Liquid receiving device and liquid ejection device

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid receiving device and a liquid ejection device, capable of suppressing the inability of a suction member to suction liquid ejected from a liquid ejection part. The liquid receiving part is capable of receiving liquid ejected from a liquid ejection part through an opening; a first discharge path is capable of discharging liquid from the liquid receiving part; and a second discharge path is capable of discharging liquid from the liquid receiving part. The liquid receiving part includes: a suction member disposed within the liquid receiving part and capable of suctioning liquid; a first connecting part having a first outlet opening within the liquid receiving part and communicating with the first discharge path; and a second connecting part having a second outlet opening within the liquid receiving part and communicating with the second discharge path. The first connecting part is disposed at a position where the first outlet contacts the suction member, and the second connecting part is disposed at a position where the second outlet does not contact the suction member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid receiving device for receiving ejected liquid and a liquid ejection device for ejecting liquid into a medium. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a coating apparatus that includes a liquid receiving section. The liquid receiving section includes a housing and a porous material. The coating apparatus is an example of a liquid ejection apparatus, the liquid receiving section is an example of a liquid receiving apparatus, and the housing is an example of a liquid receiving section. Furthermore, the porous material is an example of an absorbent component that receives liquid ejected from a nozzle of the coating apparatus. An opening is formed on the upper surface of the housing, and the porous material is disposed in the opening. The lower surface of the porous material contacts the space below the housing. The liquid received by the porous material drips into the space below the housing and is discharged from a discharge section communicating with the lower part of the space.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-167655

[0004] Depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device, the amount of liquid received by the absorption member in the liquid receiving device varies. In the liquid receiving device described in Patent Document 1, when the amount of liquid received by the absorption member is large, the speed at which the absorption member absorbs the liquid and drips it downwards cannot keep up with the speed at which it receives the liquid, and the liquid ejected onto the absorption member may accumulate on it. As a result, the liquid may overflow from the opening of the liquid receiving section. Furthermore, when the amount of liquid received by the absorption member is small, the liquid absorbed by the absorption member may dry out and thicken or solidify. As a result, the absorption of the received liquid into the absorption member is hindered, and the solidified liquid accumulates on the receiving surface of the absorption member, potentially soiling the nozzle surface. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A liquid receiving device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a liquid receiving section capable of receiving liquid ejected from a liquid ejection section through an opening; a first discharge flow path capable of discharging liquid from the liquid receiving section; and a second discharge flow path capable of discharging liquid from the liquid receiving section. The liquid receiving section includes: a suction member disposed within the liquid receiving section and capable of suctioning liquid; a first connecting section having a first outlet opening within the liquid receiving section and communicating with the first discharge flow path; and a second connecting section having a second outlet opening within the liquid receiving section and communicating with the second discharge flow path. The first connecting section is disposed at a position where the first outlet contacts the suction member, and the second connecting section is disposed at a position where the second outlet does not contact the suction member.

[0006] The liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned problem includes: a liquid ejection section for ejecting liquid; and the liquid receiving device described above. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device in the first to third embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A schematic top view of the maintenance unit of the liquid ejection device.

[0009] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 A perspective view of the liquid receiving section of the liquid receiving device in the image.

[0010] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the box section of the liquid receiving section.

[0011] Figure 5 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the absorption component of the liquid receiving section.

[0012] Figure 6 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the limiting components of the liquid receiving section.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A side sectional view of the liquid receiving section.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A side sectional view of the periphery of the first connecting part in the middle.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A side sectional view of the periphery of the second connecting part.

[0016] Figure 10 When water is supplied into the liquid container Figure 3 A side sectional view of the liquid receiving section.

[0017] Figure 11 It means Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the drive mechanism of the liquid receiving device in the image.

[0018] Figure 12 It means Figure 2 A side sectional view of the lifting mechanism of the liquid receiving device in the image.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow path structure of the liquid receiving device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid supply section.

[0021] Figure 15 Is Figure 14 A schematic diagram of the liquid supply unit supplying water.

[0022] Figure 16 Is Figure 14 A schematic diagram of water being supplied into the liquid container.

[0023] Figure 17 It means Figure 3 A chart illustrating an example of weight variation in the liquid receiving section.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow path structure of the liquid receiving device according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow path structure of the liquid receiving device according to the third embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 11…Liquid ejection device, 12…Legs, 13…Frame, 14…Media, 15…Unwinding section, 16…Guide section, 17…Recovery section, 18…Tension applying mechanism, 20…Liquid ejection section, 20w…Liquid ejection section, 21…Carriage, 22…Maintenance unit, 23…Liquid supply device, 24…Operating panel, 25…Liquid container, 25f…Liquid container, 25s…Liquid container, 25w…Liquid container, 26…Mounting section, 27…Liquid supply path, 27f…Liquid supply path, 27s…Liquid supply path, 27w…Liquid supply path, 29…Control section, 30…Drive mechanism, 30a…Gear train, 31s…Pinary gear, 31f…Pinary gear, 32…Pinary gear shaft, 33f …rack, 33s…rack, 34…base, 34f…base, 34s…base, 42…liquid receiving device, 43…liquid collecting device, 44…suction device, 45…capping device, 46…lifting mechanism, 46a…linkage, 47…liquid receiving part, 47f…first liquid receiving part, 47s…second liquid receiving part, 48…cover, 48a…back side, 48f…first cover, 48s…second cover, 49…cover motor, 51…suction cover, 52…suction retainer, 53…suction motor, 54…pressure reducing mechanism, 56…placement cover, 57…placement retainer, 58…placement motor, 60…strip component, 61…housing, 62…guide rail, 63…wiping motor, 64…winding motor 65…Power transmission mechanism, 70…Box section, 70a…Deformable section, 71…First connecting section, 71a…First outlet, 71b…Hole edge, 72…Second connecting section, 72a…Second outlet, 72b…Hole edge, 73…Third connecting section, 73a…Liquid supply port, 74a…Seat post, 74b…Engaging part, 74c…Positioning engaging part, 74d…Positioning engaging part, 74e…Gate post as a protrusion, 75…Opening, 75a…Bottom, 75b…Inner side, 76…Absorbing member, 76a…Absorbing surface as upper surface, 76b…Cut-out part, 76c…Positioning engaged part, 76d…Positioning engaged part, 76e…Lower surface, 76f…Side side, 77…Restricting member, 77a…Restriction Surface preparation, 77b…locking part, 78…space, 80…waste liquid recovery part, 81…first discharge flow path, 81f…first discharge flow path, 81s…first discharge flow path, 82…second discharge flow path, 82f…second discharge flow path, 82s…second discharge flow path, 83…waste liquid tank, 83f…waste liquid tank, 83s…waste liquid tank, 84…recovery flow path, 84f…recovery flow path, 84s…recovery flow path, 85…suction part, 86…flow path switching part, 87…atmospheric open path, 87f…atmospheric open path, 87s…atmospheric open path, 90…liquid supply part, 91…liquid supply flow path, 91f…liquid supply flow path, 91s…liquid supply flow path, 92…liquid tank, 93…liquid delivery flow path, 94…switching valve,95… Delivery section, CP… Cleaning position, D1… Closing direction, D2… Opening direction, D3… Descending direction, D4… Ascending direction, G1… First nozzle group, G2… Second nozzle group, G3… Third nozzle group, G4… Fourth nozzle group, G5… Fifth nozzle group, G6… Sixth nozzle group, HP… Starting position, Lf… First liquid, Ls… Second liquid, Lw… Aqueous liquid, N1… First nozzle array, N2… Second nozzle array, N3… Third nozzle N4… fourth nozzle row, N5… fifth nozzle row, N6… sixth nozzle row, N7… seventh nozzle row, N8… eighth nozzle row, N9… ninth nozzle row, N10… tenth nozzle row, N11… eleventh nozzle row, N12… twelfth nozzle row, Tf… duration of discharge from the first outlet, Ts… duration of discharge from the second outlet, W1… first wiping direction, W2… second wiping direction, X… width direction, Y… depth direction, Z… vertical direction. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, the first to third embodiments of the liquid receiving device and the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects resin ink and reaction liquid, which are liquids, onto a medium such as paper and prints the liquid.

[0029] In the accompanying drawings, it is assumed that the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane. The direction of gravity is represented by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are represented by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction along the X-axis will also be referred to as the width direction X, the direction along the Y-axis will be referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis will be referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0030] First Implementation Method

[0031] Regarding the structure of the liquid ejection device

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 may also include a pair of legs 12 and a frame 13 assembled on the legs 12. The liquid ejection device 11 may also include: an unwinding section 15 that repeatedly winds and unwinds the medium 14 wound into a roll shape; a guiding section 16 that guides the medium 14 discharged from the frame 13; and a recovery section 17 that winds and recovers the medium 14. The liquid ejection device 11 may also include a tension applying mechanism 18 that applies tension to the medium 14 recovered by the recovery section 17.

[0033] The liquid ejection device 11 includes: a liquid ejection section 20 capable of ejecting liquid; a carriage 21 for moving the liquid ejection section 20; and a maintenance unit 22 for maintaining the liquid ejection section 20. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid supply device 23 for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection section 20 and an operation panel 24 operated by a user. The carriage 21 causes the liquid ejection section 20 to reciprocate along the X-axis. The liquid ejection section 20 ejects the liquid supplied by the liquid supply device 23 while moving, printing it onto a medium 14.

[0034] The liquid supply device 23 includes: a mounting section 26 on which a plurality of liquid containers 25 for containing liquid are mounted in a detachable manner; and a liquid supply flow path 27 that supplies liquid from the liquid containers 25 mounted on the mounting section 26 to the liquid ejection section 20.

[0035] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a control unit 29 that controls the operation of the liquid dispensing device 11. The control unit 29 is configured to include, for example, a CPU and a memory. The control unit 29 controls the constituent elements of the liquid dispensing device 11, such as the liquid dispensing unit 20, the liquid supply device 23, and the maintenance unit 22, by executing a program stored in the memory through the CPU.

[0036] Regarding the structure of the maintenance unit

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the maintenance unit 22 includes a liquid receiving device 42, a liquid collecting device 43, a suction device 44, and a capping device 45 arranged in the width direction X. The area above the capping device 45 is designated as the starting position HP of the liquid ejection section 20. The starting position HP serves as the reference position for the movement of the liquid ejection section 20. The area above the liquid collecting device 43 is designated as the cleaning position CP of the liquid ejection section 20. Figure 2 In the diagram, the liquid ejection section 20 located at the clean position CP is indicated by a double-dotted line.

[0038] In the liquid ejection section 20, multiple nozzles 36 with openings that eject liquid are arranged at certain intervals in one direction. These multiple nozzles 36 constitute a nozzle array. The openings of the nozzles 36 are arranged in the depth direction Y, forming a first nozzle array N1 to a twelfth nozzle array N12. The nozzles 36 constituting a nozzle array eject the same type of liquid. In the nozzles 36 constituting a nozzle array, the inner nozzle 36 in the depth direction Y and the front nozzle 36 in the depth direction Y are staggered in the width direction X.

[0039] The first nozzle rows N1 to the twelfth nozzle rows N12 are arranged in such a way that every two rows are close to each other in the width direction X. Two nozzle rows arranged close to each other are called nozzle groups. In the liquid ejection section 20, the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6 are arranged at fixed intervals in the width direction X.

[0040] The first nozzle group G1 includes a first nozzle row N1 that sprays magenta ink and a second nozzle row N2 that sprays yellow ink. The second nozzle group G2 includes a third nozzle row N3 that sprays cyan ink and a fourth nozzle row N4 that sprays black ink. The third nozzle group G3 includes a fifth nozzle row N5 that sprays light cyan ink and a sixth nozzle row N6 that sprays light magenta ink. The fourth nozzle group G4 includes a seventh nozzle row N7 and an eighth nozzle row N8 that sprays reaction liquid. The fifth nozzle group G5 includes a ninth nozzle row N9 that sprays black ink and a tenth nozzle row N10 that sprays cyan ink. The sixth nozzle group G6 includes an eleventh nozzle row N11 that sprays yellow ink and a twelfth nozzle row N12 that sprays magenta ink. The six inks—magenta ink, yellow ink, cyan ink, black ink, light cyan ink, and light magenta ink—are referred to as resin inks. That is, the liquid sprayed from the liquid ejection section 20 in this embodiment is resin ink and reaction liquid.

[0041] The liquid ejection section 20 ejects a reaction liquid, forming a reaction liquid layer on the medium 14. Resin ink is then ejected from this reaction liquid layer by the liquid ejection section 20, thereby forming a printed image on the medium 14. The reaction liquid contains a coagulant capable of reacting with the pigments contained in the resin ink, thus suppressing prolonged drying time after printing. It should be noted that the liquid ejection section 20 may also eject the reaction liquid after forming a printed image by ejecting resin ink from the medium 14.

[0042] The liquid receiving device 42 receives the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 20 by rinsing through the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47. That is, the liquid receiving device 42 is configured to receive the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 20 through the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47. Rinsing is a maintenance procedure in which the liquid is ejected as waste liquid for the purpose of preventing and eliminating clogging of the nozzle 36.

[0043] The liquid receiving device 42 includes: two liquid receiving sections 47 for receiving liquid sprayed out by the liquid ejection section 20 through rinsing; two covers 48 for covering the openings 75 of the liquid receiving sections 47; and a cover motor 49 for moving the two covers 48. The liquid receiving section 47 is composed of a first liquid receiving section 47f and a second liquid receiving section 47s. The first liquid receiving section 47f receives a first liquid Lf, and the second liquid receiving section 47s receives a second liquid Ls. The covers 48 are composed of a first cover 48f and a second cover 48s. The first cover 48f is configured to cover the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f, and the second cover 48s is configured to cover the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the resin ink and the reaction liquid are received by the same liquid receiving unit 47, they solidify due to a coagulation reaction. Therefore, the control unit 29 selects the liquid receiving unit 47 according to the type of liquid. The first liquid Lf is one of six types of resin ink, and the second liquid Ls is the reaction liquid. That is, the first liquid receiving unit 47f receives the resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20 by rinsing, and the second liquid receiving unit 47s receives the reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20 by rinsing. It should be noted that the number of types of resin ink is not limited. It can be four types or only one type. In addition, the number of types of reaction liquid is not limited. It can be one type as in this embodiment, or multiple reaction liquids suitable for the resin ink used can be used.

[0045] In the liquid dispensing device 11 that uses multiple liquids, in order to reuse or discard the components contained in a certain liquid, that liquid may be received by a different liquid receiving unit 47 and recycled to a location different from the location where other liquids are recycled. In this case, the control unit 29 also selects the liquid receiving unit 47 according to the type of liquid. That is, the first liquid receiving unit 47f receives the first liquid Lf that has been recycled to another location, and the second liquid receiving unit 47s receives the second liquid Ls, which is another liquid.

[0046] The configuration is such that, driven by the cover motor 49, the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47 is exposed. Figure 2 The two covers 48 can be moved simultaneously between the open position shown and the closed position (not shown) of the opening 75 covering the liquid receiving section 47. When rinsing is not performed, moving the two covers 48 to the closed position prevents the drying of the liquid or water contained in the two liquid receiving sections 47. Details of the drive mechanism that opens and closes the two covers 48 via the cover motor 49 will be described later.

[0047] The suction device 44 includes a suction cover 51, a suction holder 52, a suction motor 53 for reciprocating the suction holder 52 along the Z-axis, and a pressure-reducing mechanism 54 for reducing pressure within the suction cover 51. The suction motor 53 moves the suction cover 51 between a contact position and a retracted position. The contact position is the position where the suction cover 51 contacts the liquid ejection section 20 and surrounds the nozzle 36. The retracted position is the position where the suction cover 51 leaves the liquid ejection section 20. The suction cover 51 may be a structure that surrounds all the nozzles 36, a structure that surrounds at least one group of nozzles, or a structure that surrounds a portion of the nozzles 36 constituting a group of nozzles. In this embodiment, the suction device 44 surrounds one of the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6 with two suction covers 51.

[0048] The liquid ejection device 11 can also perform suction cleaning as follows: the liquid ejection part 20 is positioned above the suction device 44, and the suction cover 51 is positioned in the contact position to surround a nozzle assembly. The pressure inside the suction cover 51 is reduced, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 36. That is, the suction device 44 can also receive the liquid discharged by suction cleaning.

[0049] The capping device 45 includes a placement cap 56, a placement holder 57, and a placement motor 58 that reciprocates the placement holder 57 along the Z-axis. Driven by the placement motor 58, the placement holder 57 and the placement cap 56 move upward or downward. The placement cap 56 moves from the lower position (separation position) to the upper position (capping position), contacting the liquid ejection section 20 which is stopped at the initial position HP.

[0050] A placement cover 56, located in the capping position, surrounds the opening of the nozzle 36 that constitutes the first nozzle group G1 to the sixth nozzle group G6. This maintenance of surrounding the opening of the nozzle 36 with the placement cover 56 is called placement capping. Placement capping is a type of capping. By using placement capping, drying of the nozzle 36 can be prevented.

[0051] The cover 56 can be a structure that surrounds all the nozzles 36, or a structure that surrounds at least one nozzle group, or a structure that surrounds a portion of the nozzles 36 that make up the nozzle group.

[0052] The liquid collection device 43 includes a strip-shaped component 60 capable of absorbing liquid. The liquid collection device 43 may also include: a housing 61 that houses the strip-shaped component 60; a pair of guide rails 62 that extend along the Y-axis; a wiping motor 63; a winding motor 64; and a power transmission mechanism 65 that transmits power to the winding motor 64.

[0053] The housing 61 reciprocates along the Y-axis on the guide rail 62 by the power of the wiping motor 63. Specifically, the housing 61 is in a standby position (not shown) and... Figure 2 The housing 61, located in the standby position, moves towards the receiving position in a first wiping direction W1 parallel to the Y-axis when the wiping motor 63 is driven in the forward direction. When the wiping motor 63 is driven in the reverse direction, the housing 61, located in the receiving position, moves towards the standby position in a second wiping direction W2 opposite to the first wiping direction W1.

[0054] The liquid dispensing device 11 can also wipe the liquid dispensing part 20 during at least one of the processes of the housing 61 moving from the standby position to the receiving position and the housing 61 moving from the receiving position to the standby position. Wiping refers to maintenance by wiping the nozzle surface of the liquid dispensing part 20 with the strip member 60.

[0055] Regarding the structure of the liquid receiving section

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid receiving section 47 has a generally rectangular shape with a relatively low height. The liquid receiving section 47 includes a housing portion 70, an absorption member 76, and a restraining member 77. On the generally rectangular upper surface of the housing portion 70, a deformable portion 70a is formed in a frame shape. The liquid receiving section 47 has an opening 75 surrounded by the frame of the deformable portion 70a, and a restraining member 77 is disposed in the opening 75 to restrict the position of the absorption member 76. The liquid receiving section 47 has a structure in which the housing portion 70, the absorption member 76, and the restraining member 77 are stacked sequentially from bottom to top in the vertical direction Z. The liquid ejected from the liquid ejection portion 20 during rinsing is received by the opening 75 and absorbed by the absorption member 76 disposed in the opening 75.

[0057] The material used for the deformable part 70a is a flexible material such as rubber or an elastomer, thus enabling elastic deformation. To prevent the liquid contained in the liquid receiving part 47 from drying out, a drive mechanism described later is used to... Figure 2 When the cover 48 is moved to the closed position, the liquid receiving part 47 rises, pressing the deformable part 70a against the cover 48. Furthermore, the deformable part 70a undergoes elastic deformation, sealing it tightly against the cover 48.

[0058] When the deformable part 70a is sealed with the cover 48, in order to prevent the liquid absorbed in the absorbed part 76 from rising on the inner side of the opening 75 due to capillary force, the deformable part 70a is waterproofed. For example, the material of the deformable part 70a may also be a waterproof elastomer material that repels liquid ejected from the liquid ejection part 20.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 70 has a first outlet 71a at the center of one end of the opening 75 along its long side, and a second outlet 72a at the center of the other end of the opening 75 along its long side. That is, the first outlet 71a is located at one end of the liquid receiving portion 47 along its long side, and the second outlet 72a is located at the other end of the liquid receiving portion 47 along its long side. Furthermore, the housing 70 has a liquid supply port 73a approximately at the center of the bottom 75a within the opening 75. The first outlet 71a, the second outlet 72a, and the liquid supply port 73a open within the liquid receiving portion 47.

[0060] The housing 70 has a first connecting portion 71 at the center of one end along the long side of its generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a second connecting portion 72 at the center of the other end along the long side of its generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first connecting portion 71 and the second connecting portion 72 are tubular in shape to connect the flow path for liquid discharged from the liquid receiving portion 47. The first connecting portion 71 communicates with the first outlet 71a, and the second connecting portion 72 communicates with the second outlet 72a.

[0061] Around the second outlet 72a, two protruding gate posts 74e are provided to surround the second outlet 72a. When the absorber 76 moves toward the second outlet 72a or is displaced by increasing volume, the protruding gate posts 74e are positioned to engage with the end of the absorber 76. Thus, the protruding gate posts 74e prevent the absorber 76 from contacting the second outlet 72a and prevent the absorber 76 from closing the second outlet 72a.

[0062] In the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47, the housing section 70 has multiple posts 74a supporting the absorption member 76 and positioning engagement portions 74c and 74d at the bottom 75a of the opening 75. The posts 74a have a flat surface on their upper surface, which supports the lower surface 76e of the absorption member 76, such that when the absorption member 76, disposed in the opening 75, absorbs liquid, the portion absorbing the liquid will not bend in the vertical direction Z due to the weight of the liquid. The posts 74a are disposed at multiple locations on the bottom 75a. Thus, the multiple posts 74a restrict the absorption member 76 from moving downwards in the vertical direction Z.

[0063] Positioning engagement portions 74c and 74d engage with the absorption member 76, restricting the position of the absorption member 76 in the XY plane. Additionally, the housing portion 70 has two engagement portions 74b on each of the two surfaces along the long side of the inner side portion 75b constituting the opening portion 75. The engagement portions 74b have a convex shape and engage with the restricting member 77.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, the absorbent member 76 has a receiving surface 76a, which is a generally rectangular upper surface extending in the XY plane, and is formed in the shape of a thin plate. The receiving surface 76a is the surface in the absorbent member 76 that receives liquid. A cutout 76b is provided at the center of one end of the receiving surface 76a in the long side direction of the absorbent member 76. Figure 3 In the state shown for the liquid receiving section 47, the absorption member 76 exposes the second outlet 72a of the tank section 70 and two protruding gate posts 74e surrounding the second outlet 72a from the cutout 76b upwards. Furthermore, the absorption member 76 has a lower surface 76e that is the side opposite to the receiving surface 76a and multiple side surfaces 76f that form the periphery of the absorption member 76.

[0065] The absorption member 76 has positioning engagement portions 76c and 76d. The positioning engagement portion 76c engages with the positioning engagement portion 74c of the housing portion 70, and the positioning engagement portion 76d engages with the positioning engagement portion 74d of the housing portion 70, thereby maintaining a relative position in the absorption member 76 with respect to the XY plane of the housing portion 70.

[0066] The absorbent component 76 is disposed within the liquid receiving portion 47 and is configured to absorb liquid. Therefore, the absorbent component 76 sometimes displaces by increasing its volume through absorbing liquid, i.e., it swells.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the limiting member 77 has a limiting surface 77a for limiting the upward movement of the receiving surface 76a of the absorbing member 76 in the vertical direction Z. In the limiting surface 77a, the two ends of the limiting member 77 extending along the long side are bent downwards, thereby ensuring the flatness and strength of the limiting surface 77a. The material used for the limiting member 77 is, for example, a thin sheet of metal such as stainless steel.

[0068] The limiting member 77 restricts the area around the receiving surface 76a of the absorption member 76 to a predetermined position so that the receiving surface 76a of the absorption member 76 is exposed more widely and the distance between the receiving surface 76a and the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection part 20 is kept constant.

[0069] The limiting member 77 has two engaging portions 77b at each of its two ends that bend downwards and extend along the long side. The limiting member 77 is fixed relative to the housing 70 by engaging each engaging portion 77b with the corresponding engaging portion 74b of the housing 70.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the liquid receiving section 47 has a third connecting portion 73 on the outside of the housing section 70, corresponding to the liquid supply port 73a, which communicates with the interior of the liquid receiving section 47 through the liquid supply port 73a. The third connecting portion 73 has a tubular shape to connect to a liquid supply path 91 that supplies water-containing liquid into the liquid receiving section 47. The liquid supply path 91 is connected to the third connecting portion 73. For example, the liquid supply path 91 is a pipe. Thus, the liquid receiving section 47 is connected to the liquid supply path 91, and the liquid supply path 91 is configured to supply water-containing liquid into the liquid receiving section 47.

[0071] The aqueous liquid supplied to the liquid receiving section 47 is used to humidify the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76. Additionally, the aqueous liquid supplied to the liquid receiving section 47 is also used to immerse the absorption member 76 in the aqueous liquid by contacting it with the liquid surface, thereby causing the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 to flow out into the aqueous liquid. The aqueous liquid is a liquid containing pure water and a small amount of preservative. It should be noted that the first liquid receiving section 47f may not accumulate aqueous liquid, but rather the resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection section 20. Thus, by absorbing the resin ink accumulated in the liquid receiving section 47 or the moisture evaporated from the resin ink by the absorption member 76, the resin ink in the absorption member 76, which has reduced moisture content, can be humidified.

[0072] As described above, columnar supports 74a located at multiple locations on the bottom 75a support multiple locations on the lower surface 76e of the absorber 76. This creates a space 78 between the lower surface 76e of the absorber 76 and the bottom 75a within the opening 75. In other words, the liquid receiving section 47 has space 78 below the absorber 76. Furthermore, as water-containing liquid is supplied to the liquid receiving section 47 from the liquid supply port 73a opening in the bottom 75a within the opening 75, the absorber 76 of the liquid receiving section 47 is immersed from the lower surface 76e side.

[0073] The liquid receiving device 42 has a first discharge path 81 for discharging liquid from the liquid receiving section 47. The first discharge path 81 is connected to a first connecting portion 71 having a first discharge outlet 71a opening into the liquid receiving section 47. For example, the first discharge path 81 is a pipe. Thus, the interior of the liquid receiving section 47 is in communication with the first discharge path 81, and the first discharge path 81 is configured to discharge liquid from the liquid receiving section 47.

[0074] The liquid receiving device 42 has a second discharge path 82 for discharging liquid from the liquid receiving section 47. The second discharge path 82 is connected to a second communicating portion 72 having a second discharge outlet 72a opening into the liquid receiving section 47. For example, the second discharge path 82 is a pipe. Thus, the interior of the liquid receiving section 47 is in communication with the second discharge path 82, which is configured to discharge liquid from the liquid receiving section 47.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the first connecting portion 71 is disposed at the position where the first outlet 71a contacts the absorption component 76. It should be noted that the first outlet 71a contacts the absorption component 76, meaning that the first outlet 71a is disposed at a position where the liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 can be drawn from the first outlet 71a.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first outlet 71a is located in contact with the lower surface 76e of the absorption member 76. More specifically, the edge portion 71b of the hole surrounding the first outlet 71a in the first connecting portion 71 contacts the lower surface 76e of the absorption member 76. Thus, the liquid receiving device 42 is configured such that when the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 is drawn into the first connecting portion 71 by the suction pump included in the waste liquid recovery unit 80 (described later), the liquid can be drawn out from the first discharge flow path 81 and discharged towards the waste liquid recovery unit 80.

[0077] Even if the entire orifice edge 71b does not contact the absorber 76, a portion of the orifice edge 71b may contact the absorber 76. Furthermore, when the liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 is not being drawn away, the orifice edge 71b does not contact the lower surface 76e of the absorber 76; the orifice edge 71b is located very close to the lower surface 76e of the absorber 76. When the absorber 76 is drawn away, the absorber 76 is pulled towards the orifice edge 71b, and the orifice edge 71b comes into contact with the absorber 76; this situation is also synonymous with contact. Additionally, the outer side of the orifice edge 71b may also contact the absorber 76. The amount of liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 is reduced when the liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 is drawn away.

[0078] The first outlet 71a can be positioned in contact with the side surface 76f of the absorber 76, or in contact with the receiving surface 76a of the absorber 76. That is, it can also be positioned in contact with any surface of the absorber 76 other than the lower surface 76e. In this case, the opening direction of the first outlet 71a does not necessarily have to be upward. That is, the opening direction of the first outlet 71a does not necessarily have to be orthogonal to the XY plane. It is sufficient that the first outlet 71a is positioned in contact with the absorber 76 in a way that mates with the surface of the absorber 76. Furthermore, when the lower surface 76e of the absorber 76 is arranged in an inclined state relative to the XY plane, the first outlet 71a is positioned in contact with the absorber 76 in a way that mates with the lower surface 76e of the absorber 76.

[0079] When the first outlet 71a is provided at any location, as long as the first outlet 71a is located in contact with the absorption member 76, the liquid receiving device 42 can discharge the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 from the first discharge flow path 81 to the waste liquid recovery section 80. The liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 tends to accumulate on the lower surface 76e of the absorption member 76 due to gravity; therefore, it is preferable that the first outlet 71a is located in contact with the lower surface 76e of the absorption member 76.

[0080] like Figure 9As shown, the second connecting portion 72 is provided at a position where the second outlet 72a does not contact the absorption member 76. It should be noted that "the second outlet 72a does not contact the absorption member 76" means that the second outlet 72a is provided at a position where liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 cannot be drawn from it. The gate post 74e, as a protrusion, prevents the second outlet 72a from contacting the absorption member 76. Therefore, when the liquid is drawn into the second connecting portion 72 by the suction portion 85, the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 can be prevented from being drawn out and discharged from the second discharge path 82 towards the waste liquid recovery section 80. In other words, liquid above the second outlet 72a, except for the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the liquid within the liquid receiving section 47, can be drawn from the second outlet 72a and discharged from the second discharge path 82 towards the waste liquid recovery section 80. That is, when the liquid receiving section 47 is filled with liquid, the liquid receiving device 42 can discharge the liquid filling the liquid receiving section 47 without discharging the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76. As a result, the height of the liquid level in the liquid receiving section 47 becomes approximately the same as the height of the second outlet 72a. More specifically, the height of the liquid level in the liquid receiving section 47 becomes approximately the same as the height of the lower limit of the orifice rim 72b of the second outlet 72a.

[0081] The opening direction of the second outlet 72a can be orthogonal to the XY plane or in the direction of expansion of the XY plane. The second outlet 72a can also open at an angle relative to the XY plane. The second connecting portion 72 can be positioned where the second outlet 72a does not contact the absorption member 76. In this embodiment, as described above, the second outlet 72a protrudes upwards from the cutout 76b of the absorption member 76, and therefore is positioned where it does not contact the absorption member 76.

[0082] like Figure 10As shown, the absorber 76 is positioned such that when the liquid filling the liquid receiving section 47 is discharged from the second outlet 72a, it overlaps with the surface of the liquid remaining in the liquid receiving section 47. The second outlet 72a may also be positioned in the vertical direction Z between the receiving surface 76a, which is the upper surface of the absorber 76, and the lower surface 76e. As aqueous liquid Lw is supplied into the liquid receiving section 47 from the liquid supply port 73a, the liquid receiving section 47 fills with aqueous liquid Lw from the lower side of the space 78, and the absorber 76 is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw from the lower surface 76e side. After the absorber 76 is fully immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw, the supply of aqueous liquid Lw from the liquid supply port 73a is stopped. Furthermore, at the moment when the outflow of liquid that can flow into the aqueous liquid Lw from the absorbed liquid 76 ends, when the suction part 85 draws it into the second connecting part 72, the liquid above the second discharge outlet 72a is drawn out from the second discharge outlet 72a and discharged. Liquids that can flow into the aqueous liquid Lw include, for example, unthickened resin ink, or reaction solutions that will redissolve in water even after curing. It should be noted that, for example, thickened or cured resin ink cannot flow into the aqueous liquid Lw.

[0083] In this embodiment, when liquid is discharged from the second outlet 72a, the absorbent member 76 is in a state where approximately 20% of its volume is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw, and the entire surface of its lower surface 76e is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw. The second outlet 72a is positioned at the height at which the absorbent member 76 is in this state when liquid is discharged from the second outlet 72a. The absorbent member 76 may be completely immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw, or only a portion of its lower surface 76e may be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw. Alternatively, the absorbent member 76 may have a protrusion on its lower surface 76e, and only this protrusion may be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw. That is, if the absorbent member 76 is only slightly immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw, the absorbent member 76 continuously absorbs the aqueous liquid Lw from the portion immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw. Furthermore, liquid within the absorbent component 76 continuously flows out from the portion immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw. In this embodiment, the first outlet 71a is positioned in contact with the lower surface 76e of the absorbent component 76, and the second outlet 72a is positioned higher than the first outlet 71a. Consequently, when liquid is discharged from the second outlet 72a, the lower surface 76e of the absorbent component 76 is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw.

[0084] Alternatively, when the liquid is discharged from the second outlet 72a, the absorption component 76 may not be completely immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw, leaving the water-containing liquid Lw remaining in the space 78. If a small amount of water-containing liquid Lw remains in the space 78, the absorption component 76 located above the space 78 will be continuously humidified due to the moisture evaporating from the water-containing liquid Lw.

[0085] Regarding the drive mechanism for opening and closing the cover

[0086] like Figure 11 As shown, the liquid receiving device 42 includes a drive mechanism 30 capable of simultaneously moving the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 30 is a rack and pinion mechanism. The drive mechanism 30 consists of a cover motor 49, a gear train 30a, two pinions 31f and 31s, a pinion shaft 32, and two racks 33f and 33s.

[0087] The rack 33f is integrally formed with the first cover 48f, and the rack 33s is integrally formed with the second cover 48s. It should be noted that the racks 33f and 33s can also be constructed as separate individual components and fixed to the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s respectively.

[0088] When the rotating shaft of the cover motor 49 rotates, its rotation is slowed down by the gear train 30a, and the pinion 31f rotates. The two pinions 31f and 31s are fixed to a common pinion shaft 32, so when one pinion 31f rotates, the other pinion 31s also rotates synchronously. The rotation of the pinion 31f causes the rack 33f, which meshes with the pinion 31f, to move linearly, thus moving the first cover 48f, which is integral with the rack 33f. Similarly, the rotation of the pinion 31s causes the rack 33s, which meshes with the pinion 31s, to move linearly, thus moving the second cover 48s, which is integral with the rack 33s. Thus, the drive mechanism 30 moves the first cover 48f with the rack 33f and the second cover 48s with the rack 33s, respectively.

[0089] The first cover 48f of the first liquid receiving section 47f is positioned to expose the opening 75. Figure 11 When the double-dotted line indicates the open position, the second cover 48s of the second liquid receiving section 47s is positioned such that the opening 75 is exposed. Figure 11 The solid line indicates the open position. When the cover motor 49 starts rotating, the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s move simultaneously in the closing direction D1. Additionally, the first cover 48f moves to cover the opening 75 at the first liquid receiving section 47f. Figure 11When the solid line indicates the closed position, the cover motor 49 stops rotating. When one pinion 31f rotates, the other pinion 31s also rotates synchronously; therefore, at this time, the second cover 48s of the second liquid receiving section 47s is also positioned covering the opening 75. Figure 11 The closed position is indicated by the double-dotted line. That is, the liquid receiving device 42 is configured such that, by a drive mechanism 30, two covers 48 can be moved simultaneously between an open position that exposes the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47 and a closed position that covers the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47.

[0090] like Figure 12 As shown, the liquid receiving device 42 includes a lifting mechanism 46 that allows the liquid receiving section 47 to be raised and lowered. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 46 is a parallel linkage mechanism with the connecting rods configured as parallelograms. Thus, the lifting mechanism 46 causes the liquid receiving section 47 to move parallel. Figure 12 The lifting mechanism 46 shown is Figure 11 The drive mechanism 30 shown is linked to the action.

[0091] The liquid receiving device 42 has a base portion 34 that holds the liquid receiving section 47 via two connecting rods 46a. One end of the two connecting rods 46a of the same shape constituting the lifting mechanism 46 is rotatably connected relative to the base portion 34, and the other end is rotatably connected relative to the housing portion 70 of the liquid receiving section 47. It should be noted that the lifting mechanism 46 is configured such that the two connecting rods 46a are parallel. Thus, the two connecting rods 46a, the base portion 34, and the housing portion 70 form a parallelogram, the housing portion 70 does not change its inclination relative to the XY plane, and the housing portion 70 is configured to be able to rise and fall relative to the base portion 34.

[0092] The cover 48 is located at the opening 75 that exposes the liquid receiving section 47. Figure 12 When the opening position is shown, Figure 11 When the drive mechanism 30 is activated, the cover 48 moves in the closing direction D1. As the cover 48 moves in the closing direction D1, and as the cover 48 presses down a portion of the housing 70, the liquid receiving section 47 moves downward and to the right via the lifting mechanism 46 without changing its tilt. That is, the liquid receiving section 47 moves from the lowering direction D3 to the opening direction D2. Figure 12 The position of the solid line shown is moved parallel to the position of the line shown. Figure 12 The position of the double-dotted line is shown. As a result, the height of the frame-shaped deformable portion 70a formed around the opening 75 of the liquid receiving portion 47 is lower than the height of the back surface 48a of the cover 48, so the cover 48 can move above the opening 75 without contacting the deformable portion 70a.

[0093] As the cover 48 moves in the closing direction D1 and reaches above the opening 75, the downward pressure of the cover 48 on the box-shaped portion 70 is released, and the liquid receiving portion 47 moves to the upper left without changing its tilt via the lifting mechanism 46. That is, the liquid receiving portion 47 moves from the upward direction D4 to the closing direction D1. Figure 12 The position of the double-dotted line shown is moved parallel to the horizontal. Figure 12 The solid line indicates the position of the liquid receiving section 47. As a result, a frame-shaped deformable portion 70a is formed around the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47 and pressed against the back surface 48a of the cover 48. At this time, elastic deformation occurs through the deformable portion 70a, causing it to seal tightly against the back surface 48a of the cover 48. That is, the first liquid receiving section 47f and the second liquid receiving section 47s can contact the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s respectively, and have a state in which the elastically deformable portion 70a surrounds the opening 75. This prevents the liquid contained in the liquid receiving section 47 from drying out.

[0094] For example, the cover 48 has a plate cam, and the box 70 has a driven roller. According to the profile of the plate cam, the plate cam presses down on the driven roller. Thus, the liquid receiving device 42 is configured to perform the action of the cover 48 pressing down on a part of the box 70 and the action of releasing the pressing down in conjunction with the action of the drive mechanism 30.

[0095] When the cover 48 is in the closed position (not shown) covering the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47, Figure 11 When the drive mechanism 30 is activated, the cover 48 moves in the opening direction D2. As the cover 48 moves in the opening direction D2, when the cover 48 presses down on a portion of the box 70, the liquid receiving section 47 moves parallel to the direction between the downward direction D3 and the opening direction D2 via the lifting mechanism 46. Thus, the liquid receiving section 47 is configured to move in the downward direction D3 simultaneously with the cover 48 moving in the opening direction D2.

[0096] Furthermore, when the cover 48 moves in the opening direction D2 to expose the opening 75, the downward pressure of the cover 48 on the box 70 is released as the cover 48 moves in the opening direction D2. Therefore, the liquid receiving part 47 moves parallel to the direction between the rising direction D4 and the closing direction D1 via the lifting mechanism 46.

[0097] Regarding the waste liquid recycling department

[0098] like Figure 13As shown, the liquid receiving device 42 includes: a liquid supply unit 90 that supplies a water-containing liquid Lw to the liquid receiving unit 47; and a waste liquid recovery unit 80 that recovers the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 47 from the opening 75. In this embodiment, the liquid receiving device 42 includes: a first liquid receiving unit 47f configured to receive a first liquid Lf; and a second liquid receiving unit 47s configured to receive a second liquid Ls. Then, the liquid supply unit 90 supplies the water-containing liquid Lw to the first liquid receiving unit 47f and the second liquid receiving unit 47s, and the waste liquid recovery unit 80 recovers the first liquid Lf from the first liquid receiving unit 47f and the second liquid Ls from the second liquid receiving unit 47s.

[0099] The waste liquid recovery unit 80 includes a first discharge flow path 81, a second discharge flow path 82, a waste liquid tank 83, a recovery flow path 84, a suction unit 85, and a flow path switching unit 86. The first discharge flow path 81 is composed of a first discharge flow path 81f and a first discharge flow path 81s, and the second discharge flow path 82 is composed of a second discharge flow path 82f and a second discharge flow path 82s. The first discharge flow path 81f is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f via a first outlet 71a. The first discharge flow path 81s is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s via a first outlet 71a. The second discharge flow path 82f is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f via a second outlet 72a. The second discharge flow path 82s is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s via a second outlet 72a.

[0100] Waste liquid tank 83 contains the liquid recovered from liquid receiving unit 47. More specifically, resin ink, which is an example of first liquid Lf, received by first liquid receiving unit 47f, is contained in waste liquid tank 83f, and reaction liquid, which is an example of second liquid Ls, received by second liquid receiving unit 47s, is contained in waste liquid tank 83f.

[0101] The aqueous liquid Lw supplied by the liquid supply unit 90 is supplied to the first liquid receiving unit 47f and mixed with the first liquid Lw. The resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20, as an example of the first liquid Lw, contains the aqueous liquid Lw. Therefore, the mixture of resin ink and aqueous liquid Lw is also resin ink, and the resin ink contained in the waste liquid tank 83f is either resin ink with reduced moisture content or resin ink containing a large amount of aqueous liquid Lw. That is, the mixture of the first liquid Lf and the aqueous liquid Lw is also referred to as the first liquid Lf. It should be noted that when the resin ink in the absorption unit 76 thickens and cannot flow into the aqueous liquid Lw, the aqueous liquid Lw itself may sometimes be contained.

[0102] The aqueous liquid Lw supplied by the liquid supply unit 90 is supplied to the second liquid receiving unit 47s and mixed with the second liquid Ls. The reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20, as an example of the second liquid Ls, contains the aqueous liquid Lw. Therefore, the mixture of the reaction liquid and the aqueous liquid Lw is also a reaction liquid. The reaction liquid contained in the waste liquid tank 83s is a reaction liquid with reduced water content, a reaction liquid in which a small amount of reaction liquid is dissolved in the aqueous liquid Lw, and thus contains the aqueous liquid Lw. That is, the mixture of the second liquid Ls and the aqueous liquid Lw is also referred to as the second liquid Ls.

[0103] The recovery flow path 84 is a flow path that collects the liquid discharged from the liquid receiving section 47 into the waste liquid tank 83. More specifically, the recovery flow path 84f collects resin ink, which is an example of the first liquid Lf, discharged from the first liquid receiving section 47f into the waste liquid tank 83f, and the recovery flow path 84s collects reaction liquid, which is an example of the second liquid Ls, discharged from the second liquid receiving section 47s into the waste liquid tank 83s. It should be noted that the first liquid Lf and the second liquid Ls flow from the liquid receiving section 47 toward the waste liquid tank 83, therefore, in the waste liquid recovery section 80, the side of the liquid receiving section 47 is referred to as the upstream, and the side of the waste liquid tank 83 is referred to as the downstream.

[0104] The suction unit 85 simultaneously draws in the first liquid Lf flowing in the recovery flow path 84f and the second liquid Ls flowing in the recovery flow path 84s, and causes them to flow downstream. The suction unit 85 is, for example, a pipe pump. The pipe pump houses two pipes, and the different liquids flowing in the two pipes are simultaneously drawn in and flow.

[0105] The flow path switching unit 86 can switch between the state in which the first discharge flow path 81f and the first discharge flow path 81s are connected to the suction unit 85, and the state in which the second discharge flow path 82f and the second discharge flow path 82s are connected to the suction unit 85.

[0106] In this embodiment, the flow path switching unit 86 is configured to simultaneously close multiple connecting flow paths by driving a cam. The flow path switching unit 86 has four connecting flow paths. A first connecting flow path connects a first discharge flow path 81f to a recovery flow path 84f. A second connecting flow path connects a second discharge flow path 82f to a recovery flow path 84f. A third connecting flow path connects a first discharge flow path 81f to a recovery flow path 84f. A fourth connecting flow path connects a second discharge flow path 82f to a recovery flow path 84f.

[0107] With the first discharge path 81f, which communicates with the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge path 81s, which communicates with the second liquid receiving unit 47s, connected to the suction unit 85, the path switching unit 86 simultaneously closes the second connecting path and the fourth connecting path. As a result, the first discharge path 81f connects to the recovery path 84f, and the first discharge path 81s connects to the recovery path 84s. Furthermore, the suction unit 85 draws first liquid Lf from the first discharge path 81f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f, and draws second liquid Ls from the first discharge path 81s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s.

[0108] With the second discharge path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, connected to the suction unit 85, the path switching unit 86 simultaneously closes the first connecting path and the third connecting path. As a result, the second discharge path 82f is connected to the recovery path 84f, and the second discharge path 82s is connected to the recovery path 84s. Furthermore, the suction unit 85 draws the first liquid Lf from the second discharge path 82f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f, and draws the second liquid Ls from the second discharge path 82s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s.

[0109] The waste liquid recovery unit 80 may also have a first switching valve and a second switching valve instead of the flow path switching unit 86. The first switching valve connects the recovery flow path 84f to either the first discharge flow path 81f or the second discharge flow path 82f. The second switching valve connects the recovery flow path 84s to either the first discharge flow path 81s or the second discharge flow path 82s. Alternatively, the waste liquid recovery unit 80 may have a first suction unit that suctions the recovery flow path 84f and a second suction unit that suctions the recovery flow path 84s. That is, the waste liquid recovery unit 80 may also have: a suction unit 85 serving as the first suction unit, which suctions liquid from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f or the second discharge flow path 82f; and a flow path switching unit 86 serving as the first switching valve, which can switch between the discharge flow path connected to the first suction unit, i.e., the suction unit 85, in the first discharge flow path 81f and the second discharge flow path 82f. In addition, the waste liquid recovery unit 80 may also include: a suction unit 85 as a second suction unit, which suctions liquid in the second liquid receiving unit 47s via a first discharge flow path 81s or a second discharge flow path 82s; and a flow path switching unit 86 as a second switching valve, which can switch the discharge flow path in the first discharge flow path 81s and the second discharge flow path 82s that is connected to the second suction unit, i.e., the suction unit 85.

[0110] Regarding the Liquid Supply Department

[0111] like Figure 13As shown, the liquid supply unit 90 includes a liquid supply path 91, a liquid tank 92, a liquid delivery path 93, a switching valve 94, and a delivery unit 95. The liquid supply path 91 is composed of a liquid supply path 91f and a liquid supply path 91s. The liquid supply path 91f is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f via a liquid supply port 73a. The liquid supply path 91s is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s via a liquid supply port 73a.

[0112] Liquid tank 92 contains aqueous liquid Lw supplied to liquid receiving section 47. The aqueous liquid Lw stored in liquid tank 92 is used to replenish the water evaporated from resin ink, an example of first liquid Lf, absorbed by the absorption member 76 within the first liquid receiving section 47f. The aqueous liquid Lw is an evaporated component of the resin ink, which thickens upon evaporation. Additionally, the aqueous liquid Lw stored in liquid tank 92 is used to redissolve the reaction solution, an example of second liquid Ls, absorbed by the absorption member 76 within the second liquid receiving section 47s. The aqueous liquid Lw is an evaporated component of the reaction solution, which solidifies upon evaporation. As described above, the aqueous liquid Lw contains pure water and a small amount of preservative. It should be noted that when the evaporated component of the liquid sprayed from liquid ejection section 20 is not water, liquid tank 92 may also contain liquid containing such evaporated component. Furthermore, liquid containing such evaporated component may also be supplied from liquid tank 92 to liquid receiving section 47.

[0113] The liquid delivery path 93 is a path that delivers the water-containing liquid Lw contained in the liquid tank 92 from the liquid tank 92 toward the liquid receiving section 47. It should be noted that since the water-containing liquid Lw flows from the liquid tank 92 to the liquid receiving section 47, in the liquid supply section 90, the liquid tank 92 side is referred to as the upstream side, and the liquid receiving section 47 side is referred to as the downstream side.

[0114] The switching valve 94 connects the liquid delivery path 93 to either the liquid supply path 91f or the liquid supply path 91s. That is, the switching valve 94 selects one of the two paths, thereby switching the connection target of the liquid delivery path 93. When the connection target of the liquid delivery path 93 is the liquid supply path 91f, the liquid tank 92 is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f. When the connection target of the liquid delivery path 93 is the liquid supply path 91s, the liquid tank 92 is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s.

[0115] The delivery unit 95 delivers water-containing liquid Lw from the upstream side to the downstream side via the liquid delivery flow path 93. The delivery unit 95 is, for example, a pipe pump. When the liquid delivery flow path 93 is connected to the liquid supply flow path 91f, the water-containing liquid Lw in the liquid tank 92 is supplied to the first liquid receiving unit 47f when the delivery unit 95 is driven. Conversely, when the liquid delivery flow path 93 is connected to the liquid supply flow path 91s, the water-containing liquid Lw in the liquid tank 92 is supplied to the second liquid receiving unit 47s when the delivery unit 95 is driven.

[0116] It can also be directed from the liquid ejection section 20 towards Figure 13 The liquid receiving section 47 shown is supplied with a water-containing liquid Lw. That is, the liquid receiving device 42 may also be equipped with... Figure 14 The liquid supply unit 90 shown is used to replace Figure 13 The liquid supply unit 90 shown. In this case, it may not be necessary to install it. Figure 7 The third connecting part 73 and the liquid supply port 73a are shown.

[0117] like Figure 14 As shown, the liquid ejection section 20 includes a liquid ejection part 20w that ejects a water-containing liquid Lw. The liquid supply section 90 includes: a liquid ejection part 20w that ejects the water-containing liquid Lw; a liquid container 25w that is mounted on the mounting section 26 and contains the water-containing liquid Lw; and a liquid supply flow path 27w that supplies the water-containing liquid Lw from the liquid container 25 to the liquid ejection part 20. The water-containing liquid Lw consists of pure water and a small amount of preservative.

[0118] In addition to the liquid container 25w that holds the water-containing liquid Lw, the mounting section 26 also has multiple liquid containers 25f that hold the first liquid Lf and a liquid container 25s that holds the second liquid Ls. The first liquid Lf is supplied to the liquid ejection section 20 from the multiple liquid containers 25f via the liquid supply flow path 27f. The second liquid Ls is supplied to the liquid ejection section 20 from the liquid containers 25s via the liquid supply flow path 27s. Thus, the liquid ejection section 20 ejects the first liquid Lf, the second liquid Ls, and the water-containing liquid Lw from the nozzle 36.

[0119] The first liquid Lf is one of four types of resin inks, and the second liquid Ls is a reaction solution. When the first liquid Lf, the second liquid Ls, and the aqueous liquid Lw are ejected from the liquid ejection section 20, the number of types of resin inks is not limited. It can be six types, or only one type. Similarly, the number of types of reaction solution is not limited. It can be one type, or multiple reaction solutions suitable for the resin inks used can be used.

[0120] like Figure 15As shown, the liquid receiving device 42 receives the water-containing liquid Lw ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20 by rinsing through the opening 75 of the liquid receiving section 47. That is, the liquid receiving device 42 is configured to receive the water-containing liquid Lw ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20 through the opening 75. The control unit 29 selects the liquid receiving section 47 that receives the water-containing liquid Lw through the opening 75. When the water-containing liquid Lw is received through the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f, the liquid ejection unit 20 moves to a position above the opening 75 of the nozzle 36 that ejects the water-containing liquid Lw, thereby ejecting the water-containing liquid Lw from the liquid ejection unit 20w. Thus, the first liquid receiving section 47f that receives the first liquid Lf receives the water-containing liquid Lw ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20 through the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f. Furthermore, when the second liquid receiving section 47s receives the water-containing liquid Lw through its opening 75, the liquid ejecting section 20 moves to a position above the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s, thereby ejecting the water-containing liquid Lw from the liquid ejecting section 20. Thus, the second liquid receiving section 47s, which receives the second liquid Ls, receives the water-containing liquid Lw ejected from the liquid ejecting section 20 through its opening 75. In this way, the liquid supply section 90 supplies the water-containing liquid Lw to both the first liquid receiving section 47f and the second liquid receiving section 47s.

[0121] like Figure 16 As shown, the aqueous liquid Lw received by the liquid receiving unit 47 is absorbed by the absorption member 76 located within the opening 75. That is, the aqueous liquid Lw sprayed into the liquid receiving unit 47 is absorbed by the absorption member 76. Furthermore, when an amount of aqueous liquid Lw that the absorption member 76 cannot absorb is sprayed into the liquid receiving unit 47, and this aqueous liquid Lw accumulates in the space 78 below the absorption member 76, the absorption member 76 contacts the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw, and the absorption member 76 is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw. Thus, the continuous supply of aqueous liquid Lw to the absorption member 76 prevents the first liquid Lf and the second liquid Ls absorbed by the absorption member 76 from thickening or solidifying, and the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 flows out into the aqueous liquid Lw. In addition, for the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the space 78 below the absorption component 76, after the water evaporates and the surface of the water-containing liquid Lw is no longer in contact with the absorption component 76, the water is also evaporated from below to continuously humidify the first liquid Lf and the second liquid Ls absorbed by the absorption component 76.

[0122] Regarding the operation of the liquid receiving device

[0123] like Figure 17As shown, the liquid receiving device 42 receives liquid into the opening 75, discharges liquid from the opening 75, and supplies water-containing liquid Lw into the opening 75. Figure 17 This is an example of the weight change of the liquid receiving section 47 when the liquid receiving device 42 is in operation. When receiving or supplying liquid or water-containing liquid Lw, the weight of the liquid receiving section 47 increases, and when discharging liquid or water-containing liquid Lw, the weight of the liquid receiving section 47 decreases.

[0124] During the discharge from the first outlet (Tf), after receiving liquid through the opening 75 via rinsing, the liquid receiving device 42 draws the liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 through the first outlet 71a, and the liquid is discharged from the first outlet 71a. For example, the receiving of 1 gram of liquid and the 9000-step drawing by the suction pump drawing from the first outlet 71a are repeated multiple times. As a result, the liquid receiving device 42 discharges an amount of liquid corresponding to the amount of liquid received through the opening 75 via rinsing, so that the liquid does not overflow from the opening 75.

[0125] During the discharge period Ts from the second outlet, after supplying aqueous liquid Lw from the liquid supply port 73a into the liquid receiving section 47 including the space 78, the liquid receiving device 42 uses the second outlet 72a to draw the liquid in the liquid receiving section 47, thereby discharging the liquid above the second outlet 72a from the second outlet 72a. For example, 3 grams of aqueous liquid Lw are supplied and 1 gram of liquid is received, and 23,000 steps of suction are performed by the suction pump that draws from the second outlet 72a. Thus, the liquid receiving device 42 immerses the absorption member 76 in the aqueous liquid Lw supplied into the liquid receiving section 47, causing the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 to flow out into the aqueous liquid Lw, and maintaining the liquid level of the supplied aqueous liquid Lw at a predetermined height.

[0126] In this way, by repeatedly performing the operation of discharge period Tf from the first outlet and discharge period Ts from the second outlet, the state change of the liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the liquid receiving section 47 can be suppressed.

[0127] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0128] The liquid ejection device 11 shipped from the factory is set up by the user, and the liquid ejection device 11 is put into use. During printing, firstly, the liquid ejection section 20 ejects a reaction liquid, which is an example of a second liquid Ls, to form a reaction liquid layer on the medium 14. The liquid ejection section 20 then ejects resin ink, which is an example of a first liquid Lf, onto this reaction liquid layer, thereby forming a printed image on the medium 14. The reaction liquid contains a coagulant that can react with the pigments contained in the resin ink, thus suppressing the increase of drying time after printing.

[0129] To prevent and eliminate clogging of the nozzle 36, regular maintenance, i.e., flushing, is performed to spray out resin ink and reaction liquid as waste liquid. In addition, when the nozzle 36 of the liquid ejection section 20 becomes clogged, it may sometimes be flushed multiple times due to the user's operation of the control panel 24.

[0130] During the rinsing of the resin ink, the drive mechanism 30 moves the first cover 48f to the open position. When the first cover 48f moves to the open position, the upper part of the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f opens. Furthermore, the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f can receive the resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection section 20 during rinsing. Additionally, the absorption member 76 disposed within the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f can absorb the resin ink.

[0131] When the rinsing of the resin ink is finished, the drive mechanism 30 moves the first cover 48f to the closed position. As the first cover 48f moves to the closed position, the upper part of the opening 75 is covered by the first cover 48f. Furthermore, the first liquid receiving part 47f rises in conjunction with the action of the upper part of the opening 75 being covered by the first cover 48f, and the frame-shaped deformable part 70a formed around the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving part 47f is pressed against the back surface 48a of the first cover 48f. Additionally, the elastic deformation of the deformable part 70a improves the seal between the first liquid receiving part 47f and the first cover 48f, preventing the drying of the resin ink received by the first liquid receiving part 47f within the opening 75. Furthermore, since the deformable part 70a, whose surface is waterproofed, seals tightly with the first cover 48f, it is possible to prevent the resin ink absorbed within the absorbing member 76 from rising to the inner surface of the opening 75 due to capillary force.

[0132] During the rinsing of the reaction solution, the drive mechanism 30 moves the second cover 48s to the open position. When the second cover 48s moves to the open position, the upper part of the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s opens. Furthermore, the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s can receive the reaction solution ejected from the liquid ejection section 20 during rinsing. Additionally, the absorption member 76 disposed within the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s can absorb the reaction solution.

[0133] When the rinsing of the reaction solution is completed, the drive mechanism 30 moves the second cover 48s to the closed position. As the second cover 48s moves to the closed position, the upper part of the opening 75 is covered by the second cover 48s. Furthermore, the second liquid receiving part 47s rises in conjunction with the action of the upper part of the opening 75 being covered by the second cover 48s, and the frame-shaped deformable part 70a formed around the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving part 47s is pressed against the back surface 48a of the second cover 48s. Additionally, the elastic deformation of the deformable part 70a improves the seal between the second liquid receiving part 47s and the second cover 48s, preventing the reaction solution received in the opening 75 from drying out. Furthermore, since the deformable part 70a, whose surface is waterproofed, seals tightly with the second cover 48s, it is possible to prevent the reaction solution absorbed in the absorption member 76 from rising to the inner side of the opening 75 due to capillary force.

[0134] The drive mechanism 30 is configured to move the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s simultaneously. Therefore, by means of a single drive mechanism 30, the opening action of the first cover 48f, the closing action of the first cover 48f, the opening action of the second cover 48s, and the closing action of the second cover 48s can be performed.

[0135] In the first liquid receiving section 47f, a first outlet 71a communicating with the first discharge flow path 81f is located at one end of the liquid receiving section 47 along its long side, and a second outlet 72a communicating with the second discharge flow path 82f is located at the other end of the liquid receiving section 47 along its long side. In the second liquid receiving section 47s, a first outlet 71a communicating with the first discharge flow path 81s is located at one end of the first liquid receiving section 47f along its long side, and a second outlet 72a communicating with the second discharge flow path 82s is located at the other end of the second liquid receiving section 47s along its long side. Therefore, the first liquid receiving section 47f and the second liquid receiving section 47s can be configured to be close to each other in the short side direction, thus reducing the width of the liquid receiving device 42.

[0136] When the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 is large, for example, during periodic rinsing while printing continuously, the number of rinsing operations from the resin ink ejection nozzle 36 increases. Furthermore, when the resin ink ejection nozzle 36 becomes clogged, the number of rinsing operations from the resin ink ejection nozzle 36 increases in order to clear the clog. That is, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 disposed within the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f increases. In this situation, the absorption member 76 within the first liquid receiving section 47f cannot further absorb the resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection section 20, and the resin ink may overflow from the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 within the first liquid receiving section 47f based on the number of resin ink rinsing operations.

[0137] like Figure 13 As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 is relatively large, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0138] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. The first discharge flow path 81f communicates with the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76, thus allowing the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f to be discharged from the first outlet 71a. Therefore, the suction unit 85 can draw resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f. Furthermore, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f can be reduced. As the number of times the resin ink is rinsed increases, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 increases; therefore, this operation is performed periodically according to the number of times the resin ink is rinsed.

[0139] When the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 is large, for example, during periodic rinsing while printing continuously, the number of rinsing operations from the nozzle 36 that ejects the reaction liquid increases. Furthermore, when the nozzle 36 that ejects the reaction liquid becomes clogged, the number of rinsing operations from the nozzle 36 that ejects the reaction liquid increases in order to clear the clog. That is, the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 disposed within the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s increases. In this situation, the absorption member 76 within the second liquid receiving section 47s cannot further absorb the reaction liquid ejected from the liquid jetting section 20, and the reaction liquid may overflow from the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 within the second liquid receiving section 47s based on the number of rinsing operations.

[0140] like Figure 13 As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 is large, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0141] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. The first discharge flow path 81s is connected to the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first discharge outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76, thus allowing the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s to be discharged from the first discharge outlet 71a. Therefore, the suction unit 85 can draw reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. Furthermore, the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s can be reduced. As the number of rinsing cycles of the reaction liquid increases, the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 increases; therefore, this operation is performed periodically according to the number of rinsing cycles of the reaction liquid.

[0142] Sometimes the number of rinsing operations performed from the nozzle 36 that ejects resin ink is greater than the number of rinsing operations performed from the nozzle 36 that ejects reaction liquid. That is, sometimes the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorber 76 disposed in the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f and the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 disposed in the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s are greater.

[0143] like Figure 13As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 and the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 are relatively large, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Therefore, it is possible to use a single suction unit 85 to switch the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, to a state where they are connected to the suction unit 85.

[0144] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. The first discharge flow path 81f is connected to the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76, thus allowing the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f to be discharged from the first outlet 71a. Therefore, the suction unit 85 can draw resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f. Furthermore, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f can be reduced. The first discharge flow path 81s is connected to the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76, thus allowing the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s to be discharged from the first outlet 71a. Therefore, the suction unit 85 can draw the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving unit 47s through the first discharge flow path 81s. In addition, the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s can be reduced.

[0145] When the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 is small, for example, when the number of rinsing cycles of the resin ink is low, less new resin ink is supplied. Over time, moisture evaporates from the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76, causing the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 to gradually thicken. In this case, the absorption member 76 becomes clogged and cannot absorb the resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection section 20, thus hindering the absorption of resin ink received from the opening 75 into the interior of the absorption member 76. In addition, the solidified resin ink accumulates on the receiving surface 76a of the absorption member 76, which may contaminate the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection section 20. Since the resin ink does not redissolve in the aqueous liquid Lw, it is preferable to periodically supply the aqueous liquid Lw to the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 to prevent clogging, thereby inhibiting the thickening of the resin ink or allowing unthickened resin ink to flow into the aqueous liquid Lw.

[0146] like Figure 13As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorbing member 76 is small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0147] The liquid receiving device 42 includes a liquid supply unit 90, which can supply water-containing liquid Lw into the first liquid receiving unit 47f. More specifically, a switching valve 94 connects the liquid discharge path 93 and the liquid supply path 91f, and supplies water-containing liquid Lw from the liquid tank 92 to the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the discharge unit 95. Thus, water-containing liquid Lw can be supplied to the first liquid receiving unit 47f.

[0148] When a water-containing liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a into the first liquid receiving section 47f, the absorber 76 is immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f. Furthermore, even if no water-containing liquid Lw is supplied before the absorber 76 is immersed, the absorber 76 can be continuously humidified by the water evaporating from the water-containing liquid Lw. As a result, the absorber 76 absorbs the water-containing liquid Lw, thereby increasing the moisture content of the resin ink within the absorber 76. Additionally, since unthickened resin ink within the absorber 76 flows out into the water-containing liquid Lw, the amount of resin ink within the absorber 76 can be reduced.

[0149] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the second discharge flow path 82s. In practice, the liquid drawn from the first liquid receiving unit 47f at this time is resin ink mixed with a small amount of resin ink in an aqueous liquid Lw. The absorption member 76 is positioned such that when the aqueous liquid Lw filling the first liquid receiving unit 47f is discharged from the second discharge outlet 72a, which is located in a position not in contact with the absorption member 76, it overlaps with the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the first liquid receiving unit 47f. The second discharge outlet 72a may also be located in the vertical direction Z between the receiving surface 76a and the lower surface 76e of the absorption member 76. Therefore, the height of the water-containing liquid Lw becomes the height of the second outlet 72a, allowing the absorber 76 to be immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f, up to the height of the second outlet 72a. Thus, even if moisture evaporates from the absorber 76, the absorber 76 will absorb the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f, thereby suppressing the drying of the resin ink within the absorber 76. It should be noted that over time, moisture evaporates from the resin ink absorbed by the absorber 76, and the resin ink absorbed by the absorber 76 gradually thickens; therefore, this operation is performed periodically.

[0150] By having a space 78 below the absorbent member 76, the liquid receiving part 47 can not only hold the water-containing liquid Lw in the absorbent member 76, but also hold the water-containing liquid Lw in the space below the absorbent member 76. As a result, the absorbent member 76 absorbs a large amount of the water-containing liquid Lw, thus increasing the moisture content of the resin ink, which has less moisture in the absorbent member 76.

[0151] When the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 is small, for example, when the number of rinses with the reaction liquid is low, less new reaction liquid is supplied. Over time, moisture evaporates from the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76, and thus the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 gradually solidifies. In this case, the absorption member 76 becomes clogged and cannot absorb the reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 20, hindering the absorption of the reaction liquid received from the opening 75 into the interior of the absorption member 76. In addition, the solidified reaction liquid accumulates on the receiving surface 76a of the absorption member 76, which may contaminate the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection section 20. Since the reaction liquid is prone to solidification due to easy evaporation of moisture, it is preferable to periodically supply the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 with an aqueous liquid Lw to prevent clogging, so that the reaction liquid can be redissolved in the aqueous liquid Lw.

[0152] like Figure 13As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 is small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0153] The liquid receiving device 42 includes a liquid supply unit 90, which can supply water-containing liquid Lw to the second liquid receiving unit 47s. More specifically, the switching valve 94 connects the liquid discharge path 93 with the liquid supply path 91s, and supplies water-containing liquid Lw from the liquid tank 92 to the first liquid receiving unit 47f through the discharge unit 95. Thus, water-containing liquid Lw can be supplied to the second liquid receiving unit 47s.

[0154] When an aqueous liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a into the second liquid receiving section 47s, the absorption member 76 is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw that is supplied to and accumulates in the second liquid receiving section 47s. As a result, the reaction liquid in the absorption member 76 is redissolved in the aqueous liquid Lw and flows out, thereby reducing the amount of reaction liquid in the absorption member 76.

[0155] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the second discharge flow path 82s. The drawn reaction liquid is a reaction liquid containing a small amount of reaction liquid mixed with an aqueous liquid Lw. The absorption member 76 is positioned such that when the aqueous liquid Lw filling the second liquid receiving unit 47s is discharged from the second discharge outlet 72a, which is located in a position not in contact with the absorption member 76, it overlaps with the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the second liquid receiving unit 47s. The second discharge outlet 72a may also be positioned vertically in the Z direction between the receiving surface 76a, which is the upper surface of the absorption member 76, and the lower surface 76e. Thus, the height of the aqueous liquid Lw becomes the height of the second discharge outlet 72a, allowing the absorption member 76 to be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the second liquid receiving unit 47s up to the height of the second discharge outlet 72a. By accumulating an aqueous liquid Lw to the height of the second outlet 72a, the drying of the reaction liquid inside the absorption component 76 can be suppressed. It should be noted that, over time, moisture evaporates from the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76, and the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 gradually solidifies; therefore, this operation is performed periodically.

[0156] By having a space 78 below the absorption member 76, the liquid receiving section 47 can not only hold the water-containing liquid Lw in the absorption member 76, but also hold the water-containing liquid Lw in the space below the absorption member 76. Therefore, the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 can be redissolved in the large amount of water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the second liquid receiving section 47, causing a large amount of reaction liquid to flow out from the absorption member 76.

[0157] Sometimes the number of rinsing operations from the nozzle 36 that ejects the resin ink and the number of rinsing operations from the nozzle 36 that ejects the reaction liquid decreases. That is, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 disposed in the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving section 47f and the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 disposed in the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving section 47s decreases.

[0158] like Figure 13 As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 and the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 are small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Therefore, it is possible to switch the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, to a state where they are connected to the suction unit 85 using only one suction unit 85.

[0159] When a water-containing liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a into the first liquid receiving section 47f, the absorber 76 is immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f. As a result, the absorber 76 absorbs the water-containing liquid Lw, thereby increasing the moisture content of the resin ink within the absorber 76, which has reduced moisture content. Furthermore, since unthickened resin ink within the absorber 76 flows out into the water-containing liquid Lw, the amount of resin ink within the absorber 76 can be reduced.

[0160] When an aqueous liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a to the second liquid receiving section 47s, the absorption member 76 can be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw that is supplied to the second liquid receiving section 47s and accumulates. As a result, the reaction liquid in the absorption member 76 redissolves in the aqueous liquid Lw and flows out, thereby reducing the amount of reaction liquid in the absorption member 76.

[0161] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the second discharge flow path 82s. The absorber 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving unit 47f. Similarly, the absorber 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the second liquid receiving unit 47s. Therefore, even if moisture evaporates from the absorber 76, the absorber 76 will absorb the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving unit 47f, thus preventing the resin ink in the absorber 76 from drying out. Furthermore, the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s can be redissolved in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the second liquid receiving unit 47s and flow out from the absorber 76. In addition, by accumulating water-containing liquid Lw to the height of the second outlet 72a, the drying of the reaction liquid inside the absorption component 76 can be suppressed.

[0162] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0163] The following effects can be obtained in the liquid receiving device 42 and the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment.

[0164] (1) A first connecting portion 71 is provided at the position where the first discharge outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76. This allows the resin ink or reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 to be discharged from the first discharge outlet 71a. Furthermore, when the amount of resin ink or reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 is large, the amount of resin ink or reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 can be reduced. That is, it can prevent the resin ink or reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection portion 20 from overflowing from the opening 75 of the liquid receiving portion 47.

[0165] The second connecting portion 72 is located at a position where the second outlet 72a does not contact the absorption member 76. As a result, the resin ink with reduced moisture in the absorption member 76 absorbs moisture from the aqueous liquid Lw or resin ink accumulated in the liquid receiving portion 47. This prevents the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 from drying and thickening within the absorption member 76. In other words, it prevents the absorption of resin ink received from the opening 75 from hindering the absorption of the resin ink into the absorption member 76 due to blockage of the absorption member 76. Consequently, it prevents the accumulation of cured resin ink on the receiving surface 76a of the absorption member 76, thus preventing soiling of the nozzle surface.

[0166] In the resin ink, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device 11, even if the amount of resin ink received by the liquid receiving device 42 by the absorption member 76 changes, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the liquid receiving device 42 caused by the absorption member 76 failing to absorb the resin ink ejected from the liquid ejection section 20.

[0167] (2) The liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 20 is an aqueous liquid, and the liquid receiving device 42 is equipped with a liquid supply section 90 capable of supplying the aqueous liquid Lw into the liquid receiving section 47. By supplying the aqueous liquid Lw into the liquid receiving section 47 through the liquid supply section 90, the absorption member 76 is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the liquid receiving section 47, and absorbs the aqueous liquid Lw, or absorbs water evaporated from the accumulated aqueous liquid Lw. Therefore, the moisture content of the resin ink in the absorption member 76, which has decreased in moisture content, can be increased. Furthermore, since the unthickened resin ink in the absorption member 76 flows out into the aqueous liquid Lw, the amount of resin ink in the absorption member 76 can be reduced. When the reaction solution redissolves in water, the reaction solution absorbed by the absorption member 76 can redissolve in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the liquid receiving section 47 and flow out from the absorption member 76. When the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 flows out into the aqueous liquid Lw, the absorption component 76 can be brought back to its state before absorbing the reaction liquid. This prevents the resin ink or reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 from drying, thickening, or solidifying within the absorption component 76. In other words, by blocking the absorption component 76, the absorption of resin ink or reaction liquid received from the opening 75 into the interior of the absorption component 76 can be prevented from being hindered. As a result, the accumulation of solidified resin ink or reaction liquid on the receiving surface 76a of the absorption component 76 and thus preventing soiling of the nozzle surface can be prevented.

[0168] (3) The liquid receiving section 47 has a space 78 below the absorbing member 76. Therefore, the liquid receiving section 47 can hold not only the water-containing liquid Lw inside the absorbing member 76, but also the water-containing liquid Lw inside the space below the absorbing member 76. Thus, the resin ink or reaction liquid absorbed by the absorbing member can be continuously humidified using the liquid Lw containing a large amount of water. This further prevents the resin ink or reaction liquid absorbed by the absorbing member 76 from drying, thickening, or solidifying within the absorbing member 76.

[0169] (4) The absorber 76 is positioned such that when the water-containing liquid Lw filling the liquid receiving section 47 is discharged from the second outlet 72a, it overlaps with the surface of the water-containing liquid Lw remaining in the liquid receiving section 47. The second outlet 72a may also be positioned in the vertical direction Z between the receiving surface 76a and the lower surface 76e, which is the upper surface of the absorber 76. After the liquid receiving section 47 is filled with water-containing liquid Lw, by discharging the water-containing liquid Lw from the liquid receiving section 47 through the second outlet 72a, the height of the surface of the water-containing liquid Lw in the liquid receiving section 47 can be easily set at a position overlapping with the absorber 76. Thus, even if moisture evaporates from the absorber 76, since the absorber 76 absorbs the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f from the portion overlapping with the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the liquid receiving section 47, the drying of the resin ink in the absorber 76 can be suppressed. When the reaction solution redissolves in water, the reaction solution absorbed by the absorption component 76 can redissolve in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the liquid receiving section 47, causing a large amount of reaction solution to flow out from the absorption component 76. When the reaction solution absorbed by the absorption component 76 flows out into the aqueous liquid Lw, the absorption component 76 can be brought back to its state before absorbing the reaction solution. In addition, the absorption component 76 is kept moist by the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated to the height of the second discharge port 72a. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the resin ink or reaction solution absorbed by the absorption component 76 from drying, thickening, or curing within the absorption component 76.

[0170] (5) In the liquid receiving device 42, the liquid receiving part 47 has a fence post 74e around the second outlet 72a, which serves as a protrusion that engages with the end of the absorption member 76. As a result, it is possible to prevent the absorption member 76 from contacting the second outlet 72a and to prevent the second outlet 72a from being closed by the absorption member 76.

[0171] (6) The liquid receiving device 42 includes: a suction unit 85 that suctions resin ink or reaction liquid from the liquid receiving unit 47 via a first discharge flow path 81 or a second discharge flow path 82; and a flow path switching unit 86 that can switch between the first discharge flow path 81 and the second discharge flow path 82 that are connected to the suction unit 85. Therefore, it is possible to use a single suction unit 85 to suction resin ink or reaction liquid from the liquid receiving unit 47 via the first discharge flow path 81 and the second discharge flow path 82 respectively.

[0172] Therefore, by using a suction unit 85, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device 11, even if the amount of resin ink or reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 in the two liquid receiving units 47 changes, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the liquid receiving device 42 caused by the absorption member 76 being unable to absorb the resin ink or reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20.

[0173] (7) The flow path switching unit 86 allows the resin ink in the first liquid receiving unit 47f to be drawn through the first discharge flow path 81f and the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving unit 47s to be drawn through the first discharge flow path 81s using a single suction unit 85. Furthermore, the same suction unit 85 allows the resin ink in the first liquid receiving unit 47f to be drawn through the second discharge flow path 82f and the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving unit 47s to be drawn through the second discharge flow path 82s. In other words, the same discharge control can be achieved for both liquid receiving units 47 using a single suction unit 85.

[0174] Therefore, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device 11, even if the amount of resin ink and reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 in the two liquid receiving sections 47 of the liquid receiving device 42 changes, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the liquid receiving device 42 caused by the absorption member 76 being unable to absorb the resin ink and reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 20.

[0175] (8) The first outlet 71a is provided at one end of the liquid receiving section 47 along its long side, and the second outlet 72a is provided at the other end of the liquid receiving section 47 along its long side. Therefore, the first liquid receiving section 47f and the second liquid receiving section 47s can be arranged close to each other in the short side direction, thus reducing the width of the liquid receiving device 42. That is, it is possible to prevent the liquid receiving device 42 from becoming too large.

[0176] (9) The liquid receiving device 42 includes: a first cover 48f, which is configured to cover the opening 75 of the first liquid receiving portion 47f; a second cover 48s, which is configured to cover the opening 75 of the second liquid receiving portion 47s; and a drive mechanism 30, which is capable of moving the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s simultaneously. Thus, the first cover 48f, used to suppress the drying of the resin ink received in the first liquid receiving portion 47f, and the second cover 48s, used to suppress the drying of the reaction liquid received in the second liquid receiving portion 47s, can be driven by a single drive mechanism 30. That is, the enlargement of the liquid receiving device 42 can be prevented.

[0177] (10) The first liquid receiving part 47f and the second liquid receiving part 47s of the liquid receiving device 42 each have a deformable part 70a. The deformable part 70a can be elastically deformed and can contact the first cover 48f and the second cover 48s to surround the opening 75, and the surface of the deformable part 70a is waterproofed. Thus, by the elastic deformation of the deformable part 70a, the sealing between the first liquid receiving part 47f and the first cover 48f, and the sealing between the second liquid receiving part 47s and the second cover 48s can be improved. In addition, when the deformable part 70a is sealed with the first cover 48f, the resin ink absorbed in the absorbed component 76 can be prevented from rising on the inner side of the opening 75 due to capillary force, thus preventing the resin ink from dripping onto the outer side of the opening 75. Furthermore, when the deformable part 70a and the second cover 48s are sealed together, the reaction liquid absorbed in the absorbent part 76 can be prevented from rising on the inner side of the opening 75 due to capillary force, thus preventing the reaction liquid from dripping onto the outer side of the opening 75.

[0178] Second Implementation Method

[0179] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The second embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, therefore, the same symbols are used to mark the same structures and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0180] Regarding the waste liquid recycling department

[0181] like Figure 18 As shown, the flow path switching unit 86 can switch between a state in which the first discharge flow path 81f and the second discharge flow path 82s are connected to the suction unit 85, and a state in which the second discharge flow path 82f and the first discharge flow path 81s are connected to the suction unit 85.

[0182] With the first discharge path 81f, which communicates with the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge path 82s, which communicates with the second liquid receiving unit 47s, connected to the suction unit 85, the path switching unit 86 simultaneously closes the second connecting path and the third connecting path. As a result, the first discharge path 81f connects to the recovery path 84f, and the second discharge path 82s connects to the recovery path 84s. Furthermore, the suction unit 85 draws first liquid Lf from the first discharge path 81f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f, and draws second liquid Ls from the second discharge path 82s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s.

[0183] With the second discharge path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving section 47f, and the first discharge path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving section 47s, connected to the suction section 85, the path switching section 86 simultaneously closes the first connecting path and the fourth connecting path. As a result, the second discharge path 82f connects to the recovery path 84f, and the first discharge path 81s connects to the recovery path 84s. Furthermore, the suction section 85 draws first liquid Lf from the second discharge path 82f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f, and draws second liquid Ls from the first discharge path 81s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s.

[0184] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0185] In the second embodiment, descriptions that are repeated in the first embodiment are also omitted.

[0186] like Figure 18 As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 is relatively large, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0187] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82s. The first discharge flow path 81f is connected to the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first discharge outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76. Therefore, the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f can be discharged from the first discharge outlet 71a. Thus, the suction unit 85 can draw resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f. In addition, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f can be reduced.

[0188] like Figure 18 As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 is small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0189] When an aqueous liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a into the second liquid receiving section 47s, the absorption member 76 is immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw that is supplied to and accumulates in the second liquid receiving section 47s. As a result, the reaction liquid in the absorption member 76 is redissolved in the aqueous liquid Lw and flows out, thereby reducing the amount of reaction liquid in the absorption member 76.

[0190] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the second discharge flow path 82s. The drawn reaction liquid is a mixture of a small amount of the reaction liquid and an aqueous liquid Lw. The absorption member 76 is positioned such that when the aqueous liquid Lw filling the second liquid receiving unit 47s is discharged from the second outlet 72a, which is located in a position not in contact with the absorption member 76, it overlaps with the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the second liquid receiving unit 47s. The second outlet 72a may also be positioned vertically in the Z direction between the receiving surface 76a, which is the upper surface of the absorption member 76, and the lower surface 76e. Thus, the height of the aqueous liquid Lw becomes the height of the second outlet 72a, allowing the absorption member 76 to be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the second liquid receiving unit 47s up to the height of the second outlet 72a. Therefore, the drying of the reaction liquid in the absorption component 76 can be suppressed by the accumulation of water-containing liquid Lw to the height of the second outlet 72a.

[0191] like Figure 18 As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 is relatively large and the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 is relatively small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Therefore, it is possible to use a single suction unit 85 to switch the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, to a state where they are connected to the suction unit 85.

[0192] When an aqueous liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a to the second liquid receiving section 47s, the absorption member 76 can be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw that is supplied to the second liquid receiving section 47s and accumulates. As a result, the reaction liquid in the absorption member 76 redissolves in the aqueous liquid Lw and flows out, thereby reducing the amount of reaction liquid in the absorption member 76.

[0193] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82s. The first discharge flow path 81f is connected to the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76. Therefore, the resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f can be discharged from the first outlet 71a. Thus, the suction unit 85 can draw resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the first discharge flow path 81f. In addition, the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the first liquid receiving unit 47f can be reduced. At this time, the drawn reaction liquid is a reaction liquid containing a small amount of reaction liquid mixed in with an aqueous liquid Lw. The absorber 76 is positioned such that when the aqueous liquid Lw filling the second liquid receiving section 47s is discharged from the second outlet 72a, which is located in a position not in contact with the absorber 76, the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the second liquid receiving section 47s overlaps with the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the second liquid receiving section 47s. The second outlet 72a may also be positioned in the vertical direction Z between the receiving surface 76a, which is the upper surface of the absorber 76, and the lower surface 76e. Thus, the height of the aqueous liquid Lw becomes the height of the second outlet 72a, allowing the absorber 76 to be immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f up to the height of the second outlet 72a. Therefore, the accumulation of aqueous liquid Lw up to the height of the second outlet 72a can suppress the subsequent drying of the reaction liquid within the absorber 76.

[0194] like Figure 18 As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 is large, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0195] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. The first discharge flow path 81s is connected to the first connecting part 71, which is located at the position where the first discharge outlet 71a contacts the absorption member 76. Therefore, the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s can be discharged from the first discharge outlet 71a. Thus, the suction unit 85 can draw reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. In addition, the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving unit 47s can be reduced.

[0196] like Figure 18 As shown, when the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 is small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Thus, the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, can be switched to a state where it is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0197] When a water-containing liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a into the first liquid receiving section 47f, the absorber 76 is immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f. As a result, the absorber 76 absorbs the water-containing liquid Lw, thereby increasing the moisture content of the resin ink within the absorber 76, which has reduced moisture content. Furthermore, since unthickened resin ink within the absorber 76 flows out into the water-containing liquid Lw, the amount of resin ink within the absorber 76 can be reduced.

[0198] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. In practice, the liquid drawn from the first liquid receiving unit 47f at this time is resin ink mixed with a small amount of resin ink in an aqueous liquid Lw. The absorption member 76 is positioned such that when the aqueous liquid Lw filling the first liquid receiving unit 47f is discharged from the second discharge outlet 72a, which is located in a position not in contact with the absorption member 76, it overlaps with the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the first liquid receiving unit 47f. The second discharge outlet 72a may also be located in the vertical direction Z between the receiving surface 76a and the lower surface 76e, which is the upper surface of the absorption member 76. Therefore, the height of the water-containing liquid Lw becomes the height of the second outlet 72a, allowing the absorber 76 to be immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f, up to the height of the second outlet 72a. Thus, even if moisture evaporates from the absorber 76, the absorber 76 will absorb the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f, thereby suppressing the drying of the resin ink within the absorber 76.

[0199] like Figure 18As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption component 76 is relatively large and the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption component 76 is relatively small, the flow path switching unit 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, are connected to the suction unit 85. Therefore, it is possible to use a single suction unit 85 to switch the second discharge flow path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, to a state where they are connected to the suction unit 85.

[0200] When a water-containing liquid Lw is supplied from the liquid supply port 73a into the first liquid receiving section 47f, the absorber 76 is immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f. As a result, the absorber 76 absorbs the water-containing liquid Lw, thereby increasing the moisture content of the resin ink within the absorber 76, which has reduced moisture content. Furthermore, since unthickened resin ink within the absorber 76 flows out into the water-containing liquid Lw, the amount of resin ink within the absorber 76 can be reduced.

[0201] The suction unit 85 draws resin ink from the first liquid receiving unit 47f via the second discharge flow path 82f, and draws reaction liquid from the second liquid receiving unit 47s via the first discharge flow path 81s. In practice, the liquid drawn from the first liquid receiving unit 47f at this time is resin ink mixed with a small amount of resin ink in an aqueous liquid Lw. The absorption member 76 is positioned such that when the aqueous liquid Lw filling the first liquid receiving unit 47f is discharged from the second discharge outlet 72a, which is located in a position not in contact with the absorption member 76, it overlaps with the surface of the aqueous liquid Lw remaining in the first liquid receiving unit 47f. The second discharge outlet 72a may also be located in the vertical direction Z between the receiving surface 76a and the lower surface 76e, which is the upper surface of the absorption member 76. Therefore, the height of the water-containing liquid Lw becomes the height of the second outlet 72a, allowing the absorber 76 to be immersed in the water-containing liquid Lw supplied to and accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f, up to the height of the second outlet 72a. Thus, even if moisture evaporates from the absorber 76, the absorber 76 will absorb the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f, thereby suppressing the drying of the resin ink within the absorber 76. Furthermore, the first discharge flow path 81s communicates with the first connecting portion 71, which is located at the position where the first outlet 71a contacts the absorber 76, allowing the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 in the second liquid receiving section 47s to be discharged from the first outlet 71a. Thus, the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving section 47s can be drawn from the second liquid receiving section 47s via the suction portion 85 through the first discharge flow path 81s. Additionally, the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorber 76 in the second liquid receiving section 47s can be reduced.

[0202] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0203] In the liquid receiving device 42 and the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment, the same effects as those of (1) to (6) and (8) to (10) in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0204] (11) The flow path switching unit 86 allows the resin ink in the first liquid receiving section 47f to be drawn through the first discharge flow path 81f and the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving section 47s to be drawn through the second discharge flow path 82s using the same suction unit 85. Furthermore, the same suction unit 85 can be used to draw the resin ink in the first liquid receiving section 47f through the second discharge flow path 82f and the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving section 47s through the first discharge flow path 81s. In other words, the two liquid receiving sections 47 can be controlled to discharge in opposite directions using a single suction unit 85.

[0205] Therefore, by using a suction unit 85, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device 11, even if the amount of resin ink and reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 in the two liquid receiving units 47 of the liquid receiving device 42 changes, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the liquid receiving device 42 caused by the absorption member 76 being unable to absorb the resin ink and reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20.

[0206] Third Implementation Method

[0207] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The third embodiment is substantially the same as the first embodiment, therefore, the same symbols are used to mark the same structures and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0208] Regarding the waste liquid recycling department

[0209] like Figure 19 As shown, the waste liquid recovery unit 80 includes a first discharge flow path 81, a second discharge flow path 82, a waste liquid tank 83, a recovery flow path 84, a suction unit 85, a flow path switching unit 86, and an atmospheric open path 87.

[0210] Atmospheric open path 87 is a flow path open to the atmosphere. Atmospheric open path 87 consists of atmospheric open path 87f for opening the recovery flow path 84f to the atmosphere and atmospheric open path 87s for opening the recovery flow path 84s to the atmosphere.

[0211] The flow path switching unit 86 can switch between the states where the first discharge flow path 81f is connected to the suction unit 85, the states where the first discharge flow path 81s is connected to the suction unit 85, the states where the second discharge flow path 82f is connected to the suction unit 85, and the states where the second discharge flow path 82s is connected to the suction unit 85.

[0212] In this embodiment, the flow path switching unit 86 is configured to simultaneously close multiple connecting flow paths via a drive cam. The flow path switching unit 86 has six connecting flow paths. The first connecting flow path connects the first discharge flow path 81f to the recovery flow path 84f. The second connecting flow path connects the second discharge flow path 82f to the recovery flow path 84f. The third connecting flow path connects the first discharge flow path 81s to the recovery flow path 84s. The fourth connecting flow path connects the second discharge flow path 82s to the recovery flow path 84s. The fifth connecting flow path connects the atmospheric opening path 87f to the recovery flow path 84f. The sixth connecting flow path connects the atmospheric opening path 87s to the recovery flow path 84s.

[0213] With the first discharge path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the suction unit 85 connected, the path switching unit 86 simultaneously closes the second to fifth connecting paths. As a result, the first discharge path 81f is connected to the recovery path 84f, and the atmospheric opening path 87s is connected to the recovery path 84s. Furthermore, the suction unit 85 draws first liquid Lf from the first discharge path 81f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f, and also draws in air from the atmospheric opening path 87s and sends it to the waste liquid tank 83s. In other words, the suction unit 85 draws first liquid Lf from the first discharge path 81f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f.

[0214] With the second discharge path 82f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving unit 47f, and the suction unit 85 connected, the path switching unit 86 simultaneously closes the first connecting path and the third to fifth connecting paths. As a result, the second discharge path 82f connects to the recovery path 84f, and the atmospheric opening path 87s connects to the recovery path 84s. Furthermore, the suction unit 85 draws the first liquid Lf from the second discharge path 82f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f, and also draws in air from the atmospheric opening path 87s and sends it to the waste liquid tank 83s. In other words, the suction unit 85 draws the first liquid Lf from the second discharge path 82f and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83f.

[0215] With the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving unit 47s, connected to the suction unit 85, the flow path switching unit 86 simultaneously closes the first to second connecting flow path, the fourth connecting flow path, and the sixth connecting flow path. As a result, the first discharge flow path 81s is connected to the recovery flow path 84s, and the atmospheric opening path 87s is connected to the recovery flow path 84s. Furthermore, the suction unit 85 draws the second liquid Ls from the first discharge flow path 81s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s, and also draws in air from the atmospheric opening path 87f and sends it to the waste liquid tank 83f. In other words, the suction unit 85 draws the second liquid Ls from the first discharge flow path 81s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s.

[0216] With the second discharge path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving section 47s, connected to the suction section 85, the path switching section 86 simultaneously closes the first to third connecting paths and the sixth connecting path. As a result, the second discharge path 82s is connected to the recovery path 84s, and the atmospheric opening path 87f is connected to the recovery path 84f. Furthermore, the suction section 85 draws the second liquid Ls from the second discharge path 82s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s, and also draws in air from the atmospheric opening path 87f and delivers it to the waste liquid tank 83f. In other words, the suction section 85 draws the second liquid Ls from the second discharge path 82s and stores it in the waste liquid tank 83s.

[0217] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0218] In the description of the function of the third embodiment, the description that is repeated in the description of the function of the first embodiment is also omitted.

[0219] like Figure 19 As shown, when a large amount of resin ink is received by the absorption member 76 within the first liquid receiving section 47f, the flow path switching section 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81f, which is connected to the first liquid receiving section 47f, is connected to the suction section 85. Resin ink within the first liquid receiving section 47f is then suctioned via the first discharge flow path 81f. This reduces the amount of resin ink absorbed by the absorption member 76 within the first liquid receiving section 47f.

[0220] like Figure 19 As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving section 47s is relatively large, the flow path switching section 86 switches to a state where the first discharge flow path 81s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving section 47s, is connected to the suction section 85. The reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving section 47s is then suctioned via the first discharge flow path 81s. This reduces the amount of reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving section 47s.

[0221] like Figure 19As shown, when the amount of resin ink received by the absorber 76 in the first liquid receiving section 47f is small, the flow path switching section 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the first liquid receiving section 47f, is connected to the suction section 85. Aqueous liquid Lw accumulates in the first liquid receiving section 47f, and the resin ink in the first liquid receiving section 47f is suctioned through the second discharge flow path 82f. The absorber 76 in the first liquid receiving section 47f becomes immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving section 47f. Therefore, by absorbing the aqueous liquid Lw in the first liquid receiving section 47f by the absorber 76, the moisture content of the resin ink in the absorber 76, which has reduced moisture content, can be increased. Furthermore, since the unthickened resin ink in the absorber 76 flows out into the aqueous liquid Lw, the amount of resin ink in the absorber 76 can be reduced. Furthermore, even if moisture evaporates from the absorption member 76, the drying of the resin ink in the absorption member 76 can be suppressed because the absorption member 76 absorbs the water-containing liquid Lw accumulated in the first liquid receiving part 47f.

[0222] like Figure 19 As shown, when the amount of reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving section 47s is small, the flow path switching section 86 switches to a state where the second discharge flow path 82s, which is connected to the second liquid receiving section 47s, is connected to the suction section 85. Aqueous liquid Lw accumulates in the second liquid receiving section 47s, and the aqueous liquid Lw in the second liquid receiving section 47s is suctioned through the second discharge flow path 82s. The absorption member 76 in the second liquid receiving section 47s becomes immersed in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the second liquid receiving section 47s. Therefore, the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 can be redissolved in the aqueous liquid Lw accumulated in the second liquid receiving section 47s and flows out from the absorption member 76. When the reaction liquid absorbed by the absorption member 76 flows out into the aqueous liquid Lw, the absorption member 76 can be brought close to its state before absorbing the reaction liquid. In addition, by accumulating water-containing liquid Lw to the height of the second outlet 72a, the drying of the reaction liquid inside the absorption component 76 can be suppressed.

[0223] In this way, by using a suction unit 85, even if the amount of resin ink and reaction liquid received by the absorption members 76 in the two liquid receiving units 47 changes, the malfunction of the liquid receiving unit 42 caused by the absorption members 76 failing to absorb the resin ink and reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20 can be suppressed, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0224] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0225] In the liquid receiving device 42 and the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment, the same effects as those of (1) to (6) and (8) to (10) in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0226] (12) The flow path switching unit 86 allows the resin ink in the first liquid receiving section 47f to be drawn through the first discharge flow path 81f and the second discharge flow path 82f using a single suction unit 85. Furthermore, the same suction unit 85 can also be used to draw the reaction liquid in the second liquid receiving section 47s through the first discharge flow path 81s and the second discharge flow path 82s. In other words, a single suction unit 85 can be used to control the discharge of the two liquid receiving sections 47 in different ways.

[0227] Therefore, by using a suction unit 85, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device 11, even if the amount of resin ink and reaction liquid received by the absorption member 76 in the two liquid receiving units 47 of the liquid receiving device 42 changes, it is possible to suppress the malfunction of the liquid receiving device 42 caused by the absorption member 76 being unable to absorb the resin ink and reaction liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit 20.

[0228] This embodiment can be implemented with modifications as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0229] Alternatively, an evaporating component other than water can be supplied to the opening 75 within the liquid receiving section 47. When an evaporating component other than water evaporates from the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section, the thickening and solidification of the liquid can be suppressed by supplying this evaporating component.

[0230] The user or maintenance personnel can also supply liquid Lw containing evaporating components or water into the opening 75 inside the liquid receiving section 47. The user or maintenance personnel can also move the cover 48 to the open position by operating the control panel 24 to periodically or as needed supply liquid Lw containing evaporating components or water into the opening 75 inside the liquid receiving section 47.

[0231] The liquid receiving device 42 may also include a third liquid receiving section 47 capable of receiving a third liquid. In the liquid dispensing device 11 that uses multiple liquids, the multiple liquids can be received by different liquid receiving sections 47 in order to reuse or discard the components contained in the multiple liquids. For example, in order to reuse or discard the components contained in each liquid, the first liquid Lf, the second liquid Ls, and the third liquid can be received by different liquid receiving sections 47.

[0232] The liquid receiving device 42 may also be a structure comprising multiple sets of combinations of the first liquid receiving section 47 and the second liquid receiving section 47. Alternatively, in the above-described modification, the liquid receiving device 42 may also be a structure comprising multiple sets of combinations of the first liquid receiving section 47, the second liquid receiving section 47, and the third liquid receiving section 47.

[0233] The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a liquid ejection device 11 that ejects liquids other than ink and reaction liquid. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device 11 as tiny droplets includes granular, teardrop-shaped, and filamentous states. The liquid referred to here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the liquid can be any state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, including liquids with high or low viscosity, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and fluids such as molten metals. Liquids not only include liquids as a state of matter, but also liquids in which functional material particles composed of solids such as pigments or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals described in the above embodiments. Here, ink includes general water-based inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of the liquid ejection device 11 include devices that eject liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and pigments used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device used as a precision pipette to eject liquids as samples, a printing and dyeing device, a micro-dispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting lubricating oil from a needle tip in precision machinery such as watches or cameras, or a device for ejecting transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curable resins onto a substrate in the form of micro-hemispherical lenses or optical lenses used in optical communication components. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0234] The following describes the technical concepts and effects learned based on the above-described implementation methods and modifications.

[0235] (A) A liquid receiving device includes: a liquid receiving section capable of receiving liquid ejected from a liquid ejection section through an opening; a first discharge flow path capable of discharging liquid from the liquid receiving section; and a second discharge flow path capable of discharging liquid from the liquid receiving section. The liquid receiving section includes: a suction member disposed within the liquid receiving section and capable of suctioning liquid; a first connecting section having a first outlet opening within the liquid receiving section and communicating with the first discharge flow path; and a second connecting section having a second outlet opening within the liquid receiving section and communicating with the second discharge flow path. The first connecting section is disposed at a position where the first outlet contacts the suction member, and the second connecting section is disposed at a position where the second outlet does not contact the suction member.

[0236] According to this structure, by positioning the first connecting portion at the point where it contacts the first outlet and the absorption member, the liquid absorbed by the absorption member can be discharged from the first outlet. Furthermore, when the amount of liquid received by the absorption member is large, the amount of liquid absorbed by the absorption member can be reduced. That is, it can prevent liquid ejected from the liquid ejection portion from overflowing from the opening of the liquid receiving portion.

[0237] Furthermore, to humidify the liquid with reduced evaporation components within the absorption member, the liquid is stored in the liquid receiving section up to the height of the second outlet, which is located at a position not in contact with the absorption member. This allows for continuous humidification by the evaporation components from the liquid. Alternatively, the absorption member can be immersed in a liquid with a higher evaporation component stored in the liquid receiving section, and the absorption member absorbs this liquid with a higher evaporation component. This prevents the liquid absorbed by the absorption member from drying and thickening within the absorption member when the amount of liquid received is small. As a result, it prevents the absorption of liquid from the opening from being blocked, thus hindering the absorption into the absorption member and preventing the accumulation of solidified liquid on the receiving surface of the absorption member, which would contaminate the nozzle surface.

[0238] Depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device, even if the amount of liquid received by the absorption component of the liquid receiving device changes, it is possible to suppress malfunctions in the liquid receiving device caused by the absorption component being unable to absorb the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection part.

[0239] (B) Alternatively, in the above-described liquid receiving device, the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section is an aqueous liquid, and the liquid receiving device includes a liquid supply section capable of supplying the aqueous liquid into the liquid receiving section.

[0240] According to this structure, by supplying an aqueous liquid to the liquid receiving section through the liquid supply section, the liquid absorbed by the absorption component can be continuously humidified by the water evaporating from the aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section. Alternatively, by supplying an aqueous liquid to the liquid receiving section through the liquid supply section, the absorption component is immersed in the aqueous liquid supplied and accumulated in the liquid receiving section and absorbs the aqueous liquid, thereby increasing the moisture content of the liquid in the absorption component that has decreased in moisture. In addition, since the liquid in the absorption component flows out into the aqueous liquid, the amount of liquid in the absorption component can be reduced. When the liquid absorbed by the absorption component flows out into the aqueous liquid, the absorption component can be brought close to the state before the liquid was absorbed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid absorbed by the absorption component from drying, thickening, or solidifying inside the absorption component. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the absorption of liquid received from the opening from being blocked by the absorption component, thus preventing the accumulation of solidified liquid on the receiving surface of the absorption component and soiling the nozzle surface.

[0241] (C) Alternatively, in the above-described liquid receiving device, the liquid receiving part has a space below the suction member.

[0242] According to this structure, the liquid receiving section can not only hold liquid or water-containing liquid within the absorption component, but also accommodate liquid or water-containing liquid in the space below the absorption component. Furthermore, the liquid absorbed by the absorption component can be continuously humidified using the large amount of water and evaporating components that evaporate from the large quantity of liquid or water-containing liquid. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the liquid absorbed by the absorption component from drying, thickening, or solidifying within the absorption component.

[0243] (D) Alternatively, in the above-described liquid receiving device, the suction member is positioned at a location where the liquid level of the liquid remaining in the liquid receiving section overlaps with the liquid level of the liquid remaining in the liquid receiving section when the liquid filling the liquid receiving section is discharged from the second outlet.

[0244] According to this structure, after the liquid receiving section is filled with liquid or an aqueous liquid, the liquid or aqueous liquid in the liquid receiving section is discharged from the second outlet, thereby easily setting the liquid level of the liquid or aqueous liquid in the liquid receiving section to overlap with the absorption member. Therefore, even if moisture or evaporating components evaporate from the absorption member, the absorption member absorbs the liquid or aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section from the portion overlapping with the liquid or aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section, thus suppressing the drying of the liquid in the absorption member. Furthermore, the liquid absorbed by the absorption member can flow out of the absorption member from the portion overlapping with the aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section. This further suppresses the drying, thickening, or solidification of the liquid absorbed by the absorption member within the absorption member.

[0245] (E) Alternatively, in the liquid receiving device described above, the liquid receiving part has a protrusion around the second outlet that engages with the end of the suction member.

[0246] According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the absorption component from contacting the second outlet and to prevent the second outlet from being blocked by the absorption component.

[0247] (F) Alternatively, in the above-described liquid receiving device, the second outlet is disposed in the vertical direction between the upper and lower surfaces of the absorption component.

[0248] According to this structure, after the liquid receiving section is filled with liquid or an aqueous liquid, the liquid or aqueous liquid contained in the liquid receiving section is discharged from the second outlet, thereby easily setting the liquid level of the liquid or aqueous liquid in the liquid receiving section to overlap with the absorption member. Therefore, even if moisture or evaporating components evaporate from the absorption member, the absorption member absorbs the liquid or aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section from the portion overlapping with the liquid or aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section, thus suppressing the drying of the liquid in the absorption member. Furthermore, the liquid absorbed by the absorption member can flow out of the absorption member from the portion overlapping with the aqueous liquid accumulated in the liquid receiving section. This further suppresses the drying, thickening, or solidification of the liquid absorbed by the absorption member within the absorption member.

[0249] (G) Alternatively, the liquid receiving device described above may include: a suction unit that suctions liquid from the liquid receiving unit via a first discharge path or a second discharge path; and a path switching unit that can switch between the first discharge path and the second discharge path that is connected to the suction unit.

[0250] According to this structure, a suction section can be used to suction liquid from the liquid receiving section via a first discharge flow path and a second discharge flow path, respectively.

[0251] Therefore, by using a suction unit, even if the amount of liquid received by the absorption components in the two liquid receiving units changes, the malfunction of the liquid receiving unit caused by the absorption components being unable to absorb the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit can be suppressed, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device.

[0252] (H) Alternatively, the liquid receiving device described above may include: a first liquid receiving unit capable of receiving a first liquid; and a second liquid receiving unit capable of receiving a second liquid, wherein the flow path switching unit is capable of switching between the following states: a state in which the first discharge flow path connected to the first liquid receiving unit and the first discharge flow path connected to the second liquid receiving unit are connected to the suction unit; and a state in which the second discharge flow path connected to the first liquid receiving unit and the second discharge flow path connected to the second liquid receiving unit are connected to the suction unit.

[0253] According to this structure, two types of suction can be achieved using a single suction unit: one type involves suctioning liquid from both the first and second liquid receiving units via a first discharge path; the other type involves suctioning liquid from both the first and second liquid receiving units via a second discharge path. In other words, the same discharge control can be applied to both liquid receiving units using a single suction unit.

[0254] Therefore, by utilizing a single suction section, even if the amount of liquid received by the liquid receiving device from the absorption components in the two liquid receiving sections changes, it is possible to suppress any malfunctions in the liquid receiving device caused by the absorption components being unable to absorb the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device.

[0255] (I) Alternatively, the liquid receiving device described above may include: a first liquid receiving unit capable of receiving a first liquid; and a second liquid receiving unit capable of receiving a second liquid, wherein the flow path switching unit is capable of switching between the following states: a state in which the first discharge flow path connected to the first liquid receiving unit and the second discharge flow path connected to the second liquid receiving unit are connected to the suction unit; and a state in which the second discharge flow path connected to the first liquid receiving unit and the first discharge flow path connected to the second liquid receiving unit are connected to the suction unit.

[0256] According to this structure, two types of suction can be achieved using a single suction unit: one type involves suctioning liquid from the first liquid receiving unit via a first discharge flow path and suctioning liquid from the second liquid receiving unit via a second discharge flow path; the other type involves suctioning liquid from the first liquid receiving unit via the second discharge flow path and suctioning liquid from the second liquid receiving unit via the first discharge flow path. In other words, one suction unit can be used to control the discharge of liquid from both liquid receiving units in opposite directions.

[0257] Therefore, by using a suction unit, even if the amount of liquid received by the absorption components in the two liquid receiving units changes, the malfunction of the liquid receiving unit caused by the absorption components being unable to absorb the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit can be suppressed, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device.

[0258] (J) Alternatively, the liquid receiving device described above may include: a first liquid receiving unit capable of receiving a first liquid; and a second liquid receiving unit capable of receiving a second liquid, wherein the flow path switching unit is capable of switching between the following states: a state in which the first discharge flow path connected to the first liquid receiving unit is connected to the suction unit; a state in which the second discharge flow path connected to the first liquid receiving unit is connected to the suction unit; a state in which the first discharge flow path connected to the second liquid receiving unit is connected to the suction unit; and a state in which the second discharge flow path connected to the second liquid receiving unit is connected to the suction unit.

[0259] According to this structure, a single suction section can be used to perform the following suction operations: suctioning liquid from the first liquid receiving section via a first discharge flow path; suctioning liquid from the first liquid receiving section via a second discharge flow path; suctioning liquid from the second liquid receiving section via the first discharge flow path; and suctioning liquid from the second liquid receiving section via the second discharge flow path. In other words, a single suction section can be used to perform different discharge controls on the two liquid receiving sections.

[0260] Therefore, by using a suction unit, even if the amount of liquid received by the absorption components in the two liquid receiving units changes, the malfunction of the liquid receiving unit caused by the absorption components being unable to absorb the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection unit can be suppressed, depending on the usage of the liquid ejection device.

[0261] (K) Alternatively, in the above-described liquid receiving device, the first outlet is located at one end of the liquid receiving part along its long side, and the second outlet is located at the other end of the liquid receiving part along its long side.

[0262] According to this structure, the two liquid receiving sections can be configured close to the short side direction, thus reducing the width of the liquid receiving device. In other words, it is possible to prevent the liquid receiving device from becoming too large.

[0263] (L) Alternatively, the liquid receiving device described above may include: a first cover configured to cover the opening of the first liquid receiving portion; a second cover configured to cover the opening of the second liquid receiving portion; and a drive mechanism capable of moving the first cover and the second cover simultaneously.

[0264] According to this structure, a single drive mechanism can be used to drive two covers, which are used to prevent the drying of liquid or water contained in the two liquid receiving sections. That is, it can prevent the liquid receiving device from becoming enlarged.

[0265] (M) Alternatively, in the above-described liquid receiving device, the first liquid receiving part and the second liquid receiving part are respectively in a state in which the deformable part surrounds the opening, the deformable part can contact the first cover and the second cover and can be elastically deformed, and the surface of the deformable part is waterproofed.

[0266] According to this structure, the elastic deformation of the deformable part can improve the sealing between the liquid receiving part and the cover, and when the deformable part and the cover are sealed, it can suppress the liquid absorbed in the absorbent component from rising on the inner side of the opening due to capillary force. In addition, it can prevent liquid from dripping onto the outer side of the opening.

[0267] (N) Alternatively, the liquid ejection device may include: a liquid ejection section for ejecting liquid; and the aforementioned liquid receiving device.

[0268] Based on this structure, the same effect as that of the liquid receiving device described above can be achieved.

Claims

1. A liquid receiving device, characterized in that, have: A liquid receiving section is capable of receiving liquid ejected from a liquid ejection section through an opening, the opening being surrounded by a frame of a deformable section capable of elastic deformation. The first discharge flow path is capable of discharging the liquid in the liquid receiving section; as well as The second discharge path is capable of discharging the liquid from the liquid receiving section. The liquid receiving part has: A suction component is disposed within the liquid receiving section and is capable of suctioning liquid; The first connecting portion has a first outlet opening inside the liquid receiving portion and is connected to the first discharge flow path; as well as The second connecting portion has a second outlet that opens inside the liquid receiving portion and communicates with the second discharge flow path. The first connecting portion is located at the position where the first discharge port contacts the suction component. The second connecting part is located at a position where the second discharge outlet does not contact the suction component.

2. The liquid receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section is a water-containing liquid. The liquid receiving device includes a liquid supply section capable of supplying water-containing liquid into the liquid receiving section.

3. The liquid receiving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid receiving part has a space below the suction component.

4. The liquid receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The suction component is positioned at a point where the surface of the liquid remaining in the liquid receiving section overlaps with the surface of the liquid when the liquid filling the liquid receiving section is discharged from the second outlet.

5. The liquid receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The liquid receiving part has a protrusion around the second outlet that engages with the end of the suction component.

6. The liquid receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second outlet is disposed vertically between the upper and lower surfaces of the suction component.

7. The liquid receiving device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The liquid receiving device includes: The suction unit draws liquid from the liquid receiving unit via the first discharge path or the second discharge path; and The flow path switching unit is capable of switching between the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path that is connected to the suction unit.

8. The liquid receiving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, have: The first liquid receiving unit is capable of receiving a first liquid; and The second liquid receiving unit is capable of receiving the second liquid. The flow path switching unit can switch between the following states: The first discharge path connected to the first liquid receiving part and the first discharge path connected to the second liquid receiving part are in a state where they are connected to the suction part; as well as The second discharge path connected to the first liquid receiving unit and the second discharge path connected to the second liquid receiving unit are in a state where they are connected to the suction unit.

9. The liquid receiving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, have: The first liquid receiving unit is capable of receiving a first liquid; and The second liquid receiving unit is capable of receiving the second liquid. The flow path switching unit can switch between the following states: The first discharge path, which is connected to the first liquid receiving part, and the second discharge path, which is connected to the second liquid receiving part, are in a state where they are connected to the suction part; as well as The second discharge path, which is connected to the first liquid receiving part, and the first discharge path, which is connected to the second liquid receiving part, are in a state where they are connected to the suction part.

10. The liquid receiving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, have: The first liquid receiving unit is capable of receiving a first liquid; and The second liquid receiving unit is capable of receiving the second liquid. The flow path switching unit can switch between the following states: The first discharge path, which is connected to the liquid receiving part described above, is connected to the suction part; The second discharge path, which is connected to the liquid receiving part described in the first description, is connected to the suction part; The first discharge path, which is connected to the liquid receiving part described second, is connected to the suction part; as well as The second discharge path, which is connected to the second liquid receiving section, is in a state where it is connected to the suction section.

11. The liquid receiving device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first outlet is located at one end of the long side of the liquid receiving section. The second outlet is located at the other end of the liquid receiving section along its long side.

12. The liquid receiving device according to claim 8, characterized in that, have: The first cover is configured to cover the opening of the first liquid receiving portion; The second cover is configured to cover the opening of the second liquid receiving section; and A drive mechanism is provided that can move the first cover and the second cover simultaneously.

13. The liquid receiving device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first liquid receiving part and the second liquid receiving part are respectively positioned such that a deformable portion surrounds the opening, the deformable portion being able to contact the first cover and the second cover and being elastically deformable. The surface of the deformed part is waterproofed.

14. A liquid ejection device, comprising: The liquid ejection section that ejects liquid; and The liquid receiving device according to claim 1.

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