WO2013046503A1 - Waste liquid collecting device and inkjet device - Google Patents

Waste liquid collecting device and inkjet device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013046503A1
WO2013046503A1 PCT/JP2012/004125 JP2012004125W WO2013046503A1 WO 2013046503 A1 WO2013046503 A1 WO 2013046503A1 JP 2012004125 W JP2012004125 W JP 2012004125W WO 2013046503 A1 WO2013046503 A1 WO 2013046503A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
waste liquid
tank
ink
state
liquid tank
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/004125
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
弘幸 渕岡
Original Assignee
大日本スクリーン製造株式会社
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 大日本スクリーン製造株式会社 filed Critical 大日本スクリーン製造株式会社
Publication of WO2013046503A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013046503A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/1721—Collecting waste ink; Collectors therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a waste liquid recovery apparatus in a liquid processing apparatus that performs processing using a liquid.
  • the present invention also relates to an ink jet apparatus including a waste liquid tank that collects liquid discharged from the ink jet head for maintenance.
  • a waste liquid recovery apparatus that recovers used liquid as waste liquid and accumulates it in a waste liquid tank is generally used.
  • liquid discharge for maintenance purposes separate from recording It often has a function of executing processing. Such a function is called “purge”.
  • purging is performed when an inkjet head that discharges liquid moves to a recording standby position.
  • purging is performed by discharging liquid from the nozzle to the waste liquid receiver provided facing the nozzle of the ink jet head.
  • This waste liquid receiver may also be used as a cap unit that covers a nozzle provided in the ink jet head in order to prevent the liquid from drying or adhering dust to the ink jet head.
  • the liquid discharged to the waste liquid receiver is handled as unusable waste liquid.
  • the liquid discharged to the waste liquid receiver is collected in the waste liquid tank through the pipe.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a waste liquid recovery apparatus capable of recovering waste liquid even while the waste liquid tank is removed in order to discard the waste liquid.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet apparatus that can recover waste liquid even while the waste liquid tank is removed, in an ink jet apparatus having a waste liquid tank that collects liquid discharged from the ink jet head for maintenance.
  • the present invention has the following configuration. That is, the present invention is a waste liquid recovery device, to which a waste liquid recovery pipe is connected, an intermediate tank having a state of storing the waste liquid and a state of flowing out the waste liquid, and a waste liquid tank for recovering the waste liquid via the intermediate tank, , Characterized by having.
  • the waste liquid flowing out to the waste liquid tank can be stored by providing the intermediate tank having the state of storing the waste liquid and the state of flowing out the waste liquid.
  • the waste liquid tank is removable at a predetermined position, and the intermediate tank shifts to a state in which the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank when the waste liquid tank is installed at the predetermined position. It is preferable to shift to a state in which the waste liquid is stored when the waste liquid tank is not installed at a predetermined position.
  • the intermediate tank will drain the waste liquid to the waste liquid tank, but if the waste liquid tank is removed, the intermediate tank stores the waste liquid until the waste liquid tank is installed again, so the waste liquid tank is removed. Even in such a state, the waste liquid can be collected.
  • the intermediate tank can be tilted, and in the intermediate tank, the overturned state is a state where the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank, and the standing state is a state where the waste liquid is stored.
  • the intermediate tank fallable so that the waste liquid flows out in the fall state and the waste liquid is stored in the standing state, the waste liquid can be collected with a simple structure even when the waste tank is removed. Can do.
  • the intermediate tank when the intermediate tank is in a state of storing waste liquid, it is preferable to include a control unit that counts the number of times of storing waste liquid in the intermediate tank.
  • control means When the control means counts the number of times the waste liquid is stored in the intermediate tank, the overflow of the waste liquid from the intermediate tank can be suppressed.
  • control means has warning means for warning that the waste liquid tank is installed at a predetermined position when the number of times the waste liquid is stored in the intermediate tank exceeds a predetermined value.
  • the warning means provided in the control means warns that the waste liquid tank is installed, so that overflow of the waste liquid from the intermediate tank can be prevented.
  • the present invention is an ink jet apparatus, wherein a waste liquid recovery pipe for recovering liquid discharged from the ink jet head as waste liquid is connected, the intermediate tank having a state of storing waste liquid and a state of discharging waste liquid, and the intermediate tank A waste liquid tank that collects the waste liquid via the tank, wherein the waste liquid tank is detachable at a predetermined position, and the intermediate tank is disposed in the waste liquid tank when the waste liquid tank is installed at the predetermined position. It shifts to the state which discharges a waste liquid to a tank, and when the said waste liquid tank is not installed in the predetermined position, it transfers to the state which stores a waste liquid, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
  • the intermediate tank flows out the waste liquid to the waste liquid tank, but if the waste liquid tank is removed, the intermediate tank is set again with the waste liquid tank. Since the waste liquid is stored until the waste liquid tank is removed, the waste liquid can be collected from the ink jet head even when the waste liquid tank is removed, so that the operation efficiency of the ink jet apparatus is improved.
  • the waste liquid flowing out to the waste liquid tank can be stored by providing the intermediate tank having the state of storing the waste liquid and the state of flowing out the waste liquid.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an ink path in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a retention tank RT disposed in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT and the retention tank RT.
  • 3 is a diagram for explaining a control unit 1 in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a waste liquid recovery system in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. It is a figure for showing another mode of retention tank RT. It is a figure for showing the mode of retention tank RT in which electrical control is performed.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an ink jet printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention.
  • the ink jet printing apparatus 100 is a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a conveyed roll paper.
  • the ink jet printing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 1, a transport unit 2, a discharge unit 3, a drying unit 4, and an inspection unit 5.
  • the control unit 1 is for controlling the entire inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • the control unit 1 transports the paper 9 by the transport unit 2, ejects ink onto the paper 9 by the ejection unit 3, dries the paper 9 on which ink is ejected by the drying unit 4, and takes a print image of the paper 9 by the inspection unit 5 By controlling each of them, printing of the ink jet printing apparatus 100 on the paper 9 is realized.
  • the control unit 1 also executes control related to the operation of the retention tank RT and the waste liquid tank HT described later (details will be described later).
  • the transport unit 2 is configured to transport the paper 9 in the inkjet printing apparatus 100, and includes a paper storage unit 20, a driving roller 21, and a support roller 22.
  • the paper storage unit 20 is for storing the paper 9 that is roll paper for printing.
  • the paper storage unit 20a stores the paper 9 before printing, and the paper storage unit 20b stores the paper 9 after printing. Storing.
  • the paper 9 drawn out from the paper storage unit 20a is conveyed by the drive rollers 21a and 21b through the discharge unit 3, the drying unit 4 and the inspection unit 5 while being supported by the support roller 22, and is wound around the paper storage unit 20b.
  • the ejection unit 3 receives ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown), ejects ink according to an ink ejection signal generated by the control unit 1 based on the image information, and performs printing on the paper 9.
  • the ejection unit 3 includes inkjet nozzle groups 30k, 30c, 30m, and 30y as a plurality of inkjet nozzle groups 30.
  • the inkjet nozzle groups 30k, 30c, 30m, and 30y are orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper 9, and a discharge width that is greater than the conveyance width of the paper 9 is realized by arranging a large number of nozzles. Since the discharge unit 3 has such a configuration, the discharge unit 3 performs printing by one discharge without performing reciprocal scanning in the conveyance width direction of the paper 9.
  • the number of inkjet nozzle groups in the ejection unit 3 is not limited to four, and the number of inkjet nozzle groups may be one for monochromatic ejection, or 5 to perform ejection with a special color added. Two or more inkjet nozzle groups may be provided.
  • the drying unit 4 fixes the ink by evaporating the solvent (mainly water) of the ink by applying heat to the paper 9 after printing by the discharge unit 3 with a heater.
  • the inspection unit 5 captures a print image in order for the control unit 1 to determine whether or not the printing performed on the paper 9 is good.
  • the inspection unit 5 captures a printed image printed on the conveyed paper 9 by a CCD line sensor or a CCD camera, and transmits imaging information to the control unit 1.
  • the control unit 1 determines whether or not the printing is good by comparing the image information used for performing the ink discharge and the photographing information to determine whether or not there is a discharge failure in the discharge unit 3. be able to.
  • a retention tank RT and a waste liquid tank HT are provided at the lower part of the discharge unit 3.
  • the retention tank RT is an intermediate tank that can temporarily store ink collected from the ejection unit 3 by purging.
  • the retention tank RT has either a state of storing ink or flowing into the waste liquid tank depending on the presence or absence of the waste liquid tank HT (details will be described later).
  • the waste liquid tank HT can be removed from the ink jet printing apparatus 100, and if the ink becomes full as a result of repeated purging, the operator of the ink jet printing apparatus 100 removes the waste liquid tank HT and discards the collected ink. .
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an ink path in the inkjet printing apparatus 100, and particularly shows an ink path in a state where the ejection unit 3 is performing cleaning.
  • the discharge unit 3 includes a suction cap 311, a suction tube 312, an electromagnetic on-off valve 313, a suction pump 314, and a suction conduit 315 for cleaning the inkjet nozzle group 30.
  • the ink jet printing apparatus 100 includes an ink collection pipe IT, a retention tank RT connected to the ink collection pipe IT, and a waste liquid tank HT that collects ink through the retention tank. Have.
  • ink jet heads 30a to 30h are arranged in order to form one ink jet nozzle group 30.
  • the number of inkjet heads arranged to form the inkjet nozzle group 30 is not limited to eight.
  • ink path corresponding to one inkjet nozzle group 30 is illustrated here, it is assumed that an ink path is provided corresponding to each inkjet nozzle group 30.
  • the retention tank RT and the waste liquid tank HT may be provided in each ink path, or the ink paths of the plurality of inkjet nozzle groups 30 are aggregated by the suction pump 314, so that one retention tank RT and the waste liquid are collected. Ink may be collected in the tank HT.
  • the suction cap 311 covers the inkjet nozzle group 30 in order to prevent the nozzle from drying and contamination.
  • the suction cap 311 provided with the suction tube 312 connected to the suction pump 314 performs the coating as shown in FIG. 2 when the inkjet nozzle group 30 descends based on the control of the control unit 1, and the inkjet nozzle group Suction for eliminating 30 ink clogs can be performed.
  • suction caps 311a to 311h are provided corresponding to the inkjet heads 30a to 30h.
  • the suction tube 312 is connected to the suction cap 311 as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink sucked from the inkjet nozzle group 30 covered by the suction cap 311 passes through the suction tube 312 and is sucked by the suction pump 314. Sucked.
  • suction tubes 312a to 312h are provided corresponding to the suction caps 311a to 311h.
  • the electromagnetic on-off valve 313 is provided in the suction pipe line 315 connected to the suction pump 314.
  • the electromagnetic open / close valve 313 covers the inkjet nozzle group 30 with a suction cap 311.
  • the electromagnetic open / close valve 313 opens the suction conduit 316 under the control of the control unit 1.
  • the suction pump 314 sucks ink from the inkjet nozzle group 30 through the suction pipe 315, the suction tubes 312a to 312h, and the suction cap 311.
  • the suction pump 314 When the suction pump 314 generates a negative pressure, the ink flows out from the inkjet nozzle group 30.
  • the ink that has flowed out due to the negative pressure flows into the retention tank RT through the ink collection pipe IT via the suction cap 311, the suction tube 312, the suction pipe 315, and the suction pump 314, and further through the retention tank RT, the waste liquid tank HT. To be recovered.
  • FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the retention tank RT disposed in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • FIG. 3 shows that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, and the retention tank RT is in an upright state for storing the waste liquid.
  • the ink recovery pipe IT extending from the suction pump 314 is connected to the retention tank RT. Since the ink recovery pipe IT is made of a soft material rather than a fixed pipe, the ink sucked by the suction pump 314 can be poured into the retention tank RT regardless of whether the state of the retention tank RT is upside down.
  • the retention tank RT includes a pivot shaft RTx for pivotally supporting the retention tank RT to the inkjet printing apparatus 100, a fall knob RTn for overturning the retention tank RT when the waste liquid tank HT is disposed at a predetermined position, and a waste liquid tank HT.
  • a storage portion RTt for storing ink is provided.
  • the pivot axis RTx is for pivotally supporting the retention tank RT on the structural material of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 (not shown).
  • the retention tank RT is overturned, and when the waste liquid tank HT is removed from the predetermined position, the retention tank RT is in an upright state. .
  • the fall knob RTn is provided to turn the retention tank RT into a fall state when the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position.
  • the waste liquid tank HT pushes the overturning knob RTn, so that the retention tank RT rotates around the pivot axis RTx and enters the overturned state.
  • the pushing of the fall knob RTn by the waste liquid tank HT is lost, and therefore, the retention tank RT rotates around the pivot axis RTx to be in an upright state.
  • the nozzle RTz is inserted into the opening of the waste liquid tank HT when the retention tank RT is in an overturned state, and allows ink flowing from the ink recovery pipe IT or ink stored in the storage section RTt described later to flow into the waste liquid tank HT. .
  • the storage unit RTt stores ink flowing from the ink recovery pipe IT when the retention tank RT is in the standing state.
  • the storage unit RTt can store ink for several cleaning processes by the discharge unit 3.
  • the ink stored in the storage portion RTt is poured into the waste liquid tank HT.
  • FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT and the retention tank RT in the ink jet printing apparatus 100.
  • FIG. 4A shows a state in which the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • the retention tank RT is in a fallen state because the fall knob RTn of the retention tank RT is pushed in by the waste liquid tank HT.
  • ink flows into the retention tank RT through the ink recovery pipe IT. Since the retention tank RT is in an overturned state, ink is not stored in the storage portion RTt, and ink is poured from the nozzle RTz into the waste liquid tank HT and collected.
  • FIG. 4B shows a state where the waste liquid tank HT is removed from the inkjet printing apparatus 100 and is not installed at a predetermined position.
  • the ink that has flowed into the retention tank RT through the ink recovery pipe IT does not flow out from the nozzle RTz toward the waste liquid tank HT because the retention tank RT is in an upright state. Not stored in the storage part RTt.
  • the retention tank RT is turned over as shown in FIG. 4A, and the ink stored in the storage portion RTt is poured into the waste liquid tank HT from the nozzle RTz. .
  • the ink jet printing apparatus 100 must stop its operation only because the waste liquid tank HT that is not directly related to the operation is not installed at a predetermined position.
  • the retention tank RT when the retention tank RT exists, even if the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position and the purge by the discharge unit 3 is performed, the retention tank RT removes the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT. Since the ink is stored to some extent, the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can operate, and thus the efficiency is improved.
  • control unit 1 of the ink jet printing apparatus 100 controls ink storage in the retention tank RT when the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the control unit 1 in the ink jet printing apparatus 100, and particularly for explaining a configuration for controlling the waste liquid recovery system.
  • the control unit 1 includes a maintenance unit 101, a waste liquid tank detection unit 102, and a storage frequency counting unit 103 in order to control ink storage in the retention tank RT.
  • the maintenance unit 101 has a suction cap for the inkjet head 30 group for preventing wiping of a nozzle provided in the inkjet head 30 group with a wiper (not shown), dust adhesion to the nozzle, or drying of the liquid forming the meniscus in the nozzle.
  • Control of the maintenance operation for the ejection unit 3 is performed, such as capping that covers the nozzle 311, particularly purge that ejects ink from the inkjet head group 30 and cleans the nozzles.
  • the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 detects the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. When the waste liquid tank HT is detached from the inkjet printing apparatus 100, the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position based on a signal from a detection sensor (not shown).
  • the storage count unit 103 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position by the maintenance unit 101 when the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed.
  • a counter i for counting the number of purges performed is provided.
  • the ink to be discarded is stored in the storage section RTt of the retention tank RT. Therefore, if purge is performed frequently, ink may overflow from the retention tank RT. Therefore, when the number of purges counted by the counter i of the storage number counting unit 103 exceeds a predetermined value, the maintenance unit 101 performs the purge even if the purge needs to be performed or the purge is instructed. Control not to do.
  • the storage frequency counting unit 103 includes a warning unit 1031 that displays warning information on a display unit (not shown) provided in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 when the number of purges exceeds a predetermined value.
  • the warning unit 1031 displays a message “Install a waste liquid tank at a predetermined position to prevent ink overflow”. Please warn me ".
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the waste liquid recovery system in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
  • step S1 the waste liquid tank detector 102 detects the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT.
  • the control unit 1 of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 performs a normal operation including a maintenance operation by the maintenance unit 101.
  • the control unit 1 proceeds to step S2 and resets the counter i of the storage frequency counting unit 103 to “0”.
  • the inkjet printing apparatus 100 does not have to stop the normal operation including the maintenance operation until the process proceeds to the steps described later. Good.
  • step S3 the maintenance unit 101 determines whether or not purge has been performed as a maintenance operation for the discharge unit 3.
  • the storage count unit 103 does not count.
  • the storage count unit 103 adds 1 to the counter i (step S4).
  • step S5 it is determined whether or not the counter i of the storage count unit 103 exceeds a predetermined value n. If the counter i does not exceed the predetermined value n, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if the counter i exceeds the predetermined value n, it is assumed that there is a possibility that ink overflow may occur from the storage portion RTt of the retention tank RT, and the process proceeds to step S6.
  • step S6 the warning unit 1031 warns the display unit of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 (not shown) that the retention tank RT may overflow, and also installs the waste liquid tank HT at a predetermined position of the inkjet printing apparatus 100. To suggest.
  • step S7 the maintenance unit 101 stops the process for the purge in the maintenance operation for the discharge unit 3. Thereby, even if the maintenance unit 101 performs a maintenance operation on the discharge unit 3, the purge is not performed, and thus the overflow of the retention tank RT can be prevented.
  • step S8 the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 detects the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT.
  • the process returns to step S6 until the waste liquid tank HT is detected.
  • step S2 the process returns to step S2 to reset the counter i of the storage frequency counting unit 103 and repeat the operation of the waste liquid recovery system.
  • the control unit 1 of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 performing the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the maintenance unit 101 purges a predetermined number of times. Therefore, the efficiency of the printing operation in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can be improved.
  • the retention tank RT can be tilted, and ink is poured into the waste liquid tank HT when indicating the fall state, and ink is stored in the storage portion RTt when indicating the standing state.
  • the configuration of the retention tank RT is not limited to this.
  • FIG. 7 is a view for illustrating another aspect of the retention tank RT.
  • the retention tank RT2 shown in FIG. 7 (a) is configured to realize the storage portion RTt as a whole, and does not have a configuration corresponding to the pivot axis RTx and the fall knob RTn, thus indicating a fall state. There is nothing.
  • the retention tank RT2 includes slide knobs RTs used for opening and closing the nozzle RTz.
  • the slide knob RTs slides so as to close the nozzle RTz with an elastic body such as a spring when there is no pressure by placing the waste liquid tank HT at a predetermined position and open the nozzle RTz when there is pressure.
  • the hatched portion of the slide knob RTs is located inside the retention tank RT2, and the sliding portion is drip-proof.
  • FIG. 7 (b) shows the state of the retention tank RT2 when the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position.
  • the slide knob RTs slides in the direction to open the nozzle RTz against the elastic force due to the pressure when the waste liquid tank HT is installed.
  • the ejection unit 3 performs a purge, the ink that has flowed into the retention tank RT2 via the ink recovery pipe IT flows into the waste liquid tank HT from the opened nozzle RTz.
  • FIG. 7 (c) shows the state of the retention tank RT2 when the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position. Since the waste liquid tank HT is removed, the slide knob RTs slides in the direction to close the nozzle RTz by the elastic force. In this state, when the ejection unit 3 performs a purge, the ink that has flowed through the ink recovery pipe IT is stored in the retention tank RT2.
  • the retention tank RT2 as shown in FIG. 7 exists, even if the waste tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position and the purge is performed by the discharge unit 3, the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT is removed. Since the retention tank RT2 accumulates to some extent, even if the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can still perform a printing operation. Thereby, the operation efficiency of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can be improved.
  • the state of the retention tank RT may be determined by performing electrical control on the retention tank RT regardless of the presence or absence of the waste liquid tank HT.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating an aspect of the retention tank RT in which electrical control is performed.
  • the retention tank RT3 shown in FIG. 8 (a) has substantially the same configuration as that of the retention tank RT shown in FIG. 4 (a), but does not include a fall knob RTn, and the pivot shaft RTx is controlled by the control unit 1.
  • the servo motor CM to be controlled is pivoted, which is different from the retention tank RT shown in FIG.
  • the control unit 1 drives the servo motor CM to pivot the pivot axis RTx, so that the retention tank RT3 is Ink is stored in the standing state.
  • the control unit 1 when the control unit 1 detects that the waste liquid tank HT is full of ink collected by providing a sensor for detecting the amount of waste liquid, the control unit 1 drives the servo motor CM to hold the retention tank RT3. The ink purged in is stored to prevent ink overflow in the waste liquid tank HT. In this state, purge is performed several times, and when the amount of ink stored in the retention tank RT3 approaches the limit, the warning unit 1031 discards the ink collected in the waste liquid tank HT on a display unit (not shown) of the inkjet printing apparatus 100. A warning to the effect may be displayed.
  • the control unit 1 determines that the ink can be collected in the waste liquid tank HT based on information from a sensor that detects the amount of waste liquid. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), the servo motor CM is driven to pivot the pivot shaft RTx, and the retention tank RT3 is turned over so that the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT flows into the waste liquid tank HT.
  • the retention tank RT3 is set up in an upright state, the ink is stored, purged several times, and then the control unit 1 causes the retention tank RT3 to fall over.
  • the stored ink may be poured into the waste liquid tank HT.
  • the waste liquid tank HT has been described so that ink flows from the retention tanks RT and RT2 into the waste liquid tank by pushing the fall knob RTn and slide knob RTs provided in the retention tanks RT and RT2.
  • the ink may flow from the retention tank RT into the waste liquid tank HT by other methods.
  • the valve push pin provided in the waste liquid tank HT pushes up the valve provided in the nozzle RTz of the retention tank RT, so that the ink stored in the storage portion RTt is discharged into the waste liquid tank. It is possible to adopt a configuration that flows into the HT.
  • the inkjet printing apparatus 100 has been described.
  • the present invention can also be applied as a waste liquid recovery apparatus in a liquid processing apparatus that processes other liquids.
  • the waste liquid in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 has been described as ink.
  • a liquid crystal color filter or a functional liquid for forming a biological tissue may be used.
  • the present invention is suitable for a waste liquid recovery apparatus in a liquid processing apparatus and an inkjet apparatus provided with a waste liquid tank.

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Abstract

A waste liquid collecting device of the present invention comprises a retention tank having a waste liquid retaining state and a waste liquid flowing-out state. Therefore, since the retention tank allows a waste liquid to flow out into a waste holdup tank if the waste holdup tank is mounted, but retains the waste liquid until the waste holdup tank is mounted again if the waste holdup tank is dismounted, it is possible to collect the waste liquid even while the waste holdup tank is being dismounted.

Description

廃液回収装置、インクジェット装置Waste liquid recovery device, inkjet device
　本発明は、液体を使用して処理を行なう液体処理装置における廃液回収装置に関する。また、保守のためにインクジェットヘッドから排出した液体を回収する廃液タンクを備えたインクジェット装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a waste liquid recovery apparatus in a liquid processing apparatus that performs processing using a liquid. The present invention also relates to an ink jet apparatus including a waste liquid tank that collects liquid discharged from the ink jet head for maintenance.
　液体を使用して処理を行なう液体処理装置において、使用済みの液体を廃液として回収し廃液タンクに蓄積する廃液回収装置が一般的に使用されている。 In a liquid processing apparatus that performs processing using a liquid, a waste liquid recovery apparatus that recovers used liquid as waste liquid and accumulates it in a waste liquid tank is generally used.
　例えば、インクなどの液体を吐出することによって記録を行なうオンデマンド方式のインクジェット装置では、液体吐出ノズルの目詰まりや液体の粘性増加を防止するために、記録とは別に保守を目的とした液体吐出処理を実行する機能を有していることが多い。このような機能を「パージ」と称する。 For example, in an on-demand ink jet apparatus that performs recording by discharging liquid such as ink, in order to prevent clogging of the liquid discharge nozzle and increase in the viscosity of the liquid, liquid discharge for maintenance purposes separate from recording It often has a function of executing processing. Such a function is called “purge”.
　一般的なインクジェット装置では、液体の吐出を行なうインクジェットヘッドが記録待機位置に移動した時にパージを行なう。インクジェットヘッドが待機位置に移動すると、インクジェットヘッドが備えるノズルに対向して備えられた廃液受けに対して、該ノズルから液体を吐出することによりパージが実行される。 In a general inkjet apparatus, purging is performed when an inkjet head that discharges liquid moves to a recording standby position. When the ink jet head moves to the standby position, purging is performed by discharging liquid from the nozzle to the waste liquid receiver provided facing the nozzle of the ink jet head.
　この廃液受けは、液体の乾燥、あるいはインクジェットヘッドへの塵芥付着を防止するためにインクジェットヘッドに備えられたノズルを被覆するキャップユニットと兼用している場合もある。 This waste liquid receiver may also be used as a cap unit that covers a nozzle provided in the ink jet head in order to prevent the liquid from drying or adhering dust to the ink jet head.
　オンデマンド方式のインクジェット装置において、廃液受けに吐出された液体は使用不可の廃液として取り扱われる。廃液受けに吐出された液体は、配管を通じて廃液タンクに回収される。 In the on-demand type inkjet device, the liquid discharged to the waste liquid receiver is handled as unusable waste liquid. The liquid discharged to the waste liquid receiver is collected in the waste liquid tank through the pipe.
　このようなパージを繰り返し実行すると、廃液タンクに廃液が蓄積されることで廃液タンクが満杯になり、廃液タンクからの廃液オーバーフローや液体吐出処理の中断などの不都合が生じる可能性がある。そこで、廃液タンクが満杯になったか否かを判定する先行技術が存在する（例えば、特許文献１を参照）。 If such a purge is repeatedly executed, the waste liquid is accumulated in the waste liquid tank to fill up the waste liquid tank, which may cause inconveniences such as waste liquid overflow from the waste liquid tank and interruption of the liquid discharge process. Thus, there is a prior art for determining whether or not the waste liquid tank is full (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
特開２０１１－８３８９８号公報JP 2011-83898 A
　着脱可能な廃液タンクの場合、廃液が満杯になったならば廃液タンクを取り外して廃液の廃棄処理を行なうことになる。この時はパージを行なうことができないので、インクジェット装置における液体吐出を伴う保守動作は停止しなければならない。 In the case of a detachable waste liquid tank, when the waste liquid is full, the waste liquid tank is removed and the waste liquid is disposed. At this time, since the purge cannot be performed, the maintenance operation accompanied by the liquid discharge in the ink jet apparatus must be stopped.
　しかしながら、廃液タンクの着脱はインクジェット装置全体の動作において必要な要件ではあるが重要な要件ではないため、廃液タンクを取り外している間もインクジェット装置を動作させたいという要望が存在した。 However, since the attachment / detachment of the waste liquid tank is a necessary requirement in the operation of the entire inkjet apparatus, but is not an important requirement, there has been a desire to operate the inkjet apparatus while the waste liquid tank is being removed.
　すなわち、廃液回収装置を備えた液体処理装置において、廃液タンクを取り外している間でも廃液回収を行なうことを可能とすることが、強く要望されている。 That is, in a liquid processing apparatus equipped with a waste liquid recovery apparatus, there is a strong demand for enabling waste liquid recovery even while the waste liquid tank is removed.
　そこで、本発明は、廃液を廃棄するために廃液タンクを取り外している間でも、廃液回収を行なうことが可能な廃液回収装置を提供することを目的とする。あるいは、保守のためにインクジェットヘッドから排出した液体を回収する廃液タンクを備えたインクジェット装置において、廃液タンクを取り外している間でも廃液回収を可能とするインクジェット装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a waste liquid recovery apparatus capable of recovering waste liquid even while the waste liquid tank is removed in order to discard the waste liquid. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet apparatus that can recover waste liquid even while the waste liquid tank is removed, in an ink jet apparatus having a waste liquid tank that collects liquid discharged from the ink jet head for maintenance.
　本発明は、このような目的を達成するために、次のような構成をとる。
　すなわち、本発明は、廃液回収装置であって、廃液回収管が接続され、廃液を貯留する状態および廃液を流出する状態を有する中間タンクと、前記中間タンクを介して廃液を回収する廃液タンクと、を有することを特徴とするものである。 In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the present invention is a waste liquid recovery device, to which a waste liquid recovery pipe is connected, an intermediate tank having a state of storing the waste liquid and a state of flowing out the waste liquid, and a waste liquid tank for recovering the waste liquid via the intermediate tank, , Characterized by having.
　本発明によれば、廃液を貯留する状態および廃液を流出する状態を有する中間タンクを備えることにより、廃液タンクへ流出する廃液を貯留することができる。 According to the present invention, the waste liquid flowing out to the waste liquid tank can be stored by providing the intermediate tank having the state of storing the waste liquid and the state of flowing out the waste liquid.
　また、本発明において、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に着脱可能であり、前記中間タンクは、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されている場合に該廃液タンクに廃液を流出する状態に移行し、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されていない場合に廃液を貯留する状態に移行することが好ましい。 Further, in the present invention, the waste liquid tank is removable at a predetermined position, and the intermediate tank shifts to a state in which the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank when the waste liquid tank is installed at the predetermined position. It is preferable to shift to a state in which the waste liquid is stored when the waste liquid tank is not installed at a predetermined position.
　廃液タンクが設置されていれば中間タンクは廃液タンクへ廃液を流出するが、廃液タンクが外された場合中間タンクは再度廃液タンクが設置されるまで廃液を貯留するので、廃液タンクが外されている状態であっても廃液の回収を行なうことができる。 If the waste liquid tank is installed, the intermediate tank will drain the waste liquid to the waste liquid tank, but if the waste liquid tank is removed, the intermediate tank stores the waste liquid until the waste liquid tank is installed again, so the waste liquid tank is removed. Even in such a state, the waste liquid can be collected.
　また、本発明において、前記中間タンクが起倒可能であり、前記中間タンクにおいて、転倒状態が前記廃液タンクに廃液を流出する状態であり、起立状態が廃液を貯留する状態であることが好ましい。 Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the intermediate tank can be tilted, and in the intermediate tank, the overturned state is a state where the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank, and the standing state is a state where the waste liquid is stored.
　中間タンクを、転倒状態で廃液を流出し起立状態で廃液を貯留する起倒可能な構成とすることにより、簡易な構成で廃液タンクが外されている状態であっても廃液の回収を行なうことができる。 By making the intermediate tank fallable so that the waste liquid flows out in the fall state and the waste liquid is stored in the standing state, the waste liquid can be collected with a simple structure even when the waste tank is removed. Can do.
　また、本発明において、前記中間タンクが廃液を貯留する状態の場合、該中間タンクにおける廃液の貯留回数をカウントする制御手段を備えることが好ましい。 Further, in the present invention, when the intermediate tank is in a state of storing waste liquid, it is preferable to include a control unit that counts the number of times of storing waste liquid in the intermediate tank.
　制御手段が中間タンクにおける廃液の貯留回数をカウントすることにより、中間タンクからの廃液のオーバーフローを抑制することができる。 When the control means counts the number of times the waste liquid is stored in the intermediate tank, the overflow of the waste liquid from the intermediate tank can be suppressed.
　また、本発明において、前記制御手段は、前記中間タンクにおける廃液の貯留回数が所定値を越えた場合、前記廃液タンクを所定の位置に設置することを警告する警告手段を有することが好ましい。 In the present invention, it is preferable that the control means has warning means for warning that the waste liquid tank is installed at a predetermined position when the number of times the waste liquid is stored in the intermediate tank exceeds a predetermined value.
　中間タンクの廃液貯留回数が所定値を超えた場合に、廃液タンクを設置することを制御手段が備える警告手段が警告するので、中間タンクからの廃液のオーバーフローを防止することができる。 When the number of waste liquids stored in the intermediate tank exceeds a predetermined value, the warning means provided in the control means warns that the waste liquid tank is installed, so that overflow of the waste liquid from the intermediate tank can be prevented.
　また、本発明は、インクジェット装置であって、インクジェットヘッドから排出された液体を廃液として回収する廃液回収管が接続され、廃液を貯留する状態および廃液を流出する状態を有する中間タンクと、前記中間タンクを介して廃液を回収する廃液タンクと、を有し、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に着脱可能であり、前記中間タンクは、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されている場合に該廃液タンクに廃液を流出する状態に移行し、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されていない場合に廃液を貯留する状態に移行すること、を特徴とするものである。 Further, the present invention is an ink jet apparatus, wherein a waste liquid recovery pipe for recovering liquid discharged from the ink jet head as waste liquid is connected, the intermediate tank having a state of storing waste liquid and a state of discharging waste liquid, and the intermediate tank A waste liquid tank that collects the waste liquid via the tank, wherein the waste liquid tank is detachable at a predetermined position, and the intermediate tank is disposed in the waste liquid tank when the waste liquid tank is installed at the predetermined position. It shifts to the state which discharges a waste liquid to a tank, and when the said waste liquid tank is not installed in the predetermined position, it transfers to the state which stores a waste liquid, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
　本発明によれば、インクジェットヘッドから排出された廃液について、廃液タンクが設置されていれば中間タンクが廃液タンクへ廃液を流出するが、廃液タンクが外された場合中間タンクは再度廃液タンクが設置されるまで廃液を貯留するので、廃液タンクが外されている状態であってもインクジェットヘッドからの廃液の回収を行なうことができるため、インクジェット装置の稼動効率が向上する。 According to the present invention, if the waste liquid is discharged from the inkjet head, if the waste liquid tank is installed, the intermediate tank flows out the waste liquid to the waste liquid tank, but if the waste liquid tank is removed, the intermediate tank is set again with the waste liquid tank. Since the waste liquid is stored until the waste liquid tank is removed, the waste liquid can be collected from the ink jet head even when the waste liquid tank is removed, so that the operation efficiency of the ink jet apparatus is improved.
　本発明に係る廃液回収装置によれば、廃液を貯留する状態および廃液を流出する状態を有する中間タンクを備えることにより、廃液タンクへ流出する廃液を貯留することができる。 According to the waste liquid recovery apparatus according to the present invention, the waste liquid flowing out to the waste liquid tank can be stored by providing the intermediate tank having the state of storing the waste liquid and the state of flowing out the waste liquid.
本発明に関わるインクジェット印刷装置１００を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the inkjet printing apparatus 100 in connection with this invention. インクジェット印刷装置１００におけるインクの経路を説明するための図である。3 is a diagram for explaining an ink path in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. FIG. インクジェット印刷装置１００に配設されたリテンションタンクRTを説明するための図である。2 is a diagram for explaining a retention tank RT disposed in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. FIG. 廃液タンクHTとリテンションタンクRTの設置状態を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT and the retention tank RT. インクジェット印刷装置１００における制御部１を説明するための図である。3 is a diagram for explaining a control unit 1 in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. FIG. インクジェット印刷装置１００における廃液回収系の動作を説明するためのフローチャートである。4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a waste liquid recovery system in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. リテンションタンクRTの別の態様を示すための図である。It is a figure for showing another mode of retention tank RT. 電気的な制御が行われるリテンションタンクRTの態様を示すための図である。It is a figure for showing the mode of retention tank RT in which electrical control is performed.
　以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態について説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　〈第１の実施形態〉
　図１は、本発明に関わるインクジェット印刷装置１００を説明するための図である。インクジェット印刷装置１００は、搬送されるロール紙に対してインクを吐出して印刷を行う印刷装置である。インクジェット印刷装置１００は、制御部１、搬送部２、吐出部３、乾燥部４、検査部５を備える。 <First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an ink jet printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The ink jet printing apparatus 100 is a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a conveyed roll paper. The ink jet printing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 1, a transport unit 2, a discharge unit 3, a drying unit 4, and an inspection unit 5.
　制御部１は、インクジェット印刷装置１００全体を制御するためのものである。制御部１が、搬送部２による用紙９の搬送、吐出部３による用紙９へのインク吐出、乾燥部４におけるインクが吐出された用紙９の乾燥、検査部５における用紙９の印刷像撮影をそれぞれ制御することにより、用紙９に対するインクジェット印刷装置１００の印刷を実現している。 The control unit 1 is for controlling the entire inkjet printing apparatus 100. The control unit 1 transports the paper 9 by the transport unit 2, ejects ink onto the paper 9 by the ejection unit 3, dries the paper 9 on which ink is ejected by the drying unit 4, and takes a print image of the paper 9 by the inspection unit 5 By controlling each of them, printing of the ink jet printing apparatus 100 on the paper 9 is realized.
　なお、制御部１は、後述するリテンションタンクRTおよび廃液タンクHTの動作に関わる制御についても実行する（詳細は後述する）。 The control unit 1 also executes control related to the operation of the retention tank RT and the waste liquid tank HT described later (details will be described later).
　搬送部２は、インクジェット印刷装置１００における用紙９の搬送を行なうための構成であり、用紙収納部２０、駆動ローラ２１、支持ローラ２２を備えている。 The transport unit 2 is configured to transport the paper 9 in the inkjet printing apparatus 100, and includes a paper storage unit 20, a driving roller 21, and a support roller 22.
　用紙収納部２０は、印刷を行なうためのロール紙である用紙９を収納するためのものであり、用紙収納部２０ａは印刷前の用紙９を収納し、用紙収納部２０ｂは印刷後の用紙９を収納する。 The paper storage unit 20 is for storing the paper 9 that is roll paper for printing. The paper storage unit 20a stores the paper 9 before printing, and the paper storage unit 20b stores the paper 9 after printing. Storing.
　用紙収納部２０ａから引き出された用紙９は、支持ローラ２２によって支持されながら駆動ローラ２１ａ、２１ｂによって吐出部３、乾燥部４、検査部５を搬送され、用紙収納部２０ｂに巻取られる。 The paper 9 drawn out from the paper storage unit 20a is conveyed by the drive rollers 21a and 21b through the discharge unit 3, the drying unit 4 and the inspection unit 5 while being supported by the support roller 22, and is wound around the paper storage unit 20b.
　吐出部３は、図示しないインクタンクからインクの供給を受け、制御部１が画像情報に基づいて生成したインク吐出信号によってインクを吐出し、用紙９に対する印刷を行なう。 The ejection unit 3 receives ink supplied from an ink tank (not shown), ejects ink according to an ink ejection signal generated by the control unit 1 based on the image information, and performs printing on the paper 9.
　吐出部３は複数のインクジェットノズル群３０として、インクジェットノズル群３０ｋ、３０ｃ、３０ｍ、３０ｙを備えている。インクジェットノズル群３０ｋ、３０ｃ、３０ｍ、３０ｙは用紙９の搬送方向に直交しており、多数のノズルを列設することにより用紙９の搬送幅以上の吐出幅を実現している。吐出部３がこのような構成を備えることにより、吐出部３は用紙９の搬送幅方向に往復走査せずとも一度の吐出で印刷を実行する。 The ejection unit 3 includes inkjet nozzle groups 30k, 30c, 30m, and 30y as a plurality of inkjet nozzle groups 30. The inkjet nozzle groups 30k, 30c, 30m, and 30y are orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper 9, and a discharge width that is greater than the conveyance width of the paper 9 is realized by arranging a large number of nozzles. Since the discharge unit 3 has such a configuration, the discharge unit 3 performs printing by one discharge without performing reciprocal scanning in the conveyance width direction of the paper 9.
　なお、吐出部３のインクジェットノズル群の数は４つに限定されることはなく、単色吐出のためインクジェットノズル群の数は１つであってもよいし、特色を加えた吐出を行なうため５つ以上のインクジェットノズル群を備えていても良い。 Note that the number of inkjet nozzle groups in the ejection unit 3 is not limited to four, and the number of inkjet nozzle groups may be one for monochromatic ejection, or 5 to perform ejection with a special color added. Two or more inkjet nozzle groups may be provided.
　乾燥部４は、ヒーターにより、吐出部３による印刷後の用紙９に対して熱を加えることにより、インクの溶媒（主に水である）を蒸発させることで、インクの定着を行なう。 The drying unit 4 fixes the ink by evaporating the solvent (mainly water) of the ink by applying heat to the paper 9 after printing by the discharge unit 3 with a heater.
　検査部５は、制御部１が用紙９に行なわれた印刷が良好であるか否かを判定するために、印刷像を撮影する。検査部５は、CCDラインセンサ、あるいはCCDカメラにより、搬送される用紙９に印刷された印刷像を撮影し、制御部１へ撮影情報を送信する。制御部１は、インク吐出を行なうために使用した画像情報と撮影情報とを比較することにより、吐出部３における吐出不良の有無を判定することによって、印刷が良好であるか否かを判定することができる。 The inspection unit 5 captures a print image in order for the control unit 1 to determine whether or not the printing performed on the paper 9 is good. The inspection unit 5 captures a printed image printed on the conveyed paper 9 by a CCD line sensor or a CCD camera, and transmits imaging information to the control unit 1. The control unit 1 determines whether or not the printing is good by comparing the image information used for performing the ink discharge and the photographing information to determine whether or not there is a discharge failure in the discharge unit 3. be able to.
　また、吐出部３の下部にリテンションタンクRTおよび廃液タンクHTを備えている。 Also, a retention tank RT and a waste liquid tank HT are provided at the lower part of the discharge unit 3.
　リテンションタンクRTは、パージによって吐出部３から回収したインクを一時的に貯留可能な中間タンクである。リテンションタンクRTは、廃液タンクHTの有無により、インクを貯留するか、廃液タンクに流し込むか、のいずれかの状態を有する（詳細は後述する）。 The retention tank RT is an intermediate tank that can temporarily store ink collected from the ejection unit 3 by purging. The retention tank RT has either a state of storing ink or flowing into the waste liquid tank depending on the presence or absence of the waste liquid tank HT (details will be described later).
　廃液タンクHTは、インクジェット印刷装置１００から取り外し可能であり、パージを繰り返し行なった結果インクが満杯になったならば、インクジェット印刷装置１００のオペレータが廃液タンクHTを取り外し、回収されたインクを廃棄する。 The waste liquid tank HT can be removed from the ink jet printing apparatus 100, and if the ink becomes full as a result of repeated purging, the operator of the ink jet printing apparatus 100 removes the waste liquid tank HT and discards the collected ink. .
　図２は、インクジェット印刷装置１００におけるインクの経路を説明するための図であり、特に吐出部３がクリーニングを行っている状態におけるインク経路を図示している。 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an ink path in the inkjet printing apparatus 100, and particularly shows an ink path in a state where the ejection unit 3 is performing cleaning.
　吐出部３は、インクジェットノズル群３０のクリーニングを行なうため、吸引キャップ３１１、吸引チューブ３１２、電磁開閉弁３１３、吸引ポンプ３１４、吸引管路３１５とを有する。 The discharge unit 3 includes a suction cap 311, a suction tube 312, an electromagnetic on-off valve 313, a suction pump 314, and a suction conduit 315 for cleaning the inkjet nozzle group 30.
　さらに、インクジェット印刷装置１００は、吸引ポンプ３１４で吸引されたインクを回収するため、インク回収管IT、インク回収管ITが接続するリテンションタンクRT、リテンションタンクを介してインクを回収する廃液タンクHTを有している。 Further, in order to collect the ink sucked by the suction pump 314, the ink jet printing apparatus 100 includes an ink collection pipe IT, a retention tank RT connected to the ink collection pipe IT, and a waste liquid tank HT that collects ink through the retention tank. Have.
　なお、ここでは、一つのインクジェットノズル群３０を構成するために、８個のインクジェットヘッド３０ａ～３０ｈが列設されているものとして説明を行なう。無論、インクジェットノズル群３０を構成するために列設されるインクジェットヘッドの数は、８に限定されることはない。 In the following description, it is assumed that eight ink jet heads 30a to 30h are arranged in order to form one ink jet nozzle group 30. Of course, the number of inkjet heads arranged to form the inkjet nozzle group 30 is not limited to eight.
　また、ここでは一つのインクジェットノズル群３０に対応したインク経路を図示しているが、インク経路は各インクジェットノズル群３０に対応してそれぞれ備えられているものとする。この場合、リテンションタンクRTおよび廃液タンクHTは、各インク経路にそれぞれ備えるようにしても良いし、あるいは複数のインクジェットノズル群３０のインク経路が吸引ポンプ３１４で集約され、一つのリテンションタンクRTおよび廃液タンクHTでインクを回収するようにしても良い。 In addition, although an ink path corresponding to one inkjet nozzle group 30 is illustrated here, it is assumed that an ink path is provided corresponding to each inkjet nozzle group 30. In this case, the retention tank RT and the waste liquid tank HT may be provided in each ink path, or the ink paths of the plurality of inkjet nozzle groups 30 are aggregated by the suction pump 314, so that one retention tank RT and the waste liquid are collected. Ink may be collected in the tank HT.
　吸引キャップ３１１は、ノズルの乾燥、汚染を防ぐため、インクジェットノズル群３０を被覆する。吸引ポンプ３１４に接続される吸引チューブ３１２を備えた吸引キャップ３１１は、制御部１の制御に基づいてインクジェットノズル群３０が下降することで、図２に示すような被覆を実行し、インクジェットノズル群３０のインク詰まりを解消するための吸引を行なうことができる。 The suction cap 311 covers the inkjet nozzle group 30 in order to prevent the nozzle from drying and contamination. The suction cap 311 provided with the suction tube 312 connected to the suction pump 314 performs the coating as shown in FIG. 2 when the inkjet nozzle group 30 descends based on the control of the control unit 1, and the inkjet nozzle group Suction for eliminating 30 ink clogs can be performed.
　ここでは、インクジェットヘッド３０ａ～３０ｈに対応して、吸引キャップ３１１ａ～３１１ｈが備えられている。 Here, suction caps 311a to 311h are provided corresponding to the inkjet heads 30a to 30h.
　吸引チューブ３１２は、前述のように吸引キャップ３１１に接続されており、図２に示すように吸引キャップ３１１に被覆されたインクジェットノズル群３０から吸引されたインクは吸引チューブ３１２を経て吸引ポンプ３１４によって吸引される。 The suction tube 312 is connected to the suction cap 311 as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink sucked from the inkjet nozzle group 30 covered by the suction cap 311 passes through the suction tube 312 and is sucked by the suction pump 314. Sucked.
　ここでは、吸引キャップ３１１ａ～３１１ｈに対応して、吸引チューブ３１２ａ～３１２ｈが備えられている。 Here, suction tubes 312a to 312h are provided corresponding to the suction caps 311a to 311h.
　電磁開閉弁３１３は、吸引ポンプ３１４に接続する吸引管路３１５に備えられている。電磁開閉弁３１３は、インクジェットノズル群３０を吸引キャップ３１１が被覆し、インクジェットヘッド３０ａ～３０ｈからインクの吸引を行なう時、制御部１の制御により電磁開閉弁３１３が吸引管路３１６を開放する。 The electromagnetic on-off valve 313 is provided in the suction pipe line 315 connected to the suction pump 314. The electromagnetic open / close valve 313 covers the inkjet nozzle group 30 with a suction cap 311. When the ink is sucked from the inkjet heads 30a to 30h, the electromagnetic open / close valve 313 opens the suction conduit 316 under the control of the control unit 1.
　吸引ポンプ３１４は、吸引管路３１５、吸引チューブ３１２ａ～３１２ｈ、吸引キャップ３１１を介して、インクジェットノズル群３０からインクを吸引する。吸引ポンプ３１４が負圧を発生させると、インクジェットノズル群３０からインクが流出する。負圧によって流出したインクは、吸引キャップ３１１、吸引チューブ３１２、吸引管路３１５、吸引ポンプ３１４を経由して、インク回収管ITを通じてリテンションタンクRTに流れ込み、さらにリテンションタンクRTを介して廃液タンクHTに回収される。 The suction pump 314 sucks ink from the inkjet nozzle group 30 through the suction pipe 315, the suction tubes 312a to 312h, and the suction cap 311. When the suction pump 314 generates a negative pressure, the ink flows out from the inkjet nozzle group 30. The ink that has flowed out due to the negative pressure flows into the retention tank RT through the ink collection pipe IT via the suction cap 311, the suction tube 312, the suction pipe 315, and the suction pump 314, and further through the retention tank RT, the waste liquid tank HT. To be recovered.
　図３は、インクジェット印刷装置１００に配設されたリテンションタンクRTを説明するための図である。図３では、廃液タンクHTが所定に位置に設置されておらず、リテンションタンクRTが廃液を貯留する起立状態であることを示している。 FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the retention tank RT disposed in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. FIG. 3 shows that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, and the retention tank RT is in an upright state for storing the waste liquid.
　リテンションタンクRTには、吸引ポンプ３１４から延びるインク回収管ITが接続されている。インク回収管ITは固定配管ではなく軟素材で構成されているので、リテンションタンクRTの状態が起倒いずれであったとしても、吸引ポンプ３１４が吸引したインクをリテンションタンクRTへ流し込むことができる。 The ink recovery pipe IT extending from the suction pump 314 is connected to the retention tank RT. Since the ink recovery pipe IT is made of a soft material rather than a fixed pipe, the ink sucked by the suction pump 314 can be poured into the retention tank RT regardless of whether the state of the retention tank RT is upside down.
　リテンションタンクRTは、リテンションタンクRTをインクジェット印刷装置１００に軸支するための枢動軸RTx、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に配置された時、リテンションタンクRTを転倒させる転倒ノブRTn、廃液タンクHTにインクを流し込むノズルRTz、そして廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に配置されていない場合、インクを貯留する貯留部RTtを備えている。 The retention tank RT includes a pivot shaft RTx for pivotally supporting the retention tank RT to the inkjet printing apparatus 100, a fall knob RTn for overturning the retention tank RT when the waste liquid tank HT is disposed at a predetermined position, and a waste liquid tank HT. In the case where the nozzle RTz for pouring ink into the nozzle and the waste liquid tank HT are not arranged at predetermined positions, a storage portion RTt for storing ink is provided.
　枢動軸RTxは、図示しないインクジェット印刷装置１００の構造材にリテンションタンクRTを軸支するためのものである。枢動軸RTxを中心として、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置された時、リテンションタンクRTが転倒状態となり、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置から外された場合、リテンションタンクRTは起立状態となる。 The pivot axis RTx is for pivotally supporting the retention tank RT on the structural material of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 (not shown). When the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position around the pivot axis RTx, the retention tank RT is overturned, and when the waste liquid tank HT is removed from the predetermined position, the retention tank RT is in an upright state. .
　転倒ノブRTnは、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置された場合に、リテンションタンクRTを転倒状態にするために備えられている。廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されると、廃液タンクHTが転倒ノブRTnを押し込むので、枢動軸RTxを中心として、リテンションタンクRTが回転し、転倒状態となる。一方、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置から外されると、廃液タンクHTによる転倒ノブRTnの押し込みが失われるので、枢動軸RTxを中心として、リテンションタンクRTが回転し、起立状態となる。 The fall knob RTn is provided to turn the retention tank RT into a fall state when the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position. When the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the waste liquid tank HT pushes the overturning knob RTn, so that the retention tank RT rotates around the pivot axis RTx and enters the overturned state. On the other hand, when the waste liquid tank HT is removed from the predetermined position, the pushing of the fall knob RTn by the waste liquid tank HT is lost, and therefore, the retention tank RT rotates around the pivot axis RTx to be in an upright state.
　ノズルRTzは、リテンションタンクRTが転倒状態にあるとき、廃液タンクHTの開口部に挿入され、インク回収管ITから流入するインク、あるいは後述の貯留部RTtに貯留されたインクを廃液タンクHTに流し込む。 The nozzle RTz is inserted into the opening of the waste liquid tank HT when the retention tank RT is in an overturned state, and allows ink flowing from the ink recovery pipe IT or ink stored in the storage section RTt described later to flow into the waste liquid tank HT. .
　貯留部RTtは、リテンションタンクRTが起立状態にあるとき、インク回収管ITから流入するインクを貯留する。貯留部RTtは、吐出部３によるクリーニング処理数回分のインクを貯留することができる。リテンションタンクRTが転倒状態になると、貯留部RTtが貯留していたインクは廃液タンクHTに流し込まれる。 The storage unit RTt stores ink flowing from the ink recovery pipe IT when the retention tank RT is in the standing state. The storage unit RTt can store ink for several cleaning processes by the discharge unit 3. When the retention tank RT falls over, the ink stored in the storage portion RTt is poured into the waste liquid tank HT.
　図４は、インクジェット印刷装置１００における廃液タンクHTとリテンションタンクRTの設置状態を説明するための図である。 FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT and the retention tank RT in the ink jet printing apparatus 100.
　図４(a)は、インクジェット印刷装置１００において、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されている状態を示している。廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていると、リテンションタンクRTの転倒ノブRTnが廃液タンクHTによって押し込まれるために、リテンションタンクRTは転倒した状態となる。 FIG. 4A shows a state in which the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. When the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the retention tank RT is in a fallen state because the fall knob RTn of the retention tank RT is pushed in by the waste liquid tank HT.
　このとき、吐出部３におけるクリーニング動作としてパージが行われると、インク回収管ITを経てリテンションタンクRT内にインクが流れ込む。リテンションタンクRTは転倒状態にあるため、貯留部RTtにインクが貯留されることはなく、ノズルRTzから廃液タンクHTにインクが流し込まれて回収される。 At this time, when purging is performed as a cleaning operation in the discharge section 3, ink flows into the retention tank RT through the ink recovery pipe IT. Since the retention tank RT is in an overturned state, ink is not stored in the storage portion RTt, and ink is poured from the nozzle RTz into the waste liquid tank HT and collected.
　図４(b)は、インクジェット印刷装置１００から廃液タンクHTが取り外され、所定の位置に設置されていない状態を示している。回収したインクの廃棄などで廃液タンクHTがインクジェット印刷装置１００から取り外されると、転倒ノブRTnによる押し込みが失われ、リテンションタンクRTが起立状態となる。 FIG. 4B shows a state where the waste liquid tank HT is removed from the inkjet printing apparatus 100 and is not installed at a predetermined position. When the waste liquid tank HT is removed from the ink jet printing apparatus 100 due to disposal of the collected ink or the like, the pushing by the fall knob RTn is lost, and the retention tank RT is in an upright state.
　このとき、吐出部３におけるクリーニング動作としてパージが行われると、インク回収管ITを経てリテンションタンクRTに流れ込んだインクは、リテンションタンクRTが起立状態なので、ノズルRTzから廃液タンクHT側へ流れ出すことはなく、貯留部RTtに貯留される。再び廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されると、図４(a)に示すようにリテンションタンクRTが転倒状態になり、貯留部RTtに貯留されたインクがノズルRTzから廃液タンクHTに流し込まれる。 At this time, when purging is performed as a cleaning operation in the discharge section 3, the ink that has flowed into the retention tank RT through the ink recovery pipe IT does not flow out from the nozzle RTz toward the waste liquid tank HT because the retention tank RT is in an upright state. Not stored in the storage part RTt. When the waste liquid tank HT is again installed at a predetermined position, the retention tank RT is turned over as shown in FIG. 4A, and the ink stored in the storage portion RTt is poured into the waste liquid tank HT from the nozzle RTz. .
　すなわち、リテンションタンクRTが存在しない場合、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていない状態では、インク回収管ITからのインクが機内に流れ出してしまうので、吐出部３によるパージを行うことはできない。そのため、直接動作には関わらない廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていないということだけで、インクジェット印刷装置１００は動作を停止しなければならない。 That is, when the retention tank RT does not exist, the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT flows out into the apparatus when the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, so that the purge by the discharge unit 3 cannot be performed. . For this reason, the ink jet printing apparatus 100 must stop its operation only because the waste liquid tank HT that is not directly related to the operation is not installed at a predetermined position.
　それに対して、リテンションタンクRTが存在する場合、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていない状態で吐出部３によるパージが行われたとしても、インク回収管ITからのインクをリテンションタンクRTがある程度貯留するので、インクジェット印刷装置１００は動作を行うことができるため、効率が向上する。 On the other hand, when the retention tank RT exists, even if the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position and the purge by the discharge unit 3 is performed, the retention tank RT removes the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT. Since the ink is stored to some extent, the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can operate, and thus the efficiency is improved.
　〈第２の実施形態〉
　図３に示したリテンションタンクRTを備えたインクジェット印刷装置１００では、確かに廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていない場合でもパージを行うことが可能であるが、リテンションタンクRTの貯留部RTtの貯留量は廃液タンクHTに比べれば低いので、リテンションタンクRTからのインクオーバーフローを防止するために、廃液タンクHTが取り外された状態における過度のパージは回避しなければならない。 <Second Embodiment>
In the inkjet printing apparatus 100 provided with the retention tank RT shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to perform the purge even when the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, but the storage portion RTt of the retention tank RT. Therefore, in order to prevent ink overflow from the retention tank RT, excessive purging with the waste liquid tank HT removed must be avoided.
　そのため、インクジェット印刷装置１００の制御部１は、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていない状態におけるリテンションタンクRTへのインク貯留を制御する。 Therefore, the control unit 1 of the ink jet printing apparatus 100 controls ink storage in the retention tank RT when the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position.
　図５は、インクジェット印刷装置１００における制御部１を説明するための図であり、特に廃液回収系の制御を行う構成を説明するためのものである。 FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the control unit 1 in the ink jet printing apparatus 100, and particularly for explaining a configuration for controlling the waste liquid recovery system.
　制御部１は、リテンションタンクRTのインク貯留を制御するために、保守部１０１、廃液タンク検知部１０２、貯留回数カウント部１０３を備えている。 The control unit 1 includes a maintenance unit 101, a waste liquid tank detection unit 102, and a storage frequency counting unit 103 in order to control ink storage in the retention tank RT.
　保守部１０１は、インクジェットヘッド３０群に備えられたノズルを図示しないワイパーで払拭するワイピング、ノズルに対するダスト付着、あるいはノズルにおけるメニスカスを形成する液体の乾燥を防止するためのインクジェットヘッド３０群を吸引キャップ３１１で被覆するキャッピング、特にインクジェットヘッド群３０からインクを吐出してノズルの洗浄を行うパージなど、吐出部３に対する保守動作の制御を行う。 The maintenance unit 101 has a suction cap for the inkjet head 30 group for preventing wiping of a nozzle provided in the inkjet head 30 group with a wiper (not shown), dust adhesion to the nozzle, or drying of the liquid forming the meniscus in the nozzle. Control of the maintenance operation for the ejection unit 3 is performed, such as capping that covers the nozzle 311, particularly purge that ejects ink from the inkjet head group 30 and cleans the nozzles.
　廃液タンク検知部１０２は、インクジェット印刷装置１００に廃液タンクHTの設置状態を検知する。廃液タンクHTがインクジェット印刷装置１００から取り外されている場合、図示しない検知センサからの信号に基づいて、廃液タンク検知部１０２は廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていないものと判断する。 The waste liquid tank detection unit 102 detects the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT in the inkjet printing apparatus 100. When the waste liquid tank HT is detached from the inkjet printing apparatus 100, the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position based on a signal from a detection sensor (not shown).
　廃液タンク検知部１０２による廃液タンクHTの有無に基づいて、貯留回数カウント部１０３は、廃液タンク検知部１０２によって廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていないと判断された場合、保守部１０１によって行われたパージの回数をカウントするカウンタiを備えている。パージを行うと廃棄されるべきインクがリテンションタンクRTの貯留部RTtに貯留されるので、パージが多く行われるとリテンションタンクRTからインクがオーバーフローする可能性が生じる。そのため、保守部１０１は、貯留回数カウント部１０３のカウンタiによってカウントされたパージ回数が所定値を超えた場合、パージを行う必要が生じたとしても、あるいはパージが指示されたとしても、パージを行わないように制御する。 Based on the presence / absence of the waste liquid tank HT by the waste liquid tank detection unit 102, the storage count unit 103 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position by the maintenance unit 101 when the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed. A counter i for counting the number of purges performed is provided. When purge is performed, the ink to be discarded is stored in the storage section RTt of the retention tank RT. Therefore, if purge is performed frequently, ink may overflow from the retention tank RT. Therefore, when the number of purges counted by the counter i of the storage number counting unit 103 exceeds a predetermined value, the maintenance unit 101 performs the purge even if the purge needs to be performed or the purge is instructed. Control not to do.
　また、貯留回数カウント部１０３は、パージ回数が所定値を超えた場合、インクジェット印刷装置１００が備える図示しない表示部に警告情報を表示する警告部１０３１を備えている。警告部１０３１は、パージ回数が所定値を超えた場合、すなわちリテンションタンクRTのオーバーフローが生じる可能性が出た場合に、表示部に「インクオーバーフローを防ぐため、廃液タンクを所定の位置に設置してください」という主旨の警告を表示する。 Further, the storage frequency counting unit 103 includes a warning unit 1031 that displays warning information on a display unit (not shown) provided in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 when the number of purges exceeds a predetermined value. When the number of purges exceeds a predetermined value, that is, when there is a possibility that an overflow of the retention tank RT will occur, the warning unit 1031 displays a message “Install a waste liquid tank at a predetermined position to prevent ink overflow”. Please warn me ".
　図６は、インクジェット印刷装置１００における廃液回収系の動作を説明するためのフローチャートである。 FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the waste liquid recovery system in the inkjet printing apparatus 100.
　ステップS1において、廃液タンク検知部１０２が廃液タンクHTの設置状態を検知する。廃液タンク検知部１０２が、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていると判断した場合、インクジェット印刷装置１００の制御部１は保守部１０１による保守動作を含む通常動作を行う。 In step S1, the waste liquid tank detector 102 detects the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT. When the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the control unit 1 of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 performs a normal operation including a maintenance operation by the maintenance unit 101.
　一方、廃液タンク検知部１０２が、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていないと判断した場合、制御部１はステップS2に移行し、貯留回数カウント部１０３のカウンタiをリセットして「０」とする。 On the other hand, when the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 determines that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at the predetermined position, the control unit 1 proceeds to step S2 and resets the counter i of the storage frequency counting unit 103 to “0”. "
　なお、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていない場合であっても、後述するステップに移行するまで、本発明に関わるインクジェット印刷装置１００は、特に保守動作を含む通常動作を止めなくてもよい。 Even if the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, the inkjet printing apparatus 100 according to the present invention does not have to stop the normal operation including the maintenance operation until the process proceeds to the steps described later. Good.
　ステップS3において、保守部１０１が、吐出部３に対する保守動作としてパージを行ったか否かを判断する。保守動作としてパージ以外の処理を行った場合には、貯留回数カウント部１０３はカウントを行わない。保守部１０１が吐出部３に対してパージを行わせた場合、貯留回数カウント部１０３はカウンタiに１を加算する（ステップS4）。 In step S3, the maintenance unit 101 determines whether or not purge has been performed as a maintenance operation for the discharge unit 3. When processing other than purging is performed as the maintenance operation, the storage count unit 103 does not count. When the maintenance unit 101 causes the discharge unit 3 to purge, the storage count unit 103 adds 1 to the counter i (step S4).
　ステップS5で、貯留回数カウント部１０３のカウンタiが所定値nを超えたか否かを判定する。カウンタiが所定値nを超えていない場合、ステップS3に帰還する。一方、カウンタiが所定値nを超えた場合、リテンションタンクRTの貯留部RTtからインクのオーバーフローが生じる可能性があるものとして、ステップS6へ移行する。 In step S5, it is determined whether or not the counter i of the storage count unit 103 exceeds a predetermined value n. If the counter i does not exceed the predetermined value n, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if the counter i exceeds the predetermined value n, it is assumed that there is a possibility that ink overflow may occur from the storage portion RTt of the retention tank RT, and the process proceeds to step S6.
　ステップS6において、警告部１０３１が図示しないインクジェット印刷装置１００の表示部に、リテンションタンクRTのオーバーフローが生じる可能性を警告し、あわせて廃液タンクHTをインクジェット印刷装置１００の所定の位置に設置することを示唆する。 In step S6, the warning unit 1031 warns the display unit of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 (not shown) that the retention tank RT may overflow, and also installs the waste liquid tank HT at a predetermined position of the inkjet printing apparatus 100. To suggest.
　また、ステップS7において、保守部１０１は吐出部３に対する保守動作のうち、パージについて処理を中止する。これにより、保守部１０１が吐出部３に対して保守動作を行ったとしてもパージは行わないので、リテンションタンクRTのオーバーフローは防止することができる。 Further, in step S7, the maintenance unit 101 stops the process for the purge in the maintenance operation for the discharge unit 3. Thereby, even if the maintenance unit 101 performs a maintenance operation on the discharge unit 3, the purge is not performed, and thus the overflow of the retention tank RT can be prevented.
　ステップS7の処理が完了したならば、ステップS8において、廃液タンク検知部１０２が廃液タンクHTの設置状態を検知する。廃液タンク検知部１０２が廃液タンクHTが設置されていないことを検知した場合、廃液タンクHTを検知するまで、ステップS6に帰還する。 If the processing in step S7 is completed, in step S8, the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 detects the installation state of the waste liquid tank HT. When the waste liquid tank detection unit 102 detects that the waste liquid tank HT is not installed, the process returns to step S6 until the waste liquid tank HT is detected.
　一方、廃液タンクHTが設置されていることを検知したならば、ステップS2に戻って貯留回数カウント部１０３のカウンタiをリセットし、廃液回収系の動作を繰り返して実行する。 On the other hand, if it is detected that the waste liquid tank HT is installed, the process returns to step S2 to reset the counter i of the storage frequency counting unit 103 and repeat the operation of the waste liquid recovery system.
　インクジェット印刷装置１００の制御部１が、図６のフローチャートに示したような動作を実行することにより、廃液タンクHTが所定に位置に設置されていなかったとしても、保守部１０１は所定回数はパージを行うことができるので、インクジェット印刷装置１００における印刷動作の効率を向上することができる。 Even if the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position by the control unit 1 of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 performing the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the maintenance unit 101 purges a predetermined number of times. Therefore, the efficiency of the printing operation in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can be improved.
　〈第３の実施形態〉
　これまでの説明では、リテンションタンクRTが起倒可能であり、転倒状態を示しているとき廃液タンクHTにインクを流し込み、起立状態を示しているときに貯留部RTtにインクを貯留していたが、リテンションタンクRTの構成はこれに限定されることはない。 <Third Embodiment>
In the description so far, the retention tank RT can be tilted, and ink is poured into the waste liquid tank HT when indicating the fall state, and ink is stored in the storage portion RTt when indicating the standing state. The configuration of the retention tank RT is not limited to this.
　図７は、リテンションタンクRTの別の態様を示すための図である。
　図7(a)に示すリテンションタンクRT2は、全体として貯留部RTtを実現するようになっており、枢動軸RTx、および転倒ノブRTnに相当する構成を備えていないことから、転倒状態を示すことはない。 FIG. 7 is a view for illustrating another aspect of the retention tank RT.
The retention tank RT2 shown in FIG. 7 (a) is configured to realize the storage portion RTt as a whole, and does not have a configuration corresponding to the pivot axis RTx and the fall knob RTn, thus indicating a fall state. There is nothing.
　一方、リテンションタンクRT2は、ノズルRTzの開閉を行うために使用されるスライドノブRTsを備えている。スライドノブRTsは、廃液タンクHTを所定の位置に設置することによる押圧がない場合にバネなどの弾性体によってノズルRTzを閉止し、押圧がある場合にノズルRTzを開放するように摺動する。 On the other hand, the retention tank RT2 includes slide knobs RTs used for opening and closing the nozzle RTz. The slide knob RTs slides so as to close the nozzle RTz with an elastic body such as a spring when there is no pressure by placing the waste liquid tank HT at a predetermined position and open the nozzle RTz when there is pressure.
　なお、図７(a)において、ハッチングがなされたスライドノブRTsの部位は、リテンションタンクRT2内部に位置しており、摺動箇所は防滴処理がなされている。 In FIG. 7A, the hatched portion of the slide knob RTs is located inside the retention tank RT2, and the sliding portion is drip-proof.
　図7(b)は、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されているときのリテンションタンクRT2の状態を示している。廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されている場合、廃液タンクHTを設置した際の押圧により弾性力に抗してスライドノブRTsがノズルRTzを開く方向に摺動している。この状態で、吐出部３がパージを行うと、インク回収管ITを経てリテンションタンクRT2に流れ込んだインクは、開放されたノズルRTzから廃液タンクHTに流し込む。 FIG. 7 (b) shows the state of the retention tank RT2 when the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position. When the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the slide knob RTs slides in the direction to open the nozzle RTz against the elastic force due to the pressure when the waste liquid tank HT is installed. In this state, when the ejection unit 3 performs a purge, the ink that has flowed into the retention tank RT2 via the ink recovery pipe IT flows into the waste liquid tank HT from the opened nozzle RTz.
　図７(c)は、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていないときのリテンションタンクRT2の状態を示している。廃液タンクHTが取り外されているので、弾性力によりスライドノブRTsがノズルRTzを閉止する方向に摺動する。この状態で、吐出部３がパージを行うと、インク回収管ITを経て流れ込んだインクは、リテンションタンクRT2に貯留される。 FIG. 7 (c) shows the state of the retention tank RT2 when the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position. Since the waste liquid tank HT is removed, the slide knob RTs slides in the direction to close the nozzle RTz by the elastic force. In this state, when the ejection unit 3 performs a purge, the ink that has flowed through the ink recovery pipe IT is stored in the retention tank RT2.
　従って、図７に示すようなリテンションタンクRT2が存在する場合、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていない状態で吐出部３によるパージが行われたとしても、インク回収管ITからのインクをリテンションタンクRT2がある程度蓄積するので、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されていなかったとしても、やはりインクジェット印刷装置１００は印刷動作を行うことができる。これにより、インクジェット印刷装置１００の動作効率を向上することができる。 Therefore, when the retention tank RT2 as shown in FIG. 7 exists, even if the waste tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position and the purge is performed by the discharge unit 3, the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT is removed. Since the retention tank RT2 accumulates to some extent, even if the waste liquid tank HT is not installed at a predetermined position, the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can still perform a printing operation. Thereby, the operation efficiency of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can be improved.
　〈変形例〉
　これまでの説明では、廃液タンクHTの有無により、リテンションタンクRTに機械的な動作を加えることにより、リテンションタンクRTにおいてインクを貯留するか、インクを流し込むか、の状態が決定されていた。 <Modification>
In the description so far, whether the ink is stored in the retention tank RT or whether the ink is poured is determined by applying a mechanical operation to the retention tank RT depending on the presence or absence of the waste liquid tank HT.
　それに対して、廃液タンクHTの有無に関わらず、リテンションタンクRTに対する電気的な制御を行うことで、リテンションタンクRTの状態を決定するようにしても良い。 In contrast, the state of the retention tank RT may be determined by performing electrical control on the retention tank RT regardless of the presence or absence of the waste liquid tank HT.
　図８は、電気的な制御が行われるリテンションタンクRTの態様を示すための図である。
　図８(a)に示すリテンションタンクRT3は、図４(a)に示したリテンションタンクRTとほぼ同様の構成であるが、転倒ノブRTnを備えていないこと、枢動軸RTxを制御部１によって制御が行われるサーボモータCMが枢動させること、が図４(a)のリテンションタンクRTとは異なっている。 FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating an aspect of the retention tank RT in which electrical control is performed.
The retention tank RT3 shown in FIG. 8 (a) has substantially the same configuration as that of the retention tank RT shown in FIG. 4 (a), but does not include a fall knob RTn, and the pivot shaft RTx is controlled by the control unit 1. The servo motor CM to be controlled is pivoted, which is different from the retention tank RT shown in FIG.
　図８(a)では、廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されているにも関わらず、制御部１がサーボモータCMを駆動して枢動軸RTxを枢動させることにより、リテンションタンクRT3を起立状態としてインクを貯留している。 In FIG. 8 (a), although the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the control unit 1 drives the servo motor CM to pivot the pivot axis RTx, so that the retention tank RT3 is Ink is stored in the standing state.
　例えば、廃液量を検知するセンサを備えることにより、廃液タンクHTが回収したインクで満杯になっていることを制御部１が検知した場合、制御部１はサーボモータCMを駆動してリテンションタンクRT3でパージしたインクを貯留して、廃液タンクHTのインクオーバーフローを防止する。この状態で数回のパージを行い、リテンションタンクRT3のインク貯留量が限界に近づいた場合、警告部１０３１がインクジェット印刷装置１００の図示しない表示部に、廃液タンクHTに回収されたインクを廃棄する主旨の警告を表示するようにしてもよい。 For example, when the control unit 1 detects that the waste liquid tank HT is full of ink collected by providing a sensor for detecting the amount of waste liquid, the control unit 1 drives the servo motor CM to hold the retention tank RT3. The ink purged in is stored to prevent ink overflow in the waste liquid tank HT. In this state, purge is performed several times, and when the amount of ink stored in the retention tank RT3 approaches the limit, the warning unit 1031 discards the ink collected in the waste liquid tank HT on a display unit (not shown) of the inkjet printing apparatus 100. A warning to the effect may be displayed.
　回収したインクを廃棄して廃液タンクHTが所定の位置に設置されると、制御部１は廃液量を検知するセンサからの情報に基づいて廃液タンクHTにインクが回収可能であると判断し、図８(b)に示すように、サーボモータCMを駆動して枢動軸RTxを枢動し、インク回収管ITからのインクを廃液タンクHTに流し込むためにリテンションタンクRT3を転倒状態とする。 When the collected ink is discarded and the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the control unit 1 determines that the ink can be collected in the waste liquid tank HT based on information from a sensor that detects the amount of waste liquid. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), the servo motor CM is driven to pivot the pivot shaft RTx, and the retention tank RT3 is turned over so that the ink from the ink recovery pipe IT flows into the waste liquid tank HT.
　このように、リテンションタンクRT3がインクを貯留するか、インクを流し込むか、を電気的に制御することにより、廃液タンクHTからのインクオーバーフローを防止することができるので、インクジェット印刷装置１００の動作効率は向上する。 In this way, by electrically controlling whether the retention tank RT3 stores ink or flows ink, ink overflow from the waste liquid tank HT can be prevented, so that the operation efficiency of the inkjet printing apparatus 100 can be prevented. Will improve.
　また、廃液タンクHTが満杯になっていない場合であっても、リテンションタンクRT3を起立状態として、インクを貯留し、数回のパージを行った後、制御部１がリテンションタンクRT3を転倒させて、貯留していたインクを廃液タンクHTに流し込むようにしてもよい。 Even when the waste liquid tank HT is not full, the retention tank RT3 is set up in an upright state, the ink is stored, purged several times, and then the control unit 1 causes the retention tank RT3 to fall over. The stored ink may be poured into the waste liquid tank HT.
　なお、ここまでは、廃液タンクHTがリテンションタンクRT、RT2に備えられた転倒ノブRTn、スライドノブRTsを押し込むことで、リテンションタンクRT,RT2からインクが廃液タンクに流れ込むように説明を行なってきたが、それ以外の手法でリテンションタンクRTから廃液タンクHTにインクが流れ込むようにしてもよい。例えば、廃液タンクHTを所定の位置に設置すると廃液タンクHTに備えられた弁押しピンがリテンションタンクRTのノズルRTzに備えられた弁を押し上げることで、貯留部RTtに貯留されたインクが廃液タンクHTに流れ込むような構成を採用することが可能である。 Up to this point, the waste liquid tank HT has been described so that ink flows from the retention tanks RT and RT2 into the waste liquid tank by pushing the fall knob RTn and slide knob RTs provided in the retention tanks RT and RT2. However, the ink may flow from the retention tank RT into the waste liquid tank HT by other methods. For example, when the waste liquid tank HT is installed at a predetermined position, the valve push pin provided in the waste liquid tank HT pushes up the valve provided in the nozzle RTz of the retention tank RT, so that the ink stored in the storage portion RTt is discharged into the waste liquid tank. It is possible to adopt a configuration that flows into the HT.
　また、ここまでの説明では、インクジェット印刷装置１００を対象として説明を行ってきたが、その他液体を処理する液体処理装置における廃液回収装置としても適用が可能である。 In the above description, the inkjet printing apparatus 100 has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied as a waste liquid recovery apparatus in a liquid processing apparatus that processes other liquids.
　さらに、ここまでの説明では、インクジェット印刷装置１００における廃液をインクとして説明を行ってきたが、液晶用カラーフィルタや生体組織形成のための機能性液体であってもよい。 Furthermore, in the above description, the waste liquid in the inkjet printing apparatus 100 has been described as ink. However, a liquid crystal color filter or a functional liquid for forming a biological tissue may be used.
　以上のように、本発明は、液体処理装置における廃液回収装置、及び、廃液タンクを備えたインクジェット装置に適している。 As described above, the present invention is suitable for a waste liquid recovery apparatus in a liquid processing apparatus and an inkjet apparatus provided with a waste liquid tank.
　１　制御部
　２　搬送部
　３　吐出部
　４　乾燥部
　５　検査部
　９　用紙
　３０、３０ｋ、３０ｃ、３０ｍ、３０ｙ　インクジェットノズル群
　１００　インクジェット印刷装置
　１０１　保守部
　１０２　廃液タンク検知部
　１０３　貯留回数カウント部
　１０３１　警告部
　CM　サーボモータ
　HT　廃液タンク
　i　カウンタ
　IT　インク回収管
　RT、RT2、RT3　リテンションタンク
　RTn　転倒ノブ
　RTs　スライドノブ
　RTt　貯留部
　RTx　枢動軸
　RTz　ノズル DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control part 2 Conveyance part 3 Ejection part 4 Drying part 5 Inspection part 9 Paper 30, 30k, 30c, 30m, 30y Inkjet nozzle group 100 Inkjet printing apparatus 101 Maintenance part 102 Waste liquid tank detection part 103 Storage frequency count part 1031 Warning part CM Servo motor HT Waste tank i Counter IT Ink collection tube RT, RT2, RT3 Retention tank RTn Falling knob RTs Slide knob RTt Reservoir RTx Pivoting shaft RTz Nozzle

Claims (6)

  1. 　廃液回収装置であって、
    　廃液回収管が接続され、廃液を貯留する状態および廃液を流出する状態を有する中間タンクと、
    　前記中間タンクを介して廃液を回収する廃液タンクと、
    　を有することを特徴とする廃液回収装置。     A waste liquid recovery device comprising:
    An intermediate tank to which a waste liquid recovery pipe is connected and has a state of storing waste liquid and a state of discharging waste liquid;
    A waste liquid tank for collecting the waste liquid via the intermediate tank;
    A waste liquid recovery apparatus comprising:
  2. 　請求項１に記載の廃液回収装置であって、
    　前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に着脱可能であり、
    　前記中間タンクは、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されている場合に該廃液タンクに廃液を流出する状態に移行し、
    　前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されていない場合に廃液を貯留する状態に移行すること、
    　を特徴とする廃液回収装置。     The waste liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1,
    The waste liquid tank is removable at a predetermined position;
    The intermediate tank shifts to a state in which the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank when the waste liquid tank is installed at a predetermined position.
    Shifting to a state of storing waste liquid when the waste liquid tank is not installed at a predetermined position;
    Waste liquid recovery device characterized by.
  3. 　請求項２に記載の廃液回収装置であって、
    　前記中間タンクが起倒可能であり、
    　前記中間タンクにおいて、転倒状態が前記廃液タンクに廃液を流出する状態であり、起立状態が廃液を貯留する状態であること、
    　を特徴とする廃液回収装置。     The waste liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 2,
    The intermediate tank can be tilted;
    In the intermediate tank, the falling state is a state in which the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank, and the standing state is a state in which the waste liquid is stored.
    Waste liquid recovery device characterized by.
  4. 　請求項２に記載の廃液回収装置であって、
    　前記中間タンクが廃液を貯留する状態の場合、該中間タンクにおける廃液の貯留回数をカウントする制御手段を備えること、
    　を特徴とする廃液回収装置。     The waste liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 2,
    When the intermediate tank is in a state of storing waste liquid, the controller includes a control unit that counts the number of times the waste liquid is stored in the intermediate tank.
    Waste liquid recovery device characterized by.
  5. 　請求項４に記載の廃液回収装置であって、
    　前記制御手段は、前記中間タンクにおける廃液の貯留回数が所定値を越えた場合、前記廃液タンクを所定の位置に設置することを警告する警告手段を有すること、
    　を特徴とする廃液回収装置。     The waste liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 4,
    The control means includes warning means for warning that the waste liquid tank is installed at a predetermined position when the number of times the waste liquid is stored in the intermediate tank exceeds a predetermined value;
    Waste liquid recovery device characterized by.
  6. 　インクジェット装置であって、
    　インクジェットヘッドから排出された液体を廃液として回収する廃液回収管が接続され、廃液を貯留する状態および廃液を流出する状態を有する中間タンクと、
    　前記中間タンクを介して廃液を回収する廃液タンクと、
    　を有し、
    　前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に着脱可能であり、前記中間タンクは、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されている場合に該廃液タンクに廃液を流出する状態に移行し、前記廃液タンクが所定の位置に設置されていない場合に廃液を貯留する状態に移行すること、
    　を特徴とするインクジェット装置。     An inkjet device,
    An intermediate tank having a state in which the waste liquid is collected as a waste liquid and connected to a waste liquid collection pipe, the waste liquid is stored, and the waste liquid is discharged;
    A waste liquid tank for collecting the waste liquid via the intermediate tank;
    Have
    The waste liquid tank is detachable at a predetermined position, and the intermediate tank shifts to a state in which the waste liquid flows out to the waste liquid tank when the waste liquid tank is installed at the predetermined position. Shifting to a state of storing waste liquid when it is not installed at the position of
    An inkjet apparatus characterized by the above.
PCT/JP2012/004125 2011-09-26 2012-06-26 Waste liquid collecting device and inkjet device WO2013046503A1 (en)

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