Waste liquid container and liquid ejection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a waste liquid container that prevents leakage of bubbly waste liquid when accommodating ink that easily bubbles as waste liquid, and a liquid ejection device having the waste liquid container. A waste liquid container (5) is detachably mounted relative to a mounting portion (30), wherein the mounting portion is located below a discharge portion (31) that discharges waste liquid from a liquid ejection head (14) in a state of use. The waste liquid container comprises: a container (50) having an introduction portion (75) that introduces waste liquid dripping from the discharge portion upward; an absorption member (70) that is accommodated in the container and forms the introduction portion to absorb the waste liquid introduced into the introduction portion; and a storage area (76) that is connected to the introduction portion and is located below the introduction portion within the container. The storage area is larger than the introduction portion when viewed from above and can store bubbly waste liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste liquid container and a liquid ejecting device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a liquid ejecting device is provided with a waste liquid container, which contains the discharged ink (liquid) as waste ink (waste liquid) when the liquid ejecting head is maintained. In addition, as a liquid used in the liquid ejecting device, there is ink for sublimation transfer.

[0003] In addition, in the ink absorption device (waste liquid container) of Patent Document 1, the following structure is disclosed: a plurality of ribs are erected on the bottom surface of a rectangular container with an open top surface, a cubical absorption component is mounted on the ribs, and the outer periphery of the absorption component is fitted into the inner wall of the container.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-76529

[0007] Sublimation transfer ink tends to foam when flowing, and it also tends to foam when stored as waste ink (waste liquid) in a waste liquid container during maintenance. Furthermore, a technical problem arises: foamed waste liquid (bubbly waste liquid) is not absorbed by the absorbent member as quickly as liquid waste liquid. Therefore, if the foamy waste liquid is not completely absorbed by the absorbent member, it is likely to leak out of the waste liquid container. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The nozzle of the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle opening, and the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle opening, and the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle opening, and the nozzle is inserted into the nozzle opening.

[0009] A liquid ejection device comprises: a waste liquid container as described above; a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a discharge portion that discharges the waste liquid from the liquid ejection head; and a mounting portion located below the discharge portion and detachably mounting the waste liquid container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the liquid ejecting device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a partial perspective view showing a state where the waste liquid container is removed from the mounting portion.

[0012] Figure 3 Observing from below Figure 2 Partial perspective view of the case in the state.

[0013] Figure 4 It is an exploded view showing the structure of the waste liquid container.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the discharge portion and the waste liquid container.

[0015] Figure 6 It indicates the waste liquid container Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view taken along line AA is shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the introduction portion and the storage region when the first absorbing portion of the absorbing member is viewed from above.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a rib portion of a waste liquid container according to a second embodiment.

[0018] [Description of labels]

[0019] 5: Waste liquid container; 11: Liquid ejection device; 14: Liquid ejection head; 30: Mounting portion; 31: Discharge portion; 50: Container; 70: Absorbent component; 75: Inlet portion; 76: Storage area; 77: Groove portion; 80: Rib; 615, 625: Inner wall of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] 1. First Implementation

[0021] A liquid ejection device according to this embodiment, including a mounting portion that allows for the attachment and detachment of a waste liquid container, will be described. The liquid ejection device of this embodiment comprises an inkjet printer, which prints by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, onto paper, an example of a medium. Furthermore, the printer is a so-called serial printer, which prints by reciprocating a liquid ejection head in a main scanning direction that intersects the paper's transport direction.

[0022] The XYZ coordinate system is used in each figure. The X direction is the movement direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage that carries and moves the liquid ejection head and corresponds to the width direction of the liquid ejection device. The Y direction is the depth direction of the liquid ejection device and corresponds to the paper conveyance and discharge directions. The Z direction is the vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions and corresponds to the height direction of the liquid ejection device.

[0023] Regarding the Z direction, the vertical upward direction, which will become the upward direction of the device, is referred to as the +Z direction, and the vertical downward direction, which will become the downward direction of the device, is referred to as the -Z direction. In addition, the +Z direction is referred to as the upward direction, and the -Z direction is referred to as the downward direction. Regarding the Y direction, Figure 1 As indicated by the solid arrows, the direction in which paper is ejected from the device is the +Y direction, and the opposite direction is the -Y direction. The +Y direction is referred to as the forward direction, and the -Y direction is referred to as the backward direction. Furthermore, regarding the X direction, when viewing the device from the +Y direction, the direction that corresponds to the right side of the device is the -X direction, and the direction that corresponds to the left side of the device is the +X direction. Furthermore, the +X direction is referred to as the left direction, and the -X direction is referred to as the right direction.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejecting device 11 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 12 whose width direction, i.e., the X direction, is the longitudinal direction. Inside the housing 12, a box-shaped bracket 13 is provided so that the liquid ejecting device 11 can be ejected in the X direction, which is the main scanning direction, above the conveying area where the paper P is conveyed during printing. Figure 1 The carriage 13 reciprocates as indicated by the white arrows in the middle dashed line. A liquid ejection head 14 capable of ejecting ink (liquid) toward the paper P transported to the transport area is mounted on the lower portion of the carriage 13 .

[0025] In this embodiment, sublimation transfer ink is used as the ink. Sublimation transfer ink is composed of a large amount of a material that suppresses sedimentation and a surfactant, and is easily foamed when flowing.

[0026] When viewed from above, the housing 12 has a front surface (front surface 12a) where a paper P discharge port (not shown) is formed, a surface opposite the front surface 12a (rear surface 12b), and surfaces (right surface 12c and left surface 12d) that form side surfaces intersecting the front surface 12a and rear surface 12b. Furthermore, a rectangular notch-shaped opening 17 is formed at the intersection 16 where the right surface 12c and rear surface 12b intersect. Opening 17 is provided so as to straddle the right surface 12c and rear surface 12b.

[0027] A cover 18 is detachably attached to the opening 17. The cover 18 covers the opening 17 when attached to the opening 17 and has a rear surface 18b that extends along the rear surface 12b of the housing 12 and a right surface 18c that extends along the right surface 12c.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a tank-shaped liquid container 19 for storing ink to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head 14 is arranged in a rightward position inside the housing 12 and in a forward position relative to the reciprocating movement area of ​​the bracket 13. A flexible liquid supply tube (not shown) extends from the liquid container 19, and the distal end of the downstream end of the liquid supply tube is connected to a tube connection portion (not shown) provided on the upper portion of the bracket 13.

[0029] In addition, inside the box 12, a maintenance unit 22 capable of maintaining the liquid ejection head 14 is provided at a position directly below the liquid ejection head 14 when the bracket 13 carrying the liquid ejection head 14 moves to a position separated to the right in the width direction of the conveying area of ​​the paper P.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the maintenance unit 22 includes: a cover 23 for accommodating waste liquid that is not used for printing and is discharged from the liquid ejection head 14 as waste ink; a waste liquid pipe 24 that extends from the cover 23 in a manner that allows the waste liquid to be discharged from the cover 23 and is flexible (see Figure 5 and a tube pump (not shown), which is provided midway in the length direction of the waste liquid pipe 24. Also, as the tube pump is driven, waste liquid is sucked from the inside of the cover 23 into the waste liquid pipe 24.

[0031] Furthermore, a waste liquid container 5 capable of storing waste liquid is disposed in the front-to-back direction within the housing 12, further rearward than the liquid container 19 and adjacent to the rear of the maintenance unit 22. Furthermore, as the tube pump is driven, waste liquid drawn from the inside of the cap 23 into the waste liquid tube 24 is recovered (stored) in the waste liquid container 5.

[0032] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, a mounting portion 30 is provided inside the opening 17 of the housing 12, and the waste liquid container 5 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 30. The mounting portion 30 can be exposed to the outside of the housing 12 through the opening 17, and is shielded from the outside when the cover 18 is mounted on the opening 17.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, a device-side connection terminal 33 is provided in a position that is located in the lower portion of the mounting portion 30, facing forward and to the left. The device-side connection terminal 33 is configured to include elastically deformable terminal fittings. Within the mounting portion 30, the device-side connection terminal 33 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) provided within the housing 12 via a flexible flat cable or the like.

[0034] A device-side engaging portion 34 is provided below and adjacent to the device-side connecting terminal 33 in the lower portion of the mounting portion 30. This portion is constructed from a sheet metal piece with a leftward portion, which forms the base end, extending in the horizontal direction, and a rightward end, which forms the front end, folded rearward. The device-side engaging portion 34 is configured so that the rightward portion, which forms the free end, can elastically deform in the forward and backward directions. Furthermore, a cylindrical device-side mounting portion 35 with a screw hole 35a at its front end is provided in the lower portion of the mounting portion 30, extending in the horizontal direction and positioned rearward of the device-side engaging portion 34 and approximately in the center of the mounting portion 30.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, a cylindrical discharge portion 31 capable of discharging waste liquid downward is provided in the upper portion of the mounting portion 30. Furthermore, a device-side alignment portion 32 is formed in the upper portion of the mounting portion 30. This device-side alignment portion 32 is used for alignment when the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30 from the outside of the housing 12 through the opening 17. When viewing the mounting portion 30 from the left-right direction, which serves as the mounting direction of the waste liquid container 5 relative to the mounting portion 30, the device-side alignment portion 32 has a notch formed in a concave shape that is open downward at positions across the discharge portion 31 from both sides in the front-back direction.

[0036] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the waste liquid container 5 has a container 50 (see Figure 5 The container 50 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and is capable of storing waste liquid. The container 50 includes a first container 51 located vertically above the first container 51 and a second container 52 located below the first container 51 and communicating with the first container 51.

[0037] In the housing portion 50, the second housing portion 52 has a stepped portion 53 that, when viewed from above, is L-shaped and protrudes forward and leftward relative to the first housing portion 51. Due to the stepped portion 53, the second housing portion 52 is formed larger than the first housing portion 51 when viewed from above.

[0038] An upwardly opening inlet 611 is formed in the first container section 51 of the container 50. The inlet 611 communicates with an inlet section 75 (described later) located below the inlet 611 within the container 50. When the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30, the inlet 611 vertically overlaps with the upwardly opening discharge section 31 within the mounting portion 30, directing waste liquid discharged from the discharge section 31 into the inlet section 75. Furthermore, the upwardly opening inlet 611 of the waste liquid container 5 minimizes resistance to the introduction of waste liquid into the container 50, thereby enabling smooth discharge of waste liquid into the container 50.

[0039] A pair of container-side alignment portions 54 are provided in the first container portion 51 of the container 50, extending in the left-right direction. When the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30, the pair of container-side alignment portions 54 are aligned with the pair of device-side alignment portions 32 provided upward within the mounting portion 30 and inserted therein. When the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30, the left-right direction serves as the mounting direction. The pair of container-side alignment portions 54 are formed at positions across the inlet 611 from both sides in a front-to-back direction intersecting the left-right direction.

[0040] The front face 52a of the second container 52 is provided with a container-side connection terminal (not shown). When the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30, the container-side connection terminal contacts and electrically connects with the device-side connection terminal 33 in the mounting portion 30. Furthermore, the front face 52a of the second container 52 is provided with a container-side engaging portion 56 at a position below and adjacent to the container-side connection terminal. When the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30, the container-side engaging portion 56 engages with the device-side engaging portion 34.

[0041] A groove 57 with a semicircular cross section is formed on the bottom surface 52f of the second container 52 so as to extend in the left-right direction. When the waste liquid container 5 is mounted on the mounting portion 30, the groove 57 can be inserted into the device-side mounting portion 35. In addition, a concave portion 58 is formed on the rear surface 51b of the first container 51 so as to extend across the right surface 51c and the left surface 51d of the first container 51. Figure 2 As shown, when attaching the waste liquid container 5 to the attachment portion 30 , the user can easily hold the waste liquid container 5 by placing his or her fingertips on the concave portion 58 and the front surface 51 a of the first container 51 .

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, a wall-shaped container-side mounting portion 59 having a through-hole 59a is formed at the right end of the groove portion 57. With the device-side mounting portion 35 inserted into the groove portion 57, a screw member (not shown) inserted through the through-hole 59a is screwed into the screw hole 35a, thereby securing the waste liquid container 5 to the mounting portion 30.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the waste liquid container 5 comprises an upper shell 61, a lower shell 62, and an absorbent member 70 for absorbing waste liquid. In other words, the container 50 comprises the upper shell 61, the lower shell 62, and the absorbent member 70. The absorbent member 70 is located within the interior surrounded by the upper shell 61 and the lower shell 62.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower housing 62 forms the front 52a, rear 52b, right side 52c, left side 52d, and lower surface 52f of the second accommodating portion 52. Furthermore, the lower housing 62 forms the rear 51b, right side 51c, and other portions of the first accommodating portion 51. Furthermore, the lower housing 62 includes the aforementioned stepped portion 53, the accommodating body-side connecting terminals, the accommodating body-side engaging portion 56, the groove 57, the recessed portion 58, and the accommodating body-side mounting portion 59.

[0045] The upper case 61 forms the upper surface 53e of the step portion 53. It also forms the front surface 51a, left surface 51d, and upper surface 51e of the first container 51. Furthermore, the upper case 61 is formed with the container-side alignment portion 54 and the introduction port 611, as described above.

[0046] After the absorbing member 70 is placed inside the lower shell 62, the upper shell 61 is covered from above the absorbing member 70, and the plurality of engaging protrusions 612 formed on the end of the upper surface 53e are engaged with the engaging receiving portions 621 formed on the lower shell 62. Figure 2 ) is inserted into the through hole 613 formed on the rear end of the upper surface 51e of the upper shell 61 and screwed into the screw hole 622 of the lower shell 62 set relative to the through hole 613, thereby forming the accommodating portion 50.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the absorbent member 70 absorbs waste liquid and allows it to penetrate into the absorbent member 70, thereby containing it. It is made of, for example, polyurethane. The absorbent member 70 is constructed by stacking multiple base members 71, each of which is a flat polyurethane plate of a predetermined thickness. Specifically, the absorbent member 70 is formed into a three-dimensional structure to conform to the shape of the container 50, with each layer having a different shape to achieve the desired shape and volume. Alternatively, the absorbent member 70 may be integrally formed rather than layered.

[0048] Furthermore, in the absorbent member 70, the portion corresponding to the first accommodating portion 51 of the accommodating section 50 is the first absorbent section 72, and the portion corresponding to the second accommodating portion 52 is the second absorbent section 73, which is continuous below the first absorbent section 72. The second absorbent section 73 also constitutes the step 53 of the second accommodating section 52. As will be discussed in detail later, the absorbent member 70 is composed of the upper shell 61 and the lower shell 62, forming an introduction section 75, a storage area 76, a groove 77, and a liquid guide section 78. The introduction section 75, the storage area 76, the groove 77, and the liquid guide section 78 generally constitute the first absorbent section 72.

[0049] like Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, a support portion 40 having a rectangular shape when viewed from above is formed on the upper portion of the mounting portion 30. A hole 41 is formed approximately in the center of the support portion 40, extending vertically through the support portion 40. Furthermore, the waste liquid tube 24 is inserted through the hole 41, projecting downward from above. In this embodiment, the downstream end of the waste liquid tube 24, which is inserted through the hole 41, forms the discharge portion 31 for discharging waste liquid toward the inlet 611 of the waste liquid container 5.

[0050] On the downward surface of the support portion 40, a plurality (e.g., four) of annular protrusions 42 are provided concentrically around the hole 41, slightly spaced radially apart and projecting downward at varying heights. Furthermore, between radially adjacent protrusions 42, a plurality (e.g., three) of annular recesses 43 are provided concentrically around the hole 41. These recesses 43 are concentric grooves with a relatively narrow groove width, and retain waste liquid (liquid) around the discharge portion 31 through capillary action.

[0051] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the absorbing member 70 includes a liquid guide portion 78 formed so that a portion of its upper surface protrudes upward from the introduction port 611. When the waste liquid container 5 is attached to the attachment portion 30, the liquid guide portion 78 contacts the convex portion 42 and concave portion 43 around the discharge portion 31 to guide the waste liquid into the waste liquid container 5 (the container portion 50).

[0052] Figure 6 Yes Figure 2 The sectional perspective view of the waste liquid container 5 shown in FIG is a sectional perspective view taken along the AA line, and is a sectional perspective view viewed from the rear direction when the waste liquid container 5 is cut along an XZ plane orthogonal to the front-back direction (Y direction). Figure 7 In the absorbent member 70 shown in FIG, line AA is also shown for reference.

[0053] like Figure 4 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the waste liquid container 5 includes a container 50 including an upper shell 61 and a lower shell 62, and an absorbent member 70. The container 50 internally accommodates the absorbent member 70. The container 50 also includes an introduction portion 75, a storage area 76, a groove 77, and a liquid guide portion 78.

[0054] In the absorbing member 70, the introduction portion 75 introduces waste ink (waste liquid) dripping from the discharge portion 31 upward. Furthermore, the introduction portion 75 is surrounded by the absorbing member 70 (each base member 71) in four directions perpendicular to the direction of waste liquid dripping (downward) (XY plane direction), and is formed into a rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0055] Storage area 76 communicates with introduction section 75 and is located below introduction section 75. Like introduction section 75, storage area 76 is also rectangular when viewed from above. In storage area 76, four directions perpendicular to the direction of waste liquid dripping (downward) (the XY plane) are enclosed by absorbing member 70 and the inner wall of container 50. Specifically, storage area 76 is enclosed in the front-to-back direction by absorbing member 70. Furthermore, storage area 76 is enclosed in the left-to-right direction by the inner wall of container 50.

[0056] Here, the side surfaces of the base member 71 in the front-back direction surrounding the storage area 76 are respectively referred to as the front side surface 70a and the rear side surface 70b (see Figure 7 ). Thus, the storage area 76 is surrounded in the front-to-back direction by the base member 71, with the front side 70a and the rear side 70b facing each other. Furthermore, the storage area 76 is surrounded to the right by the inner wall 625 forming the right side 51c of the lower housing 62. Furthermore, the storage area 76 is surrounded to the left by the inner wall 615 forming the left side 51d of the upper housing 61. Thus, the storage area 76 is surrounded in the left-to-right direction by the inner wall of the accommodating portion 50, with the inner wall 615 and the inner wall 625 facing each other.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, in the absorbent member 70, when the bottom surface of the storage region 76 is defined as the bottom surface 761, a groove portion 77 is formed extending in the front-to-back direction at the left-right end of the bottom surface 761. The groove portion 77 is positioned below the bottom surface 761 and has a bottom surface 771. In this embodiment, the groove portion 77 constitutes the storage region 76. Furthermore, the provision of the groove portion 77 forms a side surface 762 extending from the bottom surface 761 of the storage region 76 to the bottom surface 771 of the groove portion 77, thereby increasing the contact area between the waste liquid and the absorbent member 70.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, when the introduction portion 75 and the storage region 76 of the absorbing member 70 are viewed from above, if the groove portion 77 formed in the storage region 76 is included, the storage region 76 is formed to have a larger area than the introduction portion 75. Alternatively, if the groove portion 77 is not formed, the storage region 76 only needs to have a larger area than the introduction portion 75 when viewed from above.

[0059] like Figure 4 、 Figure 6 As shown, each of the left and right base members 71, which has grooves 77 formed at the left and right ends of the storage area 76, includes a suppressing portion 79 located above the storage area 76. In the introduction portion 75, the suppressing portion 79 is configured to be oriented in two of the four directions, the left and right directions, perpendicular to the direction of waste liquid dripping (downward), and the side surfaces 791 of the suppressing portion 79 are opposed to each other.

[0060] Furthermore, the surface that forms the lower surface of the suppression portion 79 and the upper surface of the storage area 76 is referred to as the suppression surface 792. As described above, the introduction portion 75 is surrounded by the suppression portion 79 in the left-right direction, with the side surfaces 791 facing each other, and is surrounded by the base member 71 in the front-back direction, with the front side surface 70a and the rear side surface 70b facing each other.

[0061] The flow of the waste liquid introduced into the storage section 50 will be described.

[0062] As described above, the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment uses sublimation transfer ink, which easily bubbles, as the printing liquid (ink). Furthermore, ink that becomes waste liquid due to maintenance drips from the discharge section 31 into the container 50. Furthermore, when waste ink drips from the discharge section 31, the bubbled ink, along with the liquid ink, is introduced from the discharge section 31 into the inlet section 75 via the inlet port 611 as waste ink (waste liquid).

[0063] The liquid waste liquid introduced into the introduction portion 75 passes through the introduction portion 75 and reaches the bottom surface 761 of the storage area 76, and is absorbed by the absorption member 70 from the bottom surface 761. In addition, when passing through the introduction portion 75, the liquid waste liquid adhering to the front side surface 70a, the rear side surface 70b, and the left and right side surfaces 791 in the four directions constituting the introduction portion 75 is absorbed by the absorption member 70 from each surface.

[0064] Meanwhile, the bubbly waste liquid introduced into the introduction portion 75 passes through the introduction portion 75 and reaches the bottom surface 761 of the storage area 76, where it gradually begins to accumulate in the storage area 76 including the bottom surface 761. Furthermore, the bubbly waste liquid adhering to the various surfaces constituting the introduction portion 75 flows downward along the adhering surfaces and accumulates in the storage area 76. Furthermore, a portion of the bubbly waste liquid flowing downward is absorbed by the absorption member 70 from each surface.

[0065] The reason why the foamy waste liquid accumulates in the storage area 76 is that the foamy waste liquid is less easily absorbed by the absorption member 70 than the liquid waste liquid, and thus takes time. Furthermore, the foamy waste liquid accumulates in the storage area 76 and contacts the bottom surfaces 761 and 771, the side surfaces 762, the front side surface 70a, and the rear side surface 70b, thereby being gradually absorbed by the absorption member 70.

[0066] As described above, liquid waste liquid is quickly absorbed by the absorption member 70 when it adheres to the introduction portion 75 and the storage area 76. On the other hand, foamy waste liquid is not immediately absorbed and gradually accumulates in the storage area 76. Furthermore, the accumulated foamy waste liquid is gradually absorbed by the absorption member 70. Furthermore, the waste liquid absorbed by the absorption member 70 gradually permeates the entire absorption member 70 (including the first absorption portion 72 and the second absorption portion 73) housed in the housing portion 50.

[0067] If the bubbly waste liquid continues to accumulate in the storage area 76, it will move upward. In this embodiment, a suppression surface 792 of the suppression unit 79 is provided above the storage area 76. Therefore, the suppression surface 792 (suppression unit 79) acts as a stopper for the bubbly waste liquid moving upward, suppressing its upward movement and retaining it within the storage area 76. Thus, even while the bubbly waste liquid is being suppressed, it is gradually absorbed by the absorption member 70.

[0068] As described above, the groove portion 77 is formed in the storage area 76. The bottom surface 771 and the side surface 762 formed by the groove portion 77 increase the contact area between the waste liquid stored in the storage area 76 and the absorption member 70. Therefore, compared to a case without the groove portion 77, the increased contact area of ​​the waste liquid increases the amount of waste liquid absorbed by the absorption member 70.

[0069] In addition, the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment has been described assuming that it is placed on a horizontal plane (XY plane). However, when the user moves the liquid ejection device 11, for example, when changing the installation location, there are cases where the liquid ejection device 11 is placed so that the rear surface 12b, the right surface 12c, and the left surface 12d are downwardly oriented. In this case, the waste liquid container 5 is aligned with the liquid ejection device 11, with the rear surface 51b, the right surface 51c, and the left surface 51d being downwardly oriented.

[0070] In this situation, the waste liquid container 5 experiences a reverse flow of the bubbly waste liquid stored in the storage area 76 toward the inlet 75. However, even in this state, the restraining surface 792 located above the storage area 76 acts as a stopper, suppressing the reverse flow toward the inlet 75. Simultaneously, the bubbly waste liquid is gradually absorbed by the restraining surface 792, the side surface 791, the front side surface 70a, and the rear side surface 70b. Furthermore, the bubbly waste liquid and liquid waste liquid adhering to the inner walls 615 and 625 of the storage area 76 are similarly absorbed by the restraining surface 792, the side surface 791, the front side surface 70a, and the rear side surface 70b.

[0071] Furthermore, by forming the storage area 76 configured as described above, the volumetric balance between the volume for storing foamy waste liquid and the volume of the absorbing member 70 for absorbing liquid waste liquid can be set experimentally based on the volume of the container 50, thereby maximizing their volumetric efficiency.

[0072] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0073] In the waste liquid container 5 of this embodiment, bubbly waste liquid is stored in the storage area 76. Furthermore, the introduction portion 75, located above and connected to the storage area 76, is formed to have a smaller area than the storage area 76 when viewed from above (the storage area 76 has a larger area than the introduction portion 75 when viewed from above). This structure serves as a stopper for the bubbly waste liquid flowing back (moving upward) from the storage area 76 to the introduction portion 75, thereby storing and retaining the bubbly waste liquid in the storage area 76 and suppressing its upward movement. This prevents the bubbly waste liquid from moving upward and leaking out of the waste liquid container 5.

[0074] In the waste liquid container 5 of this embodiment, the storage area 76 in the direction perpendicular to the dripping direction is defined by the absorbent member 70 and the inner walls 615 and 625 of the container 50. This increases the degree of freedom in configuring the storage area 76 in the direction perpendicular to the dripping direction. This structure allows for the volumetric balance between the volume for storing foamy waste liquid and the volume of the absorbent member 70 for absorbing liquid waste liquid to be determined experimentally, using the volume of the container 50 as a reference. This maximizes their volumetric efficiency.

[0075] The waste liquid container 5 of this embodiment has grooves 77 formed in the absorption member 70. This increases the contact area between the foamy waste liquid and the absorption member 70, thereby increasing the amount of foamy waste liquid that can be stored and improving the efficiency of the absorption member 70 in absorbing the foamy waste liquid.

[0076] The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment includes a waste liquid container 5, a liquid ejection head 14, a discharge unit 31, and a mounting unit 30. This structure prevents bubbly waste liquid from leaking from the waste liquid container 5, thereby preventing waste liquid from adhering to the user's fingertips when the user replaces the waste liquid container 5. Furthermore, bubbly waste liquid is prevented from contaminating the interior of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0077] 2. Second Implementation

[0078] The waste liquid container 5A of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a rib 80 is provided on the inner wall 625 forming the storage area 76. The remaining structure is the same as that of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the rib 80 of this embodiment is formed across the first accommodating portion 51 and the second accommodating portion 52. Specifically, the rib 80 extends vertically along the inner wall 625 of the accommodating portion 50 (the inner wall of the right surfaces 51c and 52c of the lower case 62). More specifically, the rib 80 is formed to protrude from the inner wall 625 into the storage area 76 at the center of the groove 77 in the front-to-back direction.

[0080] Furthermore, the rib 80 rises from the inner surface 626 of the inner side of the lower surface 52f of the lower case 62. Therefore, a slit 85 is formed in the vertical direction in the base member 71 of the absorbing member 70 that constitutes the groove 77, through which the rib 80 passes. Furthermore, a front end portion 81 that projects upward from the bottom surface 771 of the groove 77 extends to the front of the suppressing portion 79.

[0081] According to this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0082] In the waste liquid container 5A of this embodiment, the ribs 80 protrude from the inner wall 625 of the container 50 into the interior of the storage area 76. Therefore, when the bubbly waste liquid is gradually compressed and accumulated in the storage area 76 via the inlet 75, the ribs 80 push the bubbly waste liquid, causing the bubbles to burst (break and defoam). This converts the bubbly waste liquid into liquid waste liquid, increasing the capacity for accumulating the bubbly waste liquid.

[0083] 3. Modification 1

[0084] In the first embodiment, the storage area 76 is formed perpendicularly to the direction of waste liquid dripping by the absorbent member 70 and the inner walls 615 and 625 of the container 50. However, this is not limiting and may be formed solely by the absorbent member 70 or solely by the inner walls of the container 50. This increases the degree of freedom in the configuration of the storage area 76 perpendicularly to the direction of waste liquid dripping. This also applies to the second embodiment.

[0085] 4. Modification 2

[0086] In the waste liquid container 5 of the first embodiment, the absorbing member 70 is formed with a groove 77. However, this is not limiting; the absorbing member 70 may also be formed with any of a recessed portion, a stepped portion, and a notched portion. This increases the contact area between the bubbly waste liquid and the absorbing member 70, thereby increasing the amount of bubbly waste liquid stored and improving the efficiency of the absorbing member 70 in absorbing the bubbly waste liquid. This also applies to the second embodiment.

[0087] 5. Modification 3

[0088] In the waste liquid container 5A of the second embodiment, the ribs 80 are provided on the inner wall 625 and extend in the vertical direction. However, this is not limiting. The ribs 80 may also be provided on the inner wall 615. Furthermore, ribs may be provided not only in the vertical direction but also in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, a plurality of ribs may be provided. This allows bubbles to be broken (destroyed and defoamed). Furthermore, bubbly waste liquid can be converted into liquid waste liquid, and the capacity for storing bubbly waste liquid can be increased.

[0089] 6. Modification 4

[0090] The liquid ejection device 11 of the first embodiment is comprised of an inkjet printer. The printer is a so-called serial printer, in which printing is performed by reciprocating the liquid ejection head 14 in a main scanning direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the paper P. However, this is not limiting; a so-called line-type liquid ejection device may also be employed, in which the liquid ejection head 14 is fixedly arranged throughout the entire conveyance area of ​​the paper P.

[0091] 7. Modification 5

[0092] The absorbent member 70 of the first embodiment absorbs waste liquid and allows it to penetrate into the absorbent member 70 and thereby contain it. It is made of polyurethane or the like. However, this is not limiting, and absorbent members such as non-woven fabrics made of natural or chemical fibers, or porous members such as sponges, may also be used. This also applies to the second embodiment.

Claims

1. A waste liquid container, detachably mounted to a mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion is located below a discharge portion for discharging waste liquid from a liquid ejecting head in a state of use, The waste liquid container is characterized by comprising: a receiving portion having an introduction portion for introducing the waste liquid dripping from the discharge portion upward; an absorbing member accommodated in the accommodation portion, surrounding the introduction portion, and absorbing the waste liquid introduced into the introduction portion; and The storage area is inside the container, communicates with the introduction part and is located below the introduction part. When viewed from above, the storage area is larger than the introduction part and can store the foamy waste liquid. The absorbing member is formed with a groove portion constituting a storage area. The groove portion is provided with a rib portion protruding from an inner wall of the storage portion to an interior of the groove portion in a direction perpendicular to a dripping direction of the waste liquid.

2. The waste liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that In the storage area, the perpendicular direction relative to the dripping direction of the waste liquid is formed by the absorbing member and the inner wall of the container, or the absorbing member or the inner wall of the container.

3. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that: have: The waste liquid container according to claim 1 or 2; a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid; a discharge portion that discharges waste liquid from the liquid ejection head; as well as The mounting portion is located below the discharge portion and is configured to detachably mount the waste liquid container.

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