Patent ID: 7246890

Claim:
A detection device for detecting ejection condition of an ejection member of a drop-on-demand type inkjet recording device, the detection device comprising: a controller that controls the ejection member to eject a recording ink droplet or a refresh ink droplet, the recording ink droplet impinging on a recording medium; a collector that collects the refresh ink droplet; a deflection means that deflects at least the refresh ink droplet such that the deflected refresh ink droplet impinges on the collector, the refresh ink droplet being deflected by a greater amount than the recording ink droplet when a deflection power is applied to each of the refresh ink droplet and the recording ink droplet; and a detecting means that detects an ejection condition of the ejection member based on a condition of the refresh ink droplet as the refresh ink droplet is collected by the collector during impingement thereon as deflected by the deflection means.