JP2003034057A - Image recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recorder that surely catches an unnecessary material sucked in a recording medium holding section for a long time and surely supports a recording medium on the recording medium holding section, and moreover to provide the image recorder capable of eliminating or reducing an unnecessary material discharged from the recorder. SOLUTION: This image recorder comprises a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium 200, a platen 50 having a plurality of sucking holes, a platen supporting section 52 provided to the platen 50 at the opposite side of the recording means, sucking means for controlling the attitude of the recording medium 200 by sucking an air in a space defined by the rear face of the platen 50 and the inner faces of the platen supporting section 52, and an ink catching member 70 of a catching means for catching an unnecessary material sucked in the space. The ink catching member 70 is provided in the space without closing the sucking holes of the platen 50.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium by ejecting ink.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image recording apparatus such as an ink jet printer records an image by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium. An example of such an image recording device is shown in FIG.

An image recording apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 11 has a conveying means 120, an ink head 130 (not shown), a carriage 140, and a recording medium supporting portion 150.

The conveying means 120 conveys the recording medium 200 to a predetermined image recording area. The image recording device 110 is
An image is formed on the recording medium in the image recording area. In addition, the recording medium 20
The transport direction of 0 is the transport direction in this specification.

The ink head 130 is constructed so that it can eject ink droplets onto the recording medium 200. The ink head 130 is attached to the carriage 140.

The carriage 140 has a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the carrying direction in the image recording area.
It is configured to be driven.

The image recording apparatus 110 moves the recording medium 200 and the ink head 130 relatively in the carrying direction and the main scanning direction by the carrying means 120 and the carriage 140. The ink head 130 ejects ink droplets onto the recording medium 200 in accordance with the movement. The image recording apparatus 110 records an image on the recording medium 200 by attaching the ink droplets to the recording surface of the recording medium 200.

The recording medium supporting unit 150 includes a platen 151.
And a platen support part 152 and a suction means 153. The recording medium supporting unit 150 is arranged in the image recording area. The recording medium supporting unit 150 prevents the recording medium 200 from shifting by adsorbing and holding the recording medium 200 during the recording of the image.

The platen 151 has a flat plate shape having a plurality of suction holes. The platen 151 is supported by the platen supporting portion 152, and is arranged at a position facing the recording medium 200 in the image recording area.

The platen supporting portion 152 is formed in a box shape having an opening, and supports the platen 151 in the opening. In other words, the opening is covered with the platen 151. Platen 15
1 and the inner surface of the platen supporting portion 152, the space formed by the chamber 1
54 is specified.

The suction means 153 is a platen support portion 152.
The air in the chamber 154 is sucked. The suction means 153 causes the recording medium 20 to move by the suction.
0 is adsorbed on the surface (surface) of the platen facing the recording medium.

In the image recording apparatus 110, when the ink head 130 ejects the ink droplets as described above, not only the ink droplets but also a smaller amount of ink mist than the ink droplets is ejected. The ink mist is a lightweight ink particle having smaller particles than the ink droplet. Therefore, the ejection speed of the ink mist is slow. As described above, since the ink mist is lightweight and has a low ejection speed, the ink mist floats in the image recording apparatus without landing on the recording medium. As described above, the ink mist is an unnecessary unnecessary substance that is not related to image recording. The floating ink mist unintentionally adheres to and contaminates the recording medium and the image recording apparatus.

The ink mist is absorbed by the absorbing means 15
3 is sucked into the chamber 154 and comes into contact with the inner wall of the chamber 154 (the back surface of the platen 151 and the inner surface of the platen support portion 152). When the amount of contact increases, the ink mist becomes liquid, drips on the inner surface of the chamber 154, and accumulates unintentionally at the bottom of the chamber 154. Then, the accumulated ink flows out through the suction holes of the platen or the gaps of the platen support portion to the outside, so that not only the image recording apparatus but also the recording medium conveyed on the platen 151 can be contaminated. Have sex.

The ink mist is sucked by the suction means 15.
There is a possibility that it will be discharged to the outside of the image recording apparatus together with the air sucked by 3. In this case, the ink mist also contaminates the peripheral part of the image recording apparatus.

Some image recording apparatuses as described above have an ink catching member which is a catching means for catching the ink mist in order to prevent contamination by the ink mist which is the unnecessary substance.

The ink capture member is located on the platen 151, as shown in FIG. 12, and is indicated by reference numeral 170. FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view showing the platen.

The ink capturing member 170 is made of sponge. Further, the ink catching member 170 is arranged over the entire surface of the platen 151, which is the surface opposite to the surface facing the recording medium (rear surface). In other words, the ink capturing member 170 is arranged so as to cover all the suction holes of the platen 151. Therefore, the ink capturing member 170 captures the ink mist that passes through the suction holes together with the air sucked by the suction unit. Therefore, the image recording apparatus 110 having the ink capturing member 170 can reduce the contamination due to the ink mist.

[0018]

Recording medium support 150
When the air permeability of the ink catching member 170 deteriorates, the suction hole becomes clogged, and the recording medium 20
It becomes difficult to adsorb 0 to the platen 151.

Since the above-mentioned ink capturing member 170 is made of sponge, absorption of the ink mist causes the air permeability to gradually deteriorate. Also,
The ink capturing member 170 captures the ink mist at the portion in contact with each of the suction holes. In other words,
The ink capturing member 170 captures the ink mist only near the suction holes. Therefore, the ink mist is
The ink capturing member 170 concentrates only on the portion that is in contact with the suction hole, and the above-mentioned air permeability sharply deteriorates.

As a result, the ink capturing member 170 is
The air permeability tends to be poor in a short period of time, and the recording medium 20
It is difficult to maintain the desired adsorption force to 0 for a long period of time. The image recording apparatus 110 increases the suction force of the suction unit 153 in order to maintain the suction force,
It becomes difficult to save power and space.

Further, since the ink mist concentrates only on the portion in contact with the suction hole, the entire ink catching member 170 cannot be used to absorb the ink mist. Therefore, the ink capturing member 17
When 0, it is not possible to maximize the amount of ink mist that can be captured. Therefore, it is difficult for the ink capturing member 170 to be used for a long period of time.

Further, the paper which is the recording medium has a possibility of generating paper dust when it is cut. Furthermore, there is a possibility that dust or the like will be rolled up by the suction device and float inside the device. As described above, the image recording apparatus has a possibility that floating particles such as paper dust and dust are generated and float in the apparatus.
The airborne particles are also the unwanted substances unrelated to image recording. The suspended particles may also adhere to the recording medium or contaminate the inside of the apparatus.

The ink capturing member 170 can capture not only ink but also the suspended particles.
However, in the ink capturing member 170, the capturing site is still only in the vicinity of the suction hole. Therefore, in the ink capturing member, the air permeability further deteriorates, and the suction holes are clogged.

Further, the ink may use a volatile solvent such as alcohol, secondary petroleum or benzine as a solvent which is a composition of the ink. The solvent has a possibility of vaporizing in the device to generate a gas. Therefore, in the image recording apparatus, not only the suspended particles such as ink mist and paper dust but also the gas are generated as the unnecessary substance.

If the gas fills the image device and the image recording device is exposed to the filled gas, members exposed to the gas may have various inconveniences. . The inconvenience is, for example, that the member exposed to the gas is discolored, deformed such as swelling, or the characteristics of the material of the member are destroyed.

However, the ink capture member 170 is
Since it is intended only to capture the ink and the suspended particles, there is a possibility that the gas cannot be captured and the device is filled with the gas. That is, in the image recording apparatus, the unnecessary substances such as the ink mist, the paper dust, and the gas described above may spread in the image recording apparatus, which may adversely affect the apparatus.

Further, if the unnecessary substance diffuses around the image recording apparatus, the unnecessary substance may contaminate the outside of the image recording apparatus. Therefore, it is preferable that the image recording apparatus does not discharge the unnecessary substance to the outside of the machine as much as possible in order to prevent diffusion of the unnecessary substance.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to reliably capture unwanted substances sucked into the recording medium holding portion for a long period of time and to secure the recording medium to the recording medium supporting member. An object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus that can be reliably supported above.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus capable of eliminating or reducing unnecessary substances discharged outside the machine.

[0030]

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the image recording apparatus of the present invention is configured as follows.

The image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen having a plurality of suction holes, a platen support part forming a space with the platen, and In the image recording device, there is provided a suction means for sucking air in the space, a control means for controlling the posture of the recording medium, and a trapping means for trapping the unwanted substance sucked in the space. The means is arranged in the space without blocking the suction hole of the platen.

With the above arrangement, since the trapping means is arranged in the space without blocking the suction hole, the trapping means allows the air to pass through the suction hole even when absorbing the unnecessary substance. Does not interfere. Therefore, the recording medium support unit can maintain a desired suction force on the recording medium. Furthermore, since the trapping means is arranged without blocking the suction hole, the trapped unwanted substance can be trapped in a part of itself without being concentrated, so that the trapping means can be trapped for a long period of time. It can maintain its capture ability over time.

The image recording apparatus of the second invention is arranged on the opposite side of the recording means for recording an image on the recording medium with respect to the recording means and sandwiching the recording medium, and has a plurality of suction holes. The platen supporting the platen, the platen support provided on the back side of the platen opposite to the recording medium, and the air in the space defined by the back surface of the platen and the inner surface of the platen support. And a suction means for generating a negative pressure or an air flow between the recording medium and the platen to control the posture of the recording medium. The bottom portion is characterized by having an ink reservoir portion having a recess.

With the above structure, the ink reservoir is
Since the ink reservoir is arranged at the bottom of the platen support, the ink reservoir can contact the inner wall of the platen support and the back surface of the platen to collect the ink mist in a droplet state. Therefore, the ink reservoir can collect the ink mist without obstructing the passage of air through the suction holes. Therefore, the suction unit can generate a negative pressure or an air flow between the recording medium and the platen. Further, the ink reservoir section can maintain a desired ink recovery force for a long period of time by discharging the accumulated ink droplets. That is, since the image recording apparatus can be used without replacing the member for capturing the ink mist, it can be used for a long period of time while maintaining a desired ink collecting power.

An image recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention has a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium and a recording means arranged on the opposite side of the recording means with the recording medium interposed therebetween, and has a plurality of suction holes. The platen supporting the platen, the platen support provided on the back side of the platen opposite to the recording medium, and the air in the space defined by the back surface of the platen and the inner surface of the platen support. In the image recording apparatus having a suction means for suctioning the negative pressure or the air flow between the recording medium and the platen to control the posture of the recording medium. An exhaust port for exhausting the air, an exhaust flow path connecting the suction means and the exhaust port, and an ink arranged in the course of the air flow passing through the exhaust flow path and contacting the ink in the air flow. Contact with And characterized in that it.

With the above structure, since the ink contact portion is arranged in the exhaust flow path, the ink contact portion comes into contact with the ink mist in the air to be exhausted and collects it in a droplet state. obtain. Therefore, the image recording device is
The ink mist discharged to the outside of the machine can be eliminated or reduced. Further, since the image recording apparatus does not have a member for capturing the ink mist in the vicinity of the suction hole, the ink mist can be collected without obstructing the passage of air. Therefore, the recording medium support unit can maintain a desired suction force on the recording medium. Further, the image recording apparatus can maintain a desired ink recovery force for a long period by discharging the ink mist liquefied by the ink contact portion. That is, since the image recording apparatus can be used without replacing the member for capturing the ink mist, it can be used for a long period of time while maintaining a desired ink collecting power.

An image recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen having a plurality of suction holes, and a platen support part forming a space with the platen. An image recording apparatus having a suction means for sucking air in the space, and a control means for controlling the posture of the recording medium, and a capture means for capturing unnecessary substances sucked in the space, The trapping means has an absorbing material that absorbs the unnecessary substance in a gaseous state.

With the above structure, since the trapping means has the absorbing material that absorbs the unnecessary substance in the gaseous state,
The unwanted substances may be absorbed and captured, changing the properties of the gaseous unwanted substances. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaseous unnecessary substance from adversely affecting the image recording apparatus and provide the image apparatus.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

The image recording apparatus 10 such as an ink jet printer records an image by ejecting ink droplets onto a recording medium. The image recording apparatus 10 in FIG.
An ink head 30 (not shown) and a carriage 40.
And a recording medium support portion 50 and an exhaust portion 60.

The conveying means 20 conveys the recording medium 200 in the conveying direction toward a predetermined image recording area. The image recording apparatus 10 forms an image on the recording medium in the image recording area.

The ink head 30 is constructed so that it can eject ink droplets onto the recording medium 200. The ink head 30 is attached to the carriage 40.

The carriage 40 is constructed so that it can be driven in the image recording area in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the carrying direction.

The image recording apparatus 10 moves the recording medium 200 and the ink head 30 relatively in the carrying direction and the main scanning direction by the carrying means 20 and the carriage 40. The image recording apparatus 10 causes the ink head 30 to eject ink droplets onto the recording medium 200 in accordance with the movement. The image recording apparatus 10 records an image on the recording medium 200 by attaching the ink droplets to the recording surface of the recording medium 200. Therefore, the transporting unit 20, the ink head 30, and the carriage 40 form a recording unit that records an image on the recording medium 200.

The recording medium support section 50 is a control means for controlling the attitude of the recording medium 200. This recording medium support 5
Reference numeral 0 has a platen 51, a platen support portion 52, and a suction means 53. The recording medium support unit 50 is arranged in the image recording area. The recording medium support unit 50 is
In recording the image, the recording medium 200 is suction-held to prevent the recording medium 200 from shifting.

The platen 51 has a flat plate shape having a plurality of suction holes. The platen 51 is supported by the platen supporting portion 52, extends over the entire image recording area, and is arranged so as to face the recording medium 200 during image recording.

The platen support portion 52 is formed in a box shape having an opening, and supports the platen 51 in the opening. In other words, the opening is covered with the platen 51. A space defined by the back surface of the platen 51 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the recording medium) and the inner surface of the platen support portion 52 defines a chamber 54.

The suction means 53 is a known suction device such as a suction fan. The suction means 53 is the platen support part 52.
Is placed in the chamber 54 to suck air in the chamber 54,
A negative pressure is applied in the chamber 54. The suction means 53 causes the recording medium 200 to move to the recording medium 2 of the platen 51 by the suction.
It is adsorbed on the surface (surface) facing 00. The suction means 53 is a suction opening 5 that is an opening for sucking air.
6 and an exhaust opening 57 which is an opening for discharging air. The suction opening 56 is arranged on the platen support portion 52 side. The exhaust opening 57 is arranged on the opposite side of the suction opening 56.

The exhaust unit 60 is an exhaust port 61 for exhausting the air sucked by the suction unit 53 to the outside of the image recording apparatus 10, and an exhaust port connecting the exhaust port 61 and the exhaust opening 57 of the suction unit 53. And a flow path 62. The exhaust passage 62 linearly connects the suction means 53 and the exhaust port 61.

The ink capturing member 70 is a capturing means for capturing the unnecessary substance. This ink capturing member 70
Is composed of a sponge. The ink capturing member 70 is arranged at the bottom of the platen support 52 (lowermost portion in the vertical direction). In other words, the ink catching member 70 is arranged at the bottom of the chamber 54. Further, in the ink capturing member 70, a portion facing the back surface of the platen 51 is separated from the platen 51 at a predetermined interval.

The image recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment will be described below.
The operation of will be described.

The image recording apparatus 10 conveys the recording medium 200 to the image recording area by the conveying means 20. Then, the image recording apparatus 10 causes the recording medium supporting unit 50 to
The recording medium 200 is adsorbed on the platen 51. And
The image recording apparatus 10 ejects ink droplets onto the recording medium 200 by the ink head 30 while moving the ink head 30 by the carriage 40. The image recording device 10 is
After the ejection of the ink is completed, the suction is released, and the recording medium 200 is moved by the conveying unit 20 in the conveying direction by a predetermined distance. The image recording device 10 includes a transporting unit 20.
The recording medium is sequentially conveyed by the above method, and the ink head 30, the carriage 40, and the recording medium supporting unit 50 are caused to cooperate with each other to form an image.

When recording an image as described above,
The ink mist is ejected from the ink head 30. Further, the suction causes the ink mist to be sucked into the recording medium support portion 50 together with air.
The sucked ink mist contacts the inner surface of the chamber 54 and becomes a liquid ink liquid. The ink liquid drips to the bottom of the chamber 54 according to gravity. The image recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has an ink capturing member 70 made of sponge. For this reason,
The ink liquid is absorbed (captured) by the ink capture member 70.

As shown in the above-described configuration, the ink capturing member 70 is arranged at the bottom of the chamber 54, and the portion facing the back surface of the platen 51 is separated from the platen 51 by a predetermined distance. ing. Therefore, since the ink capturing member 70 is arranged in the chamber 54 without blocking the suction hole, it does not prevent the air from passing through the suction hole even when absorbing the ink mist. For this reason, the recording medium supporting unit 50 is provided with the recording medium 2
The desired adsorption force to 00 can be maintained. Further, since the ink trapping member 70 is arranged without blocking the suction holes, the ink mist can be trapped over the whole without concentrating the ink mist on a part of the ink trapping member 70. Capturing ability can be maintained. Further, as described above, the ink capturing member 70 does not hinder the passage of the air through the suction holes, so that it is not necessary to set the suction force of the suction means 53 to be strong. Therefore, the suction means 53 saves power consumption and space. Can be reduced. Therefore, the image recording device 10 of the present embodiment can realize power saving and space saving.

Further, since the ink catching member 70 is arranged at the bottom of the chamber 54, the ink liquid is prevented from accumulating at the bottom, and the ink liquid is sucked into the platen 51 and the platen support 52. It flows out from the gap,
It is possible to prevent the inside of the image recording device 10 and the periphery of the image recording device 10 from being contaminated.

Further, since the ink capturing member 70 is made of sponge, it absorbs the ink mist and the ink liquid, and can be easily replaced even when the absorption rate becomes poor. Therefore, the image recording device 10 of the present embodiment is easy to maintain.

In the image recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the ink capturing member 70 is made of sponge, but may be made of a material capable of absorbing oil-based, water-based and other liquid inks. There is no limitation. For example, the material of the ink capturing member 70 is urethane foam, paper, natural and synthetic fibers, polymer absorber (starch-polyacrylonitrile hydrolyzate, starch-polyacrylate cross-linking product, carboxymethyl cellulose-based, vinyl acetate-acrylic). Saponified products of methyl acid copolymers, cross-linked polysodium acrylate, etc.), and fatty acids (12) known under the trade name "Curing Temple".
-Hydroxystearic acid) and the like.

Further, in the image recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the ink capturing member 70 is arranged only at the bottom of the chamber 54, but as shown in FIG. It can also be arranged on the side. In this case, the ink mist is
Since it directly contacts the ink capturing member 70, it is captured by the ink capturing member 70 before it becomes liquid (ink liquid). Therefore, the ink catching member 70 arranged as described above can catch the ink mist more efficiently.

Further, the image recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment
Can be arranged on the back surface of the platen 51.
However, in this case, the ink capturing member 70 does not cover all the suction holes and closes some or all of the suction holes so that the suction force of the recording medium support unit 50 with respect to the recording medium 200 is not substantially reduced. Place so that there is no. With the above configuration, the image recording apparatus 10 can arrange the ink capturing member 70 so as to have a desired ink mist capturing capability without hindering the passage of air through the suction holes.

The ink capturing member 70 in FIG. 2 is made of sponge, but as described above,
It goes without saying that it may be composed of a material capable of absorbing water-based ink and other liquid ink.

It should be noted that the recording medium support portion 50 as a control means for controlling the attitude of the recording medium 200 is the recording medium 200.
The platen 51 is attracted to the platen 51 and the posture thereof is controlled.
The form of controlling the posture of 00 may be used.

Specifically, a supporting portion for supporting the recording medium is provided only on the upstream side and the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction at the position facing the ink head 30, and a suction hole of the platen is provided between both supporting portions. There is a device that attempts to control the posture of the recording medium 200 by generating a suction airflow by the suction means. The above-mentioned support portion is, for example, one configured by a combination of a transport roller that is the transport means 20 and a lip roller.

Further, the platen 51 is provided with the ink head 30.
It is not necessary to dispose the recording medium 200 at a position facing the recording medium 200.
May be suctioned to control the attitude of the recording medium. In this case, the image recording apparatus 10 can reliably support the recording medium when the paper is cut, and thus the cutting performance can be improved.

Further, the suction means 51 may have such a power as to suck it into the chamber 54 from the surface of the platen 51 facing the recording medium 200, and it is necessarily strong enough to generate a negative pressure in the chamber 54. No need.

The ink catching member 70 not only catches the ink that has moved to the bottom, but also the floating particles such as the paper powder and dust attached to the ink, and the floating particles accumulated on the bottom. It goes without saying that particles can be captured.

Further, in this embodiment, a highly volatile solvent such as benzine may be used in the ink. When an image is recorded using a highly volatile ink such as benzine as described above, when the ink head 30 ejects an ink droplet, the ink may generate a gas in which the solvent is vaporized. Since this gas is unnecessary for image recording, it is an unnecessary substance like the ink mist. In this case, the ink catching member 70 can have a gas catching member that can catch a gaseous unnecessary substance.

The gas capturing member has a neutralizing agent that neutralizes the gas so as not to adversely affect the image recording apparatus 10. The neutralizing agent may be placed on the ink capturing member 70 by spreading it or by coating the entire surface or a part of the surface of the ink capturing member 70. When the neutralizing agent is applied on the surface of the ink capturing member 70, the gas is attracted into the chamber 54,
The neutralizing agent is contacted, absorbed (captured), and neutralized.
Therefore, the gas capturing member can prevent the adverse effect of the unnecessary gas, that is, the gas.

(Second Embodiment) An image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an image recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows 1. In the present embodiment,
The same components as those of the image recording apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above are indicated by the reference numerals indicating the same components of the image recording apparatus 10, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. To do.

The image recording apparatus 11 is different from the image recording apparatus 10 of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the ink capturing member 70. The ink capturing member 70 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to cover the suction opening 56. The ink capturing member 70 is made of a sponge that allows air to pass through but does not allow ink mist to pass through.

As shown in the above structure, the ink capturing member 70 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to cover the suction opening 56 of the suction means 53, so that the ink capturing member 70 is
It can be said that it is arranged at a position that blocks the air flow generated by the suction means 53. In other words, the ink catching member 70 is arranged in the flow path of the air flow flowing by the suction means, although it is arranged in a portion other than the portion in contact with the suction hole. Therefore, the ink capturing member 70 is
Since the whole is exposed to the air flow, the whole of itself can be used to capture the ink mist more efficiently. In addition, in the present embodiment, the ink capturing member 70 has the suction opening 5.
6 covers the whole 6, but as described above, the ink capturing member 7
Since 0 is wholly exposed to the air flow, the ink mist is not concentrated on a part. Therefore, since the ink trapping member 70 can trap the ink mist over the entire area, it is of course possible to maintain the trapping ability for a long period of time, and since the air permeability does not suddenly deteriorate, Across the recording medium 200 to the recording medium supporting portion 5
An adsorption force of 0 can be maintained in the desired state.

Since the ink catching member 70 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to cover the suction opening 56, it can be said that it is arranged at a position where all of the discharged air flow passes.
Therefore, the ink catching member 70 can reliably catch the ink mist in the sucked air and prevent the ink mist from being discharged to the outside of the image recording apparatus 10.

The ink catching member 70 of the present embodiment.
Is composed of a sponge, but the structure is not limited as long as it is composed of a filter that allows air to pass through but not ink mist.

The ink catching member 70 of this embodiment is also used.
Is configured to cover the suction opening 56, but FIG.
As shown therein, it is also possible to arrange so that a space through which air can pass is provided between the suction opening 56 and the suction opening 56. In this case, since the ink capturing member 70 is arranged in the air flow path but does not completely cover the suction opening 56, it efficiently captures the ink mist, and further, the recording medium supporting portion 50. It is possible to stabilize the suction force of.

The ink catching member 70 of this embodiment is also used.
Is arranged so as to cover the suction opening 56, but it is also possible to arrange so as to cover the exhaust opening 57.
It may be arranged in the exhaust passage 62 or so as to cover the exhaust port 61. As described above, the ink catching member 70 is not limited in arrangement as long as it is arranged at a position through which the discharged air flow passes. In addition,
The ink capture member 70 is preferably the image recording device 10.
In order to prevent the ink mist from being discharged to the outside of the printer, it is arranged at a position where all of the discharged airflow passes.

The ink catching member 70 not only catches the ink mist contained in the air flow passing therethrough, but also catches suspended particles such as paper dust and dust flowing with the air flow. Not to mention getting it.

In the present embodiment, the ink catching member 70 for catching the ink mist is arranged at a position where all of the discharged air flow passes, but the ink has a highly volatile solvent such as benzine. , The ink capture member 70 can be replaced by a gas capture member.

When an image is recorded using a highly volatile ink such as benzine as described above, the ink head 30
When the ink droplets are ejected by, the ink may generate a gas in which the solvent is vaporized. Since this gas is unnecessary for image recording, it is an unnecessary substance like the ink mist. The above-mentioned gas trapping member is a member for trapping the gas (gaseous unnecessary substance).

Unlike the first embodiment, the gas capturing member can use an activated carbon filter or a ceramic catalyst to capture the gas.

As the ceramic-based catalyst, Mg
A component forming a three-dimensional structure organized by (magnesium) as a nucleus, O (oxygen), Si (silicon), OH (hydroxide), AL (aluminum), and Ca (calcium), CaO (oxidation). It is conceivable that the MgO (magnesium oxide) skeleton is formed by reducing individual dissolution of calcium and the like and has a three-dimensional structure structure of 200 angstroms of MgO (magnesium oxide) skeleton and needle-like pores of CaO species of several angstroms.

The gas generated when the ink droplets are discharged is
The gas is sucked into the chamber 54 by the suction means 53 and further absorbed by the gas capturing member. When the activated carbon filter is used as the gas capturing member, the gas is absorbed and filtered by the activated carbon filter, passes through the gas capturing member in a state where the image recording apparatus 10 is not adversely affected. When the catalyst is used as the gas capturing member, the gas is absorbed by the ceramic-based catalyst, a catalytic reaction is caused by the catalyst, and the image recording apparatus 10 is not adversely affected. It passes through the gas capture member.

The gas trapping member is limited in arrangement as long as it can absorb and trap the gaseous unwanted substance and prevent the gaseous unwanted substance from adversely affecting the image recording apparatus. However, it is also possible to dispose the platen so as to cover the suction hole. However, the gas capturing member is used for the recording medium 20 by the recording medium supporting unit 50.
In order not to affect the posture control of 0, it is preferable that the suction hole is not closed and the space is defined in the space defined by the chamber 54.

(Third Embodiment) An image recording apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an image recording apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows 2. In the present embodiment,
The same components as those of the image recording apparatus 11 according to the second embodiment of the present invention described above are indicated by the reference numerals indicating the same components of the image recording apparatus 11, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. To do.

In the image recording apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, the ink capturing member 70 is made of a sponge which allows air to pass but does not allow ink mist to pass, as in the second embodiment. However, the image recording device 12
Is different from the image recording apparatus 11 of the second embodiment in the arrangement of the ink capturing member 70. The ink capturing member 70 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to cover the exhaust port 61, and at the bottom of the platen support portion 52 (the chamber 5).
4 bottom).

With the above structure, it can be said that the ink catching member 70 of the present embodiment is arranged at a position that blocks the air flow generated by the suction means 53. That is, the ink capturing member 70 is arranged in the flow path of the flowing air flow. Therefore, since the ink catching member 70 is entirely exposed to the air flow, it is possible to more efficiently catch the ink mist by using the whole of the ink catching member 70. In addition, the ink capturing member 70
Since the ink mist can be trapped over the entire area, the trapping ability can be maintained for a long period of time, and since the air permeability does not suddenly deteriorate, the recording medium 200 can be retained for a long period of time. The suction force of the recording medium support portion 50 against the can be maintained in a desired state.

Since the ink catching member 70 of the present embodiment is arranged so as to cover the exhaust port 61, it can be said that it is arranged at a position where all the discharged air flow passes. Therefore, the ink catching member 70 can reliably catch the ink mist in the sucked air and prevent the ink mist from being discharged to the outside of the image recording apparatus 10.

The ink catching member 70 of this embodiment is also used.
Since it extends to the bottom of the chamber 54, the ink liquid is prevented from collecting on the bottom, and the ink liquid flows out from the suction hole of the platen 51, the gap of the platen support 52, etc., and the image recording is performed. Contamination in the apparatus 10 and the periphery of the image recording apparatus 10 can be prevented.

Also in this embodiment, when the ink using a highly volatile solvent is used, the ink capturing member 70 is the same as the gas capturing member in the second embodiment. May be replaced with

The ink catching member 70 not only catches the ink mist contained in the air flow passing therethrough, but also catches the suspended particles such as paper dust and dust flowing with the air flow. Not to mention getting it.

(Fourth Embodiment) An image recording apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows an image recording device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows 3. In the present embodiment,
The same components as those of the image recording apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above are indicated by the reference numerals indicating the same components of the image recording apparatus 10, and detailed description will be omitted. To do.

The ink mist is contained in the exhausted air. When the air containing the ink mist contacts an object, the ink mist remains in a liquid state on the object and remains. The image recording device 13 of the present embodiment collects the liquid ink mist (ink liquid). The image recording apparatus 13 of the present embodiment has an ink reservoir 80 at the bottom of the platen support 52 (bottom of the chamber 54). The ink reservoir 80 has a recess so that ink can be retained. The ink reservoir 80 is located vertically below the suction hole located at the bottom of the platen at the bottom of the chamber 54.

With the above structure, the ink reservoir 80 is
The ink mist in a droplet state can be collected by contacting the inner wall of the platen support portion 52 and the back surface of the platen. Therefore, in the ink reservoir 80, the ink liquid is sucked from the bottom of the chamber 54 into the suction hole of the platen 51 and the platen support portion 5.
It is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing out through the gap between the two and contaminating the inside of the image recording apparatus 10 and the periphery of the image recording apparatus 10.

The ink reservoir 80 collects the ink mist without obstructing the passage of air through the suction holes,
A desired suction force of the recording medium supporting unit 50 with respect to the recording medium 200 can be maintained.

Further, since the ink reservoir 80 can collect the ink without disposing a member for absorbing the ink, the member for capturing the ink mist can be used without replacement. It can be used for a long period of time while maintaining a desired ink collecting power.

The ink reservoir 80 of this embodiment is
Is located on the lower side in the vertical direction than the suction hole located at the bottom of the platen. It is possible to prevent the contamination of the inside of the image recording apparatus 10 and the periphery of the image recording apparatus 10 by leaking from the above.

In addition, the ink reservoir 80 of the present embodiment
Can have an ink discharge hole 81 for discharging the accumulated ink liquid, as shown in FIG. The ink reservoir 80 can discharge the accumulated ink liquid to a desired place by the ink discharge hole 81, and can maintain a desired ink collecting force for a long period of time. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the ink reservoir 80 has a removable ink receiving tray 82 and an ink discharging hole 8.
By arranging it below 1, the collected ink liquid can be collected more easily.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the ink reservoir 80, by attaching a conduit 83 to the ink discharge hole 81, the discharge location of the ink liquid can be selected more freely. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the ink reservoir 80 can collect the ink liquid by a removable ink receiving bottle 84, and if a desired amount of the ink liquid can be collected, the ink liquid can be collected. The collection container is not limited.

The ink reservoir 80 not only captures the ink that has moved to the bottom of the platen 51, but also the floating particles such as the paper powder and dust attached to the ink, and the accumulation on the bottom. Needless to say, the suspended particles can be captured.

(Fifth Embodiment) An image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an image recording apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment.
It is sectional drawing which shows 4. In the present embodiment,
The same components as those of the image recording apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above are indicated by the reference numerals indicating the same components of the image recording apparatus 10, and detailed description will be omitted. To do.

The ink mist is contained in the exhausted air. When the air containing the ink mist contacts an object, the ink mist remains in a liquid state on the object and remains. The image recording device 14 of the present embodiment utilizes this liquefaction of the ink mist to prevent the ink mist from being discharged outside the machine. The image recording device 14 of the present embodiment is different from the image recording device 10 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the exhaust unit 60. Image recording device 14
In the exhaust part 60, the exhaust flow path 62 meanders.

In the image recording apparatus 14, the ink-containing air is discharged along the path indicated by the arrow A. At this time, since the exhaust passage 62 is meandering, the air comes into contact with the inner wall of the exhaust passage 62. By this contact, the ink mist in the air becomes liquid and remains on the inner wall. In this specification, an ink contact portion is a portion that contacts the air containing the ink mist to liquefy the ink mist. In the image recording device 14, the ink contact portion can be said to be the inner wall of the exhaust flow path 62.

The liquefaction of the ink mist is performed until the air is exhausted from the exhaust port 61. In this way, ink mist in the air is eliminated or reduced. Therefore, the image recording device 14 can eliminate or reduce the ink mist discharged to the outside of the machine. That is, in the image recording device 14, since the exhaust flow path is meandering, the probability of the ink mist coming into contact with the ink contact portion is higher than in the case where it is not meandering, and the ink mist can be reliably collected.

Further, the image recording device 14 of the present embodiment
Since the ink contact portion for liquefying the ink mist is configured by meandering the exhaust flow path 62, the ink contact portion can be easily configured.

Further, since the image recording device 14 collects the ink mist by liquefying the ink mist by contact, it is possible to use the member for collecting the ink mist without exchanging the desired ink. It can be used for a long period of time while maintaining recovery power.

Although the exhaust flow path 62 of this embodiment forms the ink contact portion by being meandered,
It is possible to provide an ink contact portion by providing a protrusion or the like on the inner wall of the exhaust flow path 62, and the configuration is limited as long as it can be configured to come into contact with air containing ink before being exhausted It will not be done.

Further, in the image recording apparatus 14 of the present embodiment, the exhaust passage 62 is meandering, but it can be formed linearly long. In this case, the exhaust flow path 62
Is linear, but because the distance to the exhaust port 61 is long,
The air flow containing the ink mist contacts the inner wall of the exhaust passage 62. Therefore, the exhaust flow path 62 can liquefy the ink mist and collect the ink mist.

Further, in the image recording apparatus 14, as shown in FIG. 10, it is possible to dispose the ink capturing member 70 described in the first embodiment on the inner wall of the exhaust passage 62. In this case, the air flow containing the ink mist is directly captured by the ink capturing member 70 when it comes into contact with the ink capturing member 70, so that the ink mist can be collected more efficiently. Further, like the ink capturing member 70,
It is possible to dispose the gas capturing member described in the first embodiment on the inner wall of the exhaust passage 62. In this case, the gas capturing member captures the gas, which is an unnecessary substance,
The neutralization can prevent the gas from adversely affecting the image recording apparatus 10.

Further, the image recording device 14 of the present embodiment
In the same manner as the second embodiment, it is possible to dispose the ink reservoir 80 for collecting the liquefied ink mist. In this case, the ink reservoir 80 not only captures the ink that has moved to the bottom, but also captures the floating particles such as the paper powder and dust attached to the ink, and the floating particles accumulated on the bottom. It goes without saying that you can do it.

So far, some embodiments have been specifically described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and is carried out within the scope not departing from the gist thereof. Includes all implementations.

Therefore, regarding the image recording apparatus of the present invention,
The following can be said.

(1) Recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen having a plurality of suction holes, a platen support part forming a space with the platen, and air in the space. In an image recording apparatus having a suction means for sucking, controlling means for controlling the posture of the recording medium, and capturing means for capturing unnecessary substances sucked in the space, the capturing means includes the platen. The image recording device is arranged in the space without blocking the suction hole.

With the above structure, since the trapping means is arranged in the space without blocking the suction hole, the trapping means allows the air to pass through the suction hole even when absorbing the unnecessary substance. Does not interfere. Therefore, the recording medium support unit can maintain a desired suction force on the recording medium. Furthermore, since the trapping means is arranged without blocking the suction hole, the trapped unwanted substance can be trapped in a part of itself without being concentrated, so that the trapping means can be trapped for a long period of time. It can maintain its capture ability over time.

(2) The image recording apparatus according to (1), wherein the capturing means is a capturing member having an absorbing material that absorbs the liquid unnecessary substance.

With the above structure, since the trapping means has the absorbing material that absorbs the liquid unnecessary substance, it is possible to absorb the liquid unnecessary substance more reliably.

(3) The image recording apparatus according to (2), wherein the capture member is an ink capture member that captures ink.

With the above arrangement, the capturing member can capture the ink, and thus can more reliably capture the ink mist in the image recording apparatus.

(4) The image recording apparatus according to (2), wherein the capturing member is arranged apart from the suction hole of the platen.

With the above structure, the trapping member is prevented from obstructing the passage of air through the suction hole even when the unnecessary substance is absorbed.

(5) The image recording apparatus according to (4), wherein the capture member is arranged on the inner surface of the platen support portion.

With the above structure, the trapping member can directly trap the unwanted substance in contact with the inner surface, and can more efficiently trap the unwanted substance.

(6) The image recording apparatus according to (4), wherein the capturing member is arranged at a position where the air flow generated by the suction means is blocked.

With the above structure, although the trapping member is arranged in a portion other than the portion in contact with the suction hole,
Since it is exposed to the air flow flowing by the suction means, the whole of itself can be used to more efficiently capture the unwanted substances.

(7) The image recording apparatus according to (2), wherein the capturing member is a sponge.

With the above structure, the trapping member can be easily replaced and can absorb and hold the unnecessary substance.

(8) The image recording apparatus according to (1), wherein the capturing means is a capturing member having an absorbing material that absorbs the unnecessary substance in a gaseous state.

With the above arrangement, since the trapping means has the absorbing material that absorbs the gaseous unnecessary substance,
The unwanted substances may be absorbed and captured, changing the properties of the gaseous unwanted substances. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaseous unnecessary substance from adversely affecting the image recording apparatus and provide the image apparatus.

(9) The image recording apparatus according to (8), wherein the capturing member has an activated carbon filter.

With the above structure, the trapping member can trap the gaseous unnecessary substance more reliably.

(10) The image recording apparatus according to (8), wherein the capturing member has a ceramic catalyst.

With the above structure, since the trapping member can change the property of the gaseous unwanted substance by absorbing and trapping the unwanted substance and catalytic reaction, the gaseous unwanted substance can be used in the image recording apparatus. It can prevent adverse effects.

(11) A recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen arranged on the opposite side of the recording means with the recording medium interposed therebetween, and having a plurality of suction holes, The air in the space defined by the platen support portion provided on the back surface side of the platen opposite to the recording medium and the back surface of the platen and the inner surface of the platen support portion is sucked, and the recording medium Between the platen and the platen, suction means for controlling the posture of the recording medium by generating a negative pressure or an airflow, and an image recording device having a recess at the bottom of the platen support. An image recording apparatus having an ink reservoir part that is formed.

With the above arrangement, the ink reservoir portion
Since the ink reservoir is arranged at the bottom of the platen support, the ink reservoir can contact the inner wall of the platen support and the back surface of the platen to collect the ink mist in a droplet state. Therefore, the ink reservoir can collect the ink mist without obstructing the passage of air through the suction holes. Therefore, the suction unit can generate a negative pressure or an air flow between the recording medium and the platen. Further, the ink reservoir section can maintain a desired ink recovery force for a long period of time by discharging the accumulated ink droplets. That is, since the image recording apparatus can be used without replacing the member for capturing the ink mist, it can be used for a long period of time while maintaining a desired ink collecting power.

(12) The image recording apparatus according to (11), wherein the ink reservoir is arranged at a position lower than the lowest point of the suction hole provided in the platen.

With the above structure, it is possible to prevent the ink mist droplets accumulated on the bottom of the platen from flowing out from the suction hole.

(13) The image recording apparatus according to (11), wherein the ink reservoir has an ink discharge hole.

With the above structure, the accumulated ink droplets can be discharged from time to time, so that the ink reservoir can maintain a desired ink recovery force for a long period of time.

(14) A recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen arranged on the opposite side of the recording means with the recording medium in between, and a platen having a plurality of suction holes, The air in the space defined by the platen support portion provided on the back surface side of the platen opposite to the recording medium and the back surface of the platen and the inner surface of the platen support portion is sucked, and the recording medium And an image recording apparatus having a suction means for controlling a posture of the recording medium by generating a negative pressure or an air flow between the platen and the platen, an exhaust port for exhausting air sucked by the suction means. An exhaust flow path that connects the suction means and the exhaust port, and an ink contact portion that is disposed in the course of the air flow passing through the exhaust flow path and that contacts ink in the air flow. Characterized by Image recording device.

With the above structure, since the ink contact portion is arranged in the exhaust flow path, the ink contact portion comes into contact with the ink mist in the air to be exhausted and collects it in a droplet state. obtain. Therefore, the image recording device is
The ink mist discharged to the outside of the machine can be eliminated or reduced. Further, since the image recording apparatus does not have a member for capturing the ink mist in the vicinity of the suction hole, the ink mist can be collected without obstructing the passage of air. Therefore, the recording medium support unit can maintain a desired suction force on the recording medium. Further, the image recording apparatus can maintain a desired ink recovery force for a long period by discharging the ink mist liquefied by the ink contact portion. That is, since the image recording apparatus can be used without replacing the member for capturing the ink mist, it can be used for a long period of time while maintaining a desired ink collecting power.

(15) The image recording apparatus according to (14), wherein the ink contact portion is formed by a meandering exhaust passage.

With the above structure, the ink contact portion can be formed by changing the shape of the exhaust flow path, and thus the ink contact portion can be easily formed. Further, when the exhaust passage is meandering, the probability that the ink mist contacts the ink contact portion increases. Therefore, the image recording apparatus described above can collect the ink mist more reliably.

(16) The image recording apparatus according to (14), further comprising a capturing means for capturing unnecessary substances, wherein the capturing means is provided on the inner wall of the exhaust passage.

With the above structure, since the trapping means is provided on the inner wall of the exhaust passage, it is possible to trap the unnecessary substance passing through the passage.

(17) A recording means for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen having a plurality of suction holes, a platen support part forming a space by the platen, and air in the space. In an image recording apparatus having a suction means for sucking, controlling means for controlling the attitude of the recording medium, and capturing means for capturing unnecessary substances sucked in the space, the capturing means is It is characterized by having an absorbing material that absorbs the unnecessary substance.

With the above structure, since the trapping means has the absorbing material that absorbs the gaseous unnecessary substance,
The unwanted substances may be absorbed and captured, changing the properties of the gaseous unwanted substances. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gaseous unnecessary substance from adversely affecting the image recording apparatus and provide the image apparatus.

[0145]

The present invention provides an image recording apparatus capable of reliably capturing an unwanted substance sucked into a recording medium holding portion for a long period of time and securely supporting the recording medium on a recording medium supporting member. provide.

The present invention also provides an image recording apparatus capable of eliminating or reducing unnecessary substances discharged outside the machine.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image recording device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the image recording device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an image recording device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the image recording device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an image recording device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an image recording device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the image recording device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a modified example of the image recording device according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an image recording device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the image recording device according to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a conventional image recording apparatus.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing another conventional image recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Image recording device 20 Transport means 30 ink head 40 carriage 50 recording medium support 51 Platen 52 Platen support 53 suction means 54 chamber 60 exhaust 61 Exhaust port 62 exhaust passage 70 Ink capture member 81 ink discharge hole

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2C056 EA27 HA29 HA33 JC17                 2C058 AB17 AC07 AD04 AE04 AE09                       AF23 AF25 AF31 DA04 DA11                       DA38 DB04                 2C060 BA02 BC03 BC04 BC12 BC14                       BC22 BC47

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen having a plurality of suction holes, a platen support section forming a space between the platen, and air in the space. A control means for controlling the posture of the recording medium, and a capture means for capturing the unwanted substance sucked into the space,
In the image recording apparatus having the above-mentioned, the capturing means is arranged in the space without blocking the suction hole of the platen. 2. A recording means for recording an image on a recording medium; a platen arranged on the opposite side of the recording means with the recording medium sandwiched therebetween; and a platen having a plurality of suction holes. A platen support portion provided on the back surface side of the platen, which is the opposite side of the medium, and air in the space defined by the back surface of the platen and the inner surface of the platen support portion is sucked, and the recording medium and An image recording apparatus comprising: suction means for controlling a posture of the recording medium by generating a negative pressure or an air flow between the platen and the platen; An image recording apparatus having an ink reservoir part which is present. 3. A recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen arranged on the opposite side of the recording unit with the recording medium interposed therebetween, and having a plurality of suction holes, the recording unit. A platen support portion provided on the back surface side of the platen, which is the opposite side of the medium, and air in the space defined by the back surface of the platen and the inner surface of the platen support portion is sucked, and the recording medium and In an image recording apparatus having a suction means for controlling a posture of the recording medium by generating a negative pressure or an air flow between the platen, and an exhaust port for exhausting air sucked by the suction means. An exhaust flow path that connects the suction means and the exhaust port, and an ink contact portion that is disposed in the course of the air flow that passes through the exhaust flow path and that contacts ink in the air flow. Characterized by That the image recording device. 4. A recording unit for recording an image on a recording medium, a platen having a plurality of suction holes, a platen support section forming a space with the platen, and suctioning air in the space. A control means for controlling the posture of the recording medium, and a capture means for capturing the unwanted substance sucked into the space,
In the image recording apparatus having the above-mentioned, the capturing means has an absorbing material that absorbs the unnecessary substance in a gaseous state.