JP7424062B2 - Device that discharges liquid - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for discharging liquid.

In an apparatus equipped with a head that discharges liquid, in order to maintain and recover (maintain) the state of the head, for example, empty discharge (flushing, (Also referred to as purge).

Conventionally, a transport unit that holds and transports paper on a cylindrical drum, a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid toward the cylindrical drum, and a collection of liquid that is ejected into areas where paper is not held on the cylindrical drum. There is a printer equipped with a blank discharge ink collection section 6 (Patent Document 1).

Further, as a waste ink tank that stores ink that becomes waste liquid sucked and discharged from a head, there is a waste ink tank that includes a waste ink absorber having a slit extending in one direction from the waste ink introduction position (Patent Document 2).

JP2017-205956A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-127439

By the way, even if a slit is formed in the discharge receiver, when deposits such as waste liquid grow in the slit and the discharge receiver becomes full, the discharge receiver must be replaced. Therefore, in order to reduce the frequency of replacing the discharge receiver, it is required to extend the life of the discharge receiver.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the frequency of replacing the discharge receiver.

In order to solve the above problems, a device for discharging liquid according to claim 1 of the present invention includes:
A head that discharges liquid,
a discharge receiver for receiving the liquid discharged from the head;
The discharge receiver includes an absorbent body and a housing member that houses the absorbent body,
A slit is provided in the absorber of the discharge receiver,
comprising means for controlling the liquid to be discharged from the head into the slit of the absorber while moving the discharge receiver relative to the head;
The controlling means controls the liquid to be ejected from the head into the slit of the absorbent body at a timing between sheets during continuous printing in which multiple sheets are continuously printed.
The structure is as follows.

According to the present invention, the frequency of replacing the discharge receiver can be reduced.

1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a printing device that is a device for ejecting liquid according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory plan view of an example of a discharge unit of the printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the arrangement of ejection receivers of the printing apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory perspective view of the appearance of the discharge receiver in the first embodiment. It is a perspective explanatory view used for explanation of the exchange procedure of the liquid receiving part of the same discharge receiver. It is an external perspective explanatory view of the liquid receiving part of the empty discharge receiving part. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view (in plane S of FIG. 6) along the width direction of the liquid receiving portion. It is a perspective view of an example of an absorbing member of the same liquid receiving part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a portion related to control of an idle ejection operation for the ejection receiver (liquid receiver) in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining control of idle ejection operation in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the effect of performing dry ejection by relatively moving the dry ejection receiver and the head. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion in a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional explanatory view along the width direction of the liquid receiving part in an 8th embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view of the liquid receiving part in 9th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion in a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a process for selecting a slit to be ejected in controlling a dummy ejection operation according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the ejection target slit selection process in controlling the idle ejection operation in the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating ejection position selection processing in controlling a dummy ejection operation in a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process for selecting a slit to be ejected in controlling a dummy ejection operation in an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the ejection target slit selection process in controlling the idle ejection operation in the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective explanatory view of the absorber and slit width holding member of the same liquid discharge receiving member. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of a liquid receiving portion according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a printing device that is a device for discharging liquid according to the same embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example of a discharge unit of the printing device, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a discharge receiver of the printing device. It is an explanatory diagram to explain.

The printing device 1 includes a carry-in section 10, a printing section 20, a drying section 30, and a carry-out section 40. In the printing apparatus 1, the printing unit 20 applies liquid to the sheet P carried in from the carry-in unit 10 to perform required printing. After that, the printing apparatus 1 dries the liquid attached to the sheet P in the drying section 30 and discharges the sheet P to the carrying-out section 40 .

The carry-in section 10 includes a carry-in tray 11, a feeding device 12, and a pair of registration rollers 13. A plurality of sheets P are stacked on the carry-in tray 11. The feeding device 12 separates the sheets P one by one from the carry-in tray 11 and sends them out. The registration roller pair 13 feeds the sheet P fed by the feeding device 12 to the printing section 20 .

As the feeding device 12, any feeding device can be used, such as a device using rollers or a device using air suction. After the leading edge of the sheet P sent out from the carry-in tray 11 by the feeding device 12 reaches the pair of registration rollers 13, the pair of registration rollers 13 is driven at a predetermined timing to be sent to the printing unit 20.

The printing section 20 includes a sheet conveying device 21 that conveys the sheet P. The sheet conveying device 21 includes a drum 51, a suction device 52, and the like. The drum 51 is a supporting member (rotating member) that rotates while supporting the sheet P on its peripheral surface. The suction device 52 is a suction means that generates suction force on the circumferential surface of the drum 51.

Further, the printing section 20 includes a liquid ejecting section 22 that ejects liquid toward the sheet P carried by the drum 51 of the sheet conveying device 21 .

The printing section 20 also includes a transfer cylinder 24 that receives the fed sheet P and transfers the sheet P to and from the drum 51, and a transfer cylinder 25 that transfers the sheet P conveyed by the drum 51 to the drying section 30. ing.

The leading end of the sheet P conveyed from the carry-in section 10 to the printing section 20 is gripped by a gripping means (sheet gripper) provided on the transfer cylinder 24, and is conveyed as the transfer cylinder 24 rotates. The sheet P conveyed by the transfer cylinder 24 is transferred to the drum 51 at a position facing the drum 51.

A gripping means (sheet gripper) is also provided on the surface of the drum 51, and the leading end of the sheet P is gripped by the gripping means (sheet gripper). A plurality of suction holes are formed in a distributed manner on the surface of the drum 51. A suction device 52 serving as suction means generates a suction airflow directed inward from a required suction hole of the drum 51.

The leading end of the sheet P transferred from the transfer drum 24 to the drum 51 is gripped by the sheet gripper 106, and is suctioned and supported on the drum 51 by the suction airflow by the suction device 52, and as the drum 51 rotates. transported.

The liquid discharge section 22 includes a discharge unit 23 (23A to 23F) which is a liquid discharge means. For example, the discharge unit 23A discharges cyan (C) liquid, the discharge unit 23B discharges magenta (M) liquid, the discharge unit 23C discharges yellow (Y) liquid, and the discharge unit 23D discharges black (K) liquid. Discharge each. Further, the discharge units 23F, 23F are used to discharge any of YMCK, or special liquids such as white and gold (silver). Furthermore, a discharge unit for discharging a treatment liquid such as a surface coating liquid can also be provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the ejection unit 23 is a full-line unit in which a plurality of liquid ejection heads (hereinafter simply referred to as "heads") 100 having a nozzle row 101 in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged are arranged on a base member 102. It is a type head.

The ejection operation of each ejection unit 23 of the liquid ejection section 22 is controlled by a drive signal according to print information. When the sheet P carried by the drum passes through an area facing the liquid ejection section 22, liquids of each color are ejected from the ejection unit 23, and an image corresponding to the print information is printed.

Further, on the drum 51 of the sheet conveying device 21, a plurality of (three in this case) discharge receivers 200 (200A, 200B, 200C) are arranged at approximately equal angles. When maintaining and recovering the head 100 of the ejection unit 23, a dry ejection operation is performed in which liquid (dry ejection droplets) that is not applied to the sheet material P is ejected to the ejection receiver 200.

The drying section 30 includes a drying mechanism section 31 and a suction conveyance mechanism section 32. The drying mechanism section 31 dries the liquid adhering to the sheet P in the printing section 20. The suction conveyance mechanism section 32 conveys the sheet P conveyed from the printing section 20 while sucking it.

The sheet P conveyed from the printing section 20 is received by the suction conveyance mechanism section 32, then conveyed so as to pass through the drying mechanism section 31, and delivered to the discharge section 40.

When passing through the drying mechanism section 31, the liquid on the sheet P is subjected to a drying process. As a result, liquid components such as water in the liquid evaporate, the colorant contained in the liquid is fixed on the sheet P, and curling of the sheet P is suppressed.

The carry-out section 40 includes a carry-out tray 41 on which a plurality of sheets P are stacked. The sheets P conveyed from the drying section 30 are sequentially stacked and held on a carry-out tray 41.

Note that the printing apparatus 1 may include, for example, a pre-processing section that performs pre-processing on the sheet P disposed upstream of the printing section 20, or a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheet P to which liquid has adhered. may also be placed between the drying section 30 and the unloading section 40.

Examples of the pre-treatment section include one that performs a pre-coating process in which a treatment liquid is applied to the sheet P to suppress bleeding by reacting with the liquid. In addition, the post-processing section includes, for example, a sheet reversing conveyance process for inverting the sheet printed in the printing section 20 and sending it again to the printing section 20 to print on both sides of the sheet P, and binding a plurality of sheets. Examples include those that perform processing.

Although the description is given using a printing device that prints on a cut sheet P as a device for discharging liquid, the present invention can be similarly applied to a printing device that prints on a continuous body such as continuous paper. .

Next, the discharge receiver in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view of the external appearance of the discharge receiver, and FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory diagram for explaining the procedure for replacing the liquid receiving portion of the discharge receiver.

The discharge receiver 200 includes a liquid receiver 201 and a support case 202. The liquid receiving portion 201 receives the ejected liquid ejected from the head 100. The support case 202 is a support member that supports the liquid receiving section 201 on the drum 51.

The support case 202 has a slide rail member 203 on its bottom surface that detachably supports the liquid receiving section 201 and is movable in the axial direction of the drum 51.

When the fullness detection means detects that the liquid receiving part 201 is full, the user can pull out the liquid receiving part 201 from the support case 202 and replace it.

To replace the liquid receiving portion 201, pull out the slide rail member 203 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5(a) to bring it into the state shown in FIG. 5(b). Next, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the used liquid receiver 201 is taken out in the direction of the arrow, and the slide rail member 203 is emptied as shown in FIG. 5(c). Thereafter, a new liquid receiver 201 is set on the slide rail member 203, and the slide rail member 203 is returned to the support case 202 to be in the state shown in FIG.

In this way, by allowing only the liquid receiving portion 201 to be replaced, the number of replacement parts can be reduced and costs can be reduced. However, the ejection receiver 200 can also be composed of only the liquid receiver 201.

Next, the liquid receiving portion of the empty discharge receiving portion will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of the external appearance of the liquid receiver, FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of the liquid receiver (in plane S in FIG. 6), and FIG. 8 is an example of an absorbing member of the liquid receiver. FIG.

The liquid receiving section 201 includes an absorbent body 211 and a housing case 212 that is a housing member that houses the absorbent body 211.

A slit 213 is provided in the absorbent body 211 along the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the absorber 211 is the axial direction of the drum 51, and is also a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The number of slits 213 may be one or more. In this embodiment, three slits 213 (213A to 213C) are provided in line in the transport direction.

The absorber 211 includes a plurality of absorbing members 211A and a flat absorbing member 211B. The absorption member 211A has a through groove 211a forming a slit 213 formed therein. The absorbing member 211B is a flat member placed on the bottom surface of the storage case 212. Then, an absorbent member 211B and a plurality of absorbent members 211A are sequentially stacked from the bottom surface of the storage case 212.

The housing case 212 is made of, for example, resin that does not have liquid permeability.

The through groove 211a forming the slit 213 may have a shape in which the longitudinal end of the absorbing member 211A is closed, as shown in FIG. 8, or the longitudinal end may be open, that is, not closed. It can also be a shape.

Next, a portion related to control of the idle ejection operation for the ejection receiver (liquid receiver) in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 9.

The idle discharge control means 701 is a control means, and controls the idle discharge operation in which the head 100 is driven by the head drive control unit 702 and liquid is discharged from the head 100 toward the discharge receiver 200 between the sheet materials P. .

The drum motor drive control section 703 drives and controls the drum motor 751 to rotationally drive the drum 51 . Note that the drum motor drive control section 703 is constituted by the main control section of the printing apparatus 1, and drives the drum 51 while the sheet material P is being conveyed.

The idle discharge control means 701 inputs an encoder 752 that detects the rotational position of the drum 51. Based on the amount of rotation of the drum 51 from the home position, the idle discharge control means 701 controls the idle discharge operation to discharge liquid from the head 100 at a position where the discharge receiver 200 faces the head 100.

The discharge amount measuring means 710 measures the amount of liquid discharged from the head 100 by the idle discharge control means 701 (idle discharge amount). The idle ejection amount measured by the ejection amount measuring means 710 is measured and stored, for example, for each ejection receiver 200, for each slit 213 of the ejection receiver 200, or for each different ejection position of the slit 213. Further, the idle ejection amount can be measured by, for example, calculating the number of ejected droplets×the droplet amount per drop.

Next, control of the idle ejection operation in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10.

The idle discharge control means 701 determines whether or not to perform a idle discharge operation (step S1, hereinafter referred to as "S1").

The idle ejection operation is performed, for example, when a predetermined number of sheet materials P are printed, or every time printing on the sheet materials P is completed.

In addition, when performing an initial operation, the drum 51 may rotate while the head 100 is in a decap state although printing is not being performed on the sheet material P. Therefore, when the head 100 is in the decap state during printing or other than printing, it is possible to perform the idle ejection operation. In other words, when the head 100 is in the decap state, the inside of the nozzle continues to dry, so drying of the nozzle can be suppressed by performing the idle ejection operation.

On the other hand, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the idle ejection operation is not performed in a state other than the decap state during printing. Thereby, wasteful consumption of liquid due to idle ejection operation can be suppressed.

Then, when performing the idle ejection operation, the ejection receiver 200 that performs ejection is selected (S2). Regarding this selection of the discharge receiver 200, if the discharge receiver 200 that discharged the previous time is the nth discharge receiver 200, the (n+1)th discharge receiver 200 is selected as the discharge receiver 200 that discharges the current time. For example, if the discharge was made to the discharge receiver 200A last time, the discharge receiver 200B is selected this time.

In other words, when a plurality of discharge receivers 200 are arranged around the drum 51, the weight of the plurality of discharge receivers 200 can be balanced by making the amount of liquid discharged to each discharge receiver 200 the same to some extent. This makes it possible to suppress rotational fluctuations due to partial imbalance in the weight of the drum 51.

Note that by measuring each discharge amount (waste liquid amount) to each discharge receiver 200A to 200C with the discharge amount measuring means 710 and selecting the discharge receiver 200 with a small amount of waste liquid, each discharge can be measured more accurately. The weight of the receiver 200 can be balanced.

Next, the slit 213 for ejecting liquid is selected from among the plurality of slits 213A to 213C of the ejection receiver 200 for ejecting (S4).

After that, it is determined whether the position of the drum 51 has reached the position of the slit 213 of the selected discharge receiver 200 (idle discharge position) (S4), and when the position of the drum 51 has reached the idle discharge position, the head 100 is driven to remove the liquid. is discharged toward the slit 213 of the selected discharge receiver 200 (S5).

As described above, in this embodiment, the discharge receiver 200 is moved as the drum 51 rotates without stopping the rotation of the drum 51, that is, while the discharge receiver 200 and the head 100 are being moved relative to each other. , the liquid is ejected from the head 100 to the slit 213 of the ejection receiver 200 (dry ejection).

Note that the slit 213 of the empty discharge receiver 200 can be obtained as rotation amount (rotation position) information of the drum 51 with the home position of the drum 51 as a reference. Therefore, when the amount of rotation of the drum 51 from the home position reaches the amount of rotation corresponding to the position of the slit 213 of the empty ejection receiver 200, liquid is ejected from the head 100. Note that the driving timing (idle ejection timing) of the head 100 changes depending on the rotational speed of the drum 51, the ejection speed from the head 100, the distance between the head 100 and the slit 213 of the ejection receiver 200, and the like.

Here, an example is explained in which the plurality of discharge receivers 200 is changed every time a blank discharge operation is performed, or the number of discharge receivers 200 is changed based on the measurement result of the amount of waste liquid discharged to the discharge receivers 200. It is also possible to perform idle ejection by selecting the ejection receiver 200 to reach.

In this way, the time required for the selected dummy discharge receiver 200 to reach the dummy discharge position can be shortened, and the time required for the dummy discharge operation can be shortened.

It is preferable that the idle ejection be performed at the timing between sheets (between sheets) during continuous printing in which printing is performed continuously on a plurality of sheets. Furthermore, when a plurality of print jobs for printing on a plurality of sheets are executed, idle ejection may be performed at a timing between a plurality of print jobs.

Alternatively, the amount of waste liquid for each discharge receiver 200 may not be measured, and for example, when any one discharge receiver becomes full, all discharge receivers 200 may be prompted to be replaced. Thereby, the number of times the discharge receiver 200 must be replaced can be reduced.

Next, the effects of performing dummy ejection by relatively moving the dummy ejection receiver and the head will be described with reference to FIG. 11 as well.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the liquid 300 is ejected toward the slit 213 while moving the ejection receiver 200 and the head 100 relative to each other, the inside of the slit 213 of the ejection receiver 200 as the drum 51 rotates. Airflow 301 is generated.

Due to this airflow 301, more of the liquid discharged into the slit 213 adheres to the side wall surfaces 213a and 213b of the slit 213 than to the slit 213C (see also FIG. 7). Further, between the side wall surfaces 213a and 213b of the slit 213, more particles adhere to the side wall surface 213a, which is on the downstream side of the airflow 301, for example. Note that FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c) show the observation results of the adhesion state within the slit 213.

In this way, by being able to attach the liquid 300 to the side wall surfaces 213a and 213b of the slit 213, the liquid 300 can be deposited from the bottom surface 213c of the slit 213, compared to the case where deposits are accumulated due to drying of the liquid 300. growth can be suppressed.

As a result, the life of the discharge receiver 200, in this embodiment, the liquid receiver 201, can be extended, and the frequency of replacement of the discharge receiver 200 can be reduced.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In the present embodiment, the absorbent body 211 includes a plurality of absorbent members 211A formed with through grooves 211a forming the slits 213 of the first embodiment, which are sequentially stacked from the bottom surface of the housing case 212.

Thereby, since the absorbing members 211A have the same shape, costs can be reduced.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, the absorber 211 uses two types of absorbent members 211C and 211D, long and short, having different lengths. The absorbent members 211C and 211D are alternately arranged so that the shorter absorbent member 211D is sandwiched between the longer absorbent members 211C. The space above the absorbing member 211D becomes the slit 213.

This makes it easy to process the absorbent member because it is only necessary to vary the length of the absorbent member 211.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, the absorber 211 is processed by carving a slit 213 into one absorbent member 211E.

This reduces the number of parts and improves work efficiency when assembling the absorber 211 to the storage case 212.

In each of the embodiments described above, the relationship between the slit 213 and the color of the liquid to be ejected may be fixed, and the width of the slit 213 in the transverse direction may be varied depending on the color of the liquid.

In this way, when liquids having different deposition rates are used, the deposition heights of each slit 213 can be made equal.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, absorbing members 211D1 to 211D3 are provided in which the width of the slit 213 in the lateral direction is varied depending on the color of the liquid. Here, the width W11 of the absorbent member 211D1, the width W12 of the absorbent member 211D2, and the width W13 of the absorbent member 211D3 are set in the relationship W1>W2>W3, but the relationship is not limited to this.

As a result, by discharging the liquid of a color that is frequently ejected into the wide slit 213 and the liquid of a color that is infrequently ejected into the narrow slit 213, the height of the accumulation in each slit 213 can be equalized. Can be done.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, the absorbent body 211 is configured by combining absorbing members 211F and 211G, and forms a slit 213 whose width W in the relative movement direction differs in the height direction. The slit 213 of the absorber 211 has a shape in which the width W1 on the inlet side is wider than the width W2 on the bottom side. That is, the width of the slit 213 is wider as it is closer to the nozzle of the head 100, and narrower as it is farther from the nozzle.

Accordingly, if the liquid tends to adhere to the upper portions of the side wall surfaces 213a and 213b within the slit 213 due to the liquid and discharge conditions, the area where the liquid can be deposited becomes wider and the service life is extended.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, the absorbent body 211 is configured by combining absorbing members 211H and 211I, and forms a slit 213 whose width W in the relative movement direction differs in the height direction. The slit 213 has a shape in which the width W2 on the bottom side is wider than the width W2 on the bottom side. That is, the width of the slit 213 is narrower as it is closer to the nozzle of the head 100, and wider as it is farther from the nozzle.

Accordingly, if the liquid tends to adhere to the lower portions of the side wall surfaces 213a and 213b within the slit 213 depending on the liquid and discharge conditions, the area where the liquid can be deposited becomes wider and the service life is extended.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, the storage case 212 includes a film case 212A and a holding case 212B. Although the absorber 211 is the same as that in the third embodiment, other embodiments may be used. This point also applies to the following embodiments.

Here, the film case 212A uses a liquid-impermeable material (for example, a plastic film) to accommodate the discharged liquid. On the other hand, the holding case 212B is made of a material and shape that can hold the shape of the film case 212A (paper, plastic, etc.). Note that by forming the holding case 212B from paper, it is possible to reduce costs, improve recyclability, and reduce weight.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG. 19 is a perspective explanatory view of the liquid receiving part, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the liquid receiving part along the short direction.

In this embodiment, a lid part 214 is provided to cover the opening side of the storage case 212 of the liquid receiving part 201. The lid portion 214 is provided with an opening 215 corresponding to the slit 213.

Thereby, when the discharge receiver 200 rotates due to the rotation of the drum 51, the absorber 211 can be prevented from jumping out from the storage case 212 in the direction of the outer circumference of the drum.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, a lid part 214 is provided to cover the opening side of the storage case 212 of the liquid receiving part 201. The lid portion 214 is provided with an opening 215 corresponding to the slit 213, and is also provided with a bent portion 214a that is bent toward the side wall surfaces 213a, 213b of the slit 213.

Thereby, it is possible to prevent the absorbent body 211 from popping out from the housing case 212 in the direction of the outer circumference of the drum, and also to regulate the position of the absorbent body 211 in the width direction. In particular, in a configuration in which long and short absorbing members 211C and 211D are arranged alternately like the absorber 211 of the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent the long absorbing member 211C from absorbing waste liquid over time and falling down.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the lateral direction.

In this embodiment, a bent portion 212a is formed at the opening of the storage case 212 of the liquid receiving portion 201.

Thereby, the position of the absorber 211 in the height direction can be regulated.

Note that in a configuration using the absorber 211 of the third embodiment as in this embodiment, there are absorbing members 211C and 211D that do not come into contact with the bent portion 212a; 211D is held by the frictional force between the absorbing members.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the lateral direction.

In this embodiment, the support case 202 of the discharge receiver 200 is integrally provided with a lid portion 204 that covers the opening side of the storage case 212, and the lid portion 204 is formed with an opening portion 205 that faces the slit 213.

This can prevent the absorber 211 from jumping out of the storage case 212 toward the outer circumference of the drum due to the rotation of the discharge receiver 200.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, a bent portion 202a is formed at the opening of the support case 202 of the discharge receiver 200.

This can prevent the liquid receiving portion 201 from jumping out from the support case 202 toward the outer circumferential direction of the drum due to the rotation of the discharge receiving portion 200 .

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the width direction.

In this embodiment, the support case 202 of the discharge receiver 200 is integrally provided with a lid part 204 that covers the opening side of the storage case 212. The lid portion 204 is provided with an opening 205 that faces the slit 213, and is also provided with a bent portion 204a that is bent toward the side wall surfaces 213a and 213b of the slit 213.

Thereby, it is possible to prevent the absorbent body 211 from popping out from the storage case 212 in the direction of the outer circumference of the drum, and also to regulate the position of the absorbent body 211 in the width direction.
are doing.

This can prevent the absorber 211 from jumping out of the storage case 212 toward the outer circumference of the drum due to the rotation of the discharge receiver 200.

Next, control of the idle ejection operation in the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference also to FIGS. 26 and 27. FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the ejection target slit selection process in controlling the same ejection operation, and FIG. 27 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the transverse direction.

In the ejection target slit selection process, it is determined whether a certain amount has been ejected to the first slit (S11), and if a certain amount has not been ejected to the first slit, the first slit is selected as the ejection target. It is selected as a slit (S13). As a result, as shown in FIG. 27A, for example, the slit 213A is selected and the liquid 300 is ejected from the head 100.

If a certain amount has been discharged to the first slit, it is determined whether or not a certain amount has been discharged to the second slit (S12), and if a certain amount has not been discharged to the second slit. , the second slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S14). As a result, as shown in FIG. 27(b), for example, the slit 213B is selected and the liquid 300 is ejected from the head 100.

If a certain amount has been ejected to the second slit, the third slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S15). As a result, as shown in FIG. 27C, for example, the slit 213C is selected and the liquid 300 is ejected from the head 100.

Then, when the third slit is selected as the ejection target slit, the fixed amount ejection completed flag of each slit 213 is reset (16). As a result, next time, the discharge will be started from the first slit again.

In this way, when a plurality of slits 213 are provided, by changing the slit to be discharged every time a certain amount is discharged, the accumulation of waste liquid can be dispersed for each slit, and the area in which waste liquid can accumulate is widened. Become. Furthermore, by continuing to discharge up to a certain amount into the same slit 213, when using a liquid that dries easily, the surface of the waste liquid that lands on the discharge receiver 200 becomes difficult to dry, and the accumulation speed of the waste liquid can be reduced. .

Moreover, in this embodiment, the slits are changed in order from the most downstream slit 213A to the most upstream slit 213C in the moving direction of the absorber 211 to eject the liquid. Here, when the drum 51 rotates and the absorber 211 enters below the head 23, the slits can be changed in the order of the slits facing the head 23 to eject the liquid.

By changing the slits in this order and discharging the liquid, the liquid can be discharged to a plurality of locations within the discharge receiver 200 in accordance with the rotational direction of the drum 51, and control becomes simple.

Alternatively, the slits may be changed to eject the liquid in the order from the most upstream slit 213A to the most downstream slit 213C in the moving direction of the absorber 211.

Next, control of the idle ejection operation in the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 28 as well. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a process for selecting a slit to be ejected in controlling the same ejection operation.

In this embodiment, it is determined whether the ejection target slit in the previous idle ejection operation is the third slit (S21). At this time, when the ejection target slit in the previous idle ejection operation is the third slit, the first slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S23).

When the ejection target slit in the previous idle ejection operation is not the third slit, it is determined whether the previous ejection target slit is the first slit (S22). At this time, when the ejection target slit in the previous idle ejection operation is the first slit, the second slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S24).

When the ejection target slit in the previous idle ejection operation is not the first slit, the third slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S25).

In this way, by changing the ejection target slit each time a dry ejection operation is performed, that is, by not ejecting to the same slit continuously, the time for permeation of the liquid that is difficult to dry into the absorber 211 is extended, and the liquid is absorbed. It can be made difficult to deposit on the surface of the body 211.

Next, control of the idle ejection operation in the seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference also to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the ejection position selection process in controlling the same ejection operation, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along the width direction of the liquid receiving portion.

In the ejection position selection process, a plurality of ejection positions are set within the same slit 213, and the ejection position at which ink is ejected during the idle ejection operation, that is, the relative position between the head 100 and one slit 213 is changed.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 30, when the first to third discharge positions F1 to F3 are set, it is determined whether a certain amount has been discharged to the first discharge position F1 (S31 ). At this time, if a certain amount has not been discharged to the first discharge position F1, the first discharge position F1 is selected as the discharge position (S33). As a result, the liquid 300 is ejected from the head 100 to the first ejection position F1, for example, as shown in FIG. 30(a).

If a certain amount has been ejected to the first ejection position F1, it is determined whether a certain amount has been ejected to the second ejection position F2 (S22). At this time, if a certain amount has not been discharged to the second discharge position F2, the second discharge position is selected as the discharge position (S24). As a result, the liquid 300 is ejected from the head 100 to the second ejection position F2, as shown in FIG. 30(b), for example.

If a certain amount has been discharged to the second discharge position F2, the third discharge position F3 is selected as the discharge position (S35). As a result, the liquid 300 is ejected from the head 100 to the third ejection position F3, as shown in FIG. 30(c), for example.

Then, when the third ejection position F3 is selected as the ejection position, the fixed amount ejection completion flag for each ejection position is reset (S36). As a result, next time, ejection will be started again from the first ejection position.

In this way, when there are multiple discharge positions, by changing the discharge position every time a certain amount is discharged, the accumulation of waste liquid can be dispersed, the area where waste liquid can accumulate is widened, and the life span is extended. This can reduce the frequency of replacement.

Next, control of the idle ejection operation in the 18th embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIG. 31 is a flowchart for explaining the ejection target slit selection process in controlling the same ejection operation, and FIG. 32 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the transverse direction.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, the head 100 is equipped with a non-contact detection means 180 for detecting the amount of waste liquid accumulated (height of accumulation) within the slit 213.

Therefore, referring to FIG. 31, it is determined whether the amount of accumulation in the first slit is less than or equal to a threshold value (S41). At this time, if the amount of accumulation in the first slit is equal to or less than the threshold value, the first slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S44).

If the amount of accumulation in the first slit is not less than the threshold value, it is determined whether the amount of accumulation in the second slit is less than or equal to the threshold value (S42). At this time, if the amount of accumulation in the second slit is equal to or less than the threshold value, the second slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S45).

If the amount of accumulation in the second slit is not less than the threshold value, it is determined whether the amount of accumulation in the third slit is less than or equal to the threshold value (S43). At this time, if the amount of accumulation in the third slit is equal to or less than the threshold value, the third slit is selected as the ejection target slit (S46).

If the amount of accumulation in the third slit is not below the threshold value, the discharge receiver 200 is filled up and replaced (S47).

In this way, when there are multiple slits, by changing the discharge target slit every time the amount of accumulation reaches a threshold value, it is possible to disperse the accumulation of waste liquid, increase the lifespan, and reduce the frequency of replacement. can.

In this embodiment, an example in which a discharge slit is selected is explained, but as in the 17th embodiment, a plurality of discharge positions are set, and the amount of deposition at each discharge position is detected, and the deposition It is also possible to change the ejection position every time the amount reaches a threshold value.

Further, the first to third slits may be set in the order from the most downstream slit 213A to the most upstream slit 213C in the moving direction of the absorber 211. Here, when the drum 51 rotates and the absorber 211 enters below the head 23, it can also be said that the slits face the head 23 in the order.

Further, the first to third slits may be set in the order from the most upstream slit 213A to the most downstream slit 213C in the moving direction of the absorber 211.

Further, instead of using the non-contact detection means 180 that detects the amount of waste liquid accumulated (height of accumulation), the discharge position may be changed based on the discharge amount.

Next, control of the idle ejection operation in the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 33 as well. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a process for selecting a slit to be ejected in controlling the same ejection operation.

In this embodiment, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous ejection (S51). Then, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the slit 213 from which ejection was made last time is selected (S53), and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the next slit 213 is selected (S52).

In this way, by changing the ejection target slit every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous idle ejection operation, it is possible to secure the permeation time for the waste liquid and make it difficult for the liquid to accumulate on the surface of the absorber 211. can.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a twentieth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. FIG. 34 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along the width direction of the liquid receiving portion, and FIG. 35 is a perspective explanatory view of the absorber and slit width holding member of the liquid ejection receiving member.

In this embodiment, a slit width holding member 216 (216A, 216B) that holds the slit width W of the slit 213 is provided on the opening side of the storage case 212 of the liquid receiving portion 201.

The slit width holding member 216 is formed by bending a linear member made of stainless steel or the like to form unevenness, and is fitted between the top of the absorbing member 211C and between the absorbing members 211C and 211C, respectively.

Further, in the longitudinal direction of the liquid receiving portion 201, a plurality of slit width holding members 216A and 216B are arranged. The number of slit width holding members 216 may be three or more.

This makes it possible to suppress swinging of the absorbing member 211C due to the rotation of the discharge receiver 200 and fluctuations in the slit width W of the slit 213 due to the way the absorbing members 211C and 211D are fitted.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a twenty-first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 36. FIG. 36 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the lateral direction.

In this embodiment, in the 20th embodiment, the storage case 212 is provided with a bent portion 212a that covers part of the top surface of the absorption members 211C and 211C on both sides.

A part 216a of the slit width holding member 216 is sandwiched between the bent portion 212a of the storage case 212 and the top surface of the absorbing member 211C.

Thereby, the absorption member 211C and the slit width holding member 216 can be prevented from popping out from the storage case 212 in the drum outer circumferential direction due to the rotation of the discharge receiver 200.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slit width holding member 216 is also sandwiched between the storage case 212 and the outer wall surface of the absorbing member 211C. Thereby, the absorption member 211C and the slit width holding member 216 can be prevented from popping out more reliably.

Next, a liquid receiving portion according to a twenty-second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the liquid receiving portion along the short direction.

In this embodiment, the slit width holding member 216 is brought into contact not only with the top surface of the absorbing member 211C but also with the top surface of the absorbing member 211D. This can prevent the absorption member 211D from shifting its position due to rotation of the discharge receiver 200.

In addition, in the said 20th embodiment - 22nd embodiment, the number of slit width holding members 216 is not limited to two in the longitudinal direction of the liquid receiving part 201. When using one slit width holding member 216, it is preferable to arrange it at the center of the liquid receiving portion 201 in the longitudinal direction. When using three or more slit width holding members 216, the spacing between adjacent slit width holding members 216 in the longitudinal direction of the liquid receiving portion 201 may be made equal, or the slit width holding members 216 may be placed at positions facing the nozzle. You can also choose not to position it.

In the present application, the "liquid" to be ejected may be any liquid having a viscosity or surface tension that allows it to be ejected from the head, and is not particularly limited, but the viscosity is 30 mPa・s or less at room temperature, normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable that More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, coloring agents such as dyes and pigments, functional materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins, and surfactants, and biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium. , edible materials such as natural pigments, etc., and these include, for example, inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, constituent elements of electronic devices and light emitting devices, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used for purposes such as a liquid for use in liquids, a material liquid for three-dimensional modeling, and the like.

The "liquid ejection head" uses a piezoelectric actuator (laminated piezoelectric element and thin film piezoelectric element) as an energy generation source to eject liquid, a thermal actuator that uses electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, a diaphragm and a counter electrode. This includes those that use electrostatic actuators, etc.

The "device for ejecting liquid" includes a device for ejecting liquid by driving a liquid ejection head. Devices that eject liquid include not only devices that can eject liquid onto objects to which liquid can adhere, but also devices that eject liquid into the air or into liquid.

The "device for discharging liquid" may include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging objects to which liquid can adhere, as well as pre-processing devices, post-processing devices, and the like.

For example, an image forming device is a device that ejects ink to form an image on paper as a “device that ejects liquid,” and an image forming device that forms layers of powder to form three-dimensional objects (three-dimensional objects). There is a three-dimensional modeling device (three-dimensional modeling device) that discharges a modeling liquid onto a powder layer.

Further, the "device for ejecting liquid" is not limited to a device that can visualize significant images such as characters and figures using ejected liquid. For example, it includes those that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves, and those that form three-dimensional images.

The above-mentioned "something to which a liquid can adhere" refers to something to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as something that adheres and sticks, something that adheres and penetrates. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic components such as electronic boards, piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells. Unless otherwise specified, it includes everything to which liquid adheres.

The material for the above-mentioned "material to which liquid can adhere" may be paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc., as long as liquid can adhere thereto, even temporarily.

Further, the "device for discharging liquid" includes a device in which a liquid discharging head and an object to which liquid can be attached move relative to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specific examples include a serial type device that moves a liquid ejection head, a line type device that does not move a liquid ejection head, and the like.

In addition, the "device for discharging a liquid" includes a processing liquid coating device that discharges a processing liquid onto paper in order to apply the processing liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper, etc. There is an injection granulation device that granulates fine particles of the raw material by spraying a composition liquid in which the raw material is dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

Furthermore, as a mode of moving the ejection receiver relative to the head, the ejection receiver may be fixed and the head may be moved relative to the ejection receiver.

In addition, in the terms of this application, image formation, recording, printing, imprinting, printing, modeling, etc. are all synonymous.

1 Printing device 10 Loading section 20 Printing section 21 Sheet conveyance device 22 Liquid discharge section 23 Discharge unit 51 Drum 52 Suction device (suction means)
100 Liquid ejection head (head)
200 Empty discharge receiver 201 Liquid receiver 202 Support case 203 Slide rail member 211 Absorber 211A to 211I Absorber member 212 Accommodation case (accommodation member)
213, 213A to 213C Slit 216 Slit width holding member 710 Empty discharge control means (controlling means)

Claims (15)

A head that discharges liquid,
a discharge receiver for receiving the liquid discharged from the head;
The discharge receiver includes an absorbent body and a housing member that houses the absorbent body,
A slit is provided in the absorber of the discharge receiver,
comprising means for controlling the liquid to be discharged from the head into the slit of the absorber while moving the discharge receiver relative to the head;
The controlling means controls the liquid to be ejected from the head into the slit of the absorbent body at a timing between sheets during continuous printing in which multiple sheets are continuously printed.
A device for discharging liquid characterized by: 2. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1, wherein the absorber has at least two types of absorbing members, long and short, arranged alternately. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorber is provided with a plurality of the slits. 4. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1, further comprising a slit width holding member that holds the slit width of the slit. The accommodation member has a bent portion that covers a part of the top surface of the absorber,
5. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 4, wherein a part of the slit width holding member is sandwiched between the top surface of the absorber and the bent portion. The means for controlling:
The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is ejected by changing the slit each time the ejection amount to the same slit exceeds a certain amount or each time a ejection operation is performed to the slit. A device that discharges The means for controlling:
The apparatus for discharging liquid according to claim 6, characterized in that the liquid is discharged by changing the slits in the order from the most downstream slit to the most upstream slit in the moving direction of the absorber. . 8. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said discharge receivers. 9. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 8, further comprising means for measuring the discharge amount of the liquid for each of the discharge receivers. The device for discharging liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the slit of the absorber is wider on the inlet side than on the bottom side, when the width is the length in the relative movement direction. . The device for discharging liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the slit of the absorber is wider on the bottom side than on the inlet side, when the width is the length in the relative movement direction. . 7. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1, wherein the housing member includes a lid having an opening corresponding to the slit of the absorber. A head that discharges liquid,
a discharge receiver for receiving the liquid discharged from the head;
The discharge receiver includes an absorbent body and a housing member that houses the absorbent body,
A slit is provided in the absorber of the discharge receiver,
comprising means for controlling the liquid to be discharged from the head into the slit of the absorber while moving the discharge receiver relative to the head;
The absorber is provided with a plurality of the slits,
The means for controlling:
Every time the discharge amount to the same slit exceeds a certain amount, or every time a discharge operation is performed to the slit, in the order from the most downstream slit to the most upstream slit in the moving direction of the absorber, Changing the slit to eject the liquid
A device for discharging liquid characterized by: A head that discharges liquid,
a discharge receiver for receiving the liquid discharged from the head;
The discharge receiver includes an absorbent body and a housing member that houses the absorbent body,
A slit is provided in the absorber of the discharge receiver,
comprising means for controlling the liquid to be discharged from the head into the slit of the absorber while moving the discharge receiver relative to the head;
The absorber is provided with a plurality of the slits,
An apparatus for ejecting liquid , wherein the controlling means changes the slit and ejects the liquid every time a predetermined time elapses from the previous ejection to the slit. The means for controlling:
15. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is discharged by changing a discharge position within the slit.

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