JP6401815B2 - Gas-liquid separator and ink jet recording apparatus provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas-liquid separator and an ink jet recording apparatus including the same.

  As a background art in this technical field, there is Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-172932). In this Patent Document 1, in a so-called continuous type ink jet recording apparatus, ink is ejected from a nozzle to perform printing. Only the ink particles used for charging are charged with the charging electrode, and the charged ink particles are deflected in the flight direction with the deflection electrode to perform printing, and the ink particles not used for printing are sucked into the gutter and collected, and used again for printing. Is. In the gutter, ambient air is also sucked at the same time when ink particles are sucked and collected. It is described that the sucked air continues to be sent into the ink container, and is thus configured to be discharged out of the apparatus from the ink container.

  Moreover, there exists patent document 2 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2003-4343), and this patent document 2 is respectively couple | bonded with the casing in the air conditioning apparatus, and the opening formed in the wall part of the said casing, A gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe into which a refrigerant that has been mixed with the liquid phase into a gas-liquid two-phase flow flows in, a liquid outlet pipe through which the liquid phase of the refrigerant flows out, and a gas outlet through which the gas phase of the refrigerant flows out A gas-liquid separator comprising a tube is described.

JP 2009-172932 A JP 2003-4343 A

  For example, in the so-called continuous ink jet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, ambient air is simultaneously sucked from a gutter when ink particles are sucked and collected. Since ink and air are flowing simultaneously in the ink recovery path, the solvent component contained in the ink is volatilized and dissolved in the air to become a saturated solvent gas. Since this solvent gas is discharged from the ink container to the outside of the apparatus, the ink concentration in the ink container becomes higher as the solvent component is volatilized in the ink recovery path. In order to prevent deterioration in print quality due to a change in ink density, the ink container is configured to be replenished with the solvent as much as the solvent component volatilizes in the ink recovery path. Further, the volatilization of the solvent component in the ink is promoted as the temperature inside the apparatus main body increases. This leads to a deterioration in the running cost of the customer's inkjet recording apparatus. For example, in the gas-liquid separation device described in Patent Document 2, there is a problem that gas-liquid separation cannot be performed when the installation direction is changed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that uses a gas-liquid separator that can be installed in any direction to reduce solvent consumption during operation.

  In order to solve the above problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted. The present invention includes a casing having a chamber therein, a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe coupled to the casing and connected to the chamber, a gas outlet pipe for discharging gas in the chamber, and a liquid in the chamber A gas-liquid separator comprising a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe for discharging gas, wherein a gap is formed around the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe in the chamber.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas-liquid separator that is small and directional, and according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus that can reduce solvent consumption.

1 is an external perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the use condition of an inkjet recording device. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a print head of an ink jet recording apparatus. It is a conceptual diagram of the main body internal structure of an inkjet recording device. It is the schematic which shows the principle of operation of an inkjet recording device. The external appearance perspective view and exploded perspective view of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1 of this invention are shown. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1, a side view, and a central part longitudinal section are shown. The partial enlarged view of Fig.7 (a) is shown. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of Example 2, a side view, and a central part longitudinal section are shown. The partial enlarged view of Fig.9 (a) is shown. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of Example 3, a side view, and a central part longitudinal section are shown. FIG. 11 shows a partially enlarged view of FIG. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of Example 4, a side view, and a central part longitudinal section are shown. FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a path configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus of Example 5. FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 15. FIG. 10 is a path configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus of Example 6. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 17. FIG. 9 shows a path configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus of Example 7. FIG. 9 is a path configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus of Example 8. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of another form of Example 1 is shown. The liquid flow of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1 is shown. The flow of the liquid in each direction of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1 is shown. The liquid flow at the time of changing the gas-liquid inlet of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1 is shown. The flow of the liquid in each direction at the time of changing the gas-liquid inflow port of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1 is shown. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of another form of Example 1 is shown. The whole sectional view of the gas-liquid separator of another form of Example 1 is shown. FIG. 10 is a fluid path diagram illustrating the flow of ink, air, and solvent when a printing operation according to the embodiment of Example 5 is performed with bold lines. It is a fluid path | route figure which shows the flow of the ink, air, and a solvent in case the viscosity measurement by embodiment of Example 5 or solvent replenishment is performed with a thick line. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of a print head of an ink jet recording apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. It is a fluid path | route figure which shows the flow of the ink, air, and solvent when the printing operation by embodiment of Example 6 is performed with the thick line. It is a fluid path | route figure which shows the flow of the ink, air, and a solvent when the viscosity measurement by embodiment of Example 6 or solvent replenishment is performed with a thick line. It is a fluid path | route figure which shows the flow of the ink, air, and a solvent in case the reverse cleaning of the gas-liquid separator by embodiment of Example 6 is performed with a thick line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to a following example. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of an ink jet recording apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus main body, 2 is a print head, 3 is an operation display unit, and 4 is a conduit. The ink jet recording apparatus includes an operation display unit 3 in a main body 1 and a print head 2 outside. The main body 1 and the print head 2 are connected by a conduit 4.

  Next, the use state of this ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, 1 is an ink jet recording apparatus main body, 2 is a print head, 4 is a conduit, 13 is a printing object on which numbers and characters are printed, 15 is a belt conveyor for conveying the printing object, and 16 is a belt conveyor 15. A rotary encoder 17 for measuring the conveying distance is a print sensor.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 300 is installed on a production line in a factory where food, beverages, and the like are produced, for example, the main body 1 is installed at a position where a user can operate, and the print head 2 is on a production line such as a belt conveyor 15. Is placed at a position where it can come close to the printing object 13 to be fed. In order to print on the production line such as the belt conveyor 15 with the same width regardless of the feeding speed, the encoder 16 that outputs a signal corresponding to the feeding speed to the ink jet recording apparatus 400 and the printing object 13 are detected. A print sensor 17 that outputs a signal for instructing printing to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 is installed, and each is connected to a control unit (not shown) in the main body 1. In accordance with signals from the encoder 16 and the print sensor 17, the control unit controls the charge amount and charging timing of the ink particles 7 </ b> C ejected from the nozzle 8, and charges while the print target 13 passes near the print head 2. The deflected ink particles 7C are attached to the print object 13 for printing.

  Next, the configuration of the print head 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the print head cover 52 is attached to the print head 2. Inside the print head 2 are a nozzle 8 for ejecting ink particles, a charging electrode 11 for charging ink particles to be printed, a deflection electrode 12 for deflecting ink particles, and a gutter 14 for collecting non-printing ink particles. It is arranged on the line. Further, a gas-liquid separator 100 is installed beside the nozzle 8. Reference numeral 53 denotes an opening from which ink particles to be printed are ejected. The gas-liquid separator 100 is installed in the print head in FIG. 3, but is not limited to this. The gas-liquid separator will be described in detail later.

  Next, the configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus main body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink jet recording apparatus. Electric parts such as a control circuit 300 are arranged on the upper part of the main body 1, and an operation display unit 3 is installed on the upper front surface. Further, an ink container 18 that stores ink to be supplied to the nozzle, a solvent container (not shown) that stores the solvent to be supplied to the nozzle, and an ink concentration in the ink container 18 are detected on the front side 610 of the lower portion of the main body 1. Contains a densitometer (not shown). Further, a circulation system control component such as an electromagnetic valve 22 and a pump unit 24 is accommodated in the rear side 620 of the lower portion of the main body 1. In the conduit 4, a high-voltage power supply line and a control line for applying the electrodes and the electrodes through which ink flows in and out are arranged. Further, by opening the front door 600 of the lower part 610 of the main body 1, the ink container 18 and the solvent container can be taken out from the main body 1, so that maintenance such as replenishment and disposal of ink and solvent can be easily performed. It has become.

  Next, the operation principle of the ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, 18 is an ink container, 7A is ink, 24 is a pump that pressurizes and delivers ink, 9 is an electrostrictive element that vibrates at a predetermined frequency when a voltage is applied, 8 is a nozzle that ejects ink, and 7B is ink. It is a pillar. Reference numeral 11 denotes a charging electrode for charging ink particles, 7C denotes ink particles, 12 denotes a deflection electrode, 13 denotes an object to be printed, and 14 denotes a gutter for collecting ink particles not to be printed.

  The ink 7A in the ink container 18 is sucked and pressurized by the pump 24 to become an ink column 7B and is discharged from the nozzle 8. The nozzle 8 is provided with an electrostrictive element 9, and the ink column 7B ejected from the nozzle 8 is made into particles by applying vibration to the ink at a predetermined frequency. The number of ink particles 7C thus generated is determined by the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the electrostrictive element 9, and is the same as the frequency. The ink particles 7 </ b> C can be charged by applying a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the print information at the charging electrode 11.

  The ink particles 7C charged by the charging electrode 11 are deflected by receiving a force proportional to the charge amount while flying in the electric field between the deflection electrodes 12, and fly toward the print target 13 and land. To do. At that time, the landing position of the ink particle 7C changes in the deflection direction according to the charge amount, and the production line 13 moves the print target 13 in the direction orthogonal to the deflection direction, so that the ink particle 7C also moves in the direction orthogonal to the deflection direction. Particles can be landed, and a character is composed of a plurality of landed particles for printing. The ink particles 7C that have not been used for printing fly linearly between the deflection electrodes 12 and are collected by the main ink container 18 via a path after being captured by the gutter 14.

  Next, the gas-liquid separator according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A gas-liquid separator is a device that separates a gas and a liquid and acts to recover a solvent. 6 shows an external perspective view and an exploded perspective view of the gas-liquid separator of Example 1, and FIG. 7 shows an overall cross-sectional view, a side view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the central portion of the gas-liquid separator. FIG. 8 shows a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6 to 8, 111 is a gas outlet pipe, 102 is a casing in which the gas outlet pipe 111 is inserted and fixed, 112 is a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe, 113 is a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe, and 101 is a gas-liquid two-phase pipe. A casing 101 </ b> A in which the inflow pipe 112 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 are inserted and fixed is a chamber. Here, a pump (not shown) is installed on the secondary side of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 so that a suction force from the gas-liquid separator 100 toward the pump side works.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the configuration of the gas-liquid separator 100 according to the first embodiment has a cylindrical shape and has a hole in the center by cutting the outer periphery for fitting from a predetermined position. The gas outlet pipe 111 is inserted and fixed in the casing 102, and is cylindrical in order to be fitted to a predetermined position, and has a hole through which two pipes pass. 112 and the casing 102 in which the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 is inserted and fixed are fitted together to form a chamber with a space at the center. Here, the method of joining the casing 101 and the casing 102, the gas outlet pipe 111, the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112, and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 is welding, adhesive, press-fitting, or screwing. Various methods are conceivable and are not particularly limited. The external dimensions of the casing (a combination of the casing 101 and the casing 102) of the gas-liquid separator 100 are, for example, an outer diameter of φ8 [mm] and a height of about 10 [mm].

  Next, FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separator 100A of the first embodiment. In the gas-liquid separator 100A, the casing 101 and the casing 102 are fitted and combined to form a casing, and a cylindrical chamber 101A is formed therein. The gas outlet pipe 111 communicates with the chamber 101 </ b> A from the center of one end surface of the casing 102. In addition, the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 is inserted to the back of the chamber 101A, and the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 is not inserted to the back of the chamber 101A, but is inserted to the inner wall forming the chamber 101A. And fix.

  FIG. 7B shows a view from the A direction in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7C shows a view from the B direction in FIG. 7A. 7B and 7C, a gas outlet pipe 111 is arranged at the center of a casing 102 forming a columnar casing, and the central point of the opposite cylindrical casing 101 is gas-liquid symmetrically. A two-phase outlet pipe 113 and a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 are arranged and fixed. FIG. 7D shows a view in the C direction at the center of the chamber 101A in FIG. 7A, and the space between the outer shape of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet tube 113 and the inner wall of the casing 101 in the chamber 101A. Is configured to form a gap.

  Next, FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the dotted frame D in FIG. In FIG. 8, the distal end of the gas outlet pipe 111 is inserted and fixed to the inner wall 53 of the casing 102. A cylindrical recess having a depth L1 is provided on the inner wall 53 so as to form a gap 101B between the casing 102 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. Further, a gap 101C is formed between the inner peripheral wall of the casing 101 and the outer peripheral wall of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. In FIG. 8, 111A is a hole in the gas outlet pipe, and 113A is a hole in the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe.

  As described above, by forming the gaps 101B and 101C around the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113, the suction force by a pump or the like connected to the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 is transmitted to these gaps. Since the liquid accumulated in 101A is sucked through the gaps 101B and 101C and discharged to the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113, it can be recovered from the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. Specifically, the distance L1 between the tip of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 and the inner wall of the chamber is the distance between the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 and the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 or the length of the chamber 101A in the cylindrical axis direction. In the first embodiment, L1 = 0.3 mm and L3 = 3 mm according to the surface tension of the liquid. Further, the distance L2 between the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 and the inner wall of the chamber 101A is set to L2 = 0.3 mm, which is equal to L1, so that the liquid gathers around the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. I have to. In the gas-liquid separator 100A of the present invention, gas-liquid separation can be performed even if the gas outlet pipe 111 and the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 are replaced.

  According to the first embodiment, by installing the gas-liquid separator 100A in the gas-liquid two-phase flow path, when the gas-liquid flows from the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112, the gas outlet pipe 111 (if When the gas and liquid are allowed to flow from the gas outlet pipe 111, the liquid discharge can be prevented from the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112). In the gas-liquid separator 100A according to the present embodiment, gas-liquid separation is performed by using the difference in surface tension between the liquid and the gas that are not easily affected by the direction of gravity due to various installation postures such as upward, downward, and lateral. Yes. As another form of the present embodiment, the connection position of the gas outlet pipe 111 connected to the casing 103 may be shifted from the center as in the gas-liquid separator 100E shown in FIG.

  Next, the operation of the gas-liquid separator 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the operation when the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 112 is provided on the casing 101 side will be described with reference to FIG. 22A shows the internal structure of the gas-liquid separator 100A and the flow of the gas-liquid, and FIG. 22B shows the flow of the liquid in the MM cross section in FIG. 22A. It is a figure. First, in the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 112 provided in the casing 101, the gas and the liquid 105 are mixed and flowed into the chamber 101A in the direction of the arrow of the gas-liquid inflow flow 115. Next, in the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 provided in the casing 101, the liquid is recovered from 101A in a state where the gas and the liquid 107 are mixed in the direction of the arrow of the gas-liquid recovery flow 116. Here, a pump or the like is provided on the secondary side of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113, and a suction force for separating and collecting the liquid 107 is working.

  In the chamber 101A, when the liquid 105 in the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 112 flows into the chamber 101A, it first temporarily accumulates in the lower part according to gravity. The liquid 106A accumulated in the lower part is transferred between the pipe 113 and the chamber 101A by the surface tension and the suction force of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 in the direction of the arrow of the liquid recovery flow 118 along the wall of the chamber 101A. The liquid 106B collects in the gaps (101B and 101C shown in FIG. 8), and then the liquid 106B is sucked from the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. For the chamber 106A, for example, by increasing the wettability of the surrounding wall surface by surface treatment, grinding, or material selection, the liquid 106A can easily gather in the gap (101B, 101C shown in FIG. 8). The wettability is preferably so-called hydrophilicity, and the higher the wettability, the better the recoverability.

  In the gas outlet pipe 111 provided in the casing 102, since the liquid 106B in the chamber 101A can be sucked by the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113, only the gas flows out of the chamber 101A in the direction of the arrow of the gas discharge flow 116. . In the gas discharge flow 116, the liquid 115 is hardly mixed and the gas can be discharged. Here, although the flow rate of the gas-liquid recovery flow 116 depends on the flow rate of the inflowing liquid 105, the liquid 105 can be recovered as long as it is 20% or more of the gas-liquid inflowing flow 115. For example, when the flow rate of the gas-liquid inflow stream 115 is 200 [ml / min], the flow rate of the gas-liquid recovery flow 116 is 40 [ml / min] (= 20 [%] of 200 [ml / min]). ), The flow rate of the gas discharge flow 117 is 160 [ml / min].

  FIG. 23 shows the flow of liquid in each direction of the gas-liquid separator 100A of the first embodiment. FIG. 23 (a) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. 22 (a) by 180 °, FIG. 23 (b) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. 22 (a) by 90 °, and FIG. 23 (c) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. 22 (a). It is rotated by 270 °. As shown in the figure, gas-liquid separation is possible in any direction. In the gas-liquid separator 100 according to the present invention, it is possible to provide the gas-liquid separator 100 which is hardly affected by gravity and can be gas-liquid separated regardless of the installation direction.

  Next, the operation when the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 and the gas outlet pipe 111 shown in FIG. 22 are replaced and the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 is provided on the casing 102 side will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24A shows the internal structure of the gas-liquid separator 100A and the flow of gas-liquid, and FIG. 24B shows the flow of liquid on the NN cross section in FIG. It is a figure. First, in the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 112 provided in the casing 102, the gas and the liquid 105 flow into 101A in a mixed state in the direction of the arrow of the gas-liquid inflow flow 115.

  Next, in the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113 provided in the casing 101, the liquid is recovered from the chamber 101A in a state where the gas and the liquid 107 are mixed in the direction of the arrow of the gas-liquid recovery flow 116. Here, a pump or the like is provided on the secondary side of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113, and a suction force for separating and collecting the liquid 107 is working. In the chamber 101A, when the liquid 105 in the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 112 flows into the chamber 101A, it first temporarily accumulates in the lower part according to gravity. The liquid 106 </ b> A accumulated in the lower portion has a gap between the pipe 113 and the chamber 101 </ b> A (101 </ b> B, 101 </ b> C shown in FIG. 8) in the direction of the arrow of the liquid recovery flow 118 due to the surface tension and the suction force of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. ) And the liquid 106B is then sucked from the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113. In the gas outlet pipe 111 provided in the casing 101, since the liquid 106B in the chamber 101A can be sucked by the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 113, only the gas flows out of the chamber 101A in the direction of the arrow of the gas discharge flow 117. . Here, in the gas discharge flow 116, the liquid 115 is hardly mixed and the gas can be discharged.

  FIG. 25 shows the flow of liquid in each direction of the gas-liquid separator 100A of the first embodiment. FIG. 25 (a) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. 24 (a) by 180 °, FIG. 25 (b) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. 24 (a) by 90 °, and FIG. 25 (c) is a view obtained by rotating FIG. It is rotated by 270 °. As shown in the figure, gas-liquid separation is possible in any direction. In the gas-liquid separator 100 according to the present invention, the gas-liquid separator 100 is hardly affected by gravity, can be gas-liquid separated regardless of the installation direction, and can replace the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 112 and the gas outlet pipe 111. Can provide.

  Next, another form of the gas-liquid separator 100A in the present embodiment is shown in FIGS. First, in the gas-liquid separator 100 </ b> F of FIG. 26, the gas outlet 171 </ b> A is provided in the casing 171 and connected to the chamber 101 </ b> A, and the casing 171 is combined with the casing 101. As a result, the gas-liquid separator 100F discharges the gas in the chamber 101A to the outside through the gas outlet 171A as indicated by the gas discharge flow 117. 27, the gas outlet 172A is provided in the casing 172, connected to the chamber 101A, and the casing 172 is combined with the casing 102. As a result, the gas-liquid separator 100G discharges the gas in the chamber 101A to the outside through the gas outlet 171A, as indicated by the gas discharge flow 117. When the purpose is not to discharge the liquid 105 to the outside as described above, the configuration shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 can be used.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, most of the fluid flowing in the gas-liquid mixture can be separated and removed (or recovered) from one outlet and sucked, and only the gas is discharged from the other outlet. It is a gas-liquid separator that can be used, and since the flow by surface tension and suction force is used, the installation direction can be freely set, and furthermore, it can be realized with a simple structure.

  As a result, the gas-liquid separator can be made compact, leading to space saving of the installation location, and the simple structure can reduce the cost of the gas-liquid separator, and gas-liquid separation can be performed regardless of the installation direction. Therefore, it is possible to use even a product (role) whose installation direction cannot be determined.

(Example 2)
Next, the invention according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 shows an overall cross-sectional view, a side view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the central portion of the gas-liquid separator 100B, and FIG. 10 shows a partially enlarged view of FIG. In FIG. 9A, 131 is a gas outlet pipe, 122 is a casing for inserting and fixing the gas outlet pipe 131, 132 is a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe, 133 is a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe, and 121 is a gas-liquid two-phase pipe. A casing for inserting and fixing the inflow pipe 132 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133, 121A is a chamber, and 123 is a block disposed in 121A. Here, if the material of the block 123 is a resin, it can be easily manufactured by molding or the like.

  In the gas-liquid separator 100B, a casing 122 is formed by fitting and combining the casing 122 and the casing 121, a cylindrical chamber 121A is formed inside the casing, and a kamaboko block 123 is installed in the chamber 121A. The gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 131 is inserted into a hole provided in the center of one end surface of the cylindrical casing 122 and communicates with the chamber 121A. Further, the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133 and the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 132 are inserted into and communicated with the cylindrical casing 121 symmetrically at the center point to the vicinity of the wall of the chamber 121A. Then, the block 123 is installed at the location of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133, and a gap is formed around the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133. This gap will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9B shows a view from the E direction of FIG. The gas outlet pipe 131 is disposed at the center of the cylindrical casing 122. FIG. 9C is a view as viewed from the direction F in FIG. 9A, and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133 and the gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 132 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the casing 121. Is arranged. FIG. 9D shows a GG cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A, in which a semicircular block 123 is installed at the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133 inside the circular chamber 121A. ing. In addition, a space 123A is provided at the center of the block 123 so that the inflow of gas and liquid from the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 132 is not hindered.

  Next, an enlarged view of a dotted line frame H portion of FIG. 9A is shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, a casing is formed by fitting and incorporating a casing 122 in which a gas outlet pipe 131 is inserted and fixed, and a casing 121 in which a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133 is inserted and fixed, and a chamber 121A in the space is formed in the casing. The block 123 is installed at the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133 of the chamber 121A. A gap 121B is formed between the block 123 and the inner wall of the casing 122, a gap 121C is formed between the block 123 and the inner peripheral wall of the casing 121, and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 133 is further connected. A gap 121D is formed between the inserted casing 121 and the block 123. In FIG. 10, 131A is a hole of the gas outlet pipe, 133A is a hole of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe, 123A is a space portion of the block 123, and 123B, 123C, 123E, 123D are between the block 123 and the casing 121. A gap is formed by the convex portion.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, by providing the block 123 in the chamber 121A, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing of parts, shorten the manufacturing time, and further reduce the manufacturing cost. Can be provided.

(Example 3)
Next, the invention according to Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 shows an overall cross-sectional view, a side view, and an LL cross-sectional view of the central portion of the gas-liquid separator 100C, and FIG. 12 shows a partially enlarged view of FIG. In FIG. 11A, 151 is a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe, 152 is a gas outlet pipe, 153 is a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe, 142 is a casing in which a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe is inserted and fixed, and 141 is a gas outlet. A casing 143 in which the pipe 152 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 are inserted and fixed, 143 is a porous plate installed in the chamber 141A. In the gas-liquid separator 100C, the casing 142 and the casing 141 are fitted and combined to form a casing, and a cylindrical chamber 141A is formed inside the casing. In addition, a porous plate 143 is provided with a gap in the wall of the casing 142 of the chamber 141A. The gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 151 is inserted and fixed from the center of one end surface of the cylindrical casing 142 and communicates with the chamber 141A. The gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 is inserted and fixed to the casing 141 to the back of the chamber 141A, and the gas outlet pipe 152 is inserted and fixed to the chamber 141A so as to communicate with each other.

  FIG. 11B shows a view from the J direction of FIG. 11A, and a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 151 is arranged at the center of the casing 142. FIG. 11C shows a view from the K direction of FIG. 11A, and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 and the gas outlet pipe 152 are arranged in a point-symmetrical position with respect to the center of the casing 141. FIG. 11D shows an LL cross-sectional view of FIG. 11A, and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 protruding into the cylindrical chamber 141A forms a gap with the inner peripheral wall of the casing 141. ing.

  FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of the dotted frame M in FIG. In FIG. 12, a casing 142 in which a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe 151 is inserted and fixed and a casing 141 in which a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 is inserted and fixed are fitted and assembled to form a casing. The chamber 141A is formed, and the porous plate 143 is installed at the casing 142 of the chamber 141A. Further, a recess is formed between the casing 142 and the porous plate 143 so as to have a gap 142A. Furthermore, a gap 141B is also formed between the porous plate 143 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153, and a gap 141C is also formed between the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 and the casing 141, so that the surface tension of the liquid Or the flow of suction makes it easier for gas and liquid to come out of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153. In the gas-liquid separator 100C, a porous plate 143 is installed between the gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 151 and the chamber 141A.

  According to the present embodiment, for example, when the ink mist flows together with the liquid, the ink mist is once supplemented, and when the liquid flows into the chamber 141A, the ink mist is dissolved in the liquid. Suction can be performed from the phase outlet pipe 153. Thereby, the ink mist discharged | emitted from the gas exit pipe | tube 152 can be reduced.

Example 4
Next, the invention according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 shows an overall cross-sectional view, a side view, and a ZZ cross-sectional view of the central portion of the gas-liquid separator 100D, and FIG. 14 shows a partially enlarged view of FIG. 13 (a). In FIG. 13A, 161 is a gas outlet pipe, 162 is a gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe, 163 is a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe, 165 is a casing in which a gas outlet pipe is inserted and fixed, and 160 is a gas-liquid two-phase inlet. A casing 162 in which the pipe 162 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 are inserted and fixed is an outer pipe 164 in which the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 is doubled. In the gas-liquid separator 100D, the casing 165 and the casing 160 are fitted and combined to form a casing, and a cylindrical chamber 160A is formed inside the casing. Further, the tip portion of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 has a double structure and protrudes and is fixed to the back of the chamber 160A. The double structure is formed from the tip of the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 to the middle of the casing 160. The gas-liquid two-phase inflow pipe 162 is inserted and fixed to the chamber 160A, and is communicated with the chamber 160A.

  FIG. 13B shows a view from the X direction of FIG. 13A, and a gas outlet pipe 161 is arranged at the center of the casing 165. FIG. 13C shows a view from the Y direction of FIG. 13A, and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 and the gas outlet pipe 162 are arranged in a point-symmetrical position with respect to the center of the casing 160. FIG. 13D shows a ZZ cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A, in which a double gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 protruding into the cylindrical chamber 160A is spaced from the inner peripheral wall of the casing 160. Is forming.

  Further, FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of the dotted line frame N in FIG. In FIG. 14, a casing 165 in which a gas outlet pipe 161 is inserted and fixed and a casing 160 in which a gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 is inserted and fixed are fitted and assembled to form a casing, and a chamber 160A in the space is formed in the casing. The gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 has a double structure by providing a pipe 164 on the outer periphery thereof. Therefore, a gap 160C is formed between the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 and the pipe 164 on the outside, and a gap 160D is formed between the outer pipe of the double structure and the inner peripheral wall of the casing 160. Further, the outer tube 164 having a double structure may constitute a hole 164A on the outer wall side of the chamber 160A. There is a possibility that the liquid accumulated in the gap 160D can be easily sucked from the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 through the hole 164A. A recess is formed between the casing 165 and the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163 so as to have a gap 160B. Thus, according to the present embodiment, by forming a gap around the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 163, the liquid can be easily discharged from the gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 153 due to the surface tension of the liquid and the flow of suction. .

(Example 5)
Next, the path configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the overall path configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 400. The inkjet recording apparatus 400 includes a main body 1, a print head 2, and a conduit 4 that connects the main body 1 and the print head 2. As for the gas-liquid separator 100 provided in the main body 1, the gas-liquid separator 100A described in the first embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 100B described in the second embodiment, or the gas-liquid described in the third embodiment. The separator 100C and the gas-liquid separator 100D described in the fourth embodiment are used.

  Next, an ink supply path in the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 15 will be described. First, the ink supply path of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 of this embodiment will be described. The main body 1 is provided with a main ink container 18 that holds the circulating ink 7A, and the main ink container 18 has a reference amount that is appropriate for holding the liquid in the main ink container 18 inside. A liquid level sensor 38 is provided for detecting whether or not the liquid level has been reached.

  The main ink container 18 is connected to an electromagnetic valve 22A that opens and closes a path via a path 201, and the electromagnetic valve 22A is connected to a merging path 291 via a path 202. The merging path 291 is connected to a pump (for supply) 24 used for sucking and pressure-feeding the ink 7A via the path 203. The pump (for supply) 24 is connected via a path 204 to a filter (for supply) 28 that removes foreign matters mixed in the ink 7A.

  The filter 28 is connected to a pressure reducing valve 33 that adjusts the pressure to an appropriate pressure for printing the ink 7A pumped from the pump (for supply) 24 via the path 205, and the pressure reducing valve 33 is connected via the path 206. A pressure gauge 31 for measuring the pressure of the ink 7A supplied to the nozzle is provided. The pressure gauge 31 is provided in the print head 2 via a path 207 passing through the conduit 4 and is connected to a nozzle 8 having an ejection port for ejecting ink 7A. A gutter 14 for capturing ink particles 7C that fly straight without being charged or deflected because it is not used for printing is disposed in the straight direction of the nozzle 8 outlet.

  Next, the ink recovery path of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The gutter 14 is connected to a filter (for recovery) 30 that removes foreign matters mixed in the ink disposed in the main body 1 via a path 211 passing through the conduit 4. 30 is connected to a solenoid valve 22B that opens and closes the path via a path 212. The electromagnetic valve 22B is connected to a pump (for recovery) 25 that sucks the ink particles 7C captured by the gutter 14 via a path 213. The pump (for recovery) 25 is connected to the merging path 292 via the path 214, and the merging path 292 is connected to the main ink container 18 via the path 215.

  Next, the ink supply path will be described with reference to FIG. The main body 1 is provided with an auxiliary ink container 19 that holds ink for replenishment. The auxiliary ink container 19 is connected to an electromagnetic valve 22 </ b> C that opens and closes the path via the path 221. The electromagnetic valve 22C is connected to the merging path 291 through the path 222.

  Next, the ink circulation path will be described with reference to FIG. The nozzle 8 provided in the print head 2 is provided in the main body 1 through a path 225 passing through the conduit 4 in addition to the ink supply path 207 and is connected to an electromagnetic valve 22D that opens and closes the flow path. Has been. The electromagnetic valve 22 </ b> D is connected to a pump (for circulation) 26 that sucks ink from the nozzles 8 through a path 226, and the pump (for circulation) 26 is connected to a merging path 292 through a path 227. It has become.

  Next, the ink viscosity measurement path will be described with reference to FIG. In order to grasp the viscosity of the ink 7A in the main ink container 18, a viscosity measuring device 21 is provided. A flow path on the primary side of the viscosity measuring device 21 is connected to a filter (for viscosity measurement) 34 that removes foreign matters mixed in the ink 7 </ b> A via a path 232, and the filter (for viscosity measurement) 34. Is connected to the main ink container 18 via a path 231. The flow path on the secondary side of the viscosity measuring device 21 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 22E for opening and closing the flow path via the path 233, and the electromagnetic valve 22E joins the path 226 via the path 234. Connected to the merging path 293.

  Next, the solvent supply path of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 15 will be described. The main body 1 is provided with a solvent container 20 for holding a solvent for solvent replenishment. The solvent container 20 is connected to a pump (for solvent) 27 used for sucking and pumping the solvent through a path 236. It is connected. The pump (for solvent) 27 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 22F for opening and closing the flow path via the path 237, and the electromagnetic valve 22F is connected to the main ink container 18 via the path 238.

  Next, an exhaust path and a liquid recovery path of the ink jet recording apparatus of FIG. 15 will be described. The main ink container 18 is connected to a gas-liquid separator 100 installed in the main body 1 via a path 241. The gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator 100 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 22G to open and close the flow path via the path 243, and the electromagnetic valve 22G joins the path 226 via the path 244. Connected to the merging path 294. The gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator 100 is connected to the inside of the exhaust duct 50 attached to the main body 1. The gas-liquid separator 100 is installed inside the exhaust duct 50 installed outside the machine as an example in the present embodiment, but is not limited to this. About the gas-liquid separator 100, it is better to install the gas-liquid separator 100 in a place where it is hardly affected by the temperature rise inside the main body 1. For example, when the gas-liquid separator 100 and the path 241 are air-cooled by the fan 51, Become more.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 28 is a fluid path diagram showing the ink flow and the air flow with thick lines when the printing operation is performed (when the ink is ejected from the nozzles 8) in the ink jet recording apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment. . During the driving operation in which the printing operation is performed, the electromagnetic valve 22A is energized to open the flow path, and the ink 7A stored in the main ink container 18 is pumped (supplied for supply) as indicated by the ink supply flow 321. ) Is supplied to the nozzle 8 by operating 24. Here, the ink flow rate of the ink supply flow 321 is about 3.5 [ml / min when the hole diameter of the nozzle 8 is 65 [μm] and the ink supply pressure to the nozzle 8 is 0.250 [MPa], for example. ].

  Further, in the ink recovery path, the electromagnetic valve 22B is energized to open the flow path, and the ink particles 7C that have not been used for printing operate the pump (for recovery) 25 as indicated by the ink recovery flow 322. As a result, the ink is recovered from the gutter 14 to the main ink container 18 and the ink is circulated in the apparatus. Here, in the ink recovery flow 322, the ink particles 7C ejected from the nozzle 8 (about 3.5 [ml / min]) and the ink particles used for printing (assuming 0.5 [ml / min]) In the case of (Yes), the ink having a difference of about 3.0 [ml / min] (= 3.5−0.5) is collected from the gutter 14. Further, in the ink recovery flow 322, air sucked together with ink from the gutter 14 flows. This is because the path 211 for connecting the gutter 14 in the print head 2 and the pump (for recovery) 25 in the main body 1 is about 4 [m], and when trying to suck only ink, the load becomes large and suction cannot be performed. This is because the ink overflows from the gutter 14. Therefore, when ink is sucked from the gutter 14, air is sucked by about 150 [ml / min]. That is, in the ink recovery flow 322, the ink (for example, about 3.0 [ml / min]) and the air (for example, about 150 [ml / min]) are both mixed with the ink and air by gas-liquid mixing. Flowing.

  The ink 7A used in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 is required to be dried immediately after printing, and a highly volatile solvent (for example, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, ethanol, etc.) is used as the solvent of the ink 7A. Is done. Since a highly volatile solvent is used for the ink 7A, solvent vapor close to the saturated vapor concentration is dissolved in the air flowing through the ink recovery flow 322. Further, the solvent vapor is dissolved in the air by the temperature of the main ink container 18 due to the temperature rise of the main body 1.

  Next, in FIG. 28, the solvent gas circulation flow 323, the liquid recovery flow 324, and the exhaust flow 325 will be described. In the liquid recovery path, the solenoid valve 22G is energized to open the flow path, and as shown in the liquid recovery flow 324, the liquid flowing into the gas-liquid separator 100 is operated by operating the pump (for circulation) 26. Collected in the ink container 18. Here, in the liquid recovery flow 324, the liquid and saturated solvent vapor flow in a gas-liquid mixed state. The liquid is, for example, about 2.5 [ml / hour] (environmental temperature 20 [° C.]), and the solvent vapor is The flow rate is about 80 [ml / min].

  The main ink container 18 is configured to receive and hold ink flowing through the ink recovery flow 322 and liquid flowing through the liquid recovery flow 324. The solvent vapor (about 150 [ml / min]) flowing through the ink recovery flow 322 and the solvent vapor (about 80 [ml / min]) flowing through the liquid recovery flow 324 are combined at about 230 [ml / min. ] (= 150 + 80) flows into the main ink container 18 and then flows into the gas-liquid separator 100 through the path 241 as shown by the solvent gas circulation flow 323. About 230 [ml / min] of the solvent vapor is partially liquefied due to a temperature difference between the main ink container 18 and the gas-liquid separator 100 (for example, about 2.5 [ml / hour] (environmental temperature 20 [° C.]). ]))), And flows into the gas-liquid separator 100. In the gas-liquid separator 100, since the liquid can be sucked from the liquid recovery path 243, gas (solvent gas, flow rate of about 150 [ml / min]) is discharged out of the apparatus to the path 242. This is shown in the figure as an exhaust flow 325.

  Next, in the ink jet recording apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 29, a fluid path indicated by a thick line when the viscosity is measured and when the solvent is replenished, the ink flow, the air flow, and the solvent flow. FIG. The ink supply flow 321 and the ink recovery flow 322 are the same as in FIG.

  In FIG. 29, the solvent gas that has flowed into the main ink container 18 from the ink recovery flow 322 is discharged from the gas-liquid separator 100 into the exhaust duct 50 and further out of the apparatus, as indicated by the exhaust flows 326 and 327. The In addition, when the viscosity is measured, the electromagnetic valve 22E is energized to open the flow path, and the ink 7A stored in the main ink container 18 operates the pump (for circulation) 26 as indicated by the ink flow 328 during the viscosity measurement. Is supplied to the viscometer 21. By operating in this way, the pump (for circulation) 27 is selectively used for the liquid recovery flow 324 and the ink flow 328 during viscosity measurement.

In addition, the ink concentration in the main ink container 18 increases due to the evaporation of the solvent in the ink in the ink recovery flow 322. Therefore, the concentration of ink supplied to the nozzle 8 is adjusted by periodically replenishing the main ink container 18 with the solvent. During the solvent replenishment, as shown in the solvent replenishment flow 329, the solenoid valve 22F is energized to open the flow path, and the solvent stored in the solvent container 20 operates the pump (for solvent) 27 to operate the main ink container. 18 is replenished.

  FIG. 16 shows a functional block diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 of FIG. In FIG. 16, the ink jet recording apparatus 400 includes a control unit 300 including, for example, an MPU. The control unit 300 operates via the bus line 301, the operation display unit 3, the nozzle 8, the charging electrode 11, and the deflection electrode 12. The encoder 16, the print sensor 17, the viscosity measuring device 21, the electromagnetic valves 22 </ b> A to 22 </ b> G, the pumps 24 to 27, the pressure reducing valve 30, the liquid level sensor 38, and the recording unit 302 are controlled. The recording unit 302 stores a program for controlling the ink jet recording apparatus 400, and the control unit 300 controls each part of the ink jet recording apparatus 400 based on this program. The recording unit 302 records an appropriate ink viscosity of ink for printing, that is, an upper limit value (η max) and a lower limit value (η min) for printing.

  In an ink jet recording apparatus, it is necessary to control the viscosity of the ink discharged from the nozzle within a range where printing can be properly performed. When the ink viscosity is out of the proper range, the ink discharged from the nozzle is converted into particles. As a result, a phenomenon such as a change in the position of the ink particles or a phenomenon that the ink particles are not formed into a uniform shape occurs, a desired charge amount cannot be given to the ink particles, and an appropriate printing result cannot be obtained. Therefore, in order to avoid the occurrence of the above phenomenon, the ink jet recording apparatus needs a means for adjusting the ink viscosity and maintaining the ink viscosity within a predetermined range.

  The effect of the above-described configuration of the present invention is that, in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus (for example, an apparatus in which the amount of air sucked from the gutter 14 is 150 [ml / min] and the internal temperature rise is the environmental temperature +8 [° C.]) The solvent consumption during operation was about 5 [ml / hour] under the condition of 20 [° C.], but according to the inkjet recording apparatus 400 according to Example 5 of the present invention, the gas-liquid separator 100 It becomes easy to suppress the temperature of the solvent gas passing through to about the environmental temperature +2 [° C.]. Thereby, for example, when the environmental temperature is 20 ° C., the solvent component volatilized in the main ink container 18 in the main body 1 (temperature rise + 8 ° C., 28 ° C.) is cooled while passing through the path 141 to be gas-liquid. The temperature inside the separator (22 ° C. because of environmental temperature + 2 ° C.) is about 1.5 at a temperature difference of 6 ° C. (= 28 ° C.−22 ° C.) between the main ink container 18 in the main body and the gas-liquid separator 100. [Ml / hr] of solvent liquefies. The liquefied solvent passes through the path 243 from the gas-liquid separator 100 and returns to the main ink container 18. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus 400 according to the present invention, the solvent consumption during operation is about 3.5 [ml / hour] (= (conventional) 5 [ml / hour] − (recovery)) 1.5 [ml / Hour]).

  As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the running cost of the customer by reducing the solvent consumption amount, and also by reducing the amount of solvent gas released from the main body. The work environment of customers can be improved. Further, according to the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment, since the discharge of the liquid 105 to the outside of the apparatus can be reduced, the ink jet recording apparatus that can keep the periphery of the apparatus clean can be used.

(Example 6)
Next, the entire path configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 500 when the gas-liquid separator according to the sixth embodiment is installed in the print head 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of the sixth embodiment, the description of the same points as in the fifth embodiment will be omitted, and different points will be described.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 500 includes a main body 1, a print head 2, and a conduit 4 that connects the main body 1 and the print head 2. As for the gas-liquid separator 100 provided in the print head 2, the gas-liquid separator 100A described in the first embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 100B described in the second embodiment, or the gas described in the third embodiment. The liquid separator 100C or the gas-liquid separator 100D described in the fourth embodiment is used.

  Next, in the path configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus in which the gas-liquid separator of Example 6 is installed in the print head, the exhaust path and the solvent gas circulation path will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 17, the main ink container 18 is connected to a branch path 296 via a path 246. The branch path 296 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 22H to open and close the flow path via the path 247, and the electromagnetic valve 22H is installed in the print head 2 via the path 248 passing through the conduit 4. The gas-liquid separator 100 is connected. The gas-liquid two-phase outflow pipe of the gas-liquid separator 100 is installed in the main body 1 through a path 250 passing through the conduit 4 and is connected to an electromagnetic valve 22J for opening and closing the flow path. 22J is connected to a merge path 295 that merges with the path 226 via a path 251.

  Next, the operation of the ink jet recording apparatus 500 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In Example 6, as shown in FIG. 30, the gas-liquid separator is installed in the head of the ink jet recording apparatus. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state in which the print head cover 52 is removed, and the gas-liquid separator 100 and the paths 248 to 250 are connected. By adopting such a configuration, in this embodiment, since the solvent gas can be discharged from the path 249, it is possible to increase the solvent vapor concentration in the internal space when the print head cover 52 is attached. In addition, the installation direction of the print head 2 is not determined, and needs to correspond to all directions. Therefore, the gas-liquid separator 100 which can respond to all directions is required.

  FIG. 31 is a fluid path diagram showing the ink flow and the air flow with bold lines when the printing operation is performed (when the ink is ejected from the nozzles 8) in the ink jet recording apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment. . Since the ink supply flow 321 and the ink recovery flow 322 are the same as those in the sixth embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In FIG. 31, the solvent gas circulation flow 333, the liquid recovery flow 334, and the solvent gas supply flow 335 will be described. In the liquid recovery path, the solenoid valve 22J is energized to open the flow path, and as shown in the liquid recovery flow 334, the liquid flowing into the gas-liquid separator 100 is operated by operating the pump (for circulation) 26. Collected in the ink container 18. Here, in the liquid recovery flow 334, the liquid and the saturated solvent vapor flow in a gas-liquid mixed state. The liquid is, for example, about 2.5 [ml / hour] (environmental temperature 20 [° C.]), and the solvent vapor is The flow rate is about 80 [ml / min].

  The main ink container 18 is configured to receive and hold the ink flowing through the ink recovery flow 322 and the liquid flowing through the liquid recovery flow 334. Further, the solvent vapor (about 150 [ml / min]) flowing through the ink recovery flow 322 and the solvent vapor (about 80 [ml / min]) flowing through the liquid recovery flow 334 are combined into about 230 [ml / min]. ] (= 150 + 80), after flowing into the main ink container 18, the solenoid valve 22H is energized to open the flow path, so that the gas-liquid separator passes through the path 248 as shown by the solvent gas circulation flow 333. Flow into 100. About 230 [ml / min] of the solvent vapor is partially liquefied due to a temperature difference between the main ink container 18 and the gas-liquid separator 100 (for example, about 2.5 [ml / hour] (environmental temperature 20 [° C.]). ]))), And flows into the gas-liquid separator 100. In the gas-liquid separator 100, since the liquid can be sucked from the liquid recovery path 250, gas (solvent gas, flow rate of about 150 [ml / min]) is discharged into the print head 2 through the path 249. This is shown in the figure as solvent gas supply flow 335.

  Accordingly, since the solvent gas having a high saturated vapor concentration can be sucked from the gutter 14 in the print head 2, even if the ink and the air flow in a gas-liquid mixed state in the ink recovery flow 322, the ink The volatilization of the solvent component can be reduced. Further, the gas-liquid separator 100 prevents the liquid from flowing into the print head 2.

  Next, in the ink jet recording apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 32, the fluid flow path indicated by the bold line indicates the ink flow, air flow, and solvent flow when the viscosity is measured and when the solvent is replenished. FIG. The ink supply flow 321 and the ink recovery flow 322 are the same as those in FIG. Further, the ink flow 328 and the solvent replenishment flow 329 at the time of viscosity measurement are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 32, the solvent gas flowing into the main ink container 18 from the ink recovery flow 322 is opened from the gas-liquid separator 100 as shown in the exhaust flow 336 when the electromagnetic valve 22K is energized to open the flow path. It is discharged into the exhaust duct 50 and further discharged out of the machine. By operating in this way, the pump (for circulation) 27 is selectively used for the liquid recovery flow 334 and the ink flow 328 during viscosity measurement. When exhausting the solvent gas to the outside as shown in the exhaust flow 336, when the pump (circulation) 27 is used for another purpose, or when it is desired to temporarily increase the solvent consumption, There is a case to make it work.

  Next, in the ink jet recording apparatus 500 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the flow of the cleaning liquid and the flow of air when the cleaning operation of the gas-liquid separator 100 is being performed are indicated by bold lines. As a cleaning method when the gas-liquid separator 100 is soiled with ink or the like, as shown in FIG. 33, the electromagnetic valve 22J is energized to open the flow path, and the pump (for circulation) 26 is operated. There is a method in which a cleaning liquid (solvent) is applied to a solvent gas supply hole in the path 249 of the gas-liquid separator 100 with a cleaning bottle or the like, the cleaning liquid is sucked to clean the inside of the gas-liquid separator 100, and the ink is removed. . FIG. 33 shows the flow of the cleaning liquid and air as gas-liquid separator back cleaning liquid flows 338 and 339. At this time, the air sucked from the gas-liquid separator 100 together with the cleaning liquid passes through the gas-liquid separator 100 as shown in the exhaust flow 340 when the electromagnetic valve 22K is energized and the flow path is opened, It is discharged outside.

  Next, a functional block diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus of Example 6 is shown in FIG. In the functional block diagram of FIG. 18, the ink jet recording apparatus 500 includes a control unit 300 including, for example, an MPU. The control unit 300 operates via the bus line 301, the operation display unit 3, the nozzle 8, and the charging electrode 11. , The deflection electrode 12, the encoder 16, the print sensor 17, the viscosity measuring device 21, the electromagnetic valves 22A to K, the pumps 24 to 27, the pressure reducing valve 30, the liquid level sensor 38, the recording unit 302, and the like. Yes. The recording unit 302 stores a program for controlling the ink jet recording apparatus 500, and the control unit 300 controls each part of the ink jet recording apparatus 500 based on this program. The recording unit 302 records an appropriate ink viscosity of ink for printing, that is, an upper limit value (η max) and a lower limit value (η min) for printing.

  In an ink jet recording apparatus, it is necessary to control the viscosity of the ink discharged from the nozzle within a range where printing can be properly performed. When the ink viscosity is out of the proper range, the ink discharged from the nozzle is converted into particles. As a result, a phenomenon such as a change in the position of the ink particles or a phenomenon that the ink particles are not formed into a uniform shape occurs, a desired charge amount cannot be given to the ink particles, and an appropriate printing result cannot be obtained. Therefore, in order to avoid the occurrence of the above phenomenon, the ink jet recording apparatus needs a means for adjusting the ink viscosity and maintaining the ink viscosity within a predetermined range.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus 500 of the present embodiment, when the ink concentration is diluted with a solvent, it takes time to return the ink concentration to a normal value because the amount of solvent consumption is small during normal operation. Therefore, when the viscosity of the ink is less than the specified value when the ink is measured, control is performed to temporarily increase the solvent consumption and return the ink density to a normal value.

  The effect of the configuration of the sixth embodiment is that, in a conventional ink jet recording apparatus (for example, an apparatus in which the amount of air sucked from the gutter 14 is 150 [ml / min] and the internal temperature rise is the environmental temperature +8 [° C.]) The solvent consumption during operation was about 5 [ml / hour] under the condition of 20 [° C.], but according to the ink jet recording apparatus 500 according to the sixth embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 100 was printed. By installing in the head 2, the solvent gas in which the solvent component volatilized due to the temperature rise in the main body 1 is dissolved is sent to the gas-liquid separator 100 in the print head 2, for example, “Internal temperature of the main body 1: 28 [° C.] − Print head 2 internal temperature: 22 [° C.] = Δ6 [° C.] ”, the solvent component contained in the solvent gas is condensed due to a temperature drop of Δ6 [° C.]. Liquefaction and gas-liquid By passing through the separator 100, it can be recovered again and reused in the main ink container 18 in the main body 1.

  Further, the gas outlet 112 of the gas-liquid separator 100 is attached in the print head 2 to increase the solvent gas concentration inside the print head cover 52 and replace the air outside the print head cover 2 with the inside of the print head cover. The solvent gas is sucked from the gutter 14 to prevent the solvent component in the ink from volatilizing in the ink recovery path. Thereby, solvent consumption during operation can be suppressed to about 2.5 [ml / hour].

  As described above, according to the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the running cost of the customer by further reducing the solvent consumption amount as compared with the fifth embodiment, and to release the solvent gas from the main body. By reducing the amount, the customer's work environment can be improved.

(Example 7)
Next, the entire path configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 600 when the gas-liquid separator according to the seventh embodiment is installed in the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. Further, in the description of the seventh embodiment, the description overlapping with the fifth and sixth embodiments is omitted, and different points will be described. In FIG. 19, the main ink container 18 is connected to a gas-liquid separator 100 installed in the main body 1 via a path 241. The liquid outlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator 100 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 22G in order to open and close the flow path via the path 243, and the electromagnetic valve 22G joins the path 226 via the path 244. 294 is connected. Then, the liquid from the gas-liquid separator 100 returns from the path 294 to the main ink container 18 via the path 226, the path 227, and the path 215. Further, the gas separated from the gas-liquid separator 100 is exhausted through the path 242. Furthermore, in order to increase the amount of solvent recovered in the gas-liquid separator 100, the gas-liquid separator 100 and the path 241 are air-cooled by the fan 51.

  According to the present embodiment, by installing the gas-liquid separator 100 in the apparatus, it is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus in which the protrusions of the main body 1 are reduced and the external dimensions are reduced compared to the fifth embodiment. There is.

(Example 8)
Next, the entire path configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 700 when the gas-liquid separator according to the eighth embodiment is installed in the main body of the ink jet recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of the eighth embodiment, the description of the same points as the fifth, sixth, and seventh embodiments will be omitted, and different points will be described. In FIG. 20, the main ink container 18 is connected to the branch path 296 via the path 246, and the branch path 296 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 22H for opening and closing the flow path via the path 247. Is connected to the gas-liquid separator 100. The liquid outlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator 110 is connected to an electromagnetic valve 22J that opens and closes the flow path via a path 250, and the electromagnetic valve 22J is connected to a merge path 295 that merges with the path 226 via a path 251. Yes. Then, the liquid separated from the gas-liquid separator 100 via the path 226, the path 227, and the path 215 returns to the main ink container 18. Further, the solvent gas separated from the gas-liquid separator 100 is sent into the print head 2 through a path 249 passing through the conduit 4 so that the inside of the print head is filled with the solvent gas. In this way, when ink particles are collected with gutter by filling the inside of the print head with solvent gas, air and ink particles are not collected, but ink particles and solvent gas are collected from gutter. It is possible to prevent a decrease in the solvent of the entire apparatus.

  According to the present embodiment, by installing the gas-liquid separator 100 in the apparatus, the print head 2 can be reduced in size as compared with the sixth embodiment, and the path through the cable 4 is reduced. In addition, there is a possibility of providing an ink jet recording apparatus with reduced manufacturing costs.

1 ... Main body, 2 ... Print head,
3 ... operation display section, 4 ... conduit,
7A ... ink (in main ink container 18), 7B ... ink column,
7C ... ink particles, 8 ... nozzle,
9 ... electrostrictive element, 11 ... charged electrode,
12 ... Deflection electrode, 13 ... Printed material,
14 ... Gutter, 15 ... Belt conveyor,
16 ... Rotary encoder, 17 ... Print sensor,
18 ... Main ink container, 19 ... Auxiliary ink container,
20 ... solvent container, 21 ... viscosity meter,
22A to K ... Solenoid valve, 24 ... Pump (for supply),
25 ... Pump (for recovery), 26 ... Pump (for solvent),
27 ... Pump (for circulation), 28 ... Filter (for supply),
29 ... Filter (for recovery), 30 ... Filter (for solvent),
31 ... Pressure gauge, 33 ... Pressure reducing valve,
34 ... Filter (for viscometer), 38 ... Liquid level sensor,
50 ... exhaust duct, 51 ... fan,
52. Print head cover,
100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D ... gas-liquid separator,
100E, 100F, 100G ... gas-liquid separator,
101 ... casing, 101A ... chamber,
101B, 101C ... gap, 102,103 ... casing,
105 ... Liquid, 106A, 106B ... Liquid, 107 ... Liquid,
111 ... Gas outlet pipe, 112 ... Gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe,
113 ... Gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe,
115 ... Gas-liquid inflow flow, 116 ... Gas-liquid recovery flow,
117 ... gas discharge flow, 118 ... liquid recovery flow,
121 ... casing, 121A ... chamber,
121B, 121C, 121D ... gap,
122 ... casing, 123 ... block, 123A ... space,
123B, 123C, 123D, 123E ... convex portions,
131 ... Gas outlet pipe, 132 ... Gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe,
133: Gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe 141: Casing
141A ... chamber,
142A, 141B, 141C ... gap,
142 ... casing, 143 ... porous plate,
151 ... Gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe, 152 ... Gas outlet pipe,
153 ... Gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe, 160 ... Casing,
160A ... chamber,
160B, 160D, 160C ... gap,
161 ... Gas outlet pipe, 162 ... Gas-liquid two-phase inlet pipe,
163: Gas-liquid two-phase outlet pipe,
164 ... Tube outside gas-liquid two-phase outlet tube, 164A ... hole,
165 ... casing,
171, 172 ... casing, 171A, 172A ... gas outlet,
201 to 207... Path (for ink supply),
211 to 215... Path (for collecting ink),
221 to 222... Path (for ink supply),
225 to 227 ... path (for circulation),
231 to 234 ... path (for viscosity measurement),
236 to 238... Path (for solvent supply),
241 to 244 ... path (for solvent gas circulation),
246 to 251 ... path (for solvent gas circulation),
256 to 257 ... path (for exhaust),
291-295 ... Merging route,
296 ... Branch path,
300 ... Control unit, 301 ... Bus line, 302 ... Recording unit,
321 ... Ink supply flow, 322 ... Ink recovery flow,
323 ... solvent gas circulation flow, 324 ... liquid recovery flow, 325 ... exhaust flow,
326, 327 ... exhaust flow, 328 ... ink flow during viscosity measurement,
329 ... Solvent replenishment flow, 333 ... Solvent gas circulation flow,
334 ... Liquid recovery flow, 335 ... Solvent gas supply flow, 336 ... Exhaust flow,
338, 339 ... Gas-liquid separator cleaning liquid flow,
340 ... exhaust flow, 400 ... ink jet recording apparatus,
600 ... door, 610 ... front side of the lower part of the main body 1, 620 ... rear side of the lower part of the main body 1,
630 ... External unit

Claims (6)

An ink container for storing ink stored in the apparatus main body;
A nozzle for ejecting the ink as ink particles to perform printing on a substrate;
An ink supply path for supplying the ink from the ink container to the nozzle;
A charging electrode for charging ink particles used for printing out of the ink particles discharged from the nozzle;
A deflection electrode for deflecting ink particles charged by the charging electrode;
Of the ink particles discharged from the nozzle, a gutter for collecting ink particles that are not used for printing;
An ink collection path for collecting the ink particles collected by the gutter into the ink container;
An ink jet recording apparatus in which the nozzle, the charging electrode, the deflection electrode, and the gutter are housed in a print head,
A solvent air circulation path for supplying air discharged from the ink container into the print head, and an exhaust path for discharging air discharged from the ink container to the outside of the apparatus main body ,
The ink jet recording characterized in that the solvent air circulation path in the print head is provided with a control for cleaning the solvent air circulation path by applying a solvent to an outlet hole and sucking the solvent into the ink container. apparatus. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An ink jet recording apparatus characterized in that an exhaust passage opening / closing valve is provided in the exhaust passage so that the passage can be opened and closed. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein a solvent air circulation channel opening / closing valve is provided in the solvent air circulation channel to open and close the channel. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2.
When the exhaust passage opening / closing valve is closed, the solvent air circulation path is in an open state, and control is performed so as to supply air discharged from the ink container into the print head. Inkjet recording apparatus. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a gas-liquid separator in the solvent air circulation path, and supplying air into the print head via the gas-liquid separator. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 2 or 4 ,
An ink jet recording apparatus , wherein the exhaust passage opening / closing valve is opened when the concentration of ink in the ink container is reduced.

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