Inkjet recording device

Abstract

An inkjet recording device (100) comprises a recording head (40) for recording an image on a recording medium (S) that is being transported, a control unit (6) for controlling flushing processing for discharging ink at a timing different from the timing of the image recording, and a storage unit (7) for storing flushing ink discharged during execution of the flushing processing, wherein the storage unit (7) is detachably fitted to a fitting region (7A), which is a region opposing the recording head (40) across a transport pathway of the recording medium (S).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, inkjet recording devices equipped with a recording head have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The recording head ejects ink, and an image is recorded on the recording medium by the ink being deposited on the recording medium. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-217691 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional inkjet recording devices, a flushing process is performed to prevent nozzle clogging. When using tubes to collect the ink ejected during the flushing process (this ink does not contribute to image recording), the tubes must be routed appropriately. In other words, space is required to route the tubes. Also, equipment such as a pump is required. This makes the configuration of the inkjet recording device more complex.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an inkjet recording device that is capable of recovering ink that does not contribute to image recording while preventing the configuration from becoming complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an inkjet recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a recording head having nozzles for ejecting ink and for recording an image on the recording medium by ejecting ink onto the recording medium while it is being transported, a control unit for controlling a flushing process in which ink is ejected from the nozzles at a timing different from the timing of printing the image onto the recording medium, and a storage unit for storing flushing ink ejected from the nozzles during the flushing process. The storage unit is detachably attached to an attachment area that is an area facing the recording head across a transport path for the recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The configuration of the present invention can provide an inkjet recording apparatus that can recover ink that does not contribute to image recording while preventing the configuration from becoming complicated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a printing unit of an inkjet printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conveyor belt of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a conveyor belt of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view (showing a state in which a case member is attached) that schematically illustrates the periphery of a conveyor belt of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view (showing a state in which a case member is removed) that schematically illustrates the periphery of a conveyor belt of an inkjet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a storage unit of the ink jet recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An inkjet recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below using a printer as an example, which records (prints) an image on a recording medium. Paper is primarily used as the recording medium, but various other sheets, such as overhead projector sheets, can also be used as the recording medium.

[0010] <Printer configuration> As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 (corresponding to an "inkjet recording device") of this embodiment includes a first transport unit 1 and a second transport unit 2. The first transport unit 1 feeds paper S set in a paper feed cassette CA and transports it toward a recording position. In a print job by the printer 100, an image is recorded (printed) on the paper S as it passes through the recording position. The second transport unit 2 transports the paper S after recording has been performed. The second transport unit 2 ejects the paper S after recording onto an ejection tray ET.

[0011] The first conveying section 1 includes a plurality of conveying roller members including a registration roller pair 11. In FIG. 1, only the registration roller pair 11 of the plurality of conveying roller members is labeled with a reference numeral. Each of the plurality of conveying roller members conveys the sheet S by rotating. The registration roller pair 11 includes a pair of rollers that are in pressure contact with each other. A registration nip is formed between the pair of rollers. The sheet S fed from the paper feed cassette CA enters the registration nip. The registration roller pair 11 rotates to convey the sheet S that has entered the registration nip toward the belt conveying section 3, which will be described later.

[0012] When the leading edge of the paper S reaches the registration nip, the pair of registration rollers 11 stops rotating. Meanwhile, the transport roller member upstream of the pair of registration rollers 11 in the paper transport direction continues to rotate. This corrects the skew of the paper S.

[0013] The printer 100 includes a belt transport unit 3. The belt transport unit 3 receives and transports paper S from the first transport unit 1. The belt transport unit 3 includes a transport belt 30. The transport belt 30 is endless and rotatably supported. The belt transport unit 3 also includes a plurality of tension rollers 301. The plurality of tension rollers 301 are rotatably supported. The transport belt 30 is tensioned by the plurality of tension rollers 301 and rotates. The paper S transported from the first transport unit 1 reaches the outer circumferential surface of the transport belt 30.

[0014] One of the multiple tension rollers 301 is connected to a belt motor (not shown) and rotates by the driving force of the belt motor. When the tension roller 301 connected to the belt motor rotates, the conveyor belt 30 rotates, and the other tension rollers 301 rotate accordingly.

[0015] The belt conveying section 3 also includes a suction unit 300. The suction unit 300 is disposed inside the conveying belt 30. The suction unit 300 sucks the sheet S on the outer circumferential surface of the conveying belt 30.

[0016] Specifically, the conveyor belt 30 has a plurality of suction holes (not shown). The suction holes of the conveyor belt 30 penetrate the conveyor belt 30 in the thickness direction. The suction unit 300 sucks the paper S through the suction holes of the conveyor belt 30. The paper S conveyed to the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 is adsorbed to the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30. The conveyor belt 30 rotates while adsorbing and holding the paper S on its outer circumferential surface. This allows the paper S to be conveyed. In other words, the conveyor belt 30 carries and conveys the paper S on its outer circumferential surface.

[0017] The printer 100 includes a recording unit 4. The recording unit 4 is disposed opposite the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30. When a sheet of paper S is held by suction on the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30, the sheet of paper S and the recording unit 4 face each other with a gap between them. As a result, the sheet of paper S passes between the nozzle surface of a recording head 40 (described later) and the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 during transport. In other words, the space between the nozzle surface of the recording head 40 and the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30 is at least a part of the transport path of the sheet of paper S.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, the recording unit 4 has four line heads 41 corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. In Fig. 2, the cyan line head 41 is marked with the symbol "C," the magenta line head 41 is marked with the symbol "M," the yellow line head 41 is marked with the symbol "Y," and the black line head 41 is marked with the symbol "K" to distinguish them from one another. This also applies to Fig. 5, which will be referred to later in the description.

[0019] Each color line head 41 includes multiple (for example, three) recording heads 40. For example, the multiple recording heads 40 of each color are arranged in a staggered pattern in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper S on the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the paper S on the conveyor belt 30 will simply be referred to as the width direction.

[0020] The recording heads 40 are arranged at intervals in the vertical direction relative to the outer circumferential surface of the conveyor belt 30. In other words, the recording heads 40 are arranged at positions that face the paper S conveyed by the conveyor belt 30 in the vertical direction. The vertical direction is perpendicular to the conveyance direction and width direction of the paper S.

[0021] Each recording head 40 has a nozzle surface that faces the conveyor belt 30 (paper S on the conveyor belt 30). The nozzle surface of each recording head 40 has a plurality of nozzles 4N. The plurality of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 ejects ink of a corresponding color. For example, each recording head 40 has the same number of nozzles 4N. The plurality of nozzles 4N of each recording head 40 are arranged along the width direction of the conveyor belt 30. In Figure 2, the nozzles 4N are indicated by dashed lines. In reality, more nozzles 4N are provided in each recording head 40. For convenience, only some of the nozzles 4N are labeled with reference numerals.

[0022] Each recording head 40 ejects ink from nozzles 4N toward the paper S (paper S on the conveyor belt 30) being conveyed based on image data to be recorded on the paper S in a print job. The ink ejected from each recording head 40 adheres to the paper S. This causes an image to be recorded on the paper S. In other words, the space between each recording head 40 is the recording position. In yet other words, the position vertically facing the nozzle surface (nozzles 4N) of each recording head 40 is the recording position.

[0023] Here, the viscosity of ink remaining in the nozzles 4N that eject ink less frequently among the multiple nozzles 4N increases over time. As a result, clogging occurs and image quality deteriorates. To prevent this problem, each recording head 40 performs a flushing process. In the flushing process by each recording head 40, ink remaining in the nozzles 4N is ejected. This prevents clogging. The flushing process will be described in detail later.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 1 , the printer 100 includes a drying unit 51 and a decurler 52. The drying unit 51 dries ink adhering to the paper S while transporting the paper S toward the decurler 52. The decurler 52 straightens out any curls in the paper S. The decurler 52 transports the paper S after the curl has been straightened toward the second transport section 2.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 , the printer 100 also includes a control unit 6. The control unit 6 includes processing circuits such as a CPU and an ASIC. The control unit 6 controls print jobs. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the operations of the first conveyance unit 1, the second conveyance unit 2, the belt conveyance unit 3, the recording unit 4, the drying unit 51, and the decurler 52. In other words, the control unit 6 controls the conveyance of the paper S and the ink ejection of each recording head 40. The control unit 6 also controls the flushing process performed by each recording head 40.

[0026] A resist sensor 61, a paper sensor 62, and a belt sensor 63 are connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the transport of the paper S and the recording of an image on the paper S based on the outputs of the resist sensor 61, the paper sensor 62, and the belt sensor 63.

[0027] The registration sensor 61 has a detection position upstream of the registration nip in the paper transport direction. The registration sensor 61 is, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor. The registration sensor 61 changes its output value depending on whether the paper S is present at the corresponding detection position.

[0028] The control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading edge of the sheet S at the detection position of the registration sensor 61 and the passage of the trailing edge thereof based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. In other words, the control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading edge of the sheet S at the registration nip and the passage of the trailing edge thereof based on the output value of the registration sensor 61. The control unit 6 measures the timing at which the pair of registration rollers 11 starts to transport the sheet S (the timing at which the pair of registration rollers 11 start to rotate) based on the elapsed time after the arrival of the leading edge of the sheet S is detected at the detection position of the registration sensor 61. Even if the sheet S is skewed, the pair of registration rollers 11 starts to transport the sheet S with the skew corrected.

[0029] The paper sensor 62 has a detection position between the recording position of the line head 41 that is furthest upstream in the paper transport direction among the multiple line heads 41 and the registration nip. The paper sensor 62 changes its output value depending on the presence or absence of paper S at the corresponding detection position. The paper sensor 62 may be a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), or a reflective or transmissive optical sensor. For example, a CIS is used as the paper sensor 62.

[0030] The control unit 6 detects the arrival of the leading edge of the paper S at the detection position of the paper sensor 62 and the passing of the trailing edge of the paper S based on the output value of the paper sensor 62. The control unit 6 determines the timing of ejecting ink onto the paper S being transported by the transport belt 30 based on the output value of the paper sensor 62. Note that the timing of ejecting ink onto the paper S being transported by the transport belt 30 may also be determined based on the elapsed time since the pair of registration rollers 11 started transporting the paper S.

[0031] The control unit 6 also measures the paper passage time from when the leading edge of the paper S reaches the detection position of the paper sensor 62 until the trailing edge of the paper S passes the detection position of the paper sensor 62. The paper passage time at the detection position of the paper sensor 62 varies depending on the size of the paper S in the transport direction. Therefore, the control unit 6 recognizes the size of the paper S in the transport direction transported by the conveyor belt 30 based on the paper passage time. This allows the control unit 6 to recognize the size of the paper S in the transport direction even if the paper S transported by the conveyor belt 30 is an irregular size.

[0032] The belt sensor 63 is a sensor for detecting a predetermined reference position (home position) of the conveyor belt 30. For example, a predetermined mark is provided at the reference position of the conveyor belt 30. This makes it possible to detect the reference position of the conveyor belt 30 based on the output value of the belt sensor 63. A CIS may be used as the belt sensor 63. Alternatively, a transmissive or reflective optical sensor may be used as the belt sensor 63.

[0033] The control unit 6 detects the reference position of the conveyor belt 30 based on the output value of the belt sensor 63. In other words, the control unit 6 detects the position in the rotation direction of the flushing area 31 (opening 30a), which will be described later, based on the output value of the belt sensor 63.

[0034] The printer 100 also includes a storage unit 601. The storage unit 601 includes storage devices such as ROM and RAM. The storage unit 601 is connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 reads information from the storage unit 601. The control unit 6 also writes information to the storage unit 601.

[0035] The printer 100 includes an operation unit 602. The operation unit 602 includes, for example, a touch screen. The touch screen displays software buttons and messages, and accepts touch operations from the user. The operation unit also has hardware buttons for accepting settings and instructions. The operation unit 602 is connected to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 controls the display operation of the operation unit 602 (touch screen). The control unit 6 also detects operations performed on the operation unit 602.

[0036] The printer 100 includes a communication unit 603. The communication unit 603 includes a communication circuit and the like. The communication unit 603 is connected to a user terminal PC via a network NT. The user terminal PC is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The control unit 6 uses the communication unit 603 to communicate with the user terminal PC. For example, the user terminal PC sends print data (such as PDL data) including image data to be recorded on paper S in a print job to the printer 100. In other words, the user terminal PC sends a request to execute the print job to the printer 100. The print data of the print job includes various setting data related to printing, such as the size of the paper S to be used in the print job.

[0037] <Flushing process overview> As shown in Fig. 4, the conveyor belt 30 has a flushing area 31. In Fig. 4, the flushing area 31 is surrounded by a dashed line. The flushing area 31 is an area that includes openings 30a that penetrate the conveyor belt 30 in the thickness direction. The conveyor belt 30 is provided with a plurality of flushing areas 31. The plurality of flushing areas 31 are arranged at predetermined intervals from one another in the rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30 (the conveying direction of the paper S).

[0038] Each flushing area 31 includes a plurality of openings 30a. The shape of the openings 30a (as viewed from the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 30) is not particularly limited. The shape of the openings 30a may be circular, elliptical, oval, or rectangular. As the conveyor belt 30 rotates, each of the plurality of nozzles 4N faces at least one of the openings 30a in the vertical direction.

[0039] The flushing process involves ejecting ink from the nozzles 4N of each recording head 40. When the flushing process is performed, ink is ejected from each nozzle 4N at a timing that vertically faces the opening 30a. The ink then passes through the opening 30a. As a result, even when the flushing process is performed, the ink does not adhere to the conveyor belt 30. In the following description, the ink ejected from each nozzle 4N when the flushing process is performed is referred to as flushing ink, to distinguish it from ink that contributes to image recording on the paper S. Ink that does not contribute to image recording on the paper S is called flushing ink.

[0040] During execution of a print job, the control unit 6 controls the flushing process. Specifically, the control unit 6 times the start timing of conveying the paper S from the registration roller pair 11 to the conveyor belt 30 so that the flushing area 31 appears periodically between the papers (the gap between the rear end of the preceding paper S and the front end of the next paper S). The control unit 6 then ejects ink from each nozzle 4N at a timing that vertically faces an opening 30a that does not overlap with the paper S. In other words, the control unit 6 ejects ink from each nozzle 4N at a timing that is different from the timing of recording an image onto the paper S.

[0041] <Storage of Flushing Ink> As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the printer 100 includes a storage unit 7. During the flushing process, flushing ink passes through the opening 30a of the conveyor belt 30 and reaches the storage unit 7. The storage unit 7 stores the flushing ink. In FIG. 5, the black arrow indicates the suction direction of the flushing ink. The white arrow indicates the suction direction by the suction unit 300.

[0042] The mounting area 7A of the storage unit 7 is located inside the conveyor belt 30. In other words, the mounting area 7A is located below the recording unit 4. In further words, the mounting area 7A is an area that faces the nozzle surfaces of the recording heads 40 in the vertical direction across the conveyance path of the paper S.

[0043] When the storage unit 7 is attached to the attachment area 7A (see FIG. 8), the storage unit 7 is disposed inside the conveyor belt 30 (below the recording unit 4). That is, the storage unit 7 faces the nozzle faces of the recording heads 40 in the vertical direction across the conveyance path of the paper S. As a result, when flushing ink is ejected from each nozzle 4N during the flushing process, the flushing ink passes through the openings 30a and is stored in the storage unit 7.

[0044] By locating the storage unit 7 directly below each recording unit 4, flushing ink from each recording head 40 can be introduced into the storage unit 7 without using piping members such as tubes. In other words, the printer 100 does not need piping members that serve as a flow path for the flushing ink. For this reason, the printer 100 does not need piping members (tubes, etc.) for collecting the flushing ink. This is because the flushing ink can be collected without providing piping members. If piping members are not needed, then a pump for flowing (sucking) the flushing ink is not needed.

[0045] Here, the storage unit 7 is detachable from the mounting area 7A. For example, when viewed from the front of the printer 100 (front in the width direction), the belt transport unit 3 transports the paper S from right to left. In other words, the transport belt 30 has a circular shape when viewed from the front of the device. As a result, the storage unit 7 is located inside the transport belt 30 when viewed from the front of the device.

[0046] In this configuration, when the user is in front of the device, the storage unit 7 can be removed from the printer 100 by pulling the storage unit 7 out towards the user (forward in the width direction). For example, flushing ink in the storage unit 7 is discarded. When discarding the flushing ink, the user removes the storage unit 7 from the printer 100.

[0047] There are multiple storage units 7. Specifically, one storage unit 7 is provided for each line head 41. In other words, the printer 100 has four storage units 7 corresponding to the colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. The four storage units 7 are arranged in the transport direction of the paper S on the transport belt 30. Each of the four storage units 7 is disposed below the corresponding recording head 40, and stores ink ejected from the corresponding recording head 40. The four storage units 7 are separately and detachably attached to the attachment area 7A.

[0048] In this embodiment, as described above, by providing the mounting area 7A where the reservoir 7 is mounted directly below the nozzle surface of each recording head 40 (an area that faces the nozzle surface of each recording head 40 in the vertical direction across the transport path of the paper S), flushing ink can be collected without running piping members such as tubes. This eliminates the need for piping members, pumps, and the like. As a result, ink that does not contribute to image recording (i.e., flushing ink) can be collected while preventing the configuration from becoming complicated.

[0049] In addition, because the four storage sections 7 are detachable, the flushing ink disposal process can be carried out in multiple batches. This prevents the waste from becoming heavy and making the disposal process difficult. Furthermore, the flushing ink can be disposed of by color.

[0050] <Storage section configuration> The storage unit 7 has a case member 71. The case member 71 is a container that stores flushing ink. The case member 71 has a storage area for flushing ink inside. Specifically, the case member 71 has a top surface 711 and a bottom surface 712 that face each other in the vertical direction with the storage area sandwiched between them. The top surface 711 and the bottom surface 712 are each plate-shaped and have a rectangular shape when viewed from the vertical direction. The case member 71 also has a side wall portion 713 that stands upright from the outer edge of the bottom surface 712. The top surface 711 is fixed to the upper end of the side wall portion 713, thereby forming the case member 71 that has a storage area for flushing ink inside.

[0051] For example, the top surface portion 711 is detachable from the upper end of the side wall portion 713. In other words, when discarding the flushing ink, the top surface portion 711 can be removed. This allows the user to easily discard the flushing ink in the case member 71.

[0052] Note that top surface portion 711 may be rotatable around the upper end of side wall portion 713. In other words, top surface portion 711 may be openable and closable in a direction that opens and closes the storage area inside case member 71.

[0053] The storage section 7 also includes a water-absorbing member 72. The water-absorbing member 72 is disposed inside the case member 71 (storage area). The water-absorbing member 72 absorbs the flushing ink. The water-absorbing member 72 is, for example, a sponge. The sponge serving as the water-absorbing member 72 is, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. The constituent material and shape of the water-absorbing member 72 are not particularly limited.

[0054] By disposing the water absorbing member 72 inside the case member 71, the flushing ink is absorbed by the water absorbing member 72. This makes it possible to prevent the flushing ink from scattering. As a result, it is possible to prevent the flushing ink from adhering to the paper S and the conveyor belt 30, and to prevent the paper S and the conveyor belt 30 from becoming soiled.

[0055] Here, the printer 100 is equipped with ducts 8. The ducts 8 are assigned to each storage section 7. One duct 8 is assigned to each recording head 40. Each duct 8 extends from the corresponding recording head 40 side toward the storage section 7 side. Each duct 8 is connected to the case member 71 of the corresponding storage section 7. The connection structure of each duct 8 is the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the connection structure of a certain duct 8, and descriptions of the connection structures of the other ducts 8 will be omitted.

[0056] The case member 71 has a connection port 73 on the top surface portion 711. The connection port 73 is a rectangular opening that penetrates the top surface portion 711 in the up-down direction (thickness direction). The duct 8 is connected to the connection port 73. In other words, the passage of the duct 8 communicates with the storage area of ​​the case member 71 via the connection port 73.

[0057] Duct 8 is a hollow rectangular tube that extends linearly in the vertical direction (from the recording head 40 side toward the storage section 7 side). In other words, the passage of duct 8 extends linearly with a constant width from the recording head 40 side toward the storage section 7 side. In other words, the passage of duct 8 extends flatly without any steps from the recording head 40 side toward the storage section 7 side. Therefore, there are no surfaces facing the vertical direction inside duct 8.

[0058] Three recording heads 40 are assigned to each color. That is, three ducts 8 are assigned to each color. The three ducts 8 for each color are connected to a corresponding one case member 71. That is, each case member 71 has three connection ports 73 on the top surface portion 711.

[0059] By connecting the duct 8 to the case member 71, the mist of flushing ink can be efficiently guided to the case member 71. This further prevents the flushing ink from scattering and soiling the paper S and the conveyor belt 30. Furthermore, by having the passage of the duct 8 extend linearly at a constant width, it is possible to prevent the flushing ink from accumulating inside the duct 8. If the flushing ink does not accumulate inside the duct 8, it is possible to prevent the flushing ink deposits from protruding upward from the duct 8, and it is possible to prevent the paper S and the conveyor belt 30 from being soiled.

[0060] The gap between the duct 8 and the connection port 73 is sealed by a seal member 80 (see FIG. 8). The type of seal member 80 is not particularly limited. The seal member 80 may be provided at an opening on the lower side (case member 71 side) of the duct 8, or may be provided at the connection port 73. When the case member 71 is attached to the attachment area 7A, the seal member 80 is crushed, sealing the gap between the duct 8 and the connection port 73. This makes it possible to prevent flushing ink from leaking from between the duct 8 and the connection port 73. In addition, suction by the suction mechanism 9, which will be described later, can be performed efficiently.

[0061] The printer 100 is equipped with a suction mechanism 9. The suction mechanism 9 is used in the flushing ink storage process. The suction mechanism 9 sucks the flushing ink. As the suction mechanism 9 sucks the flushing ink, the flushing ink enters the storage area of ​​the case member 71. Note that a fan, a compressor, or the like can be used as the suction mechanism 9.

[0062] The suction mechanism 9 is disposed at the rear in the width direction. One suction mechanism 9 is assigned to each storage section 7. Each suction mechanism 9 is connected to the case member 71 of the corresponding storage section 7. The connection structure of each suction mechanism 9 is the same. Therefore, the following description will focus on the connection structure of a certain suction mechanism 9, and the connection structures of the other suction mechanisms 9 will not be described.

[0063] The case member 71 has a suction port 74 in the top surface portion 711. The suction port 74 is an opening that penetrates the top surface portion 711 in the vertical direction (thickness direction). The suction mechanism 9 is disposed so as to close the suction port 74. The suction mechanism 9 sucks air through the suction port 74.

[0064] Here, the water-absorbing member 72 is placed on the bottom surface of the case member 71. The vertical width of the water-absorbing member 72 is smaller than the vertical width of the storage area (area where the water-absorbing member 72 is arranged) of the case member 71. Therefore, a gap 70 is provided between the water-absorbing member 72 and the top surface part 711 inside the case member 71. The gap 70 communicates from the connection port 73 to the suction port 74. As a result, the gap 70 serves as a flow path for air sucked by the suction mechanism 9.

[0065] In this configuration, the suction mechanism 9 sucks the flushing ink through the gap 70. This allows the flushing ink to be sucked efficiently. The flushing ink enters the inside of the case member 71 as it is sucked by the suction mechanism 9 and reaches the water absorbing member 72. The water absorbing member 72 absorbs the flushing ink. Therefore, even when the flushing ink is sucked, the flushing ink can be prevented from scattering from the suction port 74.

[0066] <Timing for discarding flushing ink> When the flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 (case member 71) becomes full, it is necessary to discard the flushing ink. The flushing ink can be discarded only after the flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 becomes full. However, it is difficult for the user to determine whether the flushing ink is full.

[0067] Therefore, the control unit 6 determines the amount of flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7. For example, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle 4N in one flushing process is determined in advance. In other words, the amount of ink ejected from each recording head 40 in one flushing process is determined in advance. This makes it possible to determine the amount of flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 based on the number of times the flushing process is performed.

[0068] The control unit 6 counts the number of times the flushing process is performed. Then, based on the number of times the flushing process is performed (count value), the control unit 6 determines the amount of flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7. In other words, based on the number of times the flushing process is performed, the control unit 6 determines whether the flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 is full.

[0069] For example, the operation unit 602 receives a notification from the user that flushing ink has been discarded. When the operation unit 602 receives a notification that flushing ink has been discarded, the control unit 6 resets the number of times the flushing process has been performed (count value). Thereafter, each time the flushing process is performed once, the control unit 6 counts up the number of times the flushing process has been performed by one. Then, when the number of times the flushing process has been performed (count value) reaches a predetermined threshold number, the control unit 6 determines that the amount of flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 has reached a predetermined threshold amount. In other words, when the amount of flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 reaches the threshold amount (when the number of times the flushing process has been performed reaches the threshold number), the control unit 6 determines that the flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7 is full.

[0070] As a modified example, a storage amount sensor may be provided to detect the amount of flushing ink stored in the storage unit 7. The type of storage amount sensor is not particularly limited. For example, a sensor that detects the weight of the water absorbing member 72 may be used as the storage amount sensor.

[0071] When the amount of stored flushing ink reaches a threshold amount, the control unit 6 performs a notification process to prompt the user to discard the flushing ink. For example, the control unit 6 displays a message prompting the user to discard the flushing ink on the operation unit 602 (touch panel). This configuration is convenient for the user, as it allows the user to determine whether the flushing ink is full or not.

[0072] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a recording head having nozzles for ejecting ink, which ejects ink onto a recording medium being conveyed, thereby recording an image on the recording medium; a control unit that controls a flushing process in which ink is ejected from the nozzles at a timing different from a timing at which the image is recorded on the recording medium; a reservoir that stores flushing ink ejected from the nozzles when the flushing process is performed, the storage unit is detachably mounted in a mounting area that is a region facing the recording head across a transport path of the recording medium, The storage section is a case member for storing the flushing ink; a water absorbing member disposed inside the case member and configured to absorb the flushing ink; the case member has a connection port, a duct extending from the recording head side toward the storage portion side and connected to the connection port; In the inkjet recording apparatus, the passage of the duct extends linearly with a constant width from the recording head side toward the storage section side.

2. A recording head having a nozzle for ejecting ink, which ejects ink onto a recording medium being transported, thereby recording an image on the recording medium; a control unit that controls a flushing process in which ink is ejected from the nozzles at a timing different from a timing at which the image is recorded on the recording medium; a reservoir that stores flushing ink ejected from the nozzles when the flushing process is performed, the storage unit is detachably mounted in a mounting area that is a region facing the recording head across a transport path of the recording medium, The storage section is a case member for storing the flushing ink; a water absorbing member disposed inside the case member and configured to absorb the flushing ink; the case member has a connection port, a duct extending from the recording head side toward the storage portion side and connected to the connection port; The inkjet recording apparatus further comprises a sealing member that seals between the duct and the connection port.

3. an endless conveyor belt having a plurality of openings and carrying and conveying the recording medium on its outer peripheral surface; the mounting area is located inside the conveyor belt, 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flushing ink passes through the opening and is stored in the storage section.

4. the case member has a suction port, a suction mechanism connected to the suction port and configured to suck air through the suction port; a gap is provided between the case member and the water absorbing member inside the case member, The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the gap communicates from the connection port to the suction port.

5. A plurality of the storage sections are provided, The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of storage sections are separately mountable to the mounting area.

6. a plurality of recording heads each ejecting ink of a different color; The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of recording heads are arranged opposite to each other with the different storage sections and the transport path interposed therebetween.

7. 3. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calculates the amount of the flushing ink stored in the storage unit, and when the amount of the flushing ink reaches a predetermined threshold amount, performs a notification process to prompt the user to discard the flushing ink.

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