording device characterized in that, when the print head sensor does not detect that the print head unit is attached to the insertion port, the inkjet recording device is controlled so as not to perform an operation of cleaning the print head unit using solvent supplied from the solvent container.

4. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, The head cleaning unit includes a waste liquid container for collecting cleaning liquid used to clean the print head unit. a container connector for connecting the waste liquid container to the container connector, and a detection unit for detecting whether the waste liquid container is connected to the container connector. and a container detection means for detecting the ink jet ink.

5. 4. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 3, an ink jet recording apparatus which outputs a message when the print head sensor detects that the print head unit is not inserted into the insertion opening;

6. A recording device having a main body and a print head, The main body contains ink for printing on a print target, and the print head an ink container for supplying ink; the print head unit has a nozzle connected to the ink container and ejecting pressurized ink, a charging electrode for charging ink droplets ejected from the nozzle, a deflection electrode for deflecting the ink droplets charged by the charging electrode, and a gutter for collecting ink not used for printing; The inkjet printer further includes a head cleaning unit that is configured separately from the main body and that can accommodate the print head unit. the head cleaning unit has an insertion opening for mounting the print head unit, and a print head sensor for detecting whether the print head unit is inserted into the head cleaning unit, an operation display unit that receives a cleaning instruction to start a cleaning function of the print head; a head cleaning unit for cleaning the print head unit by a sensor for detecting a state where the print head unit is not inserted into the head cleaning unit;

7. 7. The recording device according to claim 6, the main body portion has a solvent container that supplies a solvent to the print head portion, a print head sensor for detecting that the print head is attached to the insertion port, and for cleaning the print head using a solvent supplied from the solvent container.

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, the main body portion has a solvent container that supplies a solvent to the print head portion, a control unit that controls the operation of cleaning the print head unit using the solvent supplied from the solvent container so that the operation does not proceed when the print head sensor does not detect that the print head unit is attached to the insertion port.

9. 9. The recording device according to claim 8, The head cleaning unit includes a waste liquid container for collecting cleaning liquid used to clean the print head unit. a container connector for connecting the waste liquid container to the container connector, and a detection unit for detecting whether the waste liquid container is connected to the container connector. and a container detection means for detecting the container.

10. 9. The recording device according to claim 8, a print head sensor for detecting whether the print head is inserted into the insertion opening, the print head sensor ...

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