JP7625992B2 - Mist collection device and liquid ejection device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device.

For example, in an image forming apparatus (such as an inkjet recording apparatus) that uses a liquid ejection head (droplet ejection head) to eject liquid (droplets), it is known to discharge ink mist from within the apparatus to the outside of the apparatus (Patent Document 1).

However, the ink mist in Patent Document 1 is discharged to the outside, which causes the surrounding area to become dirty.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a mist collection device that can collect the mist generated within the device.

The above problem is solved by a mist collection device comprising a flow path through which an airflow containing mist generated within the device passes, and a mist collection section provided within the flow path that brings the mist into contact with the mist and liquefies it, the mist collection section having a hydrophilic surface region and a hydrophobic surface region, the hydrophobic surface region being disposed below the hydrophilic surface region, and the lower end of the mist collection section being the hydrophobic surface region.

The mist generated within the device can be collected.

1 is a perspective view of a liquid ejection apparatus (inkjet recording apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front. 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of a mechanism of the main body of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the path of air current within the device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a mist collection section provided on the inner wall surface of a first flow path, and FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating the behavior principle of ink mist. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the path of air current movement within an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a mist collecting plate. FIG. 11 is a perspective view (part 1) of a first flow passage illustrating a modified example of a mist collecting plate. FIG. 11 is a perspective view (part 2) of the first flow passage illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 11 is a perspective view (part 3) of the first flow passage showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 4 is a perspective view (part 4) of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 5 is a perspective view (part 5) of the first flow path illustrating a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 6-1 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 6-2 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 6-3 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 7-1 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 7-2 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first flow path showing a modified example of the mist collecting plate; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a modification of the first flow path according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first flow path according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 13 illustrates a first modified example of the first flow path according to the fifth embodiment. 23 illustrates a second modified example of the first flow path according to the fifth embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram (part 1) showing a modified example of the mist collecting portion of FIG. 5 . FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the mist collecting portion of FIG. 5 .

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a liquid ejection device (inkjet recording device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This inkjet recording device 100 is a serial type image forming device, and includes a device main body 101 and a scanner 102 provided on the top of the device main body 101.

In addition, a paper feed cassette 103 that combines a paper feed cassette that stores recording media and a paper output tray that receives the recording media on which an image has been formed is removably attached to the front side of the device body 101.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an overview of the mechanical section of the device body shown in Figure 1. Inside the device body 101, a carriage unit 32 carrying two recording heads 30 that eject droplets onto a recording medium (paper) to form an image is arranged so as to be able to move back and forth in the main scanning direction (the direction perpendicular to the feed direction of the recording medium).

Facing the carriage unit 32, a transport unit 34 that transports the recording medium is provided. Here, the transport unit 34 uses a transport belt 36, but instead, a transport roller and a platen member (transport guide member) or the like may be used.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the path of airflow within the device. The movement of airflow containing mist will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

In the inkjet recording device 100 of this embodiment, when ink (liquid) is ejected from the recording head 30, ink mist is generated, which is ink in a mist state. In addition, since the recording head 30 is moved back and forth by the carriage unit 32, the mist generation area 200 is on the conveyor belt 36 of the conveyor unit 34.

Therefore, the inkjet recording device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a fan 18, which is an airflow generating means for generating an airflow, and a first flow path 14 and a second flow path 16 that pass the airflow containing mist from the air intake port 14a to the exhaust port 16a facing outside the device. These constitute an example of a mist recovery device.

Fan 18 is provided between first flow path 14 and second flow path 16, and sends airflow from exhaust port 14b of first flow path 14 to second flow path 16.

Therefore, the mist generated in the mist generation area 200 is sucked into the first flow path 14 from the air intake port 14a by the airflow generated by the fan 18. The airflow containing this mist moves through the first flow path 14 along the arrows in the figure, passing through the fan 18 on the way, and then through the second flow path 16, and is discharged from the exhaust port 16a.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first flow path, and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the mist collection section provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path. As shown in Figure 4, the first flow path 14 is a hollow member provided in the cover 104 of the device body 101, and has an air intake port 14a and an exhaust port 14b directed toward the fan 18 shown in Figure 3. The first flow path 14 is configured to be a bent flow path, and in particular, is configured to be approximately L-shaped.

In addition, a mist collection unit 20 that adsorbs mist contained in the airflow and turns it into droplets is provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14. The mist collection unit 20 may be installed on both sides of the inner wall surface, and is preferably installed at an inlet, midway, or outlet of the first flow path 14 at an angle rather than horizontally.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mist collection unit 20 has a hydrophilic surface region 40a and a hydrophobic surface region 40b in the part where the mist collides and in the surrounding area. Hydrophilicity means having a high affinity with water, that is, the property of being easily dissolved in water or easily mixed with water. Examples include alcohol and surfactants. On the other hand, hydrophobicity means having a low affinity with water, being difficult to dissolve in water, or being difficult to mix with water. Examples include water and oil.

As an example of the mist collection unit 20, the mist collection unit 20 shown in FIG. 5(a) has hydrophilic surface areas 40a arranged in bands at a predetermined interval, with hydrophobic surface areas 40b arranged around them. Also, the mist collection unit 20 shown in FIG. 5(b) has hydrophilic surface areas 40a arranged in a dot (circle/ball) shape, with hydrophobic surface areas 40b arranged around them. And in each mist collection unit 20, the bottom in the vertical direction (the lower end of the mist collection unit 20) is the hydrophobic surface area 40b.

Below the mist collecting section 20, a tank 22 is provided as a storage section for collecting mist droplets. The bottom surface of the first flow path 14 is inclined toward the tank. The tank 22 is configured to be detachable from the first flow path 14.

The behavior principle of the ink mist in the mist collection unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
(1) On the hydrophilic surface region 40a-1, the mist that adheres thereto tends to spread evenly (becomes a liquid film). The mist that is not retained thereon falls onto the hydrophobic surface region 40b-1 below.
(2) On the hydrophobic surface area 40b-1, the mist rolls up (forms into droplets) and falls.
(3) On the hydrophilic surface area 40a-2, the mist tends to spread evenly, and any mist that is not retained falls onto the hydrophobic surface area 40b-2 below.
(4) In the hydrophobic surface area 40b-2, the mist curls up, flows downward, and drips down from the lower end and falls from the mist collection section 20.

Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, when the airflow containing the ink mist enters the first flow path 14, the ink mist collides with or comes into contact with the hydrophilic surface region 40a and the hydrophobic surface region 40b, and adheres to and is collected on the hydrophilic surface region 40a. The collected ink mist turns into droplets, and when it reaches an amount (weight) that cannot be held by the hydrophilic surface region 40a, the droplets drip downward.

Since the hydrophobic surface region 40b is arranged around the hydrophilic surface region 40a (see Figures 5(a) and (b)), the rolling droplets are not held, but simply fall, dripping onto the hydrophobic part below. If there is a hydrophilic part below that, the droplets will collect there, and when they can no longer be held, they will drip onto the hydrophobic part below again. Since the very bottom is hydrophobic, the droplets will drip from the mist collection section 20 and be stored in the tank 22 below.

In this way, the ink mist that has entered the first flow path 14 is separated from the airflow by the mist collection unit 20 and stored in the tank 22. Furthermore, the mist collection unit does not require particularly frequent replacement and can perform continuous collection. Therefore, ink mist is not discharged outside the device, or the amount of discharge can be significantly reduced. Since the tank 22 is detachable from the first flow path 14, the stored ink can be easily disposed of.

As shown in Figure 3, it is advantageous to have the mist collection section 20 located upstream of the fan 18, as this reduces the risk of mist adhering to the fan 18.

Second Embodiment
Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the airflow path in the device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 6, the same components as those in Fig. 3 are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The inkjet recording device 150 of this embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that a second mist collection section 24 is provided downstream of the second flow path 16. Specifically, the second mist collection section 24 is provided at the exhaust port 16a (see FIG. 3) of the second flow path 16, and an exhaust port 26 is provided downstream of the second mist collection section 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second mist collection section 24 also has a hydrophilic surface area 40a and a hydrophobic surface area 40b at the part where the mist collides and the surrounding area, and the hydrophobic surface area 40b is disposed around the hydrophilic surface area 40a.

Furthermore, a tank 22 for storing mist droplets is provided below the second mist collection section 24, and the bottom surface of the second flow path 16 is inclined toward this tank. This tank 22 is configured to be detachable from the second flow path 16.

In this embodiment, the ink mist is collected in a two-stage configuration consisting of a mist collection section 20 provided in the first flow path 14 and a second mist collection section 24 provided in the second flow path 16, which further reduces the risk of ink mist being discharged outside the device.

Third Embodiment
Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first flow path according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, for ease of understanding, some of the members are omitted in the drawing.

In this embodiment, at least one mist collection plate 42 that collects mist contained in the airflow is provided inside the first flow path 14. As shown in FIG. 8, this mist collection plate 42 has a hydrophilic surface area 40a and a hydrophobic surface area 40b at the part where the mist collides and the surrounding area, and the hydrophobic surface area 40b is arranged around the hydrophilic surface area 40a.

This mist collection plate 42 is positioned at an angle, with one end (the right end in FIG. 7) located above the inclined bottom surface of the first flow path 14. Therefore, the mist captured by the mist collection plate 42 flows down the inclined surface of the mist collection plate 42 and falls onto the inclined bottom surface of the first flow path 14, and then enters the tank 22 and is stored there.

Furthermore, because the mist collection plate 42 has a flat plate shape, it also has the role of controlling the flow of the air current and directing it in the desired direction. Therefore, the air current can travel a shorter path from the air intake port 14a to the exhaust port 14b while separating the ink mist from the air current.

This embodiment can be used in combination with the first and second embodiments.

Figures 9 to 19 are perspective views of the first flow path showing modified examples of the mist collection plate. Note that in Figures 9 to 19, the same components as in Figure 7 are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted. Also, for ease of understanding, some components are omitted in the drawings.

(Variation 1)
9, a plurality of mist collection plates 42 are arranged inside the first flow path 14, vertically dividing the first flow path 14 into a plurality of parts. By narrowing the width of the flow path, the ink mist becomes more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, improving the efficiency of collection of the ink mist.

In FIG. 9, the mist collecting plates 42 terminate just before the exhaust port 14b, but this is not limited to the above. The mist collecting plates 42 may extend to the lower side of the exhaust port 14b.

(Variation 2)
10, multiple mist collection plates 42 are disposed inside the first flow path 14 at an angle from the air supply port 14a toward the tank 22. This configuration allows the ink mist in the form of droplets to flow quickly into the tank 22, improving the efficiency of collecting the ink mist.

(Variation 3)
11, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged inside the first flow passage 14 so that the first flow passage 14 narrows from the air inlet 14a toward the fan 18. By narrowing the width of the flow passage, the ink mist becomes more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, improving the efficiency of collection of the ink mist.

(Variation 4)
As shown in Fig. 12, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged inside the first flow path 14 so that the first flow path 14 narrows from the air supply port 14a toward the fan 18. This configuration differs from the third modified example (Fig. 11) in that the longitudinal direction of the multiple mist collection plates 42 is perpendicular to the gas flow direction. In this case as well, the narrowing of the flow path makes it easier for the ink mist to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, improving the efficiency of ink mist collection.

(Variation 5)
13, multiple mist collection plates 42 are disposed in the air supply port 14a in a diagonally downward direction with respect to the air supply port 14a. In this configuration, when gas flows into the inside of the first flow path 14, it immediately collides with the mist collection plates 42, so that the ink mist can be captured near the air supply port 14a.

(Variation 6)
14 to 16, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged alternately inside the first flow path 14. In this configuration, the gas movement path becomes complex, so that the ink mist is more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, and the efficiency of collecting the ink mist can be improved.

(Variation 7)
17 and 18, a mist collection plate 42 having at least one hole (opening) is disposed inside the first flow path 14 so as to block the flow of the flow path. Most of the gas collides with the mist collection plate 42 and then flows through the hole in the mist collection plate 42. Therefore, the ink mist is more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection plate 42, and the collection efficiency of the ink mist can be improved.

It is preferable to provide more hydrophilic surface areas 40a around the holes in the mist collection plate 42 and on the cross sections of the holes to make it easier to capture ink mist.

(Variation 8)
19, multiple mist collection plates 42 are arranged near the exhaust port 14b. In this configuration, the mist collection plates 42 collect the ink mist that was not completely collected by the mist collection unit 20, thereby reducing the risk of the ink mist adhering to the fan 18 located downstream of the exhaust port 14b.

In the third embodiment and its modified examples (Nos. 1 to 8), the mist collection plate 42 has a hydrophilic surface area 40a and a hydrophobic surface area 40b in the area where the mist collides and in the surrounding area, as shown in FIG. 8 above. The arrangement of these hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface areas is not limited to that shown in FIG. 8, and may be arranged, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(a).

Fourth Embodiment
Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first flow path according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 20, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, a rotating blade 44 that rotates due to the airflow is provided inside the first flow path 14. The airflow that has flowed into the inside of the first flow path 14 is guided and stirred by the rotation of the rotating blade 44. Therefore, the ink mist is more likely to collide with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection section 20 provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14 (including the inlet, middle, and outlet of the first flow path 14), improving the efficiency of collection of the ink mist.

Figure 21 shows a modified version of the fourth embodiment. In this modified version, multiple (three) rotating blades 44 that rotate due to the airflow are provided inside the first flow path 14. Increasing the number of rotating blades 44 allows more airflow to be induced and stirred, further improving the efficiency of ink mist collection.

In the fourth embodiment and its modified examples, the rotating blades 44 may have a hydrophilic surface region 40a and a hydrophobic surface region 40b on one or both sides of each blade, and the hydrophobic surface region 40b may be disposed around the hydrophilic surface region 40a. This allows the rotating blades 44 themselves to function as the mist collection section 20.

Fifth Embodiment
Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a first flow path according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 22, the same components as those in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the first flow path 14 is configured to be a bent flow path, and in particular, is configured to have a serpentine shape. The air flow that flows into the inside of the first flow path 14 changes its flow direction multiple times, so that the ink mist easily collides with the hydrophilic surface area 40a of the mist collection section 20 provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14, and the collection efficiency of the ink mist can be improved.

Figures 23 and 24 show a modified example of the fifth embodiment. The first flow path 14 may be configured to be substantially U-shaped or substantially W-shaped.

In the fifth embodiment and its modified examples, it is preferable that the mist collecting sections 20 provided on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 14 are arranged in large numbers, particularly in bent portions (portions where the flow direction changes). This is because collisions of flowing gas are likely to occur in bent portions.

Figures 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams showing modified examples of the mist collection section shown in Figure 5.

The mist collecting unit 20 includes:
(1) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a are arranged in a band shape at a predetermined interval, and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged around them, and the width of each hydrophilic surface region 40a and the width of each hydrophobic surface region 40b are different (see FIG. 25(a)).
(2) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a are randomly arranged in terms of size and shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, etc.), and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged around them (see FIG. 25(b)).
(3) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a are arranged in a dot pattern, and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged around the hydrophilic surface regions 40a (see FIG. 25(c)).
(4) The hydrophilic surface region 40a is arranged in a spiral shape, and the hydrophobic surface region 40b is arranged around it (see FIG. 25(d)).
(5) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are alternately arranged in a concentric rectangular shape (see FIG. 26(a) );
(6) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b are arranged alternately in an oblique direction (see FIG. 26(b)), or
(7) The hydrophilic surface regions 40a may be arranged in a wavy pattern, and the hydrophobic surface regions 40b may be arranged around them (see FIG. 26(c)).
In each mist collecting portion 20, the bottom in the vertical direction (the lower end of the mist collecting portion) is a hydrophobic surface region 40b.

In the modified mist collection section of Figures 25 and 26, it can be seen that a vertical cross section exhibits a striped pattern in which hydrophilic surface areas 40a and hydrophobic surface areas 40b are arranged alternately, as shown in Figure 5(c) above. This results in the ink mist behaving as described in Figure 5(c) above.

The second mist collection section 24, the mist collection plate 42, the rotating blade 44, etc. can also have a similar configuration.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the tank 22 is not limited to a container. For example, the tank 22 may be an absorbent that absorbs the liquid that has fallen from the mist collection unit 20, or the tank 22 may be a container that contains the absorbent. The hydrophobic surface region 40b may be formed by applying or attaching a material having the above-mentioned properties to the collection member, or the material of the collection member may be made of a material having the above-mentioned hydrophobic properties. The hydrophilic surface region 40a may be formed by attaching a material having a high affinity for water to the collection member.

Next, we provide clear definitions of the terms used in this application.

A "liquid ejection device" is a device that has a liquid ejection head or a liquid ejection unit, and ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejection head. Devices that eject liquid include not only devices that can eject liquid onto objects to which the liquid can adhere, but also devices that eject liquid into air or liquid.

This "liquid ejection device" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging items onto which liquid can be attached, as well as pre-processing devices and post-processing devices.

Examples of "liquid ejection devices" include image forming devices that eject ink to form an image on paper, and three-dimensional modeling devices that eject modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed from powder in order to create a three-dimensional object.

Furthermore, a "liquid ejection device" is not limited to devices that use ejected liquid to visualize meaningful images such as letters and figures. For example, it also includes devices that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves, and devices that create three-dimensional images.

The above phrase "something to which liquid can adhere" refers to something to which liquid can adhere at least temporarily, and to which the liquid adheres and sticks, or adheres and penetrates. Specific examples include media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic circuit boards, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers, organ models, and test cells, and unless otherwise specified, includes all things to which liquid can adhere.

The above-mentioned "materials to which liquid can adhere" include paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing, as long as the liquid can adhere even temporarily.

The "liquid" may be any liquid having a viscosity and surface tension that allows it to be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the viscosity is 30 mPa·s or less at room temperature and pressure, or by heating or cooling. More specifically, it is a solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. that contains a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a functionalizing material such as a polymerizable compound, a resin, or a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, or calcium, an edible material such as a natural dye, etc. These can be used, for example, in applications such as inkjet ink, surface treatment liquid, a liquid for forming a component of an electronic element or a light-emitting element, an electronic circuit resist pattern, and a material liquid for three-dimensional modeling.

In addition, the term "liquid ejection device" includes devices in which a liquid ejection head and an object to which liquid can be attached move relatively, but is not limited to this. Specific examples include serial type devices in which the liquid ejection head moves, and line type devices in which the liquid ejection head does not move.

Other examples of "liquid ejection devices" include treatment liquid application devices that eject treatment liquid onto paper to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for purposes such as modifying the surface of the paper. There are also jet granulation devices that eject a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed through a nozzle to granulate the raw material into fine particles.

A "liquid ejection unit" is a collection of components related to ejecting liquid, integrating functional parts and mechanisms with a liquid ejection head. For example, a "liquid ejection unit" includes a combination of at least one of the following components with a liquid ejection head: a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance and recovery mechanism, and a main scanning movement mechanism.

Here, integration includes, for example, the liquid ejection head, functional parts, and mechanism being fixed to each other by fastening, bonding, engagement, etc., and one being held movably relative to the other. The liquid ejection head, functional parts, and mechanism may also be configured to be detachable from each other.

The main scanning movement mechanism includes the guide member alone. The supply mechanism also includes the tube alone and the loading section alone.

A "liquid ejection head" is a functional device that ejects and sprays liquid from a nozzle. Energy sources that eject liquid include piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements or thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibration plate and an opposing electrode.

In this specification, "paper" does not mean the material to be paper, but includes overhead projectors, cloth, glass, substrates, etc., and means anything onto which ink droplets or other liquids can be attached, including things called recording media, recording media, recording paper, and recording paper. In addition, image formation, recording, printing, copying, and printing are all synonymous terms.

Unless otherwise specified, "ink" is used as a general term for all liquids capable of forming images, including not only those called ink, but also those called recording liquid, fixing treatment liquid, liquid, etc., and also includes, for example, DNA samples, resists, pattern materials, resins, etc.

"Image" does not only refer to flat objects, but also includes images attached to objects formed in a three-dimensional form, and images formed by modeling the object itself in three dimensions.

The present invention has been described in detail above using the embodiment and modified examples. This embodiment is merely an example, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, multiple embodiments and modified examples may be combined with each other.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 14 First flow path 14a Air inlet 14b, 16a, 26 Exhaust port 16 Second flow path 18 Fan 20 Mist collection section 22 Tank 24 Second mist collection section 30 Recording head 32 Carriage unit 34 Transport section 36 Transport belt 40a Hydrophilic surface area 40b Hydrophobic surface area 42 Mist collection plate 44 Rotating blade 100, 150 Inkjet recording device 101 Device body 102 Scanner 103 Paper feed/ejection cassette 104 Cover 200 Mist generation area

Patent No. 6318616

Claims (10)

A flow path for passing an airflow containing mist generated within the device;
A mist collecting section is provided in the flow path and contacts the mist to liquefy it.
The mist collecting section has a hydrophilic surface region and a hydrophobic surface region, and the hydrophobic surface region is disposed below the hydrophilic surface region,
A mist collection device, characterized in that a lower end of the mist collection portion is the hydrophobic surface area. The mist collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mist collection section is provided upstream of the flow path. The mist collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mist collection section is arranged to divide the flow path into multiple parts. The mist collection device according to claim 3, characterized in that the mist collection section is arranged so that the flow path narrows from the upstream to the downstream of the flow path. The mist collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mist collection section has a hole through which the airflow passes. The mist collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flow path is provided with a rotating blade that is rotated by the airflow. The mist collection device according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotating blade is provided with the mist collection section. The mist collection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow path is a meandering flow path. A storage section for storing the liquefied mist is provided below the mist collection section,
The mist collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a bottom surface of the flow passage is inclined toward the storage portion. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid;
The mist collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A liquid ejection device comprising:

Images