JPH09234888A - Ink jet-type image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink jet-type image forming device capable of effectively using the ink storage capacity of a waste ink storage part. SOLUTION: An ink jet head 9 is controlled by a control device 15 in such a manner that an ink is discharged almost uniformly over almost entirety of an ink receiving recess 1a while an ink discharge orifice 9a is moving toward the ink receiving recess 1a.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an inkjet type image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording paper by ejecting ink on the recording paper based on image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of output devices for computers and workstations, an ink jet type image forming apparatus for ejecting ink onto recording paper to form an image is known. This inkjet type image forming apparatus is, for example,
A plurality of ink ejection ports for ejecting ink are formed, and an inkjet head that reciprocates in a predetermined direction and a conveying member that intermittently conveys the recording paper in a direction (recording paper conveyance direction) orthogonal to the predetermined direction are provided. ing. When forming an image on a recording sheet, the recording sheet being conveyed is temporarily stopped by the conveying member, and the inkjet head is positioned in the image forming area in front of the ink ejection port while reciprocating in the predetermined direction. Ink is ejected from the ink ejection port onto the recording paper to form an image for one line (printing, drawing, etc.), and then the recording paper is conveyed for a predetermined length to a new surface located in the image forming area. The operation of forming an image for the next line is repeated.

In an apparatus using ink, such as the above-mentioned ink jet type image forming apparatus, not all of the ink is used for image formation or the like, but the ejection of the ink from the ink ejection port is stabilized or the ink is ejected inside the ink jet head. Some inks are used for purposes other than image formation for the purpose of removing bubbles, foreign matters, and the like in the formed ink supply path and discharge nozzles.

As an example of using the ink for purposes other than image formation, the ink is ejected to a waste ink container provided at a position apart from the image forming area to clean the inside of the ink supply path or the ejection nozzle. Cleaning ejection and cleaning suction that sucks ink from an ink ejection port to clean the inside of an ink supply path, the inside of an ejection nozzle, and the like are known. Generally, such cleaning discharge or cleaning suction is performed by moving the inkjet head to a waste ink storage portion provided at a position apart from the image forming area when forming an image while moving the inkjet head.

The ink thus used for purposes other than image formation is contained in the waste ink container, and when a certain amount of ink is contained, the ink is discarded. Or
During the life of the inkjet image forming apparatus, the waste ink storage unit keeps the ink contained therein.

[0006]

By the way, recently, a highly viscous and water-resistant ink has been used for the purpose of improving the storability of an image formed on a recording paper. In addition, an ink having a property of being easily dried is used in order to quickly absorb the ink on a recording paper or the like to dry the ink. When such a water-resistant ink or an ink having a property of easily drying is used, when the ink is stored in the waste ink storage portion by the above-described cleaning discharge or cleaning suction, the ink is likely to thicken in the waste ink storage portion. Also easy to dry.

Therefore, the ink ejected from the ink ejection port for cleaning is likely to be dried and accumulated in the waste ink container, and is not evenly contained in the entire waste ink container. Therefore, the storage volume of the waste ink storage section cannot be effectively used. Moreover, when a large amount of waste ink is accumulated in the waste ink storage unit and becomes solid or semi-solid, the ink mass contacts the ink ejection port and stains the surface thereof, which interferes with the ejection of ink to form an image. There is a problem of causing inconvenience.

When ink of low viscosity is used, the ink ejected from the ink ejection port may splash and spill in the waste ink container. For the purpose of preventing the ink from spilling and facilitating the handling of the ink, an ink absorbing member that easily absorbs the ink may be arranged inside the waste ink containing portion. As the ink absorbing member, a material having a property of easily absorbing the ink and holding the absorbed ink is used.

In the waste ink container in which the ink absorbing member is arranged, even if the ink is ejected to one place, the ink gradually diffuses and spreads over the entire ink absorbing member. However, since a certain amount of time is required for the diffusion, the ink is frequently ejected to the waste ink storage unit, and when the amount of ink in the waste ink storage unit temporarily increases, the ink absorbing member absorbs the ink. Sometimes I can't. In such a case, there is a problem that the ink overflows from the waste ink storage section and the inside of the apparatus is contaminated with the ink.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet type image forming apparatus which can effectively use the ink storage capacity of a waste ink storage section.

[0011]

The first ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object comprises:
While moving an inkjet head having an ink ejection port for ejecting ink in a predetermined direction, ink is ejected from the ink ejection port based on image information on a recording sheet located in an image forming area in front of the ink ejection port. In an inkjet-type image forming apparatus that forms an image by (1) having an ink receiving port that extends in the predetermined direction facing the ink ejection port of the inkjet head that moves in the predetermined direction and is separated from the image forming area. A waste ink storage portion for storing ink ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port (2) controlling the inkjet head so that the ink ejecting port ejects the ink while moving facing the ink receiving port It is characterized in that it is provided with a control device.

The second ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object is arranged in front of the ink ejection port while moving the ink jet head having the ink ejection port for ejecting ink in a predetermined direction. In an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port on the recording paper located in the image forming area based on image information, (3) moving in the predetermined direction to form the image A waste ink storage unit (4) having an ink receiving port that extends in the predetermined direction facing the ink discharging port of the inkjet head, which is separated from the area, and stores the ink discharged from the ink discharging port toward the ink receiving port (4) While the ink ejection port faces the ink receiving port and moves intermittently Ink from the discharge port is characterized in that it comprises a control device for controlling the ink jet head to eject.

Further, in a third ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, an ink jet head having an ink ejection port for ejecting ink is moved in a predetermined direction while the ink ejection head is in front of the ink ejection port. In an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port on the recording paper located in the image forming area based on image information, (5) moving the image in the predetermined direction to form the image. A recording paper mounting plate having an ink receiving port facing the ink ejection port of the inkjet head, which is separated from the area (6). The recording paper mounting plate is disposed on the side opposite to the inkjet head sandwiching the recording paper mounting plate. The predetermined direction or the predetermined direction for accommodating the ink ejected from the ink ejection port toward the receiving port (7) The ink jet head is controlled so that the ink is ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port, and the ink is ejected from the ink ejection port. It is characterized in that a control device for controlling the waste ink storage portion is provided so as to move in the predetermined direction or a direction different from the predetermined direction.

Further, in a fourth ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, an ink jet head having an ink ejection port for ejecting ink is moved in a predetermined direction while the ink ejection port is in front of the ink ejection port. In an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port on the recording paper located in the image forming area based on image information, (8) the inkjet head is The ejecting direction of the ejected ink is changeable, and (9) an ink receiving port that receives the ink ejected from the ink ejecting port of the inkjet head, which is moved in the predetermined direction and is away from the image forming area. And a waste ink container for containing the ink ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port. And a control device for controlling the inkjet head so that ink is ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port while changing the ejection direction. It is a thing.

Further, in a fifth ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, an ink jet head having an ink ejecting port for ejecting ink is moved in a predetermined direction while the ink ejecting port is in front of the ink ejecting port. In an ink jet system image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from the ink ejection port on the recording paper located in the image forming area based on the image information, (11) moving in the predetermined direction to form the image A waste ink storage unit having an ink receiving port facing the ink discharge port of the inkjet head, which is separated from the area, and storing the ink discharged from the ink discharge port toward the ink receiving port (12) It is placed inside, and the ink ejected from the ink ejection port collides with the ink reception port and absorbs it. (13) The ink absorbing member is controlled so that the collision position is displaced when the ink is ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port. It is characterized in that it is provided with a control device.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of an inkjet type image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of a color plotter (hereinafter referred to as a plotter) which is a first embodiment of an ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an ink of the plotter of FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which ink is being ejected from the ejection port to the waste ink container.

The plotter 60 is a platen 10 on which a paper 11 as a recording material conveyed in the direction of arrow A is placed.
It has. Above the platen 10, the platen 10
Two guide shafts 7 are laid in parallel to the. A motor (not shown) is attached to the guide shaft 7.
And a belt (not shown) by the direction of the arrow B (an example of the predetermined direction in the present invention, a direction orthogonal to the direction of the arrow A)
A carriage 8 is reciprocally mounted on the carriage 8 via a slide bearing (not shown). This carriage 8
An ink jet head 9 having an ink ejection port 9a through which ink is ejected is mounted on.

On one side of the movable range of the carriage 8,
The ink ejection port 9a is provided at a position away from the image forming area C.
A waste ink storage portion 1 for storing the ink ejected from the ink ejection port 9a for cleaning the above is formed. The position where the waste ink container 1 is formed is the position where the ink drops when the inkjet head 9 mounted on the carriage 8 moves above the waste ink container 1 and ejects ink. In addition, the waste ink container 1 has an ink receiving port 1 that extends slightly long in the direction of arrow B.
a is formed, and ink is ejected from the ink ejection port 9a toward the ink receiving port 1a.

In forming an image on the paper 11, the paper 11 is placed on the platen 10 and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the paper 11 is exposed from an opening (not shown) formed in the platen 10. The conveyance roller 12 and the pinch roller 13 that holds both end portions of the paper 11 from above are sandwiched, and the conveyance roller 12 is rotated and conveyed by a motor (not shown).
The carriage 8 is reciprocated above the paper 11 in the direction of the arrow B, and ink is ejected from the ink ejection port 9a based on a print signal carrying image information transmitted from the control device 15 to the carriage 8 so that the paper 11 is ejected. Form an image. During the image forming operation, when it becomes necessary to eject the ink for cleaning the ink ejection port 9a and the like, the carriage 8 on which the inkjet head 9 is mounted is moved to the waste ink container 1
Move upwards.

When the ink ejection port 9a comes above the portion of the ink reception port 1a closest to the image forming area C, the ink ejection port 9a moves toward the ink reception port 1a while moving substantially over the entire area of the ink reception port 1a. The controller 15 controls the inkjet head 9 so that the ink is ejected evenly. In this way, when ejecting ink for cleaning the ink ejection port 9a and the like,
By controlling the ink ejection port 9a so as to eject the ink while moving toward the ink receiving port 1a, the ink can be ejected substantially evenly over the entire ink container 1, and thus the ink is accommodated in the waste ink container 1. It is possible to effectively use the waste ink storage capacity of the waste ink storage portion 1 without biasing the ink to one place. As a result, the waste ink container 1
Even if the ink is frequently ejected, it is possible to prevent the ink from overflowing from the waste ink container 1 and polluting the inside of the apparatus. further,
Since the ink is ejected to the waste ink container while the ink jet head 9 moves, the ink ejection can be completed in a shorter time than when the ink is ejected to the waste ink container 1 with the ink jet head 9 stopped. The image forming speed increases accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a removable waste ink container 15 may be arranged in the waste ink container 1.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how ink is ejected from the ink ejection port of the plotter of the second embodiment of the present invention to the waste ink container.

Since the schematic structure of the plotter body is similar to that of the plotter of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here, and the same components as those of the plotter of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The plotter of the second embodiment is characterized by the control of the waste ink container 21 and the inkjet head 9.

The overall shape of the waste ink container 21 is the first
This is the same as the waste ink storage unit 1 (see FIG. 2) of the embodiment, but inside the waste ink storage unit 21, a grid-shaped partition 22 is provided.
Is provided, and the small ink receiving portion 23 is provided in the direction of arrow B.
a, 23b, 23c, ..., 23n ,. Further, the control method of the inkjet head 9 by the control device 15 (see FIG. 1) is also different from the control method in the first embodiment, and the inkjet head 9 has each small ink receiving portion 23a, 23b, 23c, ..., 23n ,. The control device 1 moves to a position facing any one of the ... And ejects ink for cleaning while stopped at that position.
The carriage 8 and the inkjet head 9 are controlled by 5.

Further, the plotter of the second embodiment is provided with a storage device (not shown), and this storage device sends and receives signals to and from the control device 15, and outputs signals from the control device 15. Based on each of the small ink receiving portion 23a,
The number of times of ink ejection performed for each of 23b, 23c, ..., 23n ,. The controller 15 sets the carriage 8 and the inkjet head 9 to the next ink ejection position based on the number of ink ejections in each of the small ink receiving portions 23a, 23b, 23c, ..., 23n ,. It is controlled to move and eject ink. That is, when the number of times ink is ejected from a certain small ink receiving portion 23n reaches a predetermined number, the carriage 8 and the inkjet head 9 move to another small ink receiving portion and stop, and ink is ejected toward this small ink receiving portion. Is controlled to be discharged. The order of using the small ink receiving portions is appropriately determined.

During the image forming operation, when it becomes necessary to eject ink for cleaning the ink ejection port 9a and the like, the carriage 8 on which the ink jet head 9 is mounted is moved to above the waste ink container 21. Control to do. Next, the control device 15 selects one of the small ink receiving portions 23n based on the number of ink ejections in each of the small ink receiving portions 23a, 23b, 23c, ..., 23n ,. The inkjet head 9 is controlled so that the cleaning ink is ejected toward the selected small ink receiving portion.

As described above, when a plurality of small ink receiving portions are formed in the waste ink containing portion 21 and the ink is ejected a predetermined number of times in one small ink receiving portion, the small ink receiving portion is transferred to the next small ink receiving portion. By repeating the operation of moving and ejecting ink, the ink ejected for cleaning can be accommodated in the entire waste ink accommodating portion substantially evenly.
The waste ink storage capacity of 1 can be effectively used. In the present embodiment, the small ink receiving portion is formed by the partition in order to clarify the small ink receiving portion. However, regardless of the presence or absence of the partition, a plurality of ink receiving portions are provided under the control, and the predetermined number of times is set. The ejection position may be moved for each ink ejection. That is, the ink jet head 9 may be controlled so as to eject ink while stopped while moving intermittently.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how ink is ejected from the ink ejection port of the plotter of the third embodiment of the present invention to the waste ink container.

Since the schematic structure of the plotter body is similar to that of the plotter of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here, and the same components as those of the plotter of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The plotter of the third embodiment is characterized in that the waste ink storage device 31 is moved.

The platen 10 of the plotter of the third embodiment
An ink receiving port 10a that faces the ink discharge port 9a of the inkjet head 9 that is moved in the direction of the arrow B and is away from the image forming area C (see FIG. 1) is formed in.
Further, a waste ink storage device 31 is arranged on the side opposite to the inkjet head 9 that sandwiches the platen 10.

The waste ink accommodating device 31 has the ink discharge port 9
Waste ink container 32 for containing the ink ejected from a.
And a tray 33 on which the waste ink container 32 is placed. Further, the waste ink storage device 31 includes a rail 34 that guides the tray 33 in order to reciprocate the tray 33 in the direction of arrow B, a motor 35, and rods 36 and 37 that link the motor 35 and the tray 33. ing. When the motor 35 rotates, the rod 37 rotates in the arrow C direction, which causes the tray 33 to reciprocate in the arrow B direction.

The controller 15 (see FIG. 1) controls the carriage 8 and the ink jet head 9 so that the carriage 8 and the ink jet head 9 move to a position facing the ink receiving port 10a, and the ink is ejected while stopped at that position. Further, the control device 15 is
While the ink is being ejected, the motor 35 rotates to control the waste ink container 32 to reciprocate in the direction of arrow B.

During the image forming operation, when ink is required to be ejected for cleaning the ink ejection port 9a and the like, the carriage 8 on which the ink jet head 9 is mounted is moved to above the waste ink container 21. Control to do. Ink ejection port 9 of inkjet head 9
The carriage 8 is stopped with a facing the ink receiving port 10a, and the motor 35 is rotated while ejecting ink toward the ink receiving port 10a to rotate the waste ink container 32.
Is moved in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the ink drop point gradually moves inside the waste ink container 32.

As described above, the means for moving the waste ink storage container 32 is provided in the waste ink storage device 31, and the cleaning ink is ejected while the waste ink storage container 32 is moved, whereby the ink is discarded. Since the ink can be accommodated substantially evenly in the entire ink accommodating container 32, the waste ink accommodating capacity of the waste ink accommodating device 31 can be effectively used.

In this embodiment, an example in which the waste ink container 32 is moved in parallel with the moving direction of the ink jet head 9 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an angle may be formed with respect to the moving direction of the ink jet head 9. The waste ink storage container 32 may be moved, or the waste ink storage container 32 may be rotated with the vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG. 4 as a rotation axis. A porous ink absorbing member may be provided inside the waste ink container 32. Since the ink absorbing member absorbs and holds the ink, it is possible to prevent the ink from spilling when the waste ink storage container is taken out of the machine and is used.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how ink is ejected from the ink ejection port of the plotter of the fourth embodiment of the present invention to the waste ink container.

Since the schematic construction of the plotter body is similar to that of the plotter of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here, and the same components as those of the plotter of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. The plotter of the fourth embodiment is characterized in that the inkjet head 49 rotates by a predetermined angle to change the ink ejection direction.

The plotter of the fourth embodiment comprises a carriage 48, a head mounting unit 41 fixed to the carriage 48 so as to freely rotate about a rotary shaft 41a perpendicular to the plane of FIG. Mounting unit 41
The inkjet head 49 is fixed to and rotates with the head mounting unit 41. The head mounting unit 41 is connected to the motor 43 via rods 42a and 42b, and rotates with the rotation of the motor 43. When the head mounting unit 41 rotates, the inkjet head 9 also rotates, whereby the ejection direction of the ink ejected from the ink ejection port 49a is changed. The waste ink storage portion 1 is formed with an ink receiving port 1a that extends a little longer in the arrow B direction. Therefore, even if the inkjet head 49 that has moved above the waste ink container 1 is rotated and the ejection direction of the ink ejected from the ink ejection port 49a is changed, the ejected ink is still inside the waste ink container 1. To fall.

During the image forming operation, when it becomes necessary to eject ink for cleaning the ink ejection port 49a and the like, the controller 48 (see FIG. 1) causes the carriage 48 to move above the waste ink container 1. Control to move toward. The carriage 48 is stopped in a state where the ink ejection port 49a of the inkjet head 49 faces the ink reception port 1a, and the motor 43 is rotated to change the ink ejection direction while ejecting the ink toward the ink reception port 1a. As a result, the ink drop point gradually moves inside the waste ink container 1.

As described above, by providing a means for changing the ink ejection direction and changing the ejection direction while ejecting the ink, the waste ink accommodating portion 1 can be substantially uniformly accommodated with the ink. Therefore, the ink storage capacity of the waste ink storage portion 1 can be effectively used. In the present embodiment, the inkjet head 49 is configured to freely rotate about the rotation shaft 41a perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the changing direction may be an appropriate direction. Good. Further, the inkjet head 49 may be configured to move horizontally.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which ink is ejected from the ink ejection port of the plotter of the fifth embodiment of the present invention to the waste ink container.

Since the schematic construction of the plotter body is similar to that of the plotter of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here, and the same components as those of the plotter of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the plotter of the fifth embodiment, a rotatable ink absorbing member 53 is contained in the waste ink container 52.
It is characterized by the arrangement of. The platen 10 of the plotter of the fifth embodiment is provided with an ink receiving port 10a that moves in the direction of arrow B and faces the ink discharging port 9a of the inkjet head 9 that is away from the image forming area C (see FIG. 1). Further, a waste ink container 51 is arranged on the opposite side of the inkjet head 9 with the platen 10 interposed therebetween.

The waste ink container 51 has an ink discharge port 9a.
Waste ink container 52 for containing the ink ejected from the
And a rotatable and porous cylindrical ink absorbing member 53 disposed in the waste ink container 52.
Since the ink absorbing member 53 absorbs and holds the ink,
It is possible to prevent the ink from spilling when the waste ink container 52 is taken out of the machine to perform work. Further, a pulley 55 is provided coaxially with the rotation axis of the ink absorbing member 53. By connecting the pulley 55 and the pulley 54 fixed to the rotation shaft of the motor 56 with a belt 58 and rotating the motor 56, the ink absorbing member 53 is rotated.
Rotates in the direction of arrow D.

During the image forming operation, when it becomes necessary to eject ink for cleaning the ink ejection port 9a and the like, the controller 15 (see FIG. 1) causes the carriage 8 on which the ink jet head 9 is mounted to be discarded. Control is performed so that the ink storage unit 51 moves upward. The carriage 8 is stopped with the ink ejection port 49a of the inkjet head 9 facing the ink receiving port 10a, and the motor 56 is rotated to rotate the ink absorbing member 53 while ejecting ink toward the ink receiving port 10a. As a result, the ink drop point (collision position) is displaced.

As described above, the waste ink storage container 52 of the waste ink storage portion 51 is provided with the rotatable ink absorbing member 53, and the ink absorbing member 53 is rotated while ejecting the ink to rotate the ink. Since the entire absorbing member can absorb the ink substantially uniformly, the ink containing capacity of the waste ink containing portion 51 can be effectively used. Although the ink absorbing member is rotated in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ink absorbing member may be moved in the waste ink storage container, and the rotating and moving means may be appropriately determined. Can be taken.

[0049]

As described above, according to the first ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, the ink ejecting port faces the ink receiving port extending in the moving direction of the ink jet head and ejects the ink while moving. In addition, since the inkjet head is controlled by the control device, the ink is ejected on average over almost the entire surface of the ink receiving port. For this reason, the ink stored in the waste ink storage unit is not concentrated in one place, and the waste ink can be stored by effectively using the ink storage capacity of the waste ink storage unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from overflowing from the waste ink storage portion and contaminating the inside of the apparatus even if the ink is frequently discharged to the waste ink storage portion. Furthermore, since the ink is ejected to the waste ink containing portion while the ink jet head is moving, the ink ejection can be completed in a shorter time than when ejecting the ink to the waste ink containing portion with the ink jet head stopped. The image forming speed increases accordingly.

Further, according to the second ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, the ink ejection port faces the ink reception port extending in the moving direction of the ink jet head, and the ink is ejected in a stopped state while intermittently moving. Since the control device controls the inkjet head,
Ink is ejected on average over almost the entire surface of the ink receiving port. For this reason, the ink stored in the waste ink storage unit is not concentrated in one place, and the waste ink can be stored by effectively using the ink storage capacity of the waste ink storage unit.
As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from overflowing from the waste ink storage portion and contaminating the inside of the apparatus even if the ink is frequently discharged to the waste ink storage portion.

Further, according to the third ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control device controls the ink jet head so that the ink is ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port, and the ink is ejected from the ink ejection port. Since the waste ink container is controlled so as to move in a predetermined direction or a direction different from the predetermined direction while the ink is being ejected, it is possible to eject the ink evenly over almost the entire area of the waste ink container. Become. For this reason, the ink stored in the waste ink storage unit does not deviate to one place,
Waste ink can be stored by effectively using the ink storage capacity of the waste ink storage portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from overflowing from the waste ink storage portion and contaminating the inside of the apparatus even if the ink is frequently discharged to the waste ink storage portion.

Further, according to the fourth ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, the ink jet head is controlled so that the ink is ejected toward the ink receiving port while changing the ejection direction of the ink ejected from the ink ejecting port. Therefore, the ink is ejected on average over almost the entire area of the waste ink storage portion. For this reason, the ink stored in the waste ink storage unit is not concentrated in one place, and the waste ink can be stored by effectively using the ink storage capacity of the waste ink storage unit. As a result, it is possible to prevent ink from overflowing from the waste ink storage portion and contaminating the inside of the apparatus even if the ink is frequently discharged to the waste ink storage portion.

Further, according to the fifth ink jet type image forming apparatus of the present invention, the ink absorbing member which freely displaces the position where the ink collides is disposed in the waste ink containing portion, and the ink ejecting port extends from the ink receiving port. When ejecting the ink toward, the control device is used to control the ink absorbing member so that the collision position of the ink is displaced, so that the ink is absorbed evenly over substantially the entire area of the ink absorbing member. . Therefore, even if a large amount of ink is ejected temporarily, the ink absorbing member can sufficiently absorb the ink, prevent the ink from overflowing from the waste ink storage portion, and prevent the inside of the apparatus from being contaminated with the ink. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a color plotter which is an example of an inkjet image forming apparatus of the present invention.

2A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which ink is being ejected from the ink ejection port of the plotter shown in FIG. 1 to a waste ink storage portion, and FIG. 2B is a removable waste ink storage portion in the waste ink storage portion. It is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an ink container is arranged.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing how ink is ejected from an ink ejection port of a plotter according to a second embodiment of the present invention to a waste ink container.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how ink is ejected from an ink ejection port of a plotter according to a third embodiment of the present invention to a waste ink container.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing how ink is ejected from an ink ejection port of a plotter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention to a waste ink storage unit.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing how ink is ejected from an ink ejection port of a plotter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention to a waste ink container.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 21, 51 Waste ink storage unit 1a, 10a Ink receiving port 9,49 Inkjet head 9a, 49a Ink discharge port 10 Platen 11 Paper 15 Control device 31 Waste ink storage device 51 Ink absorbing member 60 Color plotter

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ink-jet head based on image information is recorded on a recording paper located in an image forming area in front of the ink-ejection opening while moving an ink-jet head having an ink-ejection opening for ejecting ink in a predetermined direction. In an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from an ink receiving port that extends in the predetermined direction facing the ink discharging port of the inkjet head that moves in the predetermined direction and is separated from the image forming area. A waste ink storage portion for storing ink ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink reception port; and the inkjet head for ejecting ink while the ink ejection port moves facing the ink reception port. An inkjet image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a control device for controlling . 2. An ink-jet head having an ink-ejection port for ejecting ink is moved in a predetermined direction, and the ink-ejection port is formed on a recording paper located in an image forming area in front of the ink-ejection port based on image information. In an inkjet type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from an ink receiving port that extends in the predetermined direction facing the ink discharging port of the inkjet head that moves in the predetermined direction and is separated from the image forming area. A waste ink storage portion for storing ink ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink reception port, and the ink ejection port in a state in which the ink ejection port faces the ink reception port and intermittently moves and is stopped. And a control device for controlling the inkjet head so that ink is ejected from the outlet. Inkjet type image-forming apparatus according to claim. 3. The ink ejection port is formed on a recording paper located in an image forming area in front of the ink ejection port based on image information while moving an ink jet head having an ink ejection port ejecting ink in a predetermined direction. In an inkjet-type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from a recording paper mount that has an ink receiving port that faces the ink discharging port of the inkjet head that is moved in the predetermined direction and away from the image forming area. The platen and the predetermined direction or the predetermined direction, which is arranged on the opposite side of the inkjet head sandwiching the recording paper platen and stores the ink ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port. Is a waste ink container that moves in different directions, and ink is ejected from the ink ejection port toward the ink receiving port. Control for controlling the inkjet head so that the ink is ejected, and for controlling the waste ink container so as to move in the predetermined direction or a direction different from the predetermined direction when ink is ejected from the ink ejection port. An inkjet image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus. 4. An ink jet head having an ink jet port for ejecting ink is moved in a predetermined direction, and the ink jet port is formed on a recording paper located in an image forming area in front of the ink jet port based on image information. In an inkjet-type image forming apparatus that forms an image by ejecting ink from the inkjet head, the inkjet head is capable of changing the ejection direction of the ink ejected from the ink ejection port, and moves in the predetermined direction. An ink receiving port for receiving ink ejected from the ink ejecting port of the inkjet head remote from the image forming area, and a waste ink accommodating section for accommodating ink ejected from the ink ejecting port toward the ink receiving port , Further, changing the ejection direction from the ink ejection port to the ink receiving port An inkjet image forming apparatus comprising a control device for controlling the inkjet head so that the ink is ejected. 5. An ink jet head having an ink jet port for ejecting ink is moved in a predetermined direction, and the ink jet port is formed on a recording paper located in an image forming area in front of the ink jet port based on image information. An ink-jet type image forming apparatus for forming an image by ejecting ink from an ink receiving port, which has an ink receiving port facing the ink discharging port of the inkjet head that is moved in the predetermined direction and away from the image forming area. A waste ink storage portion for storing the ink discharged from the ink discharge port toward the ink, and the ink discharged from the ink discharge port toward the ink reception port colliding and absorbed. An ink absorbing member that freely displaces the ink collision position, and the ink receiving member from the ink discharge port. An inkjet image forming apparatus, comprising: a control device that controls the ink absorbing member so that the collision position is displaced when the ink is ejected toward the mouth.