JP7712902B2 - Inkjet recording system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet recording system.

Patent document 1 discloses an inkjet printing system that adds service points to users based on the amount and frequency of parts and services purchased by the user.

WO 18/003024

The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 only accumulates points when purchasing ink and other parts used in inkjet recording devices, and does not take into consideration the promotion of reducing environmental impact.

The object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording system that can help reduce the environmental impact.

To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an inkjet recording system that includes an inkjet recording device and a server, and is capable of communicating between the inkjet recording device and the server, and the server calculates points to be awarded when an action that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is performed on the inkjet recording device based on information detected by the inkjet recording device or information input by a terminal device that is capable of communicating with the server.

The present invention makes it possible to provide an inkjet recording system that can help reduce the environmental impact.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an inkjet recording apparatus. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a circulation system of the inkjet recording apparatus. 4 is a table showing the operating status of the inkjet recording apparatus in each operation mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operating state when the power is OFF. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operating conditions in a sleep mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state in a standby mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state in a printable mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operating condition in an idling mode. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state when the printer transitions from an idling mode to a printable mode. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state in an idling stop mode. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing examples of actions for which points are awarded. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of power consumed by an inkjet printing apparatus.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

<Configuration of Inkjet Printing System>
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an inkjet recording system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the inkjet recording system includes an inkjet recording apparatus 1, a server 2, and a communication line 3 (network) for mutual communication between the server and the inkjet recording apparatus. Note that, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which one inkjet recording apparatus 1 is connected to the server 2, but a plurality of inkjet recording apparatuses 1 may be connected to the server 2. Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is installed, for example, on a production line in a factory where beverages, food, etc. are produced.

The production line is composed of multiple belt conveyors, each of which transports a printing object 4, such as a plastic bottle filled with a beverage or a packaging container containing food. Note that while FIG. 1 shows only two conveyors, a downstream conveyor 5a that transports the printing object immediately before printing, and an upstream conveyor 5b adjacent to the downstream conveyor 5a on the upstream side in the transport direction, the number of belt conveyors is not limited to two.

A first printed matter detection sensor 6a is installed near the downstream conveyor 5a, and a second printed matter detection sensor 6b is installed near the upstream conveyor 5b. In addition, a first rotary encoder 7a is installed on the downstream conveyor 5a, and a second rotary encoder 7b is installed on the upstream conveyor 5b.

The first printed matter detection sensor 6a is used to determine the printing timing, and when it detects that the printed matter 4 has reached a predetermined position on the downstream conveyor 5a, it sends a detection signal to the control unit 15 described later as a trigger to start printing. The second printed matter detection sensor 6b is used to determine switching between normal mode and power saving mode described later, and when it detects that the printed matter 4 has reached a predetermined position on the upstream conveyor 5b, it sends a detection signal to the control unit 15 described later, indicating that the printed matter 4 is ready to be transported. In this embodiment, the first printed matter detection sensor 6a and the second printed matter detection sensor 6b are installed on different belt conveyors, but they may be installed on the same belt conveyor. In that case, the first printed matter detection sensor 6a is installed on the downstream side of the same belt conveyor, and the second printed matter detection sensor 6b is installed on the upstream side of the same belt conveyor.

The first rotary encoder 7a is used to determine the printing timing, and generates a pulse signal according to the transport speed of the downstream conveyor 5a (moving speed of the print object 4), and transmits it to the control unit 15 described below. The second rotary encoder 7b is used to determine switching between normal mode and power saving mode described below, and generates a pulse signal according to the transport speed of the upstream conveyor 5b (moving speed of the print object 4), and transmits it to the control unit 15 described below. Note that without providing a rotary encoder, the print object detection sensor may measure the light blocking time to calculate the moving speed of the print object 4, and the printing timing may be determined and the mode may be switched.

The second print detection sensor 6b and the second rotary encoder 7b may be installed on a belt conveyor upstream of the downstream conveyor 5a, and do not necessarily have to be installed on the upstream conveyor 5b adjacent to the downstream conveyor 5a.

The server 2 periodically collects operation information from the inkjet recording device 1. The operation information includes the model of the inkjet recording device 1, the remaining ink amount, operating time, number of prints, and also sensor data such as the measured values of each sensor installed in the inkjet recording device 1. Note that the server 2 may collect operation information indirectly from a computer (terminal device) connected to the inkjet recording device 1, rather than directly from the inkjet recording device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server 2 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a database 23, and an interface 24. The processor 21 executes calculation processing related to point management. The memory 22 stores the programs used for this calculation and data necessary for the calculation processing. The database 23 is a storage device that saves operation data and the like necessary for point management. The interface 24 has a function of transmitting the calculation results of the server 2 to each inkjet recording device 1, and a function of receiving data from the inkjet recording device 1 and storing it in the database 23 or the like. Note that the server 2 can also be connected to another terminal device (e.g., a smartphone) owned by the user of the inkjet recording device 1, and the user can use the terminal device to view the operation information and points of the inkjet recording device 1.

<Configuration of Inkjet Recording Apparatus>
Next, the configuration of the inkjet recording device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the inkjet recording device, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the circulation system of the inkjet recording device. As shown in Figure 2, the inkjet recording device 1 comprises a main body 11, a conduit 12, and a print head 13. The conduit 12 connects the main body 11 and the print head 13.

The main body 11 is installed in a location where the space required for regular maintenance work can be secured. An operation display unit 14 is provided on the front side of the main body 11. The operation display unit 14 is used by the user to set and check the printing contents, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel display that also serves as an input unit and an output unit. The input unit and output unit of the operation display unit 14 may be integrated or separate, and may be provided separately from the main body 11. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the main body 11 also has a power detection sensor that detects the power consumption of the inkjet recording device 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 11 includes an ink container 16 that holds the circulating ink 8, a solvent container 17 that holds a solvent (enhancing liquid) used for diluting the ink 8, an ink supply path 40 that supplies the ink 8 to the print head 13, an ink recovery path 50 that recovers the ink 8 from the print head 13, a solvent supply path 60 that supplies the solvent to the ink container 16, and an ink viscosity measurement path 70 that measures the viscosity of the ink 8.

The ink supply path 40 in the main body 11 is provided with an ink supply solenoid valve 41, an ink supply pump 42, an ink supply filter 43, and a pressure adjustment valve 44. The ink supply solenoid valve 41 is connected to the ink container 16 and opens and closes the ink supply path 40. The ink supply pump 42 is installed downstream of the ink supply solenoid valve 41 and sucks and pressure-feeds the ink 8. The ink supply filter 43 is installed downstream of the ink supply pump 42 and removes foreign matter mixed in the ink 8. The pressure adjustment valve 44 adjusts the ink 8 pressure-fed from the ink supply pump 42 to an appropriate pressure for printing. The ink container 16 is provided with a liquid level sensor 18 that measures the amount of ink 8 held therein. Although omitted in FIG. 3, the main body 11 is also provided with an ink cartridge for refilling the ink container 16 with ink 8.

The print head 13 is installed near the belt conveyor (downstream conveyor 5a) that constitutes the production line, and prints on the print target 4 that is transported on the belt conveyor in the transport direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the print head 13 includes a heater 81, a sealing valve 82, a nozzle 83, a charging electrode 84, a deflection electrode 85, a gutter 86, and an ejection deflection sensor (not shown).

The heater 81 heats the ink 8 supplied from the main body 11 through the ink supply path 40 as necessary. The sealing valve 82 is installed downstream of the heater 81, and when energized, it opens to supply the ink 8 to the nozzle 83. The nozzle 83 has an outlet for ejecting the ink 8 supplied from the main body 11. The charging electrode 84 is installed in the straight direction of the outlet of the nozzle 83, and charges the ink particles 8a by adding a predetermined amount of charge. The deflection electrode 85 is installed in the straight direction of the charging electrode 84, and deflects the charged ink particles 8a. The gutter 86 is installed in the straight direction of the deflection electrode 85, and captures the ink particles 8a that fly straight without being charged or deflected. The ejection deflection sensor detects whether the ink particles 8a ejected from the nozzle 83 are bent. For example, if the charged ink droplet 8a is not captured by the gutter 86 and no current is detected in the gutter 86, the ejection deflection sensor determines that the ink droplet 8a is bent and the ejection of the ink 8 is not normal.

The ink recovery path 50 in the main body 11 is provided with an ink recovery filter 51, an ink recovery solenoid valve 52, and an ink recovery pump 53. The ink recovery filter 51 removes foreign matter mixed in the ink particles 8a recovered into the main body 11 from the gutter 86 of the print head 13. The ink recovery solenoid valve 52 is installed downstream of the ink recovery filter 51 and opens and closes the ink recovery path 50. The ink recovery pump 53 is installed downstream of the ink recovery solenoid valve 52 and sucks up the ink particles 8a captured by the gutter 86. Finally, the ink particles 8a are recovered into the ink container 16 downstream of the ink recovery pump 53.

The solvent supply path 60 is provided with a solvent supply pump 61 and a solvent supply solenoid valve 62. The solvent supply pump 61 is connected to the solvent container 17 and sucks and pumps the solvent. The solvent supply solenoid valve 62 is installed downstream of the solvent supply pump 61 and opens and closes the solvent supply path 60. Although omitted in FIG. 3, the main body 11 is also provided with a solvent cartridge for replenishing the solvent container 17 with solvent.

The ink viscosity measurement path 70 is provided with a viscosity sensor 71, a viscosity measurement solenoid valve 72, and a viscosity measurement pump 73. The viscosity sensor 71 is connected to the ink container 16 and measures the viscosity of the ink 8 in the ink container 16. The viscosity measurement solenoid valve 72 is installed downstream of the viscosity sensor 71 and opens and closes the ink viscosity measurement path 70. The viscosity measurement pump 73 is installed downstream of the viscosity measurement solenoid valve 72 and sucks and pumps the ink 8. When the viscosity measurement pump 73 is driven while the viscosity measurement solenoid valve 72 is energized and the ink viscosity measurement path 70 is open, the ink 8 in the ink container 16 is supplied to the viscosity sensor 71, the viscosity is measured, and the ink 8 after the measurement is returned to the ink container 16.

The detection signal detected by the viscosity sensor 71 is sent to the control unit 15 and stored in the RAM 94 of the control unit 15. The control unit 15 determines whether the detected viscosity is within a predetermined range, and if it is determined to be outside the predetermined range, adjusts the viscosity of the ink 8 by supplying the solvent in the solvent container 17 to the ink container 16. When the viscosity detected by the viscosity sensor 71 falls within the predetermined range as a result of the adjustment, the supply of the solvent is stopped. Note that this viscosity measurement and viscosity adjustment are performed intermittently at predetermined time intervals (for example, once every 30 minutes) to maintain the quality of the ink 8 while a printable mode, which will be described later, is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 11 of the inkjet recording device 1 is also provided with a control unit 15 that controls the main body 11 and the print head 13. The control unit 15 controls the valves, pumps, sensors, etc., and also communicates between the inkjet recording device 1 and the server 2. Specifically, the control unit 15 has an interface 91, an MPU 92 (Micro Processing Unit), a ROM 93 (Read Only Memory), and a RAM 94 (Random Access Memory).

The interface 91 has a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from the server 2. The interface 91 also has a function as a detection signal input unit for taking in detection signals from not only the sensors installed in the inkjet recording device 1, but also print detection sensors and rotary encoders installed on the belt conveyor. The MPU 92 performs arithmetic processing for controlling the overall operation of the inkjet recording device 1. The ROM 93 stores programs and data required for the arithmetic processing of the MPU 92. The RAM 94 stores data received via the interface 91 and data required for the arithmetic processing of the MPU 92.

The control unit 15 may determine that the print object 4 is ready to be transported using a signal from a device other than the second print detection sensor 6b or the second rotary encoder 7b, such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). In this case, a general-purpose input terminal or the like is added as the interface 91 of the control unit 15 of the inkjet recording device 1.

<Operation Mode of Inkjet Recording Apparatus>
Details of the operation modes of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 11. Figure 4 is a table showing the operating conditions of the inkjet recording apparatus in each operation mode.

≪Power OFF≫
5 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state when the power is off. Since the inkjet recording apparatus 1 is in a power-off state, not only the circulation system consisting of the valves and pumps but also the I/O related components are not operating, and no signals are input from the print detection sensor or rotary encoder to the control unit 15.

<Sleep mode>
6 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in the pause mode. When the user turns on the power of the inkjet recording device 1, the I/O operation is turned on, and detection signals are input from the print detection sensor and the rotary encoder to the control unit. However, the circulation system is not yet operating, and ink ejection and ink viscosity measurement/adjustment are not performed. At this time, the sealing valve 82 remains closed, no voltage is applied to the charging electrode 84 and the deflection electrode 85, and no abnormality judgment is performed using the ejection deflection sensor. In the pause mode, the I/O related functions are operating, so power consumption is slightly higher than when the power is off.

<Standby mode>
7 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state in the standby mode. The control unit 15 energizes the ink supply solenoid valve 41 to open the ink supply path 40 and drives the ink supply pump 42, so that the ink 8 held in the ink container 16 is supplied from the main body 11 to the print head 13. The control unit 15 also energizes the sealing valve 82 to open the sealing valve 82, so that the ink 8 is ejected as ink droplets 8a from the nozzle 83. The control unit 15 also applies a voltage to the charging electrode 84 to charge the ink droplets. However, since no voltage is applied to the deflection electrode, the ink droplets 8a are not deflected and printing on the print target 4 is not performed.

The control unit 15 also determines whether the charged ink particles 8a have been properly captured by the gutter 86 based on the detection signal from the ejection deflection sensor. The control unit 15 drives the ink recovery pump 53 to recover the ink particles 8a that have not been used for printing from the gutter 86 to the ink container 16. The control unit 15 also opens the viscosity measurement solenoid valve 72 and drives the viscosity measurement pump 73 to measure the viscosity of the ink, and adjusts the ink viscosity by supplying a solvent to the ink container 16 as necessary. This ink viscosity measurement/adjustment is performed intermittently. In the standby mode, not only the I/O related parts but also the circulation system are in operation, so power consumption is higher than in the pause mode described above.

<Printable mode>
8 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in the printable mode. In the printable mode, unlike the standby mode described above, a voltage is also applied to the deflection electrode 85. Therefore, when the first print object detection sensor 6a detects the print object 4, printing is performed from the print head 13 on the print object 4 at a predetermined timing. In the printable mode, a voltage is also applied to the deflection electrode 85, so power consumption is the highest compared to other modes.

<Idle mode>
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in the idle mode. Even during the production of products such as beverages, the container of the printing object 4 is not always transported, and when the type of the container is changed, the container is not transported. In such a state, it is inefficient to maintain the printable mode, which consumes the most power, and it also causes a burden on the environment. Therefore, when the printing object 4 is not transported for a first predetermined time or more, the control unit 15 shifts to the idle mode, which saves more power than the printable mode. Here, the fact that the printing object 4 is not transported is determined based on the second printing object detection sensor 6b and the second rotary encoder 7b. Since it is determined that the printing object 4 cannot be transported based on the sensor installed on the upstream conveyor 5b, it is possible to make a quick and highly accurate determination.

In the idle mode, no voltage is applied to the deflection electrode 85, so power consumption is lower than in the printable mode. Note that in the standby mode described above, the mode does not switch to the printable mode even if the transport of the print object 4 is detected, but in the idle mode, the mode switches to the printable mode immediately when the transport of the print object 4 is detected. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the situation when switching from the idle mode to the printable mode. As shown in Figure 10, when switching to the printable mode, a voltage is applied to the deflection electrode 85.

<Idling stop mode>
11 is a schematic diagram showing the operating state in the idle stop mode. In the above-mentioned idle mode, although the power consumption is lower than in the printable mode, the circulation system and the like are in operation and the ink 8 is also ejected from the nozzles 83, so a large amount of power is still consumed. Therefore, if the printing target 4 is not transported for a second predetermined time or more after the mode has been switched to the idle mode, the control unit 15 switches to the idle stop mode, which saves more power than the idle mode.

In the idling stop mode, the ink supply pump 42 is stopped, power supply to the ink supply solenoid valve 41 is also stopped, and the ink supply path 40 is closed, so that ink 8 is no longer supplied to the print head 13. At this time, power supply to the sealing valve 82 is also stopped, voltage is no longer applied to the charging electrode 84, and abnormality judgment using the ejection deflection sensor and ink viscosity measurement/adjustment are no longer performed.

The idle stop mode is similar to the pause mode in terms of operating conditions, but unlike the pause mode, the pressure regulator valve 44 maintains high pressure on the ink up to the nozzle 83. Therefore, when the transportation of the print target 4 is detected during idle stop, the mode switches to printable mode, and ink droplets 8a can be immediately ejected from the nozzle 83.

<Point calculation method>
Next, a method of calculating points in the server 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 12 and 13. In this embodiment, when an environmentally conscious action is taken by a user of the inkjet recording apparatus 1 and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, points (hereinafter referred to as eco-points) are awarded to the user. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing examples of actions for which points are awarded. Examples of actions that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and are eligible for point awarding include the following:

The first example will be described. As described above, the inkjet recording device 1 of this embodiment can be operated by automatically switching between a normal mode (printable mode) and a power saving mode (idling mode or idling stop mode). When operated in the power saving mode, power consumption is reduced, so an environmentally friendly action is taken, and it can be considered that this contributes to reducing CO2 emissions.

The second example will be described. When online remote maintenance is performed, rather than maintenance performed by a service technician visiting the installation site of the inkjet recording device 1, CO2 and other emissions caused by transportation to the installation site are reduced. In this case, for example, the service technician or the management company that dispatches the service technician inputs implementation information for the remote maintenance using a terminal device that can communicate with the server 2. The server 2 calculates eco points corresponding to the remote maintenance included in the received information, and grants the eco points to the user linked to the ID of the inkjet recording device 1.

The third example will be described. Even when genuine cartridges are collected or parts are replaced at the recommended interval, eco points are awarded because this ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. In this case, the server 2, for example, compares the identification information attached to the cartridge at the time of shipment with the identification information attached to the cartridge at the time of collection. The identification information of the cartridge at the time of shipment is transmitted to the server 2, for example, by the user scanning the RFID or manually entering a number. The identification information of the cartridge at the time of collection is transmitted to the server 2, for example, by a collection company scanning the RFID. If the ID at the time of shipment and the ID at the time of collection do not match, the server 2 will not award points as it is not a genuine product, or will deduct points if the cartridge is collected after the recommended interval.

The fourth example will be described. When a user uses rebuilt equipment or parts, eco points are awarded because this ultimately leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to using brand new equipment. Information that a rebuilt product has been used may be sent to server 2 from a terminal device of a management company or the like, or may be sent to server 2 by the user inputting part identification information when installing the part in the equipment.

Let me explain the fifth example. If a user purchases a device or part that has a low environmental impact, eco points will be awarded because this will ultimately result in a reduction in CO2 emissions compared to other cases.

Now, regarding the first example mentioned above, the method of calculating eco points when operating in power saving mode will be explained with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the progress of power consumption in an inkjet recording device.

When the inkjet recording device 1 is turned on, it goes through a pause mode and then into a standby mode in preparation for production, and power consumption increases. Furthermore, when it enters the printable mode during production, power consumption reaches its maximum. Thereafter, if the print target 4 is not transported for a first predetermined time or more due to a type change, etc., it automatically switches to an idling mode. This reduces power consumption compared to the case where the printable mode is assumed to continue. Furthermore, if the print target 4 is not transported for a second predetermined time or more, it automatically switches to an idling stop mode. This reduces power consumption even further compared to the case where the printable mode is assumed to continue. Note that data on power consumption by the inkjet recording device 1 in each operating mode is transmitted from the power detection sensor to the server 2.

The server 2 calculates the difference (corresponding to the area of the shaded region in FIG. 13) between the total power consumption during the operating time in the idling mode or the idling stop mode and the total power consumption if the operating time was in the printable mode. Furthermore, the server 2 multiplies the calculated difference by a predetermined conversion coefficient to obtain the amount of CO2 emission reduction, and converts the reduction amount into eco points. Note that the server 2 may directly convert the amount of power consumption reduction into eco points without obtaining the amount of CO2 reduction.

In this way, the server 2 determines whether or not an action that contributes to reducing CO2 emissions has been performed based on the operation information collected from the inkjet recording device 1, and if so, awards appropriate eco points. Note that in the above example, the eco points were calculated based on power consumption, but the eco points may also be calculated based on the amount of ink or solvent consumed. Furthermore, the eco points may be calculated based not only on the operation information collected from the inkjet recording device 1, but also on information input by a terminal device capable of communicating with the server 2.

<How to use points>
Users can use the points awarded to purchase services and products that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of how points can be used include the following:

As a first example, a user can use the points to purchase carbon offset credits to offset their own emissions with reductions made elsewhere. In this case, the business providing the points, for example, a business that manufactures and sells the inkjet recording device 1 or manages the server 2, will purchase a certain amount of credits for CO2 emissions reduced elsewhere in advance for use as points.

As a second example, the user can receive a discount when purchasing an eco-model inkjet recording device 1, ink, etc. As a third example, the savings can be used to invest in activities to reduce CO2, such as forest conservation activities such as afforestation.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is provided as an example to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. Furthermore, it is also possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of the embodiment with other configurations.

1...inkjet recording device, 2...server, 3...communication line, 4...printing object, 5a...downstream conveyor, 5b...upstream conveyor, 6a...first print detection sensor, 6b...second print detection sensor, 7a...first rotary encoder, 7b...second rotary encoder, 8...ink, 8a...ink particles, 11...main body, 12...conduit, 13...print head, 14...operation display unit, 15...control unit, 16...ink container, 17...solvent container, 18...liquid level sensor, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...database, 24...interface, 40...ink supply path, 41...ink ink supply solenoid valve, 42...ink supply pump, 43...ink supply filter, 44...pressure adjustment valve, 50...ink recovery path, 51...ink recovery filter, 52...ink recovery solenoid valve, 53...ink recovery pump, 60...solvent supply path, 61...solvent supply pump, 62...solvent supply solenoid valve, 70...ink viscosity measurement path, 71...viscosity sensor, 72...viscosity measurement solenoid valve, 73...viscosity measurement pump, 81...heater, 82...sealing valve, 83...nozzle, 84...charging electrode, 85...deflection electrode, 86...gutter, 91...interface, 92...MPU, 93...ROM, 94...RAM

Claims (6)

An inkjet recording system comprising an inkjet recording apparatus and a server, the inkjet recording apparatus and the server being capable of communicating with each other,
The inkjet recording device includes a print head that receives a supply of ink and performs printing, and a main body that supplies the ink to the print head;
The print head has a nozzle for discharging the ink in the form of ink droplets, a charging electrode for charging the ink droplets, and a deflection electrode for deflecting the charged ink droplets,
the main body has an ink supply path that supplies the ink, and a control unit that controls the ink supply path and the print head,
The operation mode of the inkjet recording apparatus is
a printable mode in which the control unit supplies the ink to the print head and applies a voltage to the deflection electrode;
an idling mode in which the control unit supplies the ink to the print head and does not apply a voltage to the deflection electrode,
When the printing object is not conveyed for a first predetermined time or more,
The control unit transitions from the printable mode to the idling mode,
An inkjet recording system in which the server calculates points to be awarded when an action that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is performed on the inkjet recording device based on information detected by the inkjet recording device or information input by a terminal device capable of communicating with the server. In claim 1,
The server calculates points to be awarded when the inkjet recording apparatus is operated in the idling mode based on the operation information received from the inkjet recording apparatus. In claim 1 ,
The operation mode of the inkjet recording apparatus is
the control unit further includes an idling stop mode in which the ink is not supplied to the print head and the voltage is not applied to the deflection electrode,
If the printing object is not conveyed for a second predetermined time or longer after the mode is changed to the idling mode,
The control unit transitions the inkjet recording system from the idling mode to the idling stop mode. In claim 3 ,
a power detection sensor for detecting power consumption of the inkjet recording apparatus,
an inkjet recording system, wherein the server calculates the points based on the difference between the total power consumption during the operating time in the idling mode or the idling stop mode and the total power consumption assuming that the operating time was in a printable mode. In claim 1 ,
a first sensor that is installed on a conveyor that transports the object to be printed and is used to identify the timing of printing on the object to be printed;
a second sensor that is installed on the upstream side of the conveyor and is used to determine whether the printing object is in a state in which it can be transported;
The control unit determines, based on the second sensor, that the print target has not been transported for a predetermined time. In claim 5 ,
An inkjet recording system, wherein the second sensor is a rotary encoder that generates periodic pulses in accordance with the conveying speed of the conveyor, and/or a print object detection sensor that detects that the print object has reached a predetermined position.