WO2016098536A1 - Deaerating device and inkjet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a deaerating device and an inkjet recording device that are capable of detecting ink leakage more quickly. The deaerating device includes: a gas-permeable deaerating film which is provided midway in an ink flowing path (24b), and which has one surface in contact with ink in the ink flowing path; a vacuum suction unit (249); a vacuum path (24c1) which causes the surface of the deaerating film opposite to the one surface to be connected to the vacuum suction unit, and which allows flow therethough of a desorption gas desorbed from the ink and having passed through the deaerating film in accordance with the suction operation by the vacuum suction unit; a detecting unit (246) which detects transmitted light that entered in the midway location of the vacuum path and then having passed through the vacuum path; and a detection control unit which detects ink leakage from the deaerating film on the basis of the result of comparison between the amount of the transmitted light detected by the detecting unit and a predetermined reference value.

Description

Deaeration device and inkjet recording device

The present invention relates to a deaeration device and an inkjet recording device.

Conventionally, some ink jet recording apparatuses have a deaeration device in the ink flow path. If gas (air) is contained in the ink, there is a problem in that ink discharge failure occurs from the nozzle opening due to the fact that the pressure applied when ink is discharged is not normally transmitted to the ink. By providing a deaeration device and removing the gas in the ink, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of such a problem and eject the ink normally.

Conventionally, a degassing device uses a gas permeable membrane as a degassing membrane and makes one surface contact with ink, and on the other hand, gas is sucked by a vacuum pump (vacuum suction part), thereby Many have a configuration in which gas is sucked into a vacuum path and degassed. In this deaeration device, a pressure difference is always generated between both surfaces of a very thin (for example, about 10 μm) gas permeable membrane. This may cause deterioration or damage. When deterioration or damage occurs, ink leaks into the vacuum path, resulting in poor discharge due to poor deaeration performance. In addition, normal ink supply and ink discharge cannot be performed, so image formation is stopped. It is necessary to let

On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, a gas-liquid separator (chamber) provided on the decompression side is taken into consideration that the leakage amount of liquid (ink) gradually increases as the gas permeable membrane gradually deteriorates. ) Discloses a technique for detecting the deterioration of the gas permeable membrane by detecting a change in the amount of liquid (such as the height of the liquid level) stored in the sensor.
Further, as a method for detecting ink leakage due to breakage of the gas permeable membrane, Patent Document 2 discloses that the bottom surface of a chamber provided in the middle of the vacuum path is inclined, and the leaked ink is provided at the lowest part of the inclined surface. A technique for detecting ink leakage by quickly dropping it into a vacuum suction port is disclosed. Further, in Patent Document 3, in a deaeration apparatus including a vacuum suction unit that is periodically switched on and off according to an increase or decrease in the degree of vacuum, when the switching period deviates from within a reference time, A technique for issuing a warning by judging that an abnormality has occurred is disclosed.

JP-A-9-85011 JP 2007-152182 A JP 2010-58413 A

However, in these conventional techniques, there is a problem that it takes time to measure the integrated value of the pressure change amount and the ink leakage amount, and the ink leakage cannot be detected promptly.

An object of the present invention is to provide a deaeration device and an ink jet recording apparatus that can detect ink leakage more quickly.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1
A gas-permeable degassing membrane that is provided in the middle of the ink flow path and has one surface in contact with the ink in the ink flow path;
A vacuum suction section;
Desorption that connects the surface opposite to the one surface of the degassing membrane and the vacuum suction portion and desorbs from the ink in accordance with the suction operation of the vacuum suction portion and permeates the degassing membrane A vacuum path through which gas flows;
A detector that detects transmitted light after light incident on the vacuum path passes through the vacuum path;
A detection control unit that detects ink leakage from the deaeration film based on a comparison result between a transmitted light amount by the detection unit and a predetermined reference value;
A deaeration device comprising:

The invention described in claim 2 is the deaeration device according to claim 1,
An atmospheric communication switching unit that is provided in the middle of the vacuum path and switches an atmospheric communication state between the inside and the outside of the vacuum path;
The detection control unit changes the atmospheric communication switching unit to an open state when the detection unit detects a transmitted light amount equal to or less than a predetermined reference value when the atmospheric communication state is closed, and the detection unit after the change Ink leakage is determined based on a comparison result between the amount of transmitted light by the detection unit and the predetermined reference value.

Further, the invention described in claim 3 is the deaerator according to claim 1,
Provided in the middle of the vacuum path closer to the vacuum suction part than the detection part, provided with a communication switching part for opening and closing the flow of the desorption gas in the vacuum path,
The detection control unit changes the flow of the desorbed gas to a closed state by the communication switching unit when the flow of the desorbed gas is in an open state and the detection unit detects a transmitted light amount equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. And determining leakage of ink based on a comparison result between the transmitted light amount by the detection unit and the predetermined reference value after the change.

The invention as defined in claim 4 is the deaerator according to claim 2 or 3,
The detection control unit is configured to determine ink leakage based on a comparison result between the transmitted light amount by the detection unit and the predetermined reference value after a predetermined time has elapsed after the change.

Further, the invention described in claim 5 is the deaerator according to claim 4,
The predetermined time is less than 1 second.

The invention described in claim 6 is the deaerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The detection unit includes: a light emitting unit that causes light of a predetermined wavelength to enter the vacuum path; and a light receiving unit that receives the transmitted light after the incident light has transmitted at least part of the vacuum path. It is characterized by that.

Further, the invention according to claim 7 is the deaeration device according to claim 6,
The light emitting unit is characterized in that infrared light is incident as the light having the predetermined wavelength.

The invention described in claim 8 is the deaerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The portion of the vacuum path through which the light is transmitted is provided at a different position in the vertical direction with respect to the degassing membrane.

The invention according to claim 9 is the deaeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A chamber for separating the desorbed gas and liquid is provided in the middle of the vacuum path,
The detection unit transmits the incident light in the vacuum path closer to the deaeration film than the chamber.

The invention according to claim 10
A deaeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A recording head provided on the downstream side of the ink flow path for discharging ink;
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising:

The invention according to claim 11 is the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 10,
An operation control unit is provided that controls an ink ejection operation in the recording head and stops the operation of the recording head when the detection control unit detects the ink leakage.

The invention according to claim 12 is the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11,
The operation control unit is characterized in that the operation of the recording head is stopped after the ink ejection related to the formation of the formation target image formed by the recording head at the timing when the ink leakage is detected.

The invention according to claim 13 is the ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 11 or 12,
A notification unit for performing a predetermined notification operation;
The operation control unit causes the notification unit to perform the predetermined notification operation when stopping the operation of the recording head.

According to the present invention, there is an effect that ink leakage can be detected more quickly in the deaeration device and the inkjet recording device.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the flow path of an ink. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal structure of a deaeration apparatus. It is a figure explaining a detection part. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of an inkjet recording device. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the ink leak detection process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure of the ink leak detection process of 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a paper feed unit 10, an image forming unit 20, a paper discharge unit 30, a control unit 40 (FIG. 5), an ink supply unit 50, and the like. In the inkjet recording apparatus 1, the image forming unit 20 uses the ink supplied from the ink supply unit 50 to the recording medium P conveyed from the paper supply unit 10 to the image forming unit 20 based on the control of the control unit 40. After the image is formed, the recording medium P is discharged to the paper discharge unit 30.

The paper feeding unit 10 holds the recording medium P on which image formation is performed and supplies the recording medium P to the image forming unit 20 before image formation. The paper feed unit 10 includes a paper feed tray 11 and a transport unit 12.

The paper feed tray 11 is a plate-like member provided so that one or a plurality of recording media P can be placed thereon. The paper feed tray 11 is provided so as to move up and down according to the amount of the recording medium P placed thereon, and is held at a position where the uppermost recording medium P is transported by the transport unit 12.

The conveyance unit 12 is mounted on the sheet feeding tray 11 and a conveyance mechanism that conveys the recording medium P on the belt 123 by rotationally driving a ring-shaped belt 123 by a plurality of (for example, two) rollers 121 and 122. A supply unit for transferring the uppermost recording medium P to the belt 123 is provided. The transport unit 12 transports the recording medium P delivered to the belt 123 by the supply unit as the belt 123 rotates.

The image forming unit 20 forms an image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium P. The image forming unit 20 includes an image forming drum 21, a delivery unit 22, a paper heating unit 23, a head unit 24, an irradiation unit 25, a delivery unit 26, and the like.

The image forming drum 21 carries the recording medium P along the cylindrical outer peripheral surface, and conveys the recording medium P as it rotates. The conveyance surface of the image forming drum 21 faces the paper heating unit 23, the head unit 24, and the irradiation unit 25, and performs processing related to image formation on the conveyed recording medium P.

The delivery unit 22 is provided at a position between the transport unit 12 of the paper feed unit 10 and the image forming drum 21, and delivers the recording medium P transported by the transport unit 12 to the image forming drum 21. The delivery unit 22 is a swing arm unit 221 that supports one end of the recording medium P conveyed by the conveyance unit 12, and a cylindrical delivery drum that delivers the recording medium P carried on the swing arm unit 221 to the image forming drum 21. The recording medium P on the transport unit 12 is picked up by the swing arm unit 221 and transferred to the transfer drum 222 to guide the recording medium P in the direction along the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 to form an image. Delivered to drum 21.

The paper heating unit 23 heats the recording medium P carried on the image forming drum 21. The sheet heating unit 23 includes, for example, an infrared heater and generates heat in response to energization. The sheet heating unit 23 is provided in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 and on the upstream side of the head unit 24 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P by the rotation of the image forming drum 21. Heat generation of the sheet heating unit 23 is controlled by the control unit 40 so that the recording medium P carried by the image forming drum 21 and passing through the vicinity of the sheet heating unit 23 has a predetermined temperature.

The head unit 24 discharges ink to the recording medium P carried on the image forming drum 21 to form an image. The head unit 24 is provided for each color of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black). In FIG. 1, head units 24 corresponding to the colors Y, M, C, and K are provided in order from the upstream with respect to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P that is conveyed along with the rotation of the image forming drum 21.
The head unit 24 of this embodiment is provided with a length (width) that covers the entire recording medium P in a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. That is, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a one-pass line head type ink jet recording apparatus. Each head unit 24 is provided with a plurality of recording heads 24a (see FIG. 2), and a recording medium is provided at a predetermined interval in the width direction as a whole on the surface facing the conveying surface of the plurality of recording heads 24a. Nozzle openings are arranged over an image formable width to P.

The irradiation unit 25 irradiates an energy beam for curing the ink (here, ultraviolet curable ink) ejected from the head unit 24 onto the recording medium P. The irradiation unit 25 includes, for example, a fluorescent tube such as a low-pressure mercury lamp, and emits energy rays such as ultraviolet rays by causing the fluorescent tube to emit light. The irradiation unit 25 is provided in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the image forming drum 21 and on the downstream side of the head unit 24 in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P by the rotation of the image forming drum 21.

Fluorescent tubes emitting ultraviolet rays include low-pressure mercury lamps, mercury lamps having an operating pressure of several hundred Pa to 1 MPa, light sources usable as germicidal lamps, cold cathode tubes, ultraviolet laser light sources, metal halide lamps, light-emitting diodes, etc. Is mentioned. Among these, a light source (for example, a light emitting diode) that can irradiate ultraviolet rays with higher illuminance and consumes less power is more desirable. The energy rays are not limited to ultraviolet rays, but may be any energy rays having a property of curing the ink according to the properties of the ink, and the light source is replaced according to the wavelength of the energy rays.

The delivery unit 26 conveys the recording medium P irradiated with the energy rays from the irradiation unit 25 from the image forming drum 21 to the paper discharge unit 30. The delivery unit 26 rotates the annular belt 263 by a plurality of (for example, two) rollers 261 and 262 and conveys the recording medium P on the belt 263, and the recording medium P from the image forming drum 21. A cylindrical delivery drum 264 and the like are provided to the transport mechanism. The delivery unit 26 conveys the recording medium P transferred to the belt 263 by the transfer drum 264 by the belt 263 and sends it to the paper discharge unit 30.

The paper discharge unit 30 stores the recording medium P sent out from the image forming unit 20 by the delivery unit 26. The paper discharge unit 30 includes a plate-shaped paper discharge tray 31 and the like, and the recording medium P after image formation is placed on the paper discharge tray 31.

The control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and controls the overall operation. The control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, etc. (see FIG. 5). In the control unit 40, the program read from the ROM 402 by the CPU 401 is executed on the RAM 403, and various control processes are executed. As will be described later, the control unit 40 configures a detection control unit 40a related to detection of ink leakage and an operation control unit 40b related to operation control of each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 when ink leakage is detected.

The ink supply unit 50 stores ink and supplies the ink to the head unit 24 of the image forming unit 20. The ink supply unit 50 is provided for each color ink, and can discharge each color ink from a plurality of nozzle openings arranged in each recording head 24a of the corresponding head unit 24.

The ink used in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is not particularly limited, but here is an ultraviolet (UV) curable ink as described above, and in a state where UV is not irradiated, the ink depends on the temperature. It is an ink that changes phase between a gel state and a liquid (sol) state. For example, this ink has a predetermined temperature, for example, a phase change temperature of about 40 to 100 degrees, and is uniformly liquefied (solified) by being heated and raised above this phase change temperature. Gelation occurs at a temperature below the predetermined temperature including about room temperature (0 to 30 degrees). This ink can be obtained by various known manufacturing methods. Alternatively, the ink may be kept in a liquid state over the entire use temperature.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the ink flow path in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.

In the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, each color ink pumped out from the ink tank 51 of the ink supply unit 50 by the supply pump 52 corresponds to each recording head 24a of the corresponding head unit 24 via the ink flow path 24b. To be supplied. In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is configured to be able to return ink that has not been ejected by each recording head 24a to the ink flow path 24b.

The ink flow path 24b is provided with a second sub tank 241, a deaeration module 242, a liquid feed pump 243, a check valve 244, a first sub tank 245, and the like. These are not particularly limited, but are connected in order with a hollow annular tube structure (liquid feeding tube). Ink that has not been ejected from the nozzle openings of the recording head 24a is returned to the second sub tank 241 from the outlet 240b via the recovery path 241b and the valve 241c. When it is necessary to remove ink from the recording head 24a during maintenance of the recording head 24a, the ink in the recording head 24a can be collected without being wasted by opening the valve 241c.

The second sub tank 241 is one or a plurality of ink chambers that store ink pumped from the ink tank 51 by the supply pump 52. The capacity of the second sub tank 241 is usually smaller than the ink tank 51. The ejected ink is heated in the ink heating unit 27 by the ink heater from when it is stored in the second sub tank 241 until it is sent to the nozzle by the recording head 24a. Maintained at.

The deaeration module 242 performs deaeration to remove the gas in the ink that has flowed from the second sub tank 241. The deaerated ink is sent to the first sub tank 245 through the check valve 244 by the liquid feed pump 243.

The liquid feed pump 243 sends the ink deaerated by the deaeration module 242 to the first sub tank 245. A check valve 244 provided between the liquid feed pump 243 and the first sub tank 245 prevents the ink sent to the first sub tank 245 from flowing back.

The first sub tank 245 is a small ink chamber in which the ink deaerated by the deaeration module 242 is temporarily stored. Although not particularly limited, the first sub tank 245 has substantially the same capacity as the second sub tank 241. is there. The first sub tank 245 is connected to the inlet 240a of each recording head 24a by a liquid feed tube, and supplies ink corresponding to the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle opening of each recording head 24a to the recording head 24a.

On the other hand, the deaeration module 242 is connected to the atmosphere communication unit 2470 (atmosphere communication switching unit), the communication switching unit 2471, the chamber 248, and the vacuum suction unit 249. Between these, it connects with the vacuum tube 24c1, and the vacuum path | route from the deaeration module 242 to the vacuum suction part 249 is formed. When the vacuum suction unit 249 performs a suction operation, gas is removed from the ink in the deaeration module 242, and the removed gas (desorption gas) flows through this vacuum path. A detection unit 246 is provided in a tube connecting the deaeration module 242 with the atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the chamber 248. The vacuum suction unit 249 does not necessarily require the inside of the vacuum path to be in an ultra-high vacuum state, and performs decompression to the extent necessary for deaeration.
These deaeration module 242, detection unit 246, atmosphere communication unit 2470, communication switching unit 2471, chamber 248, vacuum suction unit 249, vacuum tube 24 c 1, and control unit 40 (omitted in FIG. 2) constitute deaeration device 24 c. It is configured.

The atmosphere communication portion 2470 is a valve (atmosphere communication valve) whose atmosphere communication state is switched by an opening / closing operation, and is opened (opened) so that the inside of the deaeration device sucked by the vacuum suction portion 249 is opened. To communicate with the outside (atmosphere). The communication switching unit 2471 is a communication valve that opens and closes the flow of gas or liquid flowing from the deaeration module 242 to the vacuum suction unit 249 by an opening / closing operation. When the flow is closed (closed) by the communication switching unit 2471, the deaeration module 242 and the vacuum suction unit 249 are disconnected, and the flow of gas or liquid is stopped. For example, electromagnetic valves are used for the atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the communication switching unit 2471, and the opening / closing operation is automatically controlled by the control unit 40 and can be performed by the communication unit driving unit 247a (see FIG. 5). ing.

The chamber 248 separates this ink from the gas when not only gas but also ink (liquid) is sucked from the degassing module 242 and flows into the vacuum path, and the liquid is sucked by the vacuum suction unit 249. It is a trap that plays a role of preventing the occurrence of problems such as destruction of the vacuum suction part 249. The chamber 248 has, for example, a small tank shape, and stores liquid at the bottom thereof. The chamber 248 is formed so that the stored ink can be discharged by opening a discharge hole (not shown).

As described above, when the deaeration module 242 is damaged and a large amount of ink leaks, the chamber 248 delays the time until the leaked ink reaches the vacuum suction unit 249 to delay the vacuum suction unit 249. To prevent malfunction. Therefore, the ink storable capacity in the chamber 248 needs to be not less than the size corresponding to the required delay time.

The vacuum suction unit 249 sucks gas so that the inside of the vacuum path from the deaeration module 242 to the vacuum suction unit 249 is maintained within a predetermined negative pressure range lower than atmospheric pressure in the deaeration device 24c. It discharges outside the device 24c. The operation of the vacuum suction unit 249 is controlled by the control unit 40.

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the internal structure of the cylindrical deaeration module 242 cut along a plane passing through the central axis.
The deaeration module 242 has a shape in which a gas permeable deaeration membrane 2426 made up of a number of hollow fiber membranes covers the periphery of the central tube 2424 inside the outer shell 2421. One end of the central tube 2424 is connected to the ink inlet 2422, and the other is sealed with a plug 2424a. An infinite number of fine holes 2424b (sewing holes) are provided on the outer wall of the central tube 2424, and the ink that has flowed into the central tube 2424 from the ink inlet 2422 flows out of the fine holes 2424b to the surroundings and is deaerated. The ink flows out of the film 2426 and flows out from the ink outlet 2423.

The deaeration membrane 2426 has a large number of hollow fine thread structures with one end blocked, and the membrane surface has gas permeability. The other end of the fine yarn structure of the degassing membrane 2426 is connected to the gas outlet 2425, and the inside of the fine yarn structure of the degassing membrane 2426 is decompressed by sucking the gas in the vacuum path by the vacuum suction unit 249. The In this state, when the ink contacts the membrane surface of the degassing membrane 2426 (the outer surface of the fine hollow fiber structure, one surface of the degassing membrane), only the gas in the ink selectively permeates the membrane surface. Ink is degassed. That is, by providing a large number of fine degassing films 2426, the contact area between the ink and the film surface is widened, and degassing is performed efficiently.

The deaeration film 2426 may sometimes flow slightly to the vacuum path side where the liquid component (mainly monomer) of the ink is decompressed by the vacuum suction unit 249 together with the gas component. Further, when the deaeration film 2426 is deteriorated, the amount of the ink flowing out increases, and when the deaeration film 2426 is broken, the ink leaks to the vacuum path side at once.

The detection unit 246 detects the liquid flowing through the vacuum tube 24c1 from the deaeration module 242 to the chamber 248. The detection unit 246 is provided on the side of the degassing module 242 with respect to the chamber 248 in the vacuum path, in particular, the vacuum tube 24c1 closest to the degassing module 242, so that the degassing module 242 removes the ink from the ink. When liquid (ink) is mixed with air, it immediately appears in the measurement result. Further, the position where the detection unit 246 is provided in the vacuum tube 24c1 is a position that differs in the vertical direction with respect to the deaeration module 242 (deaeration film 2426) (that is, the position coordinates about the vertical axis differ in the positive direction). The vacuum tube 24c1 from the deaeration module 242 to the position where the detection unit 246 is provided extends with a drop in the vertical direction (vertical). (It is not necessary to be arranged along the direction). Thereby, even when the intake is not performed, the ink and each component passing through the position of the detection unit 246 are easily moved in the direction of gravity. The configuration and operation of the detection unit 246 will be described later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the detection unit 246.
Here, arrangement | positioning with respect to the cross section of the vacuum tube 24c1 connected from the deaeration module 242 to the air | atmosphere communication part 2470 is shown typically.

The detection unit 246 includes a light emitting unit 2461, a light receiving unit 2462, an amplifier 2463, a comparator 2464, and the like. The light emitting unit 2461 and the light receiving unit 2462 are respectively connected in series with appropriate resistance elements 2466 and 2467 between the applied voltage Vcc and the ground unit 2465, and are provided at positions facing each other with the vacuum tube 24c1 interposed therebetween. ing.

The light emitting unit 2461 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and emits light having a predetermined wavelength with an intensity corresponding to the magnitude of the current when an operating voltage is applied and a current flows. The wavelength of this light is not particularly limited, and an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength that can be used for measurement of the amount of transmitted light can be used. For example, the wavelength of the infrared region can be used. Infrared light has little influence (disturbance) from an external source, so that ink in the vacuum tube can be detected easily and accurately. Alternatively, in the case where visible light is used, each of the deaeration devices 24c provided for each color ink flow path 24b takes into consideration the light absorption rate and scattering rate according to the ink color and components. Ink may be measured using light of a wavelength.

The light receiving unit 2462 is, for example, a phototransistor, receives light (transmitted light) emitted from the light emitting unit 2461 and transmitted through the vacuum tube, and outputs a current corresponding to the received light amount (transmitted light amount). The light receiving unit 2462 is preferably highly sensitive to light from the light emitting unit 2461 and low in sensitivity to light in other wavelength bands.
At this time, the vacuum tube 24c1 is formed of a material transparent to the wavelength band of light emitted by the light emitting unit 2461 at least between the light emitting surface of the light emitting unit 2461 and the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 2462. Accordingly, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 2461 is constant, so that the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 2462 changes due to the component passing through the inside of the vacuum tube 24c1, here mainly ink absorption or scattering. Become.
Alternatively, the light emitting unit 2461 and the light receiving unit 2462 (or the entire detecting unit 246) are formed integrally with a connector connecting the two vacuum tubes 24c1, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 2461 is a vacuum path inside the connector. The light-transmitting surface may reach the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 2462, or the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 2461 and the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 2462 may be embedded in the vacuum tube 24c1. As described above, when the transmitted light does not need to pass through the wall surface of the vacuum tube 24c1, the material of the vacuum tube 24c1 does not need to be transparent to the transmitted light.

The amplifier 2463 amplifies the divided voltage of the applied voltage Vcc output according to the current output according to the amount of received light in the light receiving unit 2462. That is, the greater the amount of received light (the smaller the amount of light absorbed), the higher the partial pressure that is amplified.
The comparator 2464 compares the amplified voltage with a predetermined reference voltage Vref (a voltage corresponding to a predetermined reference value with respect to the amount of transmitted light), and outputs the comparison result to the control unit 40 as an ink leakage detection signal. . This comparison result may be digitized at a predetermined sampling frequency using an ADC (analog / digital converter) and then output to the control unit 40.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the inkjet recording apparatus 1.

The inkjet recording apparatus 1 includes a control unit 40, a conveyance driving unit 41, a head driving unit 42, a communication unit 43, an operation display unit 441, a notification output unit 442, a paper heating unit 23, and an irradiation unit 25. The ink heater drive unit 27a, the supply pump 52, the second float sensor 241a, the first float sensor 245a, the liquid feed pump 243, the detection unit 246, the communication unit drive unit 247a, and the vacuum suction unit 249. These parts are connected to each other by a bus 49.

The conveyance driving unit 41 operates each unit for conveying the recording medium P. That is, the conveyance drive unit 41 includes a rotation motor of the image forming drum 21 and at least a part of the rotation drive unit of the rollers 121, 122, 261, 262, and the like, and transfers the recording medium P from the paper supply unit 10 to the image forming unit 20. Then, the paper is moved to the paper discharge unit 30.

The head driving unit 42 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzle openings provided in the recording head 24 a of each head unit 24. For example, the head drive unit 42 applies a predetermined voltage waveform to a pressure application mechanism (such as a piezoelectric element) provided along an ink flow path that communicates with the nozzle opening inside the recording head 24a. Is deformed to apply pressure to the ink in the ink flow path, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle opening of the ink ejection target.

The communication unit 43 is for performing communication between the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and an external device, and includes a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 43 receives, for example, image data to be imaged from an external device and print job data related to the print setting of the image data, or the image forming result and the ink jet recording apparatus 1 from the external device. When status information such as abnormality is transmitted, processing related to transmission / reception of the data is performed.

The operation display unit 441 is used when a user directly inputs settings relating to the operation of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 or displays the above-described status information. The operation display unit 441 performs various displays on the display screen in response to a control signal from the control unit 40 as the display unit 441b, and a touch sensor provided on the display screen as the operation detection unit 441a. The user's touch operation, its type and position are acquired and an operation signal is output to the control unit 40.

The notification output unit 442 is for performing a predetermined notification operation, and includes, for example, an audio output unit that generates a buzzer sound and a beep sound, an LED lamp that can turn on and blink light of a predetermined wavelength, and the like. Prepare.
The notification unit 440 is configured by the display unit 441b and the notification output unit 442 described above.

The ink heater driving unit 27a operates the ink heater in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 40, and causes the ink heating unit 27 to heat the ink. The ink heating unit 27 is provided with one or a plurality of temperature sensors, and the control unit 40 causes the ink heater driving unit 27a to switch on / off the ink heater according to the temperature of the ink measured by the temperature sensor. Keep the ink at the proper temperature.

The second float sensor 241a and the first float sensor 245a measure the amount of ink inside the second sub tank 241 and the first sub tank 245, respectively. The control unit 40 operates the supply pump 52 and the liquid feed pump 243 intermittently so that the ink amounts inside the second sub tank 241 and the first sub tank 245 are within the set range.

The communication unit drive unit 247a opens and closes the atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the communication switching unit 2471 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 40. The atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the communication switching unit 2471 can independently control the opening / closing operation.

Next, the operation of the deaerator 24c and the detection of ink leakage from the deaerator 24c will be described.

The deaeration device 24c is continuously evacuated by the vacuum suction unit 249 during a period during which the ink is ejected from the recording head 24a, a preparation period thereof, and a predetermined waiting time during or after the ink ejection operation. The operation related to deaeration is performed by operating. Further, in the deaeration device 24c, the ink leakage detection operation is performed over the operation period of the vacuum suction unit 249 and the time until the decompressed state in the vacuum path is canceled after the operation ends. Alternatively, even during the stop period of the vacuum suction unit 249, ink leakage does not occur during the period when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on, except when operating in a special operation mode related to abnormality or maintenance. The detection operation may be continued.

In the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the light reception amount measurement of the light receiving unit 2462 in the detection unit 246 is continuously performed, and a comparison result between a voltage value corresponding to the light reception amount and a preset reference voltage is acquired. Thus, when the amount of received light decreases and the voltage value decreases and becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage, it is detected based on the output of the comparator 2464. In addition, when it is detected that the voltage value corresponding to the amount of received light is equal to or lower than the reference voltage, in order to determine whether the detection is due to ink leakage, the suction in the vacuum tube is increased. After the stop, the detection operation is performed again, and it is determined that ink leakage has been detected when a voltage value equal to or lower than the reference voltage is detected. The reference voltage is appropriately determined according to the color and type of ink, the thickness and material of the tube, and the like. That is, it may be determined separately for each deaeration device 24c related to each color ink.

The gas permeable degassing membrane 2426 may not only transmit gas but also a small amount of ink or a monomer that is a component of the ink even in a normal state. These components are usually not continuously detected because they do not permeate continuously, and the monomer is difficult to detect when the suction is stopped and the movement in the vacuum tube 24c1 is stopped. Therefore, by performing re-detection after the operation of the atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the communication switching unit 2471, detection of the reference voltage or lower due to temporary permeation of such ink components is excluded from detection of ink leakage.

At this time, the time interval between the first detection and the re-detection is disconnected from the detection position when the ink or the monomer is dropped in the vertical direction (flows down) due to communication with the atmosphere, or almost stops and is not detected. It is a time longer than the time until it is changed, and changes depending on the thickness of the tube, variation in the amount of ink or monomer transmitted and the viscosity, but usually it may be a short time (for example, less than 1 second). 100 to 500 msec. Further, such commands may be executed in order without appropriately setting the timing.
Here, the detection is separately performed twice, but the detection of ink leakage is performed based on the change in the comparison result between the amount of transmitted light and the reference value during the detection period continuously. Also good.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the control unit 40 of the ink leakage detection process executed in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.
This ink leakage detection process is started when the main power supply of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is turned on.

When the ink leakage detection process is started, the control unit 40 (CPU 401) emits light from the light emitting unit 2461 of the detecting unit 246 and starts detecting the amount of transmitted light by the light receiving unit 2462 (step S101). The light emitting operation of the light emitting unit 2461 can be continuously performed while the ink leakage detection process is continued thereafter.

Next, the control unit 40 as the detection control unit 40a acquires the comparison result between the measured voltage and the reference voltage compared by the comparator 2464 (step S102). The control unit 40 as the detection control unit 40a determines whether or not the measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value (step S103). If it is determined that it is not less than the predetermined reference value (“NO” in step S103), it is considered that there is no liquid component that absorbs incident light in the vacuum tube, and the process of the control unit 40 proceeds to step S102. Return. When it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value (“YES” in step S103), the control unit 40 as the detection control unit 40a sends a control signal to the communication unit drive unit 247a, and causes the atmosphere communication unit 2470 to Open (step S104).

The control unit 40 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (step S106), and repeats the process of step S106 while it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed ("NO" in step S106). When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (“YES” in step S106), the control unit 40 serving as the detection control unit 40a acquires again the comparison result between the measurement value and the reference value from the detection unit 246 (step S106). ), It is determined whether or not the measured value is less than or equal to the reference value (step S107).

If it is determined that the measured value is not less than the reference value (“NO” in step S107), there is no liquid component in the vacuum tube, or the previous detection is based on a temporarily detected monomer component or the like. The control unit 40 outputs a control signal to the communication unit driving unit 247a to close the atmospheric communication unit 2470 (step S108), thereby returning the inside of the vacuum tube to a normal vacuum suction state. Then, the process of the control unit 40 returns to step S102.

If it is determined that the measured value is equal to or less than the reference value (“YES” in step S107), it is considered that an abnormal ink leakage has occurred in the vacuum tube, that is, the first detection is performed as a degassing membrane. The control unit 40 as the operation control unit 40b stops the image formation (step S109) and performs a predetermined operation for notifying abnormality related to ink leakage (step S110). The control unit 40 as the operation control unit 40b displays a display indicating an abnormality on the display screen of the operation display unit 441, for example, as the predetermined operation. Alternatively, when the notification output unit 442 includes an audio output unit, the control unit 40 may output a beep sound or the like, and when the notification output unit 442 includes an LED lamp or the like. The LED lamp may be turned on or blinked. Further, at this time, the control unit 40 may store the stop date and time, the reason, and the like in a log or the like.
At this time, the control unit 40 serving as the operation control unit 40b provides the image forming unit 20 with one unit (one recording medium or one of repeated image formations) in which image formation of the formation target image has already started. The image forming process is stopped after the ink ejection of the sheet is completed.
Then, the control unit 40 ends the ink leakage detection process.

As described above, the deaeration device 24c included in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided in the middle of the ink flow path 24b, and the hollow fiber membrane-shaped deaeration whose outer surface is in contact with the ink in the ink flow path 24b. The membrane 2426, the vacuum suction part 249, the inner surface side of the hollow fiber membrane-like degassing membrane 2426 and the vacuum suction part 249 are connected to each other and detached from the ink according to the suction operation of the vacuum suction part 249. A vacuum path through which the desorbed gas that has passed through 2426 flows, a detection unit 246 that detects transmitted light after light incident on the vacuum path passes through the vacuum path, and a predetermined amount of light transmitted by the detection unit 246 and a predetermined amount And a control unit 40 as a detection control unit 40a that detects ink leakage based on a comparison result with a reference value.
That is, since ink passing through the vacuum path (vacuum tube 24c1) can be measured in substantially real time, ink leakage can be detected promptly.

In addition, an atmospheric communication unit 2470 is provided in the middle of the vacuum path to switch the atmospheric communication state between the inside and the outside (atmosphere) of the vacuum path, and a predetermined standard is set by the detection unit 246 when the atmospheric communication state is closed. When a measured value equal to or smaller than the detected value is detected, the control unit 40 serving as the detection control unit 40a changes the atmosphere communication unit 2470 to the open state, and the measured value related to the transmitted light amount after the change and a predetermined reference value Ink leakage is determined based on the comparison result. Therefore, temporary permeation of monomers and trace amounts of ink components that stop detection when the vacuum path returns to normal pressure, and ink has already accumulated in the vacuum path even when the vacuum path returns to normal pressure. Thus, it is possible to quickly and more reliably detect ink leakage due to breakage of the degassing film 2426 or the like.

In addition, the control unit 40 as the detection control unit 40a compares the measured value related to the amount of light transmitted by the detection unit 246 and a reference value after a predetermined time has elapsed after the atmospheric communication unit 2470 is changed from the closed state to the open state. Based on the above, the ink leakage is determined. Therefore, the presence or absence of ink leakage can be easily and quickly determined from the second detection result.

In addition, by setting the predetermined time between the first detection and the second detection to less than 1 second, it is possible to quickly detect the ink leakage without any delay from the occurrence of the ink leakage.

In addition, the detection unit 246 includes a light emitting unit 2461 that causes light of a predetermined wavelength to enter the vacuum path, and a light receiving unit 2462 that receives the transmitted light after the incident light has transmitted at least part of the vacuum path. Prepare. Therefore, it is possible to accurately measure the ink by making the light of an appropriate amount incident without any unevenness.

In addition, since the light emitting unit 2461 makes infrared light incident as light having a predetermined wavelength, it is possible to measure ink with high accuracy without being affected by disturbance.

Further, the portion where the light emitted from the light emitting unit 2461 transmits in the vacuum path is provided at a position lower in the vertical direction than the deaeration film 2426 of the deaeration module 242, so that the ink leaked from the deaeration module 242 The component is pulled by gravity and quickly passes through the detection position by the detection unit 246. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the time lag from the ink leakage until it is detected.

A chamber 248 that separates the desorbed gas and ink (liquid) is provided in the middle of the vacuum path, and the detection unit 246 is incident in the vacuum path closer to the degassing module 242 than the chamber 248. Since light is transmitted, leaked ink can be prevented from being caught in the chamber 248 and delayed in detection.

In addition, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a deaeration device 24c and a recording head 24a that is provided on the downstream side of the ink flow path 24b and discharges ink. Therefore, in this ink jet recording apparatus 1, it is possible to promptly detect ink leakage in the deaeration device 24c, which adversely affects ink ejection and consequently formed images, and take action.

Also, the control unit 40 as the operation control unit 40b stops the operation of the recording head 24a when ink leakage is detected. That is, it is possible to prevent generation of useless recording media and ink by quickly stopping the image formation before the deterioration of the image caused by the ink leakage detected promptly occurs.

Further, the control unit 40 as the operation control unit 40b stops the operation of the recording head 24a after the completion of the ejection of ink related to the formation of the formation target image formed by the recording head 24a at the timing when the ink leakage is detected. Therefore, by effectively using the ink that has already been deaerated on the downstream side from the deaerator 24c, an image in the middle of formation is completed, so that a new image with reduced image quality is not formed, and the image is being formed. Recording media and ejected ink are not wasted.

The control unit 40 as the operation control unit 40b includes a notification unit 440 that performs a notification operation. When the operation of the recording head 24a is stopped, the control unit 40 performs a predetermined display on the display screen of the operation display unit 441. A predetermined notification operation for notifying abnormality is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to prompt the user of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 to quickly know the cause of the stop and take a quick response.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.
The configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is the same as that of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted by using the same reference numerals.

Next, an ink leakage detection operation in the inkjet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control procedure by the control unit 40 of the ink leakage detection process executed in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. In the ink leakage detection process in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, steps S104 and S108 in the ink leakage detection process in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are replaced with steps S104a and S108a, respectively. The same processing contents are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

If it is determined in step S103 that the measurement value is equal to or less than the reference value ("YES" in step S103), the control unit 40 serving as the detection control unit 40a sends a control signal to the communication unit drive unit 247a. And the communication switching unit 2471 is closed (step S104a).

If it is determined in step S107 that the measured value is not equal to or less than the reference value (“NO” in step S107), the control unit 40 serving as the detection control unit 40a opens the communication switching unit 2471. (Step S108a), the inside of the vacuum tube is returned to the normal vacuum suction state. Then, the process of the control unit 40 returns to step S102.

As described above, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is provided with a communication switch that is provided in the middle of the vacuum path on the vacuum suction unit 249 side with respect to the detection unit 246 to open and close the flow of desorbed gas in the vacuum path. The control unit 40 as the detection control unit 40a closes the flow of the desorbed gas by the communication switching unit 2471 when the detection unit 246 detects an ink leak while the flow of the desorbed gas is open. The cause of the first detection is determined based on the comparison result between the transmitted light amount after the change and a predetermined reference value. Therefore, by temporarily stopping the suction by the vacuum suction unit 249 and forcibly stopping the flow due to the suction, the permeation of the temporary degassing membrane 2426 such as a monomer or a small amount of ink component that occurs sporadically and stops detection immediately. It is possible to distinguish between ink leakage due to breakage of the degassing film 2426 and the like, and to detect ink leakage quickly and more reliably.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the deaeration device 24c includes both the atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the communication switching unit 2471, but it may be one required for the second detection operation. Further, both the atmosphere communication unit 2470 and the communication switching unit 2471 may be used simultaneously for the ink leakage detection process. Furthermore, it is possible to determine the result only by detecting the first ink leakage and not performing re-detection after opening the air communication unit 2470 and / or closing the communication switching unit 2471. Even if it is included, the possibility of the ink leakage may be detected in a short time when the ink leakage occurs, or abnormality notification or image formation may be stopped.

In the above embodiment, the chamber 248 is provided. However, the vacuum tube 24c1 itself is long, or the vacuum suction unit 249 has a structure in which ink is not sucked inside. Then, the chamber 248 is not necessarily provided. The chamber 248 may be provided not only for use as a trap but also for spaces used for various purposes.

In the above embodiment, the deaeration device using the hollow fiber membrane as the deaeration membrane 2426 has been described as an example. However, the deaeration device uses a gas permeable deaeration membrane of other shapes. Also good.

In the above-described embodiment, the detection unit 246 compares the measurement value with the reference voltage Vref and outputs only the comparison result. However, the control unit 40 acquires the measurement value and the CPU 401 performs software processing. The control unit 40 may perform a part of the operation as the detection unit by comparing with the reference voltage Vref.

In the above embodiment, the control operation of the ink leakage detection process is performed by the control unit 40 (CPU 401) of the inkjet recording apparatus 1. However, the deaeration device 24c includes a control unit separately and performs the control operation. The operation request related to the stop or notification of image formation may be output to the control unit 40 as necessary. Alternatively, the control unit 40c may perform the operation as the detection control unit 40a, and the control unit 40 may perform the operation as the operation control unit 40b.

Also, the length, shape, material, etc. of the vacuum tube forming the vacuum path can be appropriately selected as long as the amount of transmitted light can be measured. Similarly, the configuration and circuit arrangement of the detection unit 246 are arbitrarily determined as long as transmitted light can be detected.

In the above embodiment, when ink leakage is detected, ink discharge is continued until the formation target image being formed is formed. However, the ink discharge may be stopped immediately, or the formation target image may be stopped. The determination may be made in accordance with the remaining amount. Further, the image to be formed is not limited to one sheet of cut paper, but may be one unit of an image repeatedly formed in the cut sheet, or conversely, a set of a plurality of sheets. good. In addition, when an image is formed on continuous paper or continuous cloth, the ink ejection may be appropriately terminated at the separation of the image.
In addition, specific details such as the configuration, arrangement, and operation procedure shown in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The present invention can be used for a deaeration device and an inkjet recording device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inkjet recording device 10 Paper feed part 11 Paper feed tray 12 Transport part 121, 122 Roller 123 Belt 20 Image formation part 21 Image formation drum 22 Delivery unit 221 Swing arm part 222 Transfer drum 23 Paper heating part 24 Head unit 24a Recording head 240a Inlet 240b Outlet 24b Ink channel 241 Second sub tank 241a Second float sensor 241b Recovery channel 241c Valve 242 Degassing module 2421 Outer shell 2422 Ink inlet 2423 Ink outlet 2424 Central tube 2424a Plug 2424b Narrow hole 2425 Gas outlet 2426 Desorption Gas membrane 243 Liquid feed pump 244 Check valve 245 First sub tank 245a First float sensor 24c Deaerator 246 Detector 2461 Light emitter 2462 Light reception 2463 Amplifier 2464 Comparator 2465 Grounding part 2466, 2467 Resistance element 247a Communication part drive part 2470 Atmospheric communication part 2471 Communication switching part 248 Chamber 249 Vacuum suction part 24c1 Vacuum tube 25 Irradiation part 26 Delivery part 261, 262 Roller 263 Belt 264 Delivery drum 27 Ink heating unit 27a Ink heater driving unit 30 Paper discharge unit 31 Paper discharge tray 40 Control unit 40a Detection control unit 40b Operation control unit 401 CPU
402 ROM
403 RAM
41 transport drive unit 42 head drive unit 43 communication unit 440 notification unit 441 operation display unit 441a operation detection unit 441b display unit 442 notification output unit 49 bus 50 ink supply unit 51 ink tank 52 supply pump P recording medium Vcc applied voltage Vref reference voltage

Claims (13)

1. A gas-permeable degassing membrane that is provided in the middle of the ink flow path and has one surface in contact with the ink in the ink flow path;
   A vacuum suction section;
   Desorption that connects the surface opposite to the one surface of the degassing membrane and the vacuum suction portion and desorbs from the ink in accordance with the suction operation of the vacuum suction portion and permeates the degassing membrane A vacuum path through which gas flows;
   A detector that detects transmitted light after light incident on the vacuum path passes through the vacuum path;
   A detection control unit that detects ink leakage from the deaeration film based on a comparison result between a transmitted light amount by the detection unit and a predetermined reference value;
   A deaeration device comprising:
2. An atmospheric communication switching unit that is provided in the middle of the vacuum path and switches an atmospheric communication state between the inside and the outside of the vacuum path;
   The detection control unit changes the atmospheric communication switching unit to an open state when the detection unit detects a transmitted light amount equal to or less than a predetermined reference value when the atmospheric communication state is closed, and the detection unit after the change The deaeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ink leakage is determined based on a comparison result between a transmitted light amount by the detection unit and the predetermined reference value.
3. Provided in the middle of the vacuum path closer to the vacuum suction part than the detection part, provided with a communication switching part for opening and closing the flow of the desorption gas in the vacuum path,
   The detection control unit changes the flow of the desorbed gas to a closed state by the communication switching unit when the flow of the desorbed gas is in an open state and the detection unit detects a transmitted light amount equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. 2. The deaeration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ink leakage is determined based on a comparison result between the transmitted light amount by the detection unit and the predetermined reference value after the change.
4. 3. The detection controller according to claim 2, wherein after the change, the ink leakage is determined based on a comparison result between the amount of transmitted light by the detector and the predetermined reference value after a predetermined time has elapsed. 3. The deaeration device according to 3.
5. The deaerator according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined time is less than 1 second.
6. The detection unit includes: a light emitting unit that causes light of a predetermined wavelength to enter the vacuum path; and a light receiving unit that receives the transmitted light after the incident light has transmitted at least part of the vacuum path. The deaeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
7. The deaeration apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the light emitting unit makes infrared light incident as the light having the predetermined wavelength.
8. The deaerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a portion of the vacuum path through which the light is transmitted is provided at a position different from the deaerator in the vertical direction. .
9. A chamber for separating the desorbed gas and liquid is provided in the middle of the vacuum path,
   The deaeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection unit transmits the incident light in the vacuum path closer to the deaeration film than the chamber.
10. A deaeration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
    A recording head provided on the downstream side of the ink flow path for discharging ink;
    An ink jet recording apparatus comprising:
11. 11. The ink jet apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising an operation control unit that controls an ink ejection operation in the recording head, and stops the operation of the recording head when the ink leakage is detected by the detection control unit. Recording device.
12. The operation control unit stops the operation of the recording head after completion of ink ejection related to formation of a formation target image formed by the recording head at a timing when the ink leakage is detected. Item 12. The ink jet recording apparatus according to Item 11.
13. A notification unit for performing a predetermined notification operation;
    The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the operation control unit causes the notification unit to perform the predetermined notification operation when the operation of the recording head is stopped.

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