Inkjet recording system

Abstract

To provide an inkjet recording system that can accelerate environmental loads to reduce.SOLUTION: The inkjet recording system is provided with an inkjet recording device and a server, which is configured so that the inkjet recording device can communicate with the server. The server calculates points which are applied when an action contributing to reducing exhaust of greenhouse gas is executed, on the basis of information detected by the inkjet recording device or information inputted by a terminal device that can communicate with the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording system that adds service points based on the purchase amount and purchase frequency of user parts and services.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, points are only added when purchasing parts such as ink used in the inkjet recording apparatus, and no consideration is given to promoting the reduction of environmental load.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording system capable of promoting the reduction of environmental load.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is an inkjet recording system including an inkjet recording apparatus and a server, capable of communicating between the inkjet recording apparatus and the server, wherein the server calculates points to be given when an action contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is performed on the inkjet recording apparatus, based on information detected by the inkjet recording apparatus or information input by a terminal device capable of communicating with the server.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide an inkjet recording system that can promote reduction of environmental load.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Configuration of Inkjet Recording System> Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an inkjet recording system according to the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the inkjet recording system includes an inkjet recording apparatus 1, a server 2, and a communication line 3 (network) for mutual communication between the server and the inkjet recording apparatus. In the present embodiment, an example in which one inkjet recording apparatus 1 is connected to the server 2 will be described. However, a plurality of inkjet recording apparatuses 1 may be connected to the server 2. Further, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is installed, for example, on a production line in a factory where beverages, foods, etc. are produced.

[0011] The production line is composed of a plurality of belt conveyors, and each belt conveyor conveys an object to be printed 4 such as a PET bottle filled with a beverage or a packaging container containing food. In Figure 1, only two belt conveyors, i.e., a downstream conveyor 5a that conveys the object to be printed immediately before printing and an upstream conveyor 5b that is adjacent to the downstream conveyor 5a on the upstream side in the conveying direction, are shown. However, the number of belt conveyors is not limited to two.

[0012] A first printed matter detection sensor 6a is installed near the downstream conveyor 5a, and a second printed matter detection sensor 6b is installed near the upstream conveyor 5b. Further, a first rotary encoder 7a is installed on the downstream conveyor 5a, and a second rotary encoder 7b is installed on the upstream conveyor 5b.

[0013] The first printed matter detection sensor 6a is used to specify the printing timing. When it detects that the printing object 4 has reached a predetermined position on the downstream conveyor 5a, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 15 described later as a trigger for starting printing. The second printed matter detection sensor 6b is used to determine the switching between the normal mode and the power-saving mode described later. When it detects that the printing object 4 has reached a predetermined position on the upstream conveyor 5b, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 15 described later assuming that the printing object 4 has entered a state where it can be conveyed. In this embodiment, the first printed matter detection sensor 6a and the second printed matter detection sensor 6b are installed for different belt conveyors respectively, but they may be installed for the same belt conveyor. In that case, the first printed matter detection sensor 6a is installed on the downstream side of the same belt conveyor, and the second printed matter detection sensor 6b is installed on the upstream side of the same belt conveyor.

[0014] The first rotary encoder 7a is used to specify the printing timing. It generates a pulse signal according to the conveying speed of the downstream conveyor 5a (the moving speed of the printing object 4) and transmits it to the control unit 15 described later. The second rotary encoder 7b is used to determine the switching between the normal mode and the power-saving mode described later. It generates a pulse signal according to the conveying speed of the upstream conveyor 5b (the moving speed of the printing object 4) and transmits it to the control unit 15 described later. Note that, instead of providing a rotary encoder, the printing object detection sensor may measure the light-shielding time to calculate the moving speed of the printing object 4, and the printing timing may be specified and the mode switching may be determined.

[0015] Also, the second printed matter detection sensor 6b and the second rotary encoder 7b may be installed on a belt conveyor upstream of the downstream conveyor 5a, and do not necessarily have to be installed on the upstream conveyor 5b adjacent to the downstream conveyor 5a.

[0016] Server 2 collects operation information from the inkjet recording device 1 at regular intervals. The operation information includes, in addition to the model of the inkjet recording device 1, the remaining ink amount, the operation time, the number of printing times, sensor data such as the measured values of each sensor installed in the inkjet recording device 1. Note that the server 2 may collect the operation information indirectly from a computer (terminal device) connected to the inkjet recording device 1 instead of directly from the inkjet recording device 1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a database 23, and an interface 24. The processor 21 executes arithmetic processing related to point management. The memory 22 stores programs used for this arithmetic and data necessary for the arithmetic processing. The database 23 is a storage device that stores operation data and the like necessary for point management. The interface 24 has a function of transmitting the arithmetic result of the server 2 to each inkjet recording device 1 and a function of receiving data from the inkjet recording device 1 and storing it in the database 23 and the like. Note that another terminal device (for example, a smartphone) owned by the user of the inkjet recording device 1 can also be connected to the server 2, and the user can view the operation information, points, etc. of the inkjet recording device 1 using the terminal device.

[0018] <Configuration of Inkjet Recording Device> Next, the configuration of the inkjet recording device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the inkjet recording device, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the circulation system of the inkjet recording device. As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet recording device 1 includes a main body 11, a conduit 12, and a print head 13. The conduit 12 connects the main body 11 and the print head 13.

[0019] The main body 11 is installed in a place where space necessary for regular maintenance work and the like can be secured. Further, an operation display unit 14 is provided on the front side of the main body 11. The operation display unit 14 is for the user to set and confirm printed content, etc., and is configured by, for example, a touch panel type display that also serves as an input unit and an output unit. Note that the input unit and the output unit of the operation display unit 14 may be integrated or separate, and may be provided separately from the main body 11. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the main body 11 also includes a power detection sensor that detects the power consumption of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 11 includes an ink container 16 that holds the circulating ink 8, a solvent container 17 that holds a solvent (reinforcing liquid) used for diluting the ink 8, etc., an ink supply path 40 that supplies the ink 8 to the print head 13, an ink recovery path 50 that recovers the ink 8 from the print head 13, a solvent supply path 60 that supplies the solvent to the ink container 16, and an ink viscosity measurement path 70 that measures the viscosity of the ink 8.

[0021] In the ink supply path 40 in the main body 11, an ink supply solenoid valve 41, an ink supply pump 42, an ink supply filter 43, and a pressure regulating valve 44 are provided. The ink supply solenoid valve 41 is connected to the ink container 16 and opens and closes the ink supply path 40. The ink supply pump 42 is installed downstream of the ink supply solenoid valve 41 and sucks and pumps the ink 8. The ink supply filter 43 is installed downstream of the ink supply pump 42 and removes foreign matter mixed in the ink 8. The pressure regulating valve 44 adjusts the ink 8 pumped from the ink supply pump 42 to an appropriate pressure for printing. Note that a liquid level sensor 18 that measures the amount of the ink 8 held inside is provided in the ink container 16. Also, although not shown in FIG. 3, an ink cartridge for replenishing the ink 8 to the ink container 16 is also installed in the main body 11.

[0022] The printing head 13 is installed near the belt conveyor (downstream conveyor 5a) that constitutes the production line, and prints on the object 4 to be printed that is conveyed in the conveying direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 on the belt conveyor. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing head 13 includes a heater 81, a sealing valve 82, a nozzle 83, a charging electrode 84, a deflecting electrode 85, a gutter 86, and a discharge bending sensor (not shown).

[0023] The heater 81 heats the ink 8 supplied from the main body 11 through the ink supply path 40 as necessary. The sealing valve 82 is installed on the downstream side of the heater 81 and opens when energized to supply the ink 8 to the nozzle 83. The nozzle 83 has a discharge port for discharging the ink 8 supplied from the main body 11. The charging electrode 84 is installed in the straight-ahead direction of the discharge port of the nozzle 83, and adds a predetermined amount of charge to the ink particles 8a to charge them. The deflecting electrode 85 is installed in the straight-ahead direction of the charging electrode 84 and deflects the charged ink particles 8a. The gutter 86 is installed in the straight-ahead direction of the deflecting electrode 85 and captures the ink particles 8a that fly straight without being charged or deflected. The discharge bending sensor detects whether the ink particles 8a discharged from the nozzle 83 are bent. For example, when the charged ink particles 8a are not captured by the gutter 86 and no current is detected by the gutter 86, the discharge bending sensor determines that the ink particles 8a are bent and the discharge of the ink 8 is abnormal.

[0024] An ink recovery filter 51, an ink recovery solenoid valve 52, and an ink recovery pump 53 are provided in the ink recovery path 50 in the main body 11. The ink recovery filter 51 removes foreign substances mixed in the ink particles 8a recovered from the gutter 86 of the printing head 13 into the main body 11. The ink recovery solenoid valve 52 is installed on the downstream side of the ink recovery filter 51 and opens and closes the ink recovery path 50. The ink recovery pump 53 is installed on the downstream side of the ink recovery solenoid valve 52 and sucks the ink particles 8a captured by the gutter 86. Finally, the ink particles 8a are recovered in the ink container 16 on the downstream side of the ink recovery pump 53.

[0025] The solvent supply path 60 is provided with a solvent supply pump 61 and a solenoid valve 62 for solvent supply. The solvent supply pump 61 is connected to the solvent container 17 and sucks and pumps the solvent. The solenoid valve 62 for solvent supply is installed downstream of the solvent supply pump 61 and opens and closes the solvent supply path 60. Although omitted in FIG. 3, the main body 11 is also provided with a solvent cartridge for replenishing the solvent container 17 with the solvent.

[0026] The ink viscosity measurement path 70 is provided with a viscosity sensor 71, a solenoid valve 72 for viscosity measurement, and a pump 73 for viscosity measurement. The viscosity sensor 71 is connected to the ink container 16 and measures the viscosity of the ink 8 in the ink container 16. The solenoid valve 72 for viscosity measurement is installed downstream of the viscosity sensor 71 and opens and closes the ink viscosity measurement path 70. The pump 73 for viscosity measurement is installed downstream of the solenoid valve 72 for viscosity measurement and sucks and pumps the ink 8. When the pump 73 for viscosity measurement is driven when the solenoid valve 72 for viscosity measurement is energized and the ink viscosity measurement path 70 is in an open state, the ink 8 in the ink container 16 is supplied to the viscosity sensor 71 and the viscosity is measured, and the measured ink 8 is returned to the ink container 16 again.

[0027] The detection signal detected by the viscosity sensor 71 is transmitted to the control unit 15 and stored in the RAM 94 of the control unit 15. The control unit 15 determines whether or not the detected viscosity is within a predetermined range. If it is determined that the viscosity is outside the predetermined range, the viscosity of the ink 8 is adjusted by supplying the solvent in the solvent container 17 to the ink container 16. As a result of the adjustment, when the viscosity detected by the viscosity sensor 71 falls within the predetermined range, the supply of the solvent is stopped. This viscosity measurement and viscosity adjustment are intermittently performed at predetermined time intervals (for example, once every 30 minutes) in order to maintain the quality of the ink 8 while the printable mode or the like described later is being executed.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 11 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is also provided with a control unit 15 that controls the main body 11 and the print head 13. The control unit 15 controls each valve, each pump, each sensor, etc., and also performs communication between the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and the server 2. Specifically, the control unit 15 includes an interface 91, an MPU 92 (Micro Processing Unit), a ROM 93 (Read Only Memory), and a RAM 94 (Random Access Memory).

[0029] The interface 91 has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 2. Also, the interface 91 functions as a detection signal input unit for taking in detection signals not only from each sensor installed in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 but also from detection sensors such as a print object detection sensor and a rotary encoder installed on the belt conveyor. The MPU 92 performs arithmetic processing for controlling the overall operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. The ROM 93 stores programs and data necessary for the arithmetic processing of the MPU 92. The RAM 94 stores data received via the interface 91 and data necessary for the arithmetic processing of the MPU 92.

[0030] Note that the control unit 15 may identify that the print object 4 has reached a state where it can be conveyed using signals from other devices such as a second print object detection sensor 6b and a second rotary encoder 7b, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). In that case, a general-purpose input terminal or the like is added as the interface 91 of the control unit 15 of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

[0031] <Operating Modes of the Inkjet Recording Apparatus> Hereinafter, the details of the operating modes of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. 4 is a table showing the operating status of the inkjet recording apparatus in each operating mode.

[0032] ≪Power OFF≫ FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state when the power is OFF. Since the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is not turned on, not only the circulation system composed of each valve and each pump but also the I / O relationship is not operating, and there is no signal input from the print medium detection sensor or the rotary encoder to the control unit 15.

[0033] <<Standby Mode>> FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in the standby mode. When the user turns on the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the I / O operation becomes ON, and detection signals are input from the print medium detection sensor and the rotary encoder to the control unit. However, the circulation system is still not operating, and ink ejection and ink viscosity measurement / adjustment are not performed. At this time, the sealing valve 82 remains closed, no voltage is applied to the charging electrode 84 and the deflection electrode 85, and no abnormality determination using the ejection curve sensor is performed. In the standby mode, since the I / O relationship is operating, the power consumption is slightly higher than when the power is OFF.

[0034] <<Standby Mode>> FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in the standby mode. When the control unit 15 energizes the ink supply solenoid valve 41 to open the ink supply path 40 and drives the ink supply pump 42, the ink 8 held in the ink container 16 is supplied from the main body 11 to the print head 13. Further, when the control unit 15 energizes the sealing valve 82 to open the sealing valve 82, the ink 8 is ejected as ink particles 8a from the nozzles 83. Furthermore, the control unit 15 charges the ink particles by applying a voltage to the charging electrode 84. However, since no voltage is applied to the deflection electrode, the ink particles 8a do not deflect and printing on the printing object 4 is not performed.

[0035] In addition, the control unit 15 is configured to determine whether the charged ink particles 8a are normally captured by the gutter 86 based on the detection signal from the ejection curve sensor. The ink particles 8a that were not used for printing are recovered from the gutter 86 to the ink container 16 by the control unit 15 driving the ink recovery pump 53. Further, the control unit 15 measures the viscosity of the ink by opening the viscosity measurement solenoid valve 72 and driving the viscosity measurement pump 73, and supplies a solvent to the ink container 16 as necessary to adjust the viscosity of the ink. This ink viscosity measurement / adjustment is performed intermittently. In the standby mode, not only the I / O relationship but also the circulation system operates, so the power consumption is higher compared to the aforementioned standby mode.

[0036] ≪Printable Mode≫ FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation status in the printable mode. In the printable mode, unlike the case of the aforementioned standby mode, a voltage is also applied to the deflection electrode 85. Therefore, when the first printed matter detection sensor 6a detects the printing object 4, printing from the print head 13 to the printing object 4 is performed at a predetermined timing. In this printable mode, since a voltage is also applied to the deflection electrode 85, the power consumption is the highest compared to other modes.

[0037] ≪Idling Mode≫ FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation status in the idling mode. Even during the production of products such as beverages, the containers of the printing object 4 are not always continuously conveyed. For example, when the type of the container is changed, the container is not conveyed. In such a state, it is inefficient to maintain the printable mode with the highest power consumption, and it also places a burden on the environment. Therefore, when the printing object 4 is not conveyed for a first predetermined time or more, the control unit 15 shifts to the idling mode, which saves power compared to the printable mode. Here, the fact that the printing object 4 is not conveyed is determined based on the second printed matter detection sensor 6b and the second rotary encoder 7b. Based on the sensor installed on the upstream conveyor 5b, it is determined that the printing object 4 cannot be conveyed, enabling quick and highly accurate determination.

[0038] In the idling mode, no voltage is applied to the deflection electrode 85, so the power consumption is lower than in the printable mode. In the standby mode described above, even if the conveyance of the object to be printed 4 is detected, the mode does not shift to the printable mode. However, in the idling mode, when the conveyance of the object to be printed 4 is detected, the mode immediately shifts to the printable mode. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the situation when shifting from the idling mode to the printable mode. As shown in FIG. 10, when shifting to the printable mode, a voltage is applied to the deflection electrode 85.

[0039] <<Idling Stop Mode>> FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation status in the case of the idling stop mode. In the idling mode described above, although the power consumption is lower than in the printable mode, the circulation system etc. operates and the ink 8 is also ejected from the nozzle 83, so still high power is consumed. Therefore, after shifting to the idling mode, when the object to be printed 4 is not conveyed for a further second predetermined time or more, the control unit 15 causes a shift to the idling stop mode which saves more power than the idling mode.

[0040] In the idling stop mode, the driving of the ink supply pump 42 is stopped, the energization to the ink supply solenoid valve 41 is also stopped and the ink supply path 40 is closed, so that the ink 8 is no longer supplied to the print head 13. At this time, the energization to the sealing valve 82 is also stopped, no voltage is applied to the charging electrode 84, and the abnormal determination using the ejection deflection sensor and the ink viscosity measurement / adjustment are also not performed.

[0041] The idling stop mode becomes close to the above-described standby mode in terms of the operation status. However, different from the standby mode, the ink up to immediately before the nozzle 83 is maintained at a high pressure by the pressure regulating valve 44. Therefore, when the conveyance of the object to be printed 4 is detected during the idling stop, the mode shifts to the printable mode and it becomes a state where the ink particles 8a can be immediately ejected from the nozzle 83.

[0042] <Calculation Method of Points> Next, regarding the method of calculating points in server 2, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In the present embodiment, when a user of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 performs an environmentally considerate action and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, points (hereinafter referred to as eco-points) are given to the user. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing examples of actions for which points are given. Examples of actions that contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and are subject to point assignment are as follows.

[0043] The first example will be described. As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can automatically switch between a normal mode (printable mode) and a power-saving mode (idling mode or idling stop mode) and operate. When operated in the power-saving mode, since the power consumption is reduced, it can be regarded that an environmentally considerate action is performed and it contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions.

[0044] The second example will be described. When online remote maintenance is performed instead of maintenance by a service technician visiting the installation site of the inkjet recording apparatus 1, CO2 and the like emitted by the means of transportation to the installation site are reduced. In this case, for example, a service technician or a management company that dispatches the service technician uses a terminal device capable of communicating with the server 2 to input the implementation information of the remote maintenance. The server 2 calculates the eco-points corresponding to the remote maintenance included in the received information, and gives the eco-points to the user associated with the ID of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

[0045] A third example will be described. Even when a genuine cartridge is recycled or parts are replaced at the recommended intervals, eco-points are awarded because it ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. In this case, for example, the server 2 collates the identification information attached to the cartridge at the time of shipment with the identification information attached to the cartridge at the time of collection. The identification information of the cartridge at the time of shipment is transmitted to the server 2, for example, when the user scans an RFID or enters a number manually. The identification information of the cartridge at the time of collection is transmitted to the server 2, for example, when a recycling operator scans an RFID. If the IDs at the time of shipment and collection do not match, the server 2 does not award points on the grounds that it is not a genuine product, or subtracts points if the collection exceeds the recommended period.

[0046] A fourth example will be described. Even when a user uses a rebuilt device or parts, eco-points are awarded because it ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to using a new device. Information indicating that rebuilt parts have been used may be transmitted from a terminal device of a management operator or the like to the server 2, or may be transmitted to the server 2 when the user inputs the identification information of the parts when attaching them to the device.

[0047] A fifth example will be described. Even when a user purchases a device or parts with a low environmental impact model, eco-points are awarded because it ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to not doing so.

[0048] Here, regarding the first example described above, a method for calculating eco-points when operating in the power-saving mode will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of power consumed by an inkjet recording apparatus.

[0049] When the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is powered on, it enters the standby mode for production preparation via the sleep mode, and the power consumption increases. Further, when it enters the printable mode during production, the power consumption becomes maximum. Thereafter, if the printing object 4 is not conveyed for a first predetermined time or more for plate change or the like, it automatically shifts to the idling mode. Then, the power consumption is reduced as compared with the case where it is assumed that the printable mode is continued. Further, if the printing object 4 is not conveyed for a second predetermined time or more, it automatically shifts to the idling stop mode. Then, the power consumption is further reduced as compared with the case where it is assumed that the printable mode is continued. Note that the data of the power consumption of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 in each operation mode is transmitted from the power detection sensor to the server 2.

[0050] The server 2 calculates the difference (corresponding to the area of the region indicated by the hatching in FIG. 13) between the total value of the power consumption during the operation time in the idling mode or the idling stop mode and the total value of the power consumption when it is assumed that the operation time is the printable mode. Further, the server 2 multiplies the calculated difference by a predetermined conversion coefficient to obtain the CO2 emission reduction amount, and converts the reduction amount into eco points. Note that the server 2 may directly convert the power consumption reduction amount into eco points without obtaining the CO2 reduction amount.

[0051] In this way, the server 2 determines whether an action contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions has been executed based on the operation information collected from the inkjet recording apparatus 1, and assigns corresponding eco points if it has been executed. In the above example, the eco points are calculated based on the power consumption, but the eco points may be calculated based on the consumption amounts of ink and solvent. Further, the eco points may be calculated based not only on the operation information collected from the inkjet recording apparatus 1 but also on the information input by a terminal device capable of communicating with the server 2.

[0052] <How to use points> Users can use the points they are given to purchase services and products that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of how points can be used are as follows.

[0053] As a first example, users can use the points to purchase (carbon offset) credits to offset their own emissions with reduction amounts from other locations. In this case, the business operator providing the points, for example, the operator manufacturing and selling the inkjet recording device 1 or managing the server 2, will purchase in advance a certain amount of credits for CO2 emissions reduced elsewhere for point use.

[0054] As a second example, users can receive a discount when purchasing an eco-model inkjet recording device 1 or ink. Also, as a third example, the points can be used for activities to reduce CO2, such as investing in activities for forest conservation such as afforestation.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. Also, the above-described embodiments are exemplified for easy understanding and explanation of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace a part of the configuration of an embodiment with another configuration.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1... Inkjet recording apparatus, 2... Server, 3... Communication line, 4... Object to be printed, 5a... Downstream conveyor, 5b... Upstream conveyor, 6a... First printed matter detection sensor, 6b... Second printed matter detection sensor, 7a... First rotary encoder, 7b... Second rotary encoder, 8... Ink, 8a... Ink particles, 11... Main body, 12... Conduit, 13... Print head, 14... Operation display unit, 15... Control unit, 16... Ink container, 17... Solvent container, 18... Liquid level sensor, 21... Processor, 22... Memory, 23... Database, 24... Interface, 40... Ink supply path, 41... Ink supply solenoid valve, 42... Ink supply pump, 43... Ink supply filter, 44... Pressure regulating valve, 50... Ink recovery path, 51... Ink recovery filter, 52... Ink recovery solenoid valve, 53... Ink recovery pump, 60... Solvent supply path, 61... Solvent supply pump, 62... Solvent supply solenoid valve, 70... Ink viscosity measurement path, 71... Viscosity sensor, 72... Viscosity measurement solenoid valve, 73... Viscosity measurement pump, 81... Heater, 82... Sealing valve, 83... Nozzle, 84... Charging electrode, 85... Deflection electrode, 86... Gutter, 91... Interface, 92... MPU, 93... ROM, 94... RAM

Claims

1. An inkjet recording system including an inkjet recording apparatus and a server, which are communicable with each other, the inkjet recording apparatus including: a print head that receives ink supply and performs printing; and a main body that supplies the ink to the print head, wherein the print head has: nozzles that eject the ink as ink particles; a charging electrode that charges the ink particles; and a deflection electrode that deflects the charged ink particles, and the main body has: an ink supply path that supplies the ink; and a control unit that controls the ink supply path and the print head, wherein the operation modes of the inkjet recording apparatus include: a printable mode in which the control unit supplies the ink to the print head and applies a voltage to the deflection electrode; and an idling mode in which the control unit supplies the ink to the print head and does not apply a voltage to the deflection electrode, and when the object to be printed is not conveyed for a first predetermined time or more, the control unit shifts from the printable mode to the idling mode, wherein the server calculates points to be given when an action contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is executed on the inkjet recording apparatus based on information detected by the inkjet recording apparatus or information input by a terminal device communicable with the server.

2. The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, wherein the server calculates points to be given when operating in the idling mode based on the operation information received from the inkjet recording apparatus.

3. The inkjet recording system according to claim 1, wherein the operation modes of the inkjet recording apparatus further include an idling stop mode in which the control unit does not supply the ink to the print head and does not apply a voltage to the deflection electrode, and when the object to be printed is not conveyed for a second predetermined time or more after shifting to the idling mode, the control unit shifts from the idling mode to the idling stop mode.

4. The inkjet recording system according to claim 3, further comprising a power detection sensor that detects the power consumption of the inkjet recording apparatus. The inkjet recording system calculates the points based on the difference between the total power consumption during the operating time in the idling mode or the idling stop mode and the total power consumption when it is assumed that the operating time is in the printable mode.

5. In claim 1, a first sensor installed on a conveyor that conveys the object to be printed and used to specify the printing timing for the object to be printed; a second sensor installed upstream of the conveyor and used to specify whether or not the object to be printed can be conveyed, the inkjet recording system further comprising: the control unit determines, based on the second sensor, that the object to be printed has not been conveyed for a predetermined time.

6. In claim 5, the second sensor is a rotary encoder that generates periodic pulses according to the conveying speed of the conveyor and / or a printed matter detection sensor that detects that the object to be printed has reached a predetermined position.

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