Liquid container and liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid container and a liquid ejecting apparatus, which do not require a liquid container for storing a liquid for humidification to be separately provided from a liquid container for storing a waste liquid. A waste liquid cartridge (110) is detachably attached to an attachment portion having a waste liquid discharge portion as an example of a discharge portion for discharging a waste liquid and a liquid introduction portion. The waste liquid cartridge (110) has a waste liquid introduction portion (115) connected to the waste liquid discharge portion (103) when the waste liquid cartridge (110) is attached to the attachment portion, and a waste liquid storage portion (86) capable of storing a waste liquid discharged from the waste liquid discharge portion. Further, the waste liquid cartridge (110) has a liquid discharge portion (116) connected to the liquid introduction portion when the waste liquid cartridge (110) is attached to the attachment portion, and a regulated water storage portion (66a) (e.g., a regulated water pack 68) storing regulated water as an example of a liquid discharged to the liquid introduction portion. The regulated water is a liquid containing water for humidifying a cover as an example of a humidified portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a liquid storage body that stores a liquid and a liquid discharge apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] A liquid ejection apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, which is one example of a liquid discharge apparatus, has a recording head (one example of a liquid discharge portion) that has a plurality of nozzles that eject a recording liquid attached to a target to thereby perform recording, and a cover that opposes the nozzles in a state of abutting against the recording head and can accommodate the recording liquid (waste liquid). The cover has a recording liquid accommodating portion that can accommodate the recording liquid ejected from the nozzles, and a moisturizing liquid accommodating portion that can accommodate a moisturizing liquid. The liquid ejection apparatus has a waste liquid tank (liquid storage body) that stores the waste liquid suctioned from the cover by a pump, and a moisturizing cartridge that supplies the moisturizing liquid to the moisturizing liquid accommodating portion by the pump. The recording liquid ejected from the nozzles to the cover is stored as the waste liquid in the waste liquid tank.

[0003] Even if the moisturizing liquid is reduced due to evaporation or the like in a case where the state of abutting the cover against the recording head is maintained for a long period, since the moisturizing liquid is supplied from the moisturizing cartridge, the recording head can be moisturized for a long period.

[0004] However, in the liquid ejection apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, a liquid storage portion such as a moisturizing cartridge for moisturizing the nozzles needs to be newly provided. Since the cartridge other than the ink cartridge should be replaced is added, there is a problem that, for a user, labor and time for replacing the cartridge and the like are increased, and thus usability of the liquid discharge apparatus is deteriorated.

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-61785 SUMMARY

[0006] A liquid storage body that solves the above problem is detachably mounted on a mounting portion that has a discharge portion that discharges a waste liquid and a liquid introduction portion, and has a waste liquid introduction portion that is connected to the discharge portion when the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion, a waste liquid storage portion that can store the waste liquid discharged from the discharge portion, a liquid discharge portion that is connected to the liquid introduction portion when the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion, a liquid storage portion that stores a liquid discharged into the liquid introduction portion, and the liquid is a liquid containing water for humidifying a humidified portion.

[0007] A liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the above-described problem includes: a liquid ejecting portion that ejects a liquid supplied from a liquid supply source from a nozzle; a cover that is a humidified portion that forms a closed space in which the nozzle is opened in contact with the liquid ejecting portion; a mounting portion that has the liquid storage body mounted in a detachable manner; a supply flow path that communicates the liquid introduction portion and the cover; and a first liquid feeding portion that feeds the liquid in the liquid storage body to the cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a liquid ejecting apparatus in one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 A schematic view of the arrangement of structural elements around a liquid ejecting head.

[0010] Figure 3 A schematic front view of structural elements in Figure 2 from a direction along an ejecting direction.

[0011] Figure 4 A front cross-sectional view of a unit cover.

[0012] Figure 5 A schematic view of the structure of a cover apparatus.

[0013] Figure 6 A perspective view of a mounting portion and a waste liquid tank.

[0014] Figure 7 A perspective view of the waste liquid tank from an oblique upper side.

[0015] Figure 8 A perspective view of the waste liquid tank from which a bottom surface is visible.

[0016] Figure 9 A front view of a mounting surface of the mounting portion.

[0017] Figure 10 A front view of a mounting surface of the waste liquid tank.

[0018] Figure 11 A perspective view of the waste liquid tank from which a first cover is removed.

[0019] Figure 12 A perspective view of the waste liquid tank from which a second cover is removed.

[0020] Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of the waste liquid tank from an oblique upper side.

[0021] Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of the waste liquid tank from an oblique lower side.

[0022] Figure 15 for Figure 10 A sectional view along line 15-15 in the diagram.

[0023] Figure 16 A block diagram illustrating the electrical structure of a liquid ejection device.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a cyclical action.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the concentration adjustment process.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the humidifying fluid during the execution of cyclic and concentration adjustment actions.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of structural elements around the liquid nozzle in the modified example.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of the humidifying fluid during the execution of cyclic and concentration adjustment actions. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of the liquid ejection device, the cover device used in the liquid ejection device, and the maintenance method of the cover device used in the liquid ejection device will be described. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper for recording (printing).

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, the liquid ejection device 11 is positioned on a plane, and its width and depth directions are substantially horizontal. Furthermore, the vertical direction is represented by the Z-axis, and the directions along the planes intersecting the Z-axis are represented by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are preferably orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the X-axis direction will also be referred to as the width direction X, the Y-axis direction as the depth direction Y, and the Z-axis direction as the vertical direction Z.

[0031] Structure of the liquid ejection device

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a cuboid-shaped main body 12, an image reading unit 13 mounted on the upper part of the main body 12, and an automatic feeding unit 14. The liquid dispensing device 11 has a structure in which the main body 12, the image reading unit 13, and the automatic feeding unit 14 are stacked sequentially from the bottom side in the vertical direction Z.

[0033] The image reading unit 13 is configured to read images such as text or photographs recorded on the original document. The automatic feeding unit 14 is configured to feed the original document toward the image reading unit 13. Furthermore, the image reading unit 13 has an operation unit 15 that is operated when an instruction is given to the liquid dispensing device 11. The operation unit 15 includes, for example, a display unit 15a consisting of a touch panel and operation buttons.

[0034] The main body 12 has multiple media storage sections 16 capable of storing media such as paper. In this embodiment, the main body 12 has a total of four media storage sections 16. The media storage sections 16 are configured to be pull out relative to the main body 12. Furthermore, the main body 12 has a recording section 20 for recording on a medium M within the main body 12. The recording section 20 includes a head unit 24, which has a liquid ejection head 21 capable of ejecting liquid. Moreover, the main body 12 has a mounting section 17 on its upper part, on which the medium M on which recording is performed is mounted. The mounting section 17 has a mounting surface 17a on which the medium M is mounted. Alternatively, the number of media storage sections 16 may be only one.

[0035] The media M, housed in the media receiving section 16, is conveyed along the transport path 19 from the media receiving section 16 through the recording section 20 and to the mounting section 17. A feed roller (not shown) rotates by contacting the uppermost media among the plurality of media M housed in the media receiving section 16, thereby feeding the uppermost media M from the media receiving section 16 towards the recording section 20 located above the media receiving section 16. As the media M passes through the recording section 20, a liquid ejector head 21 sprays liquid toward the media M, causing the sprayed liquid to adhere to the media M for recording. The recorded media M is then discharged to the mounting section 17 via a discharge roller pair (not shown).

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, around the liquid nozzle 21 of the recording unit 20, on the side opposite to the side where the head unit 24 is located relative to the transport path 19, a cover unit 51 and a wiper carriage 41, described later, are arranged. The head unit 24 includes the liquid nozzle 21 and a support 25 for holding the liquid nozzle 21.

[0037] The liquid nozzle 21 is configured to spray liquid from a plurality of nozzles 22 constituting a plurality of nozzle groups onto the medium M while extending along the width direction X. When the liquid nozzle 21 sprays liquid onto the medium M, the direction of liquid spraying is referred to as the spraying direction Y1. Furthermore, when the liquid nozzle 21 sprays liquid onto the medium M, the direction of conveying the medium M is referred to as the first conveying direction Z1.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the nozzle face 23 in which the nozzles 22 are arranged is not horizontal, but has a first predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal. That is, in the present embodiment, the liquid ejection head 21 is arranged in a state in which the nozzle face 23 has the first predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal, and in this state, the liquid ejection head 21 ejects liquid toward the medium M. In addition, the nozzle face 23 in which the nozzles 22 are arranged can also be arranged horizontally. That is, the liquid ejection head 21 can also be arranged in a state in which the nozzle face 23 is horizontal.

[0039] The liquid ejection head 21 of the present embodiment is a line head having nozzles 22 capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid in an amount that spans the entire width region of the medium M in the width direction X that intersects the first conveyance direction Z1 and the ejection direction Y1. The liquid ejection apparatus 11 implements line printing by ejecting liquid from the plurality of nozzles 22 that are positioned opposite the entire width region of the medium M toward the medium M that is being conveyed at a fixed speed.

[0040] In the liquid ejection apparatus 11, in order to prevent or eliminate clogging of the nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21, or ejection failure that occurs due to the attachment of foreign matter, etc., maintenance actions such as capping, cleaning, purging, wiping, etc. are implemented.

[0041] Capping refers to an action in which, when the liquid ejection head 21 is not implementing ejection of liquid, the cap unit 51 comes into contact with the nozzle face 23 of the liquid ejection head 21 in a manner that surrounds the nozzles 22. Since the thickening of liquid within the nozzles 22 is suppressed by capping, the occurrence of ejection failure can be prevented.

[0042] Cleaning refers to an action in which the upstream side of the liquid ejection head 21 is pressurized to forcibly discharge liquid from the nozzles 22, or a suction force is applied to the nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 to forcibly discharge liquid from the nozzles 22.

[0043] Purging refers to an ejection action for discharging droplets that are not related to printing from the nozzles 22. Purging is also referred to as empty ejection. Since thickened ink, air bubbles, or foreign matter that are the cause of ejection failure are discharged from the nozzles 22 by purging, clogging of the nozzles 22 can be prevented. Liquid that is not used in printing among the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head 21 is referred to as waste liquid. Liquid that is discharged by purging is waste liquid since it is not used in printing. The waste liquid that is discharged by purging is accommodated in the cap unit 51. That is, purging is implemented by the liquid ejection head 21 ejecting droplets from the nozzles 22 into the cap unit 51.

[0044] Wiping refers to the action of wiping the nozzle surface 23 with a rubber wiper or cloth wiper. By wiping, liquid and dirt such as dust adhering to the nozzle surface 23 of the liquid nozzle 21 are removed. In addition, the liquid wiped away is waste liquid since it is not used in printing.

[0045] The position of the head unit 24 when the liquid nozzle 21 sprays liquid onto the medium M, i.e., when the liquid nozzle 21 records on the medium M, is called the recording position. Furthermore, the position of the cover unit 51 when the liquid nozzle 21 sprays liquid onto the medium M is called the retraction position. Additionally, the position of the head unit 24 when maintenance is performed on the liquid dispensing device 11 is called the maintenance position. The position of the cover unit 51 when maintenance is performed on the liquid dispensing device 11 is also called the maintenance position.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the head unit 24 is moved via a head movement mechanism (not shown) Figure 2 The recording position is shown in solid line in the middle. Figure 2 The head unit 24 is moved between the maintenance positions indicated by the double-dotted lines. The direction in which the head unit 24 is moved from the recording position to the maintenance position is called the first direction D1. The direction in which the head unit 24 is moved from the maintenance position to the recording position is called the second direction D2.

[0047] The cover unit 51 is moved by a cover moving mechanism (not shown) Figure 2 The retreat position is shown by the solid line in the middle. Figure 2 The cover unit 51 is moved between the maintenance positions indicated by the double-dotted line. The direction in which the cover unit 51 is moved from the recording position to the maintenance position is called the third direction D3. The direction in which the cover unit 51 is moved from the maintenance position to the recording position is called the fourth direction D4. The cover unit 51 has a recess 57 that contains liquid such as ink discharged from the nozzle 22 of the liquid ejector head 21 for maintenance as waste liquid L2. An absorber 53 for absorbing waste liquid L2 is housed in the recess 57. Furthermore, the cover unit 51 of this embodiment has a humidification chamber 55 that supplies humidifying fluid L1a into the recess 57, and a first moisture-permeable membrane 54 that covers one side of the opening of the humidification chamber 55. The humidifying fluid L1a passing through the first moisture-permeable membrane 54 from the humidification chamber 55 moisturizes the nozzle 22 of the liquid ejector head 21 in the cover. In addition, the detailed structure of the first moisture-permeable membrane 54 and the humidification chamber 55, as well as the supply system for supplying humidifying fluid L1a to the humidification chamber 55, will be described later.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, in the cover unit 51 from Figure 2 The retreat position, indicated by the solid line, moves towards the third party and to D3, and is located at... Figure 2 After the maintenance position indicated by the double-dotted line, head unit 24 fromFigure 2 The head unit 24 is moved from the recording position indicated by a solid line to a first direction Dl, and is positioned at a maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Figure 2 The head unit 24 is moved from the recording position indicated by a solid line to a first direction Dl, and is positioned at a maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0049] When the maintenance is ended, the head unit 24 is moved from the maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line to a second direction D2, and is positioned at a recording position indicated by a solid line. Figure 2 The head unit 24 is moved from the recording position indicated by a solid line to a first direction Dl, and is positioned at a maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Figure 2 The head unit 24 is moved from the recording position indicated by a solid line to a first direction Dl, and is positioned at a maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Figure 2 The head unit 24 is moved from the recording position indicated by a solid line to a first direction Dl, and is positioned at a maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line. Figure 2 The head unit 24 is moved from the recording position indicated by a solid line to a first direction Dl, and is positioned at a maintenance position indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0050] Structure of liquid ejection head and cover unit

[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection head 21 has a plurality of unit ejection heads 21a. On a surface of the support portion 25 that opposes the conveyance path 19 shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of unit ejection heads 21a are arranged at a first predetermined pitch P1 in the width direction X. The unit ejection heads 21a are each composed of a plurality of nozzle rows 21b. The plurality of unit ejection heads 21a are disposed in a state in which they are inclined at a second predetermined angle Θ2 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl of the conveyance medium M. That is, the nozzle rows 21b are also disposed in a state in which they are inclined at the second predetermined angle Θ2 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl. In the present embodiment, the liquid ejection head 21 has five unit ejection heads 21a, and each of the unit ejection heads 21a is composed of six nozzle rows 21b. Figure 2 Figure 3 In the present embodiment, the cover unit 51 has a plurality of covers 51a, and a holding portion 59 that holds the plurality of covers 51a. The cover 51a is an object to be humidified, and corresponds to one example of a humidified portion. The plurality of covers 51a are arranged in the width direction X in a state in which they are inclined at a third predetermined angle Θ3 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl of the conveyance medium M. That is, the covers 51a are arranged in the width direction X in a state in which they are inclined at the third predetermined angle Θ3 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl. In the present embodiment, the cover unit 51 has five covers 51a.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the cover unit 51 has a plurality of covers 51a, and a holding portion 59 that holds the plurality of covers 51a. The cover 51a is an object to be humidified, and corresponds to one example of a humidified portion. The plurality of covers 51a are arranged in the width direction X in a state in which they are inclined at a third predetermined angle Θ3 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl of the conveyance medium M. That is, the covers 51a are arranged in the width direction X in a state in which they are inclined at the third predetermined angle Θ3 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl. In the present embodiment, the cover unit 51 has five covers 51a. Figure 2 ​The plurality of unit covers 51a are arranged at a first predetermined interval Pl along the width direction X on the side opposite to the side on which the head unit 24 is present, in the conveyance path 19 shown. The plurality of unit covers 51a are disposed in a state in which they are inclined at a second predetermined angle Θ2 with respect to the first conveyance direction Zl of the conveyance medium M. That is, the unit cover 51a has a substantially parallelogram shape when viewed from the direction along the ejection direction Yl. In the present embodiment, the cover unit 51 has five unit covers 51a.

[0053] One unit cover 51a is disposed at a position opposite to one unit ejection head 21a, for each unit ejection head 21a. Therefore, when the head unit 24 is capped by the cover unit 51, the plurality of unit ejection heads 21a are covered by the respective one unit cover 51a. That is, the plurality of nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 are covered by the unit cover 51a in the same number as the unit ejection head 21a. In the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 composed of five unit ejection heads 21a are covered by the five unit covers 51a of the cover unit 51. Thus, when capped, all the nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 are covered by the cover unit 51. The unit cover 51a has a housing 56 having an opening that is open toward the first conveyance direction Zl. A ring-shaped seal portion 56c is fixed to the opening end portion of the housing 56. A mesh-shaped restriction member 52 and an absorbent 53 that can absorb waste liquid in a state in which the position is restricted by the restriction member 52 further in the depth thereof are housed in the housing 56. Hereinafter, the unit cover 51a will also be simply referred to as "cover 51a".

[0054] Figure 2 The head unit 24 shown moves from the recording position shown in solid line in Figure 3 to the maintenance position shown in Figure 2 in double-dot chain line in Figure 3 at the time of non-recording and maintenance by a head moving mechanism not shown. Next, Figure 2 the cover unit 51 shown moves from the retreat position shown in the figure to the third direction D3, and is disposed at the maintenance position shown in double-dot chain line in Figure 3 (also refer to Figure 2 ). Thus, the liquid ejection head 21 is capped by the cover 51a. For example, after the maintenance is completed, the cover unit 51 moves from the maintenance position to the fourth direction D4, and thus returns to the retreat position shown in Figure 4 .

[0055] Figure 3 The wiper carriage 41 shown moves from the retreat position shown in Figure 3The retreat position is shown in solid line in the middle. Figure 3 It moves back and forth between the turning points indicated by double-dotted lines. In head unit 24... Figure 3 The recorded position shown moves in the first direction D1 and is located at Figure 2 After the maintenance position indicated by the double-dotted line, the wiper carriage 41 moves from... Figure 2 The retreat position, indicated by the solid line, moves towards the fifth direction, D5, and then moves to... Figure 3 The position is indicated by a double-dotted line. Thus, the nozzle surface 23 of the head unit 24 is wiped by the wiping component 42 of the wiping carriage 41.

[0056] When wiping is finished, head unit 24 from Figure 3 The maintenance position, indicated by the double-dotted line, is moved in the second direction D2 and located at... Figure 2 The recording position is shown in solid line. Afterwards, the wiper carriage 41 moves from... Figure 2 The turning point indicated by the double-dotted line is moved towards the sixth direction D6 and then returned to its original position. Figure 3 The retreat position is shown.

[0057] Regarding the structure of the lid

[0058] Next, refer to Figure 3 The structure of cover 51a will be explained.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a cover device 50. The cover device 50 includes a cover 51a, which can contact the liquid ejection head 21 to form a closed space SP for the nozzle 22 to open.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 51a includes a limiting member 52, an absorbent body 53, a first moisture-permeable membrane 54, a humidifying chamber 55, and a housing 56. The cover 51a has a relatively low prismatic shape with a generally parallelogram-shaped base. In this embodiment, the cover 51a is positioned on its generally parallelogram-shaped base... Figure 4 The states shown are used on the XZ1 plane. That is, Figure 2 The cover 51a shown is used with its generally parallelogram-shaped base inclined relative to the horizontal. Additionally, the XZ1 plane refers to the plane that is... Figure 5 The nozzle surface 23 of the liquid ejector head 21 shown is parallel to the surface.

[0061] like Figure 2The restriction member 52 is a mesh-shaped or net-shaped member that restricts the position of the -Y1 direction side of the absorbent 53. The material used for the restriction member 52 is, for example, a thin plate of a metal such as stainless steel. Thus, the cover 51a is configured so that the liquid can pass from the -Y1 direction side to the +Y1 direction side of the restriction member 52 and from the +Y1 direction side to the -Y1 direction side within the cover 51a.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent 53 is formed as a substantially parallelogram-shaped thin plate that extends in the XZ1 plane. The absorbent 53 is configured to be able to absorb the liquid. Thus, the absorbent 53 sometimes displaces, i.e., swells, by absorbing the liquid in a manner that increases the volume thereof. Figure 4

[0063] The restriction member 52 is configured to restrict the absorbent 53 at a predetermined position while largely exposing the surface 53a of the absorbent 53, by setting the distance between the surface 53a and the nozzle face 23 to be fixed. That is, the restriction member 52 suppresses displacement of the absorbent 53 to the -Y1 direction side in the case where the absorbent 53 has swelled. Figure 4

[0064] As shown in FIG. 1, the first moisture-permeable film 54 is formed as a substantially parallelogram-shaped sheet that extends in the XZ1 plane. The first moisture-permeable film 54 has air permeability. That is, the first moisture-permeable film 54 allows the passage of gas but restricts the passage of liquid. In the present embodiment, the material used in the first moisture-permeable film 54 is a raw material in which a fluororesin is applied to a fabric. The material used in the first moisture-permeable film 54 can be any material that allows the passage of gas but not liquid, and can be a thin film or an elastomer film. Figure 4

[0065] The first moisture-permeable film 54 is slightly notched by notching the central portions of at least three of the four sides thereof toward the inside, thereby forming a communication portion 54a that allows the passage of liquid from the -Y1 direction side to the +Y1 direction side and from the +Y1 direction side to the -Y1 direction side at the peripheral portion within the recess 57.

[0066] As described above, in the present embodiment, the substantially parallelogram-shaped bottom face of the cover 51a is disposed on the XZ1 plane that is inclined with respect to the horizontal. Since a force that causes the liquid to flow to the -Z direction side in the vertical direction acts due to gravity, the liquid is difficult to flow to the side of the substantially parallelogram that is closest to the +Z direction side. Thus, the first moisture-permeable film 54 can be configured to have no communication portion 54a at the side thereof that is closest to the +Z direction side. Figure 4

[0067] Figure 4 ​​​​​As shown, the housing 56 has an atmospheric communication hole 56a at its portion closest to the +Z direction. This allows the atmosphere to communicate with the space inside the housing 56 through the atmospheric communication hole 56a.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the humidification chamber 55 has two pipe sections 55c protruding from the +Y1 and +Z direction sides, with inlet 55a and outlet 55b opening at their respective top ends. Inside the humidification chamber 55, ribs 55e, forming grooves 55d communicating with inlet 55a and outlet 55b, extend along a predetermined path. Inside the humidification chamber 55, flow channels 55f are formed, with predetermined paths divided by the ribs 55e and the first permeable membrane 54.

[0069] The housing 56 has an atmospheric communication hole 56a, an exhaust hole 56b (as an example of a hole), and a sealing portion 56c. The atmospheric communication hole 56a and the exhaust hole 56b connect the +Y1 direction side and the -Y1 direction side of the generally parallelogram-shaped bottom surface.

[0070] The sealing portion 56c is formed in a frame shape along the periphery of the wall surrounding the housing 56 in the -Y1 direction. The material used in the sealing portion 56c is, for example, a flexible material such as rubber or an elastomer. Since it prevents liquid inside the cover 51a from dripping from the sealing portion 56c to the outside of the cover 51a, the material of the sealing portion 56c can also be a waterproof elastomer material that repels liquid ejected from the liquid nozzle 21.

[0071] The housing 56 has a low prism shape with a generally parallelogram-shaped bottom surface having a cover 51a, and houses the limiting member 52, the absorber 53, the first moisture-permeable membrane 54, and the humidification chamber 55.

[0072] Figure 4 The humidification chamber 55 shown has a groove 55d that meanders and is formed as a labyrinthine channel from the inlet 55a to the outlet 55b, covering the entire surface of the humidification chamber 55. The open side of the humidification chamber 55 is sealed with the first permeable membrane 54 over the entire area from the inlet 55a to the outlet 55b. Thus, a meandering flow channel with a complex, meandering path is formed by the groove 55d and the first permeable membrane 54, thereby connecting the inlet 55a and the outlet 55b. That is, the humidification chamber 55 is formed as a flow channel connecting the inlet 55a and the outlet 55b, with a portion of the wall surface of the chamber through which the humidifying fluid flows (described later) covered by the first permeable membrane 54.

[0073] As described later, since the enclosed space SP in the lid 51a is humidified by the humidifying fluid flowing in the groove 55d, it is preferable that the area of the groove 55d in the lid 51a be large in the XZ1 plane. That is, in order to increase the area of the groove 55d with respect to the bottom surface of the lid 51a, it is preferable that the flow path be disposed on the entire bottom surface of the lid 51a.

[0074] Structure of lid unit

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 is provided with a lid device 50. The lid device 50 has a lid unit 51 that is movable. Figure 4 The lid unit 51 has a lid 51a. The lid 51a is movable in the first direction D1.

[0076] After the lid unit 51 is moved in the first direction D1 to the maintenance position shown in FIG. 6, when the head unit 24 is moved in the third direction D3 to the maintenance position shown in FIG. 7, the lid 51a of the lid device 50 comes into contact with the nozzle face 23 of the liquid ejecting head 21. When the lid device 50 comes into contact with the liquid ejecting head 21, the nozzle face 23 is in close contact with the seal portion 56c, and thus the nozzle face 23 is sealed by the seal portion 56c. That is, the lid device 50 is configured to be able to form the enclosed space SP that surrounds the opening 22a of the nozzle 22 when the lid 51a as one example of the lid comes into contact with the liquid ejecting head 21 that has the nozzle 22 that ejects liquid. Figure 3 Figure 4 The lid 51a has a recessed portion 57 that forms the enclosed space SP. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the recessed portion 57 is composed of a face on the inner side of the housing 56, a face on the outer side of the outer periphery of the humidifying chamber 55, and a face on the side of the absorbent 53 of the first moisture-permeable film 54. The recessed portion 57 has the absorbent 53 that is able to absorb liquid at a position that is in contact with the first moisture-permeable film 54 as one example of a partition wall. The first moisture-permeable film 54 that has air permeability divides the recessed portion 57 and the humidifying chamber 55. Thus, when the lid device 50 comes into contact with the liquid ejecting head 21, the recessed portion 57 forms the enclosed space SP that surrounds the opening 22a of the nozzle 22.

[0077] The lid 51a has a recessed portion 57 that forms the enclosed space SP. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the recessed portion 57 is composed of a face on the inner side of the housing 56, a face on the outer side of the outer periphery of the humidifying chamber 55, and a face on the side of the absorbent 53 of the first moisture-permeable film 54. The recessed portion 57 has the absorbent 53 that is able to absorb liquid at a position that is in contact with the first moisture-permeable film 54 as one example of a partition wall. The first moisture-permeable film 54 that has air permeability divides the recessed portion 57 and the humidifying chamber 55. Thus, when the lid device 50 comes into contact with the liquid ejecting head 21, the recessed portion 57 forms the enclosed space SP that surrounds the opening 22a of the nozzle 22. Figure 4

[0078] The restricting member 52 and the absorbent 53 have liquid permeability. The first moisture-permeable film 54 does not have liquid permeability. Thus, at the time of flushing, liquid that is discharged from the nozzle 22 passes through the restricting member 52 and the absorbent 53 from the -Y1 direction side to the +Y1 direction side, but does not pass through the first moisture-permeable film 54 from the -Y1 direction side to the +Y1 direction side.

[0079] ​​Even when the absorber 53 is close to being unable to absorb any more liquid, the liquid will not flow into the humidification chamber 55 because the first moisture-permeable membrane 54 is not permeable to liquid. Moreover, the liquid passes through the connecting part 54a due to gravity and is discharged to the outside of the cover 51a through the discharge hole 56b of the housing 56.

[0080] The humidification chamber 55 has an inlet 55a for the inflow of humidifying fluid (described later) for humidifying the enclosed space SP, and an outlet 55b for the outflow of humidifying fluid. Since the first permeable membrane 54 is not permeable to liquid, it restricts the passage of liquid within the humidification chamber 55 from the +Y1 direction side to the -Y1 direction side. Therefore, liquid flowing into the humidification chamber 55 through the inlet 55a flows out through the outlet 55b. Furthermore, the humidification chamber 55 is provided in an inclined position relative to the horizontal. Moreover, the inlet 55a and the outlet 55b are located above the center in the vertical Z direction of the humidification chamber 55. In this embodiment, the inlet 55a and the outlet 55b are located on the +Z direction side of the vertical Z direction of the humidification chamber 55, above the center. By placing the inlet 55a and outlet 55b on the +Z direction side of the humidification chamber 55, it is possible to suppress the flow of liquid in the humidification chamber 55 from the inlet 55a or outlet 55b to the outside of the humidification chamber 55 due to water level pressure.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the limiting member 52, the absorber 53, and the first moisture-permeable membrane 54 are breathable. Therefore, atmospheric air or water vapor, as a gas, passes through the limiting member 52, the absorber 53, and the first moisture-permeable membrane 54 from the -Y1 direction side to the +Y1 direction side, and from the +Y1 direction side to the -Y1 direction side. Thus, the cover device 50 is configured such that water vapor evaporated from the humidifying fluid (described later) can flow from the humidifying chamber 55 into the recess 57 within the cover 51a.

[0082] The recess 57 has an atmospheric communication hole 56a for communicating the enclosed space SP with the atmosphere. The atmospheric communication hole 56a is provided on the upper side of the cover 51a in the vertical direction relative to the center. In this embodiment, the atmospheric communication hole 56a is provided on the +Z direction side of the recess 57 in the vertical Z direction relative to the center. By providing the atmospheric communication hole 56a on the upper side of the cover 51a in the vertical direction relative to the center, it is possible to prevent the atmospheric communication hole 56a from being blocked by liquid. Furthermore, the atmospheric communication hole 56a may also be provided at a position higher than the first moisture-permeable membrane 54, that is, on the +Z direction side relative to the first moisture-permeable membrane 54.

[0083] Liquid supply mechanism

[0084] like Figure 4As shown, the liquid dispensing device 11 includes a liquid supply mechanism 30. The liquid supply mechanism 30 includes a liquid supply source 31 for collecting liquids such as ink, a secondary tank 32, and a pump 33. The liquid supply source 31 and the secondary tank 32 are connected via a liquid supply channel 34. The secondary tank 32 is connected via a liquid nozzle 21, a supply channel 35, and a recovery channel 36.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid supply mechanism 30, which includes a liquid supply source 31 for collecting liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 21, a secondary tank 32 for temporarily storing liquid from the liquid supply source 31, and a pump 33 for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection head 21. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection head 21 as an example of a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid supplied from the liquid supply source 31 from a nozzle 22.

[0086] Pump 33 pressurizes the sub-tank 32, thereby supplying liquid from the sub-tank 32 through the supply channel 35 to the liquid nozzle 21. Liquid supplied to the liquid nozzle 21 and not consumed is recovered back to the sub-tank 32 through the recovery channel 36. Thus, the liquid supply mechanism 30 is configured such that, driven by pump 33, the liquid circulates along a path through the sub-tank 32, the supply channel 35, the liquid nozzle 21, and the recovery channel 36.

[0087] Alternatively, the structure may not have a recovery channel 36, but instead supplies liquid from the liquid supply source 31 through the supply channel 35 to the liquid nozzle 21. Furthermore, the structure may utilize a water level difference to supply liquid from the liquid supply source 31 through the supply channel 35 to the liquid nozzle 21. Moreover, the liquid supply source 31 may be detachably mounted on a mounting portion of the head unit 24. Additionally, the liquid supply source 31 may be composed of a cartridge, container, or liquid package, such as an ink cartridge, ink can, or ink packet.

[0088] Structure of humidifying fluid circulation mechanism

[0089] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover device 50 includes a cover unit 51 with a cover 51a, a cover moving mechanism (not shown), a humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60, and a waste liquid recovery mechanism 80.

[0090] The humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 of the cover device 50 includes a humidifying fluid receiving section 61 for receiving humidifying fluid L1a, a supply channel 62a, and a recovery channel 62b. The supply channel 62a connects the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the inlet 55a. That is, the supply channel 62a connects the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the cover 51a, which is an example of a cover. The recovery channel 62b connects the outlet 55b to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61. That is, the recovery channel 62b connects the cover 51a, which is an example of a cover, to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61. Furthermore, the humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 includes a circulation path 62 including the humidifying fluid receiving section 61, the supply channel 62a, and the recovery channel 62b.

[0091] The humidifying fluid receiving section 61 has an inlet section 61f and an outlet section 61g. The humidifying fluid receiving section 61 communicates with the recovery channel 62b at the inlet section 61f. The humidifying fluid receiving section 61 communicates with the supply channel 62a at the outlet section 61g.

[0092] The humidifying fluid L1a flowing within the circulation path 62 in the humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 contains fluids for humidifying fluid circulation. Figure 5 The enclosed space SP shown is humidified with a water fluid. Preferably, the moisturizing power of the humidifying fluid L1a is equal to the moisturizing power of the liquid ejected from the liquid nozzle 21. Moisturizing power refers to the concentration of humectant contained in the humidifying fluid L1a or the liquid ejected from the liquid nozzle 21. For example, when the liquid nozzle 21 ejects ink, as an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper for printing, it is preferable that the moisturizing power of the humidifying fluid L1a is equal to the moisturizing power of fresh ink. Furthermore, it is preferable that the moisturizing power of the ink is uniform across various colors. Further details regarding the humidifying fluid L1a will be described later.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover unit 51 of the cover device 50 in this embodiment has five covers 51a. That is, the cover device 50 is configured such that multiple covers 51a are arranged as an example of a cover. Moreover, each of the five covers 51a has Figure 3 The inlet 55a and shown Figure 4 The outlet 55b is shown. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outlet 55b of one of the plurality of covers 51a is connected to the inlet 55a of the other cover 51a adjacent to that cover 51a. For example, the outlet 55b of one cover 51a and the inlet 55a of the other cover 51a adjacent to that cover 51a are connected by a pipe (not shown), and the outlet 55b and the inlet 55a are connected. Thus, the upstream inlet 55a is connected to the downstream outlet 55b. The upstream inlet 55a is connected to... Figure 4The supply flow path 62a is connected as shown. Also, the downstream-most flow outlet 55b is connected to the Figure 5 The recovery flow path 62b is connected as shown. That is, the cap device 50 of the present embodiment is configured so that the humidified fluid L1a flowing in the circulation path 62 is able to flow through all of the caps 51a Figure 5 The humidified fluid L1a flowing in the circulation path 62 is able to flow through all of the caps 51a of the cap device 50 as shown. When the cap device 50 has only one cap 51a, the flow inlet 55a of the cap 51a can also be connected to the supply flow path 62a, and the flow outlet 55b of the cap 51a can also be connected to the recovery flow path 62b. Figure 5

[0094] As shown, the humidified fluid storage portion 61 stores the humidified fluid L1a, which contains water that is humidified in the enclosed space SP. Figure 4 As shown, the humidified fluid storage portion 61 stores the humidified fluid L1a, which contains water that is humidified in the enclosed space SP. Figure 5 The humidified fluid storage portion 61 has a detection portion 61a that detects the liquid level within the humidified fluid storage portion 61. The detection portion 61a has a first electrode 61b and a second electrode 61c.

[0095] The humidified fluid L1a contains an electrically conductive additive. The detection portion 61a detects the liquid level within the humidified fluid storage portion 61 by the electrical resistance between the first electrode 61b and the second electrode 61c. When the liquid level of the humidified fluid L1a stored in the humidified fluid storage portion 61 is higher than a first predetermined height H1, the first electrode 61b and the second electrode 61c are in conduction. When the liquid level of the humidified fluid L1a stored in the humidified fluid storage portion 61 is lower than the first predetermined height H1 and higher than a second predetermined height H2, the first electrode 61b and the second electrode 61c are not in conduction. In this way, the detection portion 61a is configured so that it is able to determine whether the liquid level of the humidified fluid L1a is higher than the first predetermined height H1 by the change in the output level when the first electrode 61b is in contact with the liquid level or not.

[0096] When the liquid level of the humidified fluid L1a is detected by the detection portion 61a to be higher than the first predetermined height H1, it means that the humidified fluid storage portion 61 is filled with the humidified fluid L1a. In the present embodiment, the filled state of the humidified fluid storage portion 61 is detected. It is also possible to detect not only the filled state of the humidified fluid storage portion 61 but also the empty state or the nearly empty state of the humidified fluid storage portion 61. Furthermore, the method of detecting the liquid level is not limited to the electrode method, and it can also be an optical method or an electrostatic capacitance method.

[0097] ​The humidifying fluid receiving section 61 has a second atmospheric communication channel 61d and a second permeable membrane 61e. The second atmospheric communication channel 61d connects the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the atmosphere. The second atmospheric communication channel 61d may also have a labyrinthine tube structure. A labyrinthine tube structure refers to a tube structure with a narrow and winding complex path, where air can enter and exit but liquid entry and exit are quite limited. Through the labyrinthine tube structure, evaporation of liquid within the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 is suppressed.

[0098] A second permeable membrane 61e is disposed at the connection between the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 and the second atmospheric communication channel 61d. Furthermore, the second permeable membrane 61e allows gas to pass from the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the second atmospheric communication channel 61d, while restricting the passage of liquid from the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the second atmospheric communication channel 61d. To improve the efficiency of gas passage from the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the second atmospheric communication channel 61d, it is preferable that the area of ​​the second permeable membrane 61e is large.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 includes a first pump 63, a first check valve 64, and a pressure regulating valve 65. The first pump 63 is an example of a first liquid delivery section capable of allowing the humidifying fluid L1a to flow within the circulation path 62. The first pump 63 causes the fluid to flow within the circulation path 62. Driven by the first pump 63, the liquid flowing within the supply channel 62a is transported to the humidifying chamber 55 within the cover 51a.

[0100] The first one-way valve 64 allows liquid to flow from the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the cover 51a side, while preventing backflow of liquid from the cover 51a side to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 side caused by water level difference. Alternatively, an on / off valve may be provided instead of the first one-way valve 64. Liquid can also flow from the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 side to the cover 51a side by driving the first pump 63 when the on / off valve is opened. The state of opening the on / off valve is referred to as opening the valve or opening the valve. Furthermore, the state of closing the on / off valve is referred to as closing the valve or closing the valve.

[0101] When the pressure regulating valve 65 reaches a predetermined negative pressure on the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 side, it allows liquid to flow from the cover 51a side to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 side, while always preventing backflow of liquid from the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 side to the cover 51a side. The pressure regulating valve 65 controls the pressure difference by an amount corresponding to the water level difference, so that liquid does not flow from the cover 51a side to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 side due to water level pressure.

[0102] like Figure 5As shown, the humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 includes a regulating water supply unit 66, which supplies regulating water L1b, with water for concentration adjustment as its main component, into the circulation path 62. The regulating water supply unit 66 includes, as an example, a regulating water receiving unit 66a, a regulating water supply channel 66b, a first on / off valve 66c, and a second one-way valve 66d. The regulating water receiving unit 66a receives the regulating water L1b that can be supplied to the circulation path 62. The regulating water supply channel 66b is connected to the circulation path 62. The first on / off valve 66c is configured to open and close the regulating water supply channel 66b.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown, the humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 includes a liquid introduction section 104 (see reference). Figure 5 The supply channels 62a and 66b, which are connected to the cover 51a, are connected to a first pump 63 that transports conditioning water L1b, which is the liquid in the conditioning water collection section 66a, to the cover 51a. The supply channel connecting the liquid inlet section 104 to the cover 51a is composed of the supply channel 62a, which forms the circulation path 62, and the conditioning water supply channel 66b.

[0104] The regulating water receiving section 66a has an outlet section 66f. The regulating water receiving section 66a communicates with the regulating water supply channel 66b at the outlet section 61g. The regulating water supply channel 66b communicates with the circulation path 62 at the first confluence section 62c of the circulation path 62. That is, the regulating water receiving section 66a is connected to the circulation path 62. Furthermore, it is preferable that the regulating water receiving section 66a is configured to be replaceable.

[0105] The conditioning water L1b supplied from the conditioning water collection unit 66a to the circulation path 62 is replenishment water for adjusting the concentration of water evaporated from the humidifying fluid L1a. As an example of a liquid, the conditioning water L1b is a liquid containing water and a preservative. More specifically, the conditioning water L1b is a liquid composed of pure water and a small amount of preservative.

[0106] With the opening of the first on / off valve 66c, the regulating water receiving section 66a and the circulation path 62 are connected via the regulating water supply channel 66b. The second one-way valve 66d allows liquid to flow from the regulating water receiving section 66a side to the circulation path 62 side, while preventing backflow of liquid from the circulation path 62 side to the regulating water receiving section 66a side due to water level difference. Alternatively, the second one-way valve 66d may not be present. When the second one-way valve 66d is not present, the first pump 63, driven by the opening of the first on / off valve 66c, can also cause the regulating water L1b to flow from the regulating water receiving section 66a side to the cover 51a side.

[0107] like Figure 6As shown, the humidifying fluid circulation mechanism 60 of the cover device 50 also includes a pressurized air supply unit 67. The pressurized air supply unit 67 is configured to supply pressurized air into the circulation path 62. The pressurized air supply unit 67 includes a pressurized air supply passage 67a communicating with the circulation path 62, a second on / off valve 67b, and a second pump 67c. Due to the opening of the second on / off valve 67b, the second pump 67c and the circulation path 62 are connected via the pressurized air supply passage 67a. The second pump 67c is, for example, a pressure pump. The second pump 67c applies atmospheric pressure and is configured to supply pressurized air to the pressurized air supply passage 67a.

[0108] In the circulation path 62, instead of providing a pressurized air supply unit 67 downstream of the first pump 63, an atmospheric supply unit may be provided upstream of the first pump 63 and downstream of the first confluence section 62c. This atmospheric supply unit may also have an atmospheric communication channel and an on / off valve. Furthermore, by opening this on / off valve, the first pump 63 can supply atmospheric air to the circulation path 62 while the circulation path 62 is connected to the atmosphere via the atmospheric communication channel. That is, the cover device 50 may also have an atmospheric supply unit that supplies atmospheric air to the circulation path 62, located between the regulating water supply unit 66 and the first confluence section 62c where the circulation path 62 converges, and the inlet 55a of the cover 51a, on the circulation path 62 where the humidifying fluid L1a flows. Furthermore, the cover device 50 may also include a pump that supplies atmospheric air to the circulation path 62.

[0109] Structure of waste liquid recovery mechanism

[0110] like Figure 5 As shown, the waste liquid recovery mechanism 80 of the cover device 50 includes a waste liquid recovery channel 81, a third pump 82 (as an example of a second liquid delivery unit), a buffer chamber 83, a fourth pump 84, a third atmospheric communication channel 85, and a waste liquid collection unit 86.

[0111] Waste liquid recovery channel 81 includes a first waste liquid flow channel 81a and a second waste liquid flow channel 81b, which serve as examples of waste liquid flow channels. The first waste liquid flow channel 81a is located at the discharge hole 56b of the cover 51a and is connected to the inner part of the cover 51a. Figure 5 The enclosed space SP with recess 57 shown is connected. Furthermore, the first waste liquid flow channel 81a connects the enclosed space SP to the waste liquid collection section 86 via the buffer chamber 83. The downstream end of the first waste liquid flow channel 81a is connected to the waste liquid collection section 86 via the inflow section 86b. Additionally, the second waste liquid flow channel 81b connects to the wiper carriage 41 at the waste liquid outlet 43. Moreover, the second waste liquid flow channel 81b connects the wiper carriage 41 to the waste liquid collection section 86.

[0112] The liquid is discharged as the waste liquid L2 from the nozzles 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 at the time of flushing or cleaning, and the like. The waste liquid L2 is recovered from inside the cover 51a and flows to the first waste liquid flow path 81a. Further, at the time of wiping, the liquid adhering to the nozzle face 23 of the liquid ejection head 21 is wiped and recovered as the waste liquid L2 into the wiper carriage 41. The waste liquid L2 recovered by flushing or cleaning and the waste liquid L2 recovered by wiping are sent to the waste liquid storage portion 86 by the third pump 82. Further, the waste liquid L2 is stored in the waste liquid storage portion 86.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover unit 51 of the present embodiment has five covers 51a, each of which has the discharge hole 56b shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the five discharge holes 56b are connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a and the five discharge holes 56b are communicated with the waste liquid storage portion 86 through the first waste liquid flow path 81a. When the cover device 50 has only one cover 51a, only the discharge hole 56b of the cover 51a can be connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a. Figure 4 Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the cover unit 51 of the present embodiment has five covers 51a, each of which has the discharge hole 56b shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the five discharge holes 56b are connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a and the five discharge holes 56b are communicated with the waste liquid storage portion 86 through the first waste liquid flow path 81a. When the cover device 50 has only one cover 51a, only the discharge hole 56b of the cover 51a can be connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover unit 51 of the present embodiment has five covers 51a, each of which has the discharge hole 56b shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the five discharge holes 56b are connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a and the five discharge holes 56b are communicated with the waste liquid storage portion 86 through the first waste liquid flow path 81a. When the cover device 50 has only one cover 51a, only the discharge hole 56b of the cover 51a can be connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, the cover unit 51 of the present embodiment has five covers 51a, each of which has the discharge hole 56b shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the five discharge holes 56b are connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a and the five discharge holes 56b are communicated with the waste liquid storage portion 86 through the first waste liquid flow path 81a. When the cover device 50 has only one cover 51a, only the discharge hole 56b of the cover 51a can be connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a.

[0115] Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1, the cover unit 51 of the present embodiment has five covers 51a, each of which has the discharge hole 56b shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the five discharge holes 56b are connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a and the five discharge holes 56b are communicated with the waste liquid storage portion 86 through the first waste liquid flow path 81a. When the cover device 50 has only one cover 51a, only the discharge hole 56b of the cover 51a can be connected to the first waste liquid flow path 81a.

[0116] The first atmosphere communication passage 58a communicates the respective atmosphere communication holes 56a of the covers 51a with the atmosphere in the cover unit 51. The third on-off valve 58b is an on-off valve that can open and close the first atmosphere communication passage 58a. In the present embodiment, the atmosphere side of the first atmosphere communication passage 58a is open. Further, when the cover unit 51 is moved to the fourth direction D4 from the maintenance position shown by the double-dotted line in FIG. 1 to the position shown by the single-dotted line in FIG. 1, the third on-off valve 58b is closed. Figure 5 Figure 5 ​​​When the retreat position shown by a solid line is used, the third opening / closing valve 58b is configured in such a manner that the opened portion hits a wall not shown and the wall closes the first atmosphere communication passage 58a. That is, the third opening / closing valve 58b is opened and closed by the movement of the cap unit 51. At the time of flushing or cleaning, the first atmosphere communication passage 58a is in an open state, and the liquid ejection head 21 discharges liquid into the cap 51a.

[0117] Structure of waste liquid tank

[0118] Next, the specific structure of the waste liquid tank 110 provided with the adjustment water storage portion 66a will be described with reference to Figure 5

[0119] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection apparatus 11 is provided with a mounting portion 100 to which a waste liquid tank 110 as one example of a liquid storage body is detachably mounted. The waste liquid tank 110 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 100. The waste liquid tank 110 is configured to be able to store waste liquid L2 discharged from a waste liquid discharge portion 103 of the mounting portion 100. The waste liquid tank 110 has, for example, a quadrangular plate shape. Figures 6-15 In

[0120] Figure 6 the drawing, the direction in which the waste liquid tank 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100 is set as a mounting direction A. Further, a direction intersecting both the mounting direction A and the vertical direction Z is set as a width direction W. The mounting portion 100 is configured to be able to detachably mount the waste liquid tank 110 in the mounting direction A.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 100 is provided with a mounting portion main body 101, two positioning pins 102 protruding from a face of the mounting portion main body 101, i.e., a mounting face 100A, on a side from which the waste liquid tank 110 is detached. Further, the mounting portion 100 has a waste liquid discharge portion 103 as one example of a discharge portion of waste liquid L2, and a liquid introduction portion 104 as one example of a liquid introduction portion. The waste liquid discharge portion 103 is configured by a needle-like tube portion protruding from the mounting face 100A of the mounting portion main body 101. The waste liquid discharge portion 103 is connected to the first waste liquid flow passage 81a. Therefore, waste liquid L2 recovered from the plurality of caps 51a is discharged from the waste liquid discharge portion 103. Figure 6 Further, the liquid introduction portion 104 is configured by a needle-like tube portion protruding from the mounting face 100A of the mounting portion main body 101. The liquid introduction portion 104 is connected to the adjustment water supply flow passage 66b. Therefore, adjustment water L1b introduced from the liquid introduction portion 104 is supplied to the humidification fluid storage portion 61 from the adjustment water supply flow passage 66b via the circulation path 62.

[0122] Moreover, as

[0123] Figure 6 ​​​As shown, the mounting portion 100 has a substrate connecting portion 105. When the waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100, the waste liquid cartridge 110 is electrically connected to the substrate connecting portion 105.

[0124] As shown, the waste liquid cartridge 110 has a waste liquid receiving portion 86 (see Figure 6 , Figure 6 , and a waste liquid discharge portion 115 connected to the waste liquid discharge portion 103. The waste liquid cartridge 110 has a conditioning water receiving portion 66a (see Figure 7 ) that receives the conditioning water L1b discharged to the liquid introduction portion 104. The conditioning water L1b, which is one example of a liquid, is a liquid containing water for humidifying the cover 51a. Further, the inflow portion 86b in Figure 5 is configured by the waste liquid discharge portion 103 and the waste liquid introduction portion 115 connected to each other. Furthermore, the outflow portion 66f in is configured by the liquid introduction portion 104 and the liquid discharge portion 116 connected to each other.

[0125] As shown, the waste liquid cartridge 110 has a waste liquid receiving portion 86 (see Figure 5 , and a waste liquid discharge portion 115 connected to the waste liquid discharge portion 103. The waste liquid cartridge 110 has a conditioning water receiving portion 66a (see Figure 6 ) that receives the conditioning water L1b discharged to the liquid introduction portion 104. The conditioning water L1b, which is one example of a liquid, is a liquid containing water for humidifying the cover 51a. Further, the inflow portion 86b in Figure 12 is configured by the waste liquid discharge portion 103 and the waste liquid introduction portion 115 connected to each other. Furthermore, the outflow portion 66f in Figure 8 Figure 6 As shown, the waste liquid cartridge 110 has a waste liquid receiving portion 86 (see , and a waste liquid discharge portion 115 connected to the waste liquid discharge portion 103. The waste liquid cartridge 110 has a conditioning water receiving portion 66a (see

[0126] ) that receives the conditioning water L1b discharged to the liquid introduction portion 104. The conditioning water L1b, which is one example of a liquid, is a liquid containing water for humidifying the cover 51a. Further, the inflow portion 86b in Figure 7 is configured by the waste liquid discharge portion 103 and the waste liquid introduction portion 115 connected to each other. Furthermore, the outflow portion 66f in Figure 11 is configured by the liquid introduction portion 104 and the liquid discharge portion 116 connected to each other.

[0127] As shown, the waste liquid cartridge 110 has a waste liquid receiving portion 86 (see Figure 12As shown, the mounting surface 110A of the waste liquid container 110 is provided with multiple (e.g., two) positioning holes 114 into which multiple (e.g., two) positioning pins 102 from the mounting part 100 can be inserted, a waste liquid inlet 115 for connecting to the waste liquid outlet 103, and a liquid outlet 116 for connecting to the liquid inlet 104. The waste liquid inlet 115 is, for example, a hole into which a needle-shaped waste liquid inlet 115 can be inserted. The liquid outlet 116 is, for example, a hole into which a needle-shaped liquid inlet 104 can be inserted.

[0128] Positioning hole 114 is provided opposite to positioning pin 102. Waste liquid inlet 115 is provided opposite to waste liquid outlet 103. Waste liquid inlet 115 is fixed by a plurality of screws 131. Liquid outlet 116 is provided opposite to liquid inlet 104. Liquid outlet 116 has a cylindrical opening formed by a pair of semi-circular protrusions joining the end of the mounting surface 110A, wherein the mounting surface 110A is the box body 111 and the second cover 113 (see reference). Figure 7 ) mounting surface.

[0129] Moreover, such as Figure 8 As shown, the waste liquid container 110 includes a circuit board 117, which has a connection terminal 117A that is electrically connected to the substrate connection portion 105 when mounted on the mounting portion 100. The circuit board 117 is positioned corresponding to the substrate connection portion 105 in the manner in which the waste liquid container 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100. The circuit board 117 is fixed to a recessed portion at an upper position on one end of the waste liquid container 110 in the width direction W on the mounting surface 110A side. When the waste liquid container 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100, the connection terminal 117A of the circuit board 117 is electrically connected to the substrate connection portion 105 on the mounting portion 100 side. A storage element, for example, is mounted on the circuit board 117. The storage element stores information related to the amount of waste liquid L2 collected into the waste liquid container 110.

[0130] In addition, such as Figure 7 , Figure 6 As shown, a handle 118 for a user to hold the waste liquid container 110 is formed at the end of the waste liquid container 110 on the side opposite to the mounting surface 110A.

[0131] like Figure 7 As shown, the waste liquid container 110 includes a second cover 113 that covers the regulating water collection section 66a. When the waste liquid container 110 is mounted on the mounting section 100, the lower surface of the regulating water collection section 66a is covered by the second cover 113. This is consistent with the first storage recess 111B (see reference 111B). Figure 8 Compared to the second storage recess 111D (refer to...), Figure 11Further, a portion of the first accommodation recess 111B bulges to the vicinity of the second face (bottom face) of the cartridge main body 111, and a second accommodation recess 111D is formed on a region avoiding the bulging portion. This is because it is necessary to secure a larger capacity for the waste liquid L2 than for the adjustment water L1b.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 1, the waste liquid guide portion 103 is provided on one side in the width direction W intersecting the mounting direction A, and the substrate connecting portion 105 is provided on the other side. Further, the liquid guide-in portion 104 is provided between the waste liquid guide portion 103 and the substrate connecting portion 105 in the width direction W, and is provided at a lower position than the substrate connecting portion 105 in the vertical direction Z. Figure 12

[0133] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the waste liquid guide-in portion 115 is provided on one side in the width direction W intersecting the mounting direction A, and the circuit substrate 117 is provided on the other side. Further, the liquid guide-out portion 116 is provided between the waste liquid guide-in portion 115 and the circuit substrate 117 in the width direction W, and is provided at a lower position than the circuit substrate 117 in the vertical direction Z. As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted to the mounting portion 100, the connecting terminal 117A of the circuit substrate 117 is provided at a higher position than the center of the waste liquid guide-in portion 115. Figure 9 Figure 10 The first face side of the waste liquid cartridge 110 in a state where the first cover 112 is detached is shown. As shown in FIG. 8, on the first face of the cartridge main body 111, the first accommodation recess 111B is recessed and is opened by the first opening 111A.

[0134] Figure 10 Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 9, on the inner surfaces of two side walls extending in the long side direction and facing each other in the inner peripheral wall of the first accommodation recess 111B, a plurality of partitions 111F extend toward the inside. Further, on the inner surfaces of two side walls extending in the short side direction and facing each other in the inner peripheral wall of the first accommodation recess 111B, a plurality of guide plates 111G protrude toward the inside.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of absorption members 120 capable of absorbing the waste liquid L2 are accommodated in the first accommodation recess 111B. The waste liquid accommodation portion 86 of the present embodiment is formed of the first accommodation recess 111B, the first cover 112 (refer to FIG. 11) covering the first accommodation recess 111B, and a waste liquid chamber 86A (also refer to FIG. 12) divided by the first accommodation recess 111B and the first cover 112. Figure 11

[0136] As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of absorption members 120 capable of absorbing the waste liquid L2 are accommodated in the first accommodation recess 111B. The waste liquid accommodation portion 86 of the present embodiment is formed of the first accommodation recess 111B, the first cover 112 (refer to FIG. 11) covering the first accommodation recess 111B, and a waste liquid chamber 86A (also refer to FIG. 12) divided by the first accommodation recess 111B and the first cover 112. Figure 11 Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of absorption members 120 capable of absorbing the waste liquid L2 are accommodated in the first accommodation recess 111B. The waste liquid accommodation portion 86 of the present embodiment is formed of the first accommodation recess 111B, the first cover 112 (refer to FIG. 11) covering the first accommodation recess 111B, and a waste liquid chamber 86A (also refer to FIG. 12) divided by the first accommodation recess 111B and the first cover 112.​​​​​Figure 13 It consists of a ), and multiple absorption components 120 housed in the waste liquid chamber 86A.

[0137] like Figure 13 , Figure 11 As shown, the waste liquid chamber 86A has a space SP1 in which the absorption member 120 is not disposed at the portion corresponding to the waste liquid inlet 115. Within this space SP1, the waste liquid inlet pipe 115A extends from the waste liquid inlet 115 towards the upstream side in the installation direction A. The waste liquid inlet pipe 115A is held in a state where it is inserted into the pipe insertion hole 121A of the holding member 121, which is housed within the space SP1. The holding member 121 is, for example, made of the same material as the absorption member 120 and functions as an absorption member. The inner top end of the waste liquid inlet pipe 115A opens into the hollow portion of the waste liquid inlet chamber 122. Therefore, the waste liquid L2 introduced from the waste liquid inlet 115 is first discharged into the waste liquid inlet chamber 122 through the waste liquid inlet pipe 115A.

[0138] Multiple absorbent components 120 are pressed into the first receiving recess 111B while separated by partitions 111F. Furthermore, the two ends of the multiple absorbent components 120 in the mounting direction A are connected to multiple guide plates 111G (in... Figure 15 (Only a portion is shown in the illustration) It is housed in a position where it is positioned by contact. The multiple absorbent components 120 are made of block-shaped material of a predetermined shape and equal thickness along the mounting direction A. The material disposed only at the downstream end in the mounting direction A is thicker and has a shape formed according to the shape of the first receiving recess 111B.

[0139] Here, as long as the multiple absorbent components 120 are in an adjacent, contacting state, the waste liquid L2 will permeate into the adjacent absorbent component 120 through the contact portion. However, at the portion separated by the partition 111F, two adjacent absorbent components 120 are separated by a gap equivalent to the thickness of the partition 111F. Therefore, it is difficult for the waste liquid L2 to permeate from one absorbent component 120 separated by the partition 111F to the other absorbent component 120. Therefore, grooves 125 and 126 are formed at the bottom of the waste liquid chamber 86A. In this example, grooves 125 and 126 formed by cut-out recesses are formed at the bottom of the multiple absorbent components 120. Moreover, when the multiple absorbent components 120 are housed in the first housing recess 111B, as Figure 11As shown, at the bottom of the plurality of absorption members 120, a waste liquid flow path 125A, 126A extending in the mounting direction A is formed by the groove portions 125, 126. The waste liquid L2 discharged to the waste liquid introduction chamber 122 flows through the waste liquid flow path 125A, 126A extending in the mounting direction A to be soaked in the plurality of absorption members 120 substantially equally. That is, even if a gap is formed between two absorption members 120 adjacent across the partition 111F, the waste liquid L2 is easily soaked in all of the plurality of absorption members 120. In this way, the waste liquid L2 discharged to the waste liquid introduction chamber 122 is soaked in all of the plurality of absorption members 120.

[0140] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the waste liquid L2 is discharged to the waste liquid introduction chamber 122 through the liquid outlet 116. Figure 11 As shown, in the plurality of absorption members 120 accommodated in the first accommodation recess 111B, a hole portion 123 is formed in a region corresponding to the vent hole 112A. On the back surface of the first cover 112, a moisture-permeable film 124 is fixed at a position corresponding to the vent hole 112A and the hole portion 123. The waste liquid chamber 86A divided by the first accommodation recess 111B and the first cover 112 communicates with the vent hole 112A via the moisture-permeable film 124. Since the moisture-permeable film 124 is positioned at a position corresponding to the hole portion 123, the moisture-permeable film 124 is separated from the waste liquid L2 absorbed by the absorption member 120. Therefore, the waste liquid chamber 86A communicates with the atmosphere through the vent hole 112A, and even if it is assumed that the user tilts or holds the waste liquid cartridge 110 upside down, the waste liquid L2 does not leak from the vent hole 112A.

[0141] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the waste liquid L2 is discharged to the waste liquid introduction chamber 122 through the liquid outlet 116. Figure 11 As shown, in the portion of the plurality of absorption members 120 accommodated in the first accommodation recess 111B corresponding to the liquid outlet 116, a cutout hole 127 is formed. This cutout hole 127 is used in a space, at the time of assembly of the waste liquid cartridge 110, which is a space for avoiding the shaft portion of a screw 132 that fixes the outlet member 68B of the adjustment water bag 68 accommodated in the second accommodation recess 111D, or an operation space when a nut or the like is combined on the shaft portion of the screw 132, and the like.

[0142] Figure 12 The second surface side of the waste liquid cartridge 110 in a state in which the second cover 113 is detached is shown. As shown in FIG. 6, on the second surface of the cartridge main body 111, a second accommodation recess 111D opened by a second opening 111C is recessed. Figure 12

[0143] The adjustment water accommodation portion 66a of the present embodiment is constituted by an adjustment water bag 68 accommodated in an accommodation chamber 66G divided by the second accommodation recess 111D and the second cover 113 covering the second accommodation recess 111D. ​

[0144] The regulating water storage section 66a is an example of a regulating water bag 68, which is a bag body for storing regulating water L1b. The regulating water bag 68 includes a bag section 68A that stores the regulating water L1b and a discharge member 68B that is fixed to one end of the bag section 68A. The discharge member 68B has a discharge port 116A at its top end that can be connected to the liquid inlet section 104.

[0145] The amount of conditioning water L1b stored in the conditioning water storage section 66a is set such that the waste liquid storage section 86 will be filled with waste liquid L2 before the conditioning water L1b stored in the conditioning water storage section 66a is used up.

[0146] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the waste liquid container 110 is mainly composed of a first cover 112, an absorption component 120, a container body 111, a regulating water storage section 66a (regulating water tank 68), and a second cover 113 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The absorption component 120 and the holding component 121 are housed in the first storage recess 111B of the container body 111. The waste liquid inlet section 115 is assembled to the container body 111 by screws 131 with the waste liquid inlet pipe 115A inserted into the assembly hole 119 on the mounting surface 110A of the container body 111. Since the first opening 111A, which is open at the top of the container body 111, is blocked by the first cover 112, which is fused to the upper surface of the container body 111, the waste liquid chamber 86A, which houses the absorption component 120, is thus divided and formed. Furthermore, a circuit board 117 is mounted on a substrate assembly portion 111H, which is formed by an inclined surface recessed at the upper part of one end in the width direction W of the mounting surface 110A.

[0147] like Figure 14 As shown, the regulating water bag 68 is housed in the second receiving recess 111D. The outlet part 68B of the regulating water bag 68 is assembled on the mounting surface 110A at a position corresponding to the liquid outlet 116. The outlet part 68B is fixed to the box body 111 by two screws 132. Since the second opening 111C, which is open at the bottom of the box body 111, is blocked by the second cover 113 fixed to the lower surface of the box body 111 by multiple screws 133, a receiving chamber 66G for housing the regulating water bag 68 is formed. The outlet 116A of the regulating water bag 68 is surrounded by a cylindrical liquid outlet 116 formed by connecting the semi-cylindrical liquid outlet 116 on the side of the box body 111 and the semi-cylindrical liquid outlet 116 on the side of the second cover 113.

[0148] With the waste liquid box 110 mounted on the mounting part 100, the absorption component 120 is in a state where its upper surface is covered by the first cover 112.Figure 13 As shown in the figure, in the cartridge main body 111, the first housing recess 111B and the second housing recess 111D are divided by the partition wall 111E. In this way, the waste liquid chamber 86A in which the recovered waste liquid L2 is housed, and the housing chamber 66G in which the conditioning water housing portion 66a is housed are divided by the partition wall 111E. Therefore, the waste liquid L2 in the waste liquid chamber 86A does not intrude into the housing chamber 66G in which the conditioning water housing portion 66a is housed.

[0149] Electric structure of liquid discharge apparatus

[0150] As Figure 16 shown in the figure, the liquid discharge apparatus 11 is provided with a control portion 90 that controls the head unit 24, the wiper device 40, and the cover device 50. The cover device 50 is provided with a detector group 91 that is controlled by the control portion 90. The detector group 91 includes a detection portion 61a that detects the liquid surface in the humidification fluid housing portion 61. The detection portion 61a outputs the detection result to the control portion 90.

[0151] The control portion 90 has an interface portion 94, a CPU 95, a memory 96, a control circuit 97, and a drive circuit 98. The interface portion 94 transmits or receives data between a computer 99 that is an external device and the liquid discharge apparatus 11. The drive circuit 98 generates a drive signal for driving the actuator of the liquid discharge head 21.

[0152] The CPU 95 is an arithmetic processing device. The memory 96 is a storage device that secures a region for storing a program of the CPU 95, a work region, or the like, and has a RAM, an EEPROM, or the like. The CPU 95 controls the head unit 24, the wiper device 40, the cover device 50, and the like in accordance with a program stored in the memory 96 and via the control circuit 97.

[0153] In the memory 96, a plurality of programs including a program shown in a flowchart in Figure 17 FIG. 10 in which the CPU 95 of the control portion 90 performs a circulating operation, and a program shown in a flowchart in Figure 18 FIG. 11 in which the CPU 95 of the control portion 90 performs a concentration adjustment operation are stored.

[0154] Circulating operation regarding humidification fluid

[0155] The circulating operation in the maintenance method of the cover device is described.

[0156] As Figure 19 shown in the figure, the cover device 50 performs a circulating operation. At the time of the circulating operation, the first on-off valve 66c is in a closed valve state, and the control portion 90 circulates the humidification fluid L1a in the circulating path 62 in the humidification fluid circulating mechanism 60 in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. Figure 19The arrows marked by solid lines indicate the direction of flow. Furthermore, the control unit 90 confirms the amount of moisture evaporating from the humidifying fluid L1a.

[0157] The circulation channel consists of a humidifying fluid receiving section 61, a supply channel 62a, a recovery channel 62b, and a cover 51a. Figure 4 The humidification chamber 55 shown is configured such that the humidification fluid receiving part 61 houses a fluid containing a fluid for humidifying fluids. Figure 4 The enclosed space SP shown contains a humidifying fluid L1a for humidifying water. The supply channel 62a connects the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 to the cover 51a, and the return channel 62b connects the cover 51a to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61. Furthermore, preferably, the internal pressure within the cover 51a during circulation is set below the meniscus pressure of the liquid nozzle 21 by adjusting the circulation flow rate implemented by the first pump 63.

[0158] like Figure 19 As shown, during the circulation of humidifying fluid L1a, humidifying fluid L1a flows through circulation path 62 towards... Figure 19 The solid arrows indicate the direction of flow, thus circulating in the circulation channel. The humidifying fluid L1a is circulated within the circulation path 62 by the control unit 90, thereby circulating the humidifying fluid L1a within a tortuous flow path in the humidification chamber 55. The moisture from the humidifying fluid L1a mainly evaporates in the humidification chamber 55 within the cover 51a. Furthermore, for example, when the humidifying fluid L1a flows from the humidification chamber 55 to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61, and when the humidifying fluid L1a in the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 flows to the humidification chamber 55, the control unit 90 stops the flow of the humidifying fluid L1a and confirms the amount of moisture evaporation from the humidifying fluid L1a. That is, the purpose of the circulation operation in the maintenance method of the cover device 50 includes the process of confirming the amount of moisture evaporation from the humidifying fluid L1a.

[0159] like Figure 19 As shown, the control unit 90 manages time using a timer or similar means, thereby periodically executing a cyclical operation. For example, when the power to the liquid dispensing device 11 is turned on, the control unit 90 executes the cyclical operation once a day. At the end of the cyclical operation process described later, in order to confirm the amount of water evaporation from the humidifying fluid L1a, the control unit 90 obtains information about the liquid level in the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 via the detection unit 61a. When the amount of water evaporation in the cover 51a is large, the liquid level in the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 will decrease. When the cover 51a is located... Figure 2 , Figure 5 The time of the retreat position shown, i.e., when cover 51a did not form an enclosure. Figure 4The amount of moisture evaporation increases over time of the closed space SP of the opening 22a of the nozzle 22 shown. Therefore, the control section 90 can also manage the time for which the cover 51a is located in the retreat position for each temperature and humidity environment, thereby implementing the cycle operation. In addition, the control section 90 can also perform the cycle operation before the liquid discharge apparatus 11 is set and recording is first performed on the medium M, or before the cover unit 51 is replaced with a new cover unit 51 and recording is first performed on the medium M, or before the conditioning water storage section 66a is replaced with a full conditioning water storage section 66a and recording is first performed on the medium M.

[0160] In order to reduce the frequency of the cycle operation, it is preferable that the area of the liquid surface with respect to the depth in the humidification fluid storage section 61 be increased. Thus, the change in the height of the liquid surface when the amount of the liquid in the humidification fluid storage section 61 changes can be reduced due to the evaporation of the moisture contained in the humidification fluid Lla. Further, in order to slow down the change in the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla due to the evaporation of the moisture contained in the humidification fluid Lla from the humidification fluid Lla, it is preferable that the volume of the humidification fluid storage section 61 be increased as much as possible among the dimensions of the liquid discharge apparatus 11.

[0161] Concentration adjustment operation with respect to the humidification fluid

[0162] The concentration adjustment operation in the maintenance method of the cover device will be described.

[0163] As shown in Figure 19 , the cover device 50 implements the concentration adjustment operation. At the time of the concentration adjustment operation, the first on-off valve 66c is in the open state, and the control section 90 causes the humidification fluid Lla to flow in the circulation path 62 in the humidification fluid circulation mechanism 60 in the direction of the solid arrow mark shown in Figure 19 . At this time, since the first on-off valve 66c is in the open state, the conditioning water Llb in the conditioning water supply section 66 flows in the direction of the broken arrow mark shown in Figure 19 and is supplied to the circulation path 62. That is, the concentration adjustment operation in the maintenance method of the cover device 50 includes the process of supplying the conditioning water Llb to the circulation path 62 by the conditioning water supply section 66 and the process of causing the humidification fluid Lla to flow in the circulation path 62.

[0164] At the end of the above-described flow of the circulating operation, when the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 is lower than the first predetermined level Hl at the time when the control section 90 acquires information on the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 by the detection section 61a, the concentration adjustment operation is executed by the control section 90. That is, the cover device 50 supplies the adjustment water Llb in the adjustment water storage section 66a into the circulating path 62 until the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 becomes the predetermined level or higher when the concentration adjustment operation is executed at the time when the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 is detected by the detection section 61a to be lower than the predetermined level. Thereafter, the humidification fluid Lla is caused to flow in the circulating path 62.

[0165] In the cover 51a, moisture evaporates from the humidification fluid Lla, and the humidification fluid Lla is circulated in the circulating path 62 by the above-described circulating operation. Thus, the moisture in the humidification fluid storage section 61 also decreases, and the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 becomes lower. Further, when the evaporation proceeds, the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 becomes lower than the first predetermined level Hl. The first predetermined level Hl is set so that the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla at this time is higher than the predetermined concentration. By executing the concentration adjustment operation by the control section 90, the adjustment water Llb in the adjustment water storage section 66a is supplied into the circulating path 62 so that the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 is higher than the first predetermined level Hl. Thus, water approximately equal to the amount of water evaporated in the cover 51a is supplied into the circulating path 62, and the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla is made to be lower than the predetermined concentration. That is, the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla is returned to the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla before the moisture evaporates in the cover 51a.

[0166] The control section 90 sets the first on-off valve 66c to the open valve state to supply the adjustment water Llb in the adjustment water storage section 66a into the circulating path 62 in the concentration adjustment operation. Further, when the control section 90 determines that the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage section 61 is higher than the first predetermined level Hl, the control section 90 sets the first on-off valve 66c to the closed valve state to execute the above-described circulating operation and causes the humidification fluid Lla in the humidification fluid storage section 61 to flow in the circulating path 62. That is, the concentration adjustment operation in the maintenance method of the cover device 50 includes processing of opening the first on-off valve 66c when the adjustment water Llb in the adjustment water storage section 66a is supplied into the circulating path 62 and closing the first on-off valve 66c when the humidification fluid Lla flows in the circulating path 62.

[0167] In the first confluence portion 62c of the circulation path 62, the humidified fluid L1a flowing from the humidified fluid storage portion 61 and the conditioned water L1b flowing from the conditioned water supply portion 66 are confluenced. When the volume of the conditioned water L1b flowing from the conditioned water supply portion 66 is larger than the volume of the humidified fluid L1a flowing from the humidified fluid storage portion 61, the liquid level detection deviation will be large because the speed of change in the liquid level height in the humidified fluid storage portion 61 becomes fast, and thus it is difficult to detect the liquid level height in a timely manner. Therefore, in the first confluence portion 62c, it is preferable that the pressure loss of the flow passage on the conditioned water supply portion 66 side be set to be greater than or equal to the pressure loss of the flow passage on the humidified fluid storage portion 61 side.

[0168] Regarding the cap replacement preparation operation

[0169] Further, when the cap 51a is replaced, a cap replacement preparation operation is performed. The cap replacement preparation operation refers to an operation performed by the cap device 50 when the replacement of the cap 51a is performed. Before the cap 51a is replaced, the humidified fluid L1a in the cap 51a is recovered. In the cap device 50 of the present embodiment, when the cap is replaced, the cap unit 51 illustrated in FIG. 6 is replaced. Alternatively, a structure in which the cap 51a is replaced alone can be employed. Figure 3

[0170] In the cap replacement preparation operation, the first on-off valve 66c is in the closed state and the second on-off valve 67b is in the open state, and the control portion 90 causes the pressurized air in the pressurized air supply portion 67 of the humidified fluid circulation mechanism 60 to flow in the pressurized air supply passage 67a in the direction of the arrow mark of the dashed line illustrated in FIG. 6. At this time, the pressurized air is supplied to the circulation path 62 by the pressurized air supply portion 67, and thus the humidified fluid L1a in the flow passage from the second confluence portion 66e to the inflow portion 61f of the circulation passage constituted by the circulation path 62 is pushed out into the humidified fluid storage portion 61. Further, the flow passage from the second confluence portion 66e to the inflow portion 61f is filled with air. As a result, the humidified fluid L1a in the cap 51a is recovered into the humidified fluid storage portion 61. Figure 17

[0171] The humidified fluid L1a in the cap 51a has a high concentration because the moisture evaporates in the cap 51a. As a result, when the humidified fluid L1a in the cap 51a is recovered into the humidified fluid storage portion 61, the concentration of the humidified fluid L1a in the humidified fluid storage portion 61 becomes high. Further, when the humidified fluid L1a in the cap 51a is recovered into the humidified fluid storage portion 61, a small amount of the humidified fluid L1a having a high concentration remains in the cap 51a. As a result, the amount of the humidified fluid L1a in the humidified fluid storage portion 61 becomes small in correspondence with the amount of the remaining humidified fluid L1a.

[0172] Regarding the conditioned water storage portion replacement pre-operation​​

[0173] In a case where it is determined that the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a is used up, a conditioning water storage portion pre-replacement operation performed before the conditioning water storage portion 66a is replaced is described.

[0174] The conditioning water storage portion pre-replacement operation refers to an operation performed by the control portion 90 in a case where the amount of the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a reaches a level at which it is determined that the replacement of the conditioning water storage portion 66a is necessary. In the present embodiment, since the conditioning water storage portion 66a is stored in the same waste liquid cartridge 110 as the waste liquid storage portion 86, the control portion 90 performs the conditioning water storage portion pre-replacement operation even during the replacement period of the waste liquid storage portion 86, which is filled with the waste liquid L2.

[0175] In the present embodiment, when the first pump 63 is driven for the third predetermined time T3 in the aforementioned concentration adjustment operation, the control portion 90 determines that the conditioning water in the conditioning water storage portion 66a is used up in a case where the liquid level in the humidifying fluid storage portion 61 is detected by the detection portion 61a to be lower than the first predetermined height H1. That is, when the concentration of the humidifying fluid L1a in the circulation path 62 cannot be restored to the concentration before the evaporation of the water in the cap 51a, it is determined by the control portion 90 that the conditioning water storage portion 66a needs to be replaced.

[0176] When it is determined that the conditioning water storage portion 66a needs to be replaced, the same operation as the aforementioned cap replacement preparation operation is performed by the control portion 90. Further, after the humidifying fluid L1a in the cap 51a is recovered until the conditioning water storage portion 66a is replaced, the first parameter table for the purge is switched to a second parameter table for a case where the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a is used up.

[0177] The parameter table refers to a table in which conditions or the number of times of performing the purge, and the like are recorded, and the purge is performed based on the table. When the humidifying fluid L1a in the cap 51a is recovered, since the enclosed space SP in the cap 51a is not humidified by the humidifying fluid L1a, the control portion 90 performs the empty ejection as the ejection of the liquid that is not related to printing on the enclosed space SP in the cap 51a to perform the humidification of the nozzle 22. Therefore, the conditions or the number of times of performing the purge, and the like are changed to parameters that are appropriate for the humidification of the nozzle 22.

[0178] In addition, until the conditioning water storage portion 66a is replaced, the aforementioned circulation operation, which is periodically performed until then, is not performed. When the conditioning water storage portion 66a is replaced, the control portion 90 starts the aforementioned concentration adjustment operation after the second parameter table is restored to the first parameter table before the parameter table is switched. Further, thereafter, the aforementioned circulation operation is also periodically performed.

[0179] Liquid ejected by a liquid ejection head

[0180] Next, the ink ejected by the liquid ejecting device 11 will be described in detail.

[0181] The ink used in the liquid ejecting device 11 contains a resin in terms of components, and does not substantially contain glycerin having a boiling point of 290°C at one atmosphere. When the ink substantially contains glycerin, the dryability of the ink can greatly decrease. As a result, not only does the unevenness of the image become apparent in various media, particularly media that are not or are lowly absorbent of ink, but also the fixability of the ink cannot be obtained. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ink does not substantially contain an alkyl polyol (other than the above-mentioned glycerin) equivalent to a boiling point of 280°C or more at one atmosphere.

[0182] Here, "does not substantially contain" in the present specification means that it does not contain an amount that sufficiently exerts the meaning of being added. Quantitatively, it is preferable that it does not contain 1.0% by mass or more of glycerin, more preferable that it does not contain 0.5% by mass or more of glycerin, further preferable that it does not contain 0.1% by mass or more of glycerin, more further preferable that it does not contain 0.05% by mass or more of glycerin, particularly preferable that it does not contain 0.01% by mass or more of glycerin, and most preferable that it does not contain 0.001% by mass or more of glycerin, with respect to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass).

[0183] Next, additives (components) that are contained in or can be contained in the above-mentioned ink will be described.

[0184] 1. Color material

[0185] The ink can also contain a color material. The above-mentioned color material is selected from pigments and dyes.

[0186] 1-1. Pigment

[0187] By using a pigment as the color material, the light resistance of the ink can be improved. The pigment can use any one of an inorganic pigment and an organic pigment. Although the inorganic pigment is not particularly limited, for example, carbon black, iron oxide, titanium oxide, and silicon oxide can be listed.

[0188] As the organic pigment, there is no particular limitation, and for example, quinacridone pigments, quinacridonequinone pigments, dioxazine pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, anthrapyrimidine pigments, anthrarufin pigments, indathrene pigments, flavanthrone pigments, perinone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, perynige pigments, quinophthalone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, thioindigo pigments, benzimidazolone pigments, isoindolinone pigments, azomethine pigments, and azo pigments can be listed. As specific examples of the organic pigment, pigments described below can be listed.

[0189] As the pigment used in the blue-green ink, C.I. Pigment Blue 1, 2, 3, 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6, 15:34, 16, 18, 22, 60, 65, 66, C.I. Reducing Blue 4, 60 can be listed. Among them, any one of C.I. Pigment Blue 15:3 and 15:4 is preferable.

[0190] As the pigment used in the magenta ink, C.I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 32, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48(Ca), 48(Mn), 57(Ca), 57:1, 88, 112, 114, 122, 123, 144, 146, 149, 150, 166, 168, 170, 171, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 187, 202, 209, 219, 224, 245, 254, 264, C.I. Pigment Violet 19, 23, 32, 33, 36, 38, 43, 50 can be listed. Among them, one or more selected from the group consisting of C.I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. Pigment Red 202, and C.I. Pigment Violet 19 is preferable.

[0191] As the pigment used in the yellow ink, C.I. Pigment Yellow 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, 34, 35, 37, 53, 55, 65, 73, 74, 75, 81, 83, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 108, 109, 110, 113, 114, 117, 120, 124, 128, 129, 133, 138, 139, 147, 151, 153, 154, 155, 167, 172, 180, 185, 213 can be listed. Among them, one or more selected from the group consisting of C.I. Pigment Yellow 74, 155, and 213 is preferable.

[0192] In addition, as the pigment used in the ink of a color other than the above-mentioned colors such as green ink or orange ink, a publicly known pigment can be cited.

[0193] In order to be able to suppress clogging in the nozzle 22 and to make the ejection stability more favorable, it is preferable that the average particle diameter of the pigment be 250 nm or less. Also, the average particle diameter in the present specification is a particle diameter on a volume basis. As a measurement method, for example, measurement can be performed by a particle size distribution measuring device using a laser diffraction scattering method as a measurement principle. As the particle size distribution measuring device, for example, a particle size distribution measuring instrument using a dynamic light scattering method as a measurement principle (for example, Microtrac UPA (trade name) manufactured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd.) can be cited.

[0194] 1-2. Dye

[0195] As the color material, a dye can be used. The dye is not particularly limited, and an acid dye, a direct dye, a reactive dye, and a basic dye can be used. The content of the color material is preferably 0.4 to 12% by mass, and more preferably 2% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, with respect to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass).

[0196] 2. Resin

[0197] The ink contains a resin. By the ink containing the resin, a resin film is formed on the medium, as a result of which the ink is sufficiently fixed on the medium, and mainly an effect of making the rub resistance of the image good is exerted. Therefore, it is preferable that the resin emulsion be a thermoplastic resin. In order to obtain the advantageous effects of being difficult to cause clogging of the nozzle 21 and having rub resistance of the medium, it is preferable that the heat distortion temperature of the resin be 40°C or higher, and more preferably 60°C or higher.

[0198] In the present specification, the "heat distortion temperature" is set to a temperature value represented by a glass transition temperature (Tg) or a minimum film forming temperature (MFT). That is, "the heat distortion temperature is 40°C or higher" means that either one of the Tg or the MFT is 40°C or higher. Also, since the MFT is more likely to grasp the merits and demerits of the redispersibility of the resin than the Tg, it is preferable that the heat distortion temperature be a temperature value represented by the MFT. Since if the ink is one in which the redispersibility of the resin is excellent, the ink does not solidify, and thus the nozzle 22 is less likely to be clogged.

[0199] Although the specific examples of the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin are not particularly limited, a (meth)acrylic polymer such as poly(meth)acrylate or a copolymer thereof, polyacrylonitrile or a copolymer thereof, polycyanoacrylate, polyacrylamide, and poly(meth)acrylate, a polyolefin polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyisobutylene, and polystyrene and a copolymer thereof, and petroleum resin, benzofuran-indene resin, and terpene resin, a vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol polymer such as polyvinyl acetate or a copolymer thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetal, and polyvinyl ether, a halogen-containing polymer such as polyvinyl chloride or a copolymer thereof, polyvinylidene chloride, fluororesin, and fluoroelastomer, a nitrogen-containing vinyl polymer such as polyvinylcarbazole, polyvinylpyrrolidone or a copolymer thereof, polyvinylpyridine, and polyvinylimidazole, a diene polymer such as polybutadiene or a copolymer thereof, polychloroprene, and polyisoprene (butyl rubber), and other ring-opening polymerization type resins, polycondensation type resins, and natural polymer resins can be exemplified.

[0200] The content of the resin with respect to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass) is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, and more preferably 1 to 5% by mass. In the case where the content is within the above-mentioned range, the glossiness and the rub resistance of the formed re-coated image can be made more excellent. In addition, as the resin that can be contained in the above-mentioned ink, for example, a resin dispersant, a resin emulsion, and a wax, and the like can be exemplified.

[0201] 2-1. Resin Emulsion

[0202] The ink can also contain a resin emulsion. When the medium is heated, it is preferable that the resin emulsion forms a resin film together with the wax (emulsion) so that the ink is sufficiently fixed on the medium, thereby exerting an effect of making the rub resistance of the image good. According to the above-mentioned effect, in the case where printing is performed on the medium using the ink containing the resin emulsion, the ink is particularly excellent in the rub resistance on the medium that is non-absorbing or lowly absorbing.

[0203] In addition, the resin emulsion that functions as a binder is contained in the ink in an emulsion state. By containing the resin that functions as a binder in the ink in an emulsion state, it is easy to adjust the viscosity of the ink to a suitable range in the inkjet recording method, and it is possible to improve the storage stability and the ejection stability of the ink.

[0204] Although not limited to the following as the resin emulsion, for example, mention can be made of homopolymers or copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylate, acrylonitrile, cyanoacrylate, acrylamide, olefin, styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinyl alcohol, vinyl ether, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl pyridine, vinyl carbazole, vinyl imidazole, and vinylidene chloride, fluororesin, and natural resin. Of these, any one of a methacrylic resin and a styrene-methacrylic copolymer resin is preferable, any one of an acrylic resin and a styrene-acrylic copolymer resin is more preferable, and a styrene-acrylic copolymer resin is further more preferable. Also, the copolymer described above can be any one of a random copolymer, a block copolymer, an alternating copolymer, and a graft copolymer.

[0205] In order to make the storage stability and the ejection stability of the ink more favorable, the average particle diameter of the resin emulsion is preferably in the range of 5 nm to 400 nm, and more preferably in the range of 20 nm to 300 nm. Also, in the resin, the content of the resin emulsion is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 7% by mass with respect to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass). When the content is in the range described above, the solid content concentration can be reduced, and thus the ejection stability can be made more favorable.

[0206] 2-2. Wax

[0207] The ink can contain a wax. By the ink containing a wax, the fixing property of the ink on a non-absorbing or low-absorbing medium of the ink becomes more excellent. The wax is more preferably a wax of an emulsion type. Although not limited to the following as the wax described above, mention can be made of polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, and polyolefin wax, of which the polyethylene wax described later is preferable. Also, in the present specification, "wax" mainly refers to a substance in which solid wax particles are dispersed in water using a surfactant described later.

[0208] By the ink described above containing a polyethylene wax, the scratch resistance of the ink can be made more excellent. In order to make the storage stability and the ejection stability of the ink more favorable, the average particle diameter of the polyethylene wax is preferably in the range of 5 nm to 400 nm, and more preferably in the range of 50 nm to 200 nm.

[0209] The content of the polyethylene wax (converted to a solid content) is independent of each other, and the content of the polyethylene wax is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3% by mass, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 3% by mass, and further preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass). When the content is in the above range, the ink can be well fixed and firmed, and the storage stability and the ejection stability of the ink can be more excellent, even on a medium that is non-absorbing or lowly absorbing.

[0210] 3. Surfactant

[0211] The ink can also contain a surfactant. Although not limited to the following surfactants as the surfactant, for example, nonionic surfactants can be listed. The nonionic surfactants have an effect of uniformly spreading the ink on a medium. Therefore, in the case where printing is performed using an ink containing a nonionic surfactant, a high-fineness image with almost no bleeding can be obtained. Although not limited to the following surfactants as such nonionic surfactants, for example, surfactants of silicon type, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether type, polyoxypropylene alkyl ether type, polycyclic phenyl ether type, sorbitan derivative, and fluorine type can be listed, of which surfactants of silicon type are preferred.

[0212] In order to make the storage stability and the ejection stability of the ink more excellent, the content of the polyethylene wax is preferably in the range of 0.1% by mass or more and 3% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass).

[0213] 4. Organic solvent

[0214] The ink can also contain a publicly known volatile water-soluble organic solvent. However, as described above, it is preferred that the ink substantially not contain glycerin (boiling point at one atmosphere: 290°C) as one of the organic solvents, and substantially not contain an alkyl polyhydric alcohol (except for the above glycerin) equivalent to a boiling point at one atmosphere of 280°C or more.

[0215] 5. Aprotic polar solvent

[0216] The ink can also contain an aprotic polar solvent. Since the above resin particles contained in the ink are dissolved by containing the aprotic polar solvent in the ink, clogging of the nozzle 21 can be effectively suppressed at the time of printing. In addition, since it has a property of dissolving a medium such as vinyl chloride, the adhesiveness of the image is improved.

[0217] Although not particularly limited with respect to the aprotic polar solvent, it is preferable to contain one or more selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidones, lactones, sulfoxides, imidazolones, sulfolanes, urea derivatives, dialkylamides, cyclic ethers, amide ethers. As representative examples of the pyrrolidones, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone are included, as representative examples of the lactones, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, ε-caprolactone are included, as representative examples of the sulfoxides, dimethyl sulfoxide, tetramethylene sulfoxide are included.

[0218] As representative examples of the imidazolones, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolone is included, as representative examples of the sulfolanes, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfolane are included, as representative examples of the urea derivatives, dimethyl urea, 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl urea are included. As representative examples of the dialkylamides, dimethyl formamide, dimethyl acetamide are included, as representative examples of the cyclic ethers, 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran are included.

[0219] Among them, from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned effects, pyrrolidones, lactones, sulfoxides, amide ethers are particularly preferable, and 2-pyrrolidone is most preferable. The content of the above-mentioned aprotic polar solvent is preferably in the range of 3 to 30% by mass, more preferably in the range of 8 to 20% by mass, with respect to the total mass of the ink (100% by mass).

[0220] 6. Other components

[0221] The ink can contain, in addition to the above-mentioned components, a mildew preventive agent, a rust preventive agent, a chelating agent, and the like.

[0222] Regarding the humidifying fluid

[0223] The components of the surfactant mixed in the humidifying fluid Lla will be described.

[0224] As the surfactant, cationic surfactants such as alkylamine salts and quaternary ammonium salts; anionic surfactants such as dialkylsulfosuccinates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, and fatty acid salts; zwitterionic surfactants such as alkyl dimethyl amine oxides and alkyl carboxybetaines; nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl alkenyl ethers, acetylene diols, and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers; and the like can be used. Among these surfactants, anionic surfactants or nonionic surfactants are particularly preferable.

[0225] The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by mass relative to the total mass of the humidifying fluid Lla. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of foaming property and defoaming property after foaming, the content of the surfactant is preferably 0.5 to 1.5% by mass relative to the total mass of the humidifying fluid Lla. Moreover, the surfactant can be only one kind or two or more kinds. In addition, the surfactant contained in the humidifying fluid Lla is preferably the same as the surfactant contained in the ink (liquid), and for example, in the case where the surfactant contained in the ink (liquid) is a nonionic surfactant, the nonionic surfactant is not limited to, for example, a silicone-based surfactant, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether-based surfactant, a polyoxypropylene alkyl ether-based surfactant, a polycyclic phenyl ether-based surfactant, a sorbitan derivative, and a fluorine-based surfactant, and is preferably a silicone-based surfactant.

[0226] In particular, in order to make the foam height immediately after foaming and the foam height 5 minutes after foaming using the Ross-Miles method fall within the range (the foam height immediately after foaming is 50 mm or more and the foam height 5 minutes after foaming is 5 mm or less), it is preferable to use, as the surfactant, an adduct formed by adding ethylene oxide (EO) to acetylene glycol at an adduct mole number of 4 to 30, and to set the content of the adduct at 0.1 to 3.0% by mass relative to the total weight of the cleaning solution. Furthermore, in order to make the foam height immediately after foaming and the foam height 5 minutes after foaming using the Ross-Miles method fall within the preferable range (the foam height immediately after foaming is 100 mm or more and the foam height 5 minutes after foaming is 5 mm or less), it is preferable to use, as the surfactant, an adduct formed by adding ethylene oxide (EO) to acetylene glycol at an adduct mole number of 10 to 20, and to set the content of the adduct at 0.5 to 1.5% by mass relative to the total weight of the cleaning solution. However, when the content of the ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol is too large, the critical micelle concentration can be reached, and an emulsion can be formed.

[0227] The surfactant has a function of easily allowing the aqueous ink to spread on the recording medium. The surfactant that can be used in the present application is not particularly limited, and anionic surfactants such as dialkyl sulfosuccinates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, and fatty acid salts; nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene alkyl ether-based surfactants, polyoxyethylene alkyl allyl ether-based surfactants, acetylene glycol-based surfactants, and polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer-based surfactants; cationic surfactants such as alkyl amine salts and quaternary ammonium salts; silicone-based surfactants; and fluorine-based surfactants can be used.

[0228] In addition, the surfactant has an effect of subdividing and dispersing the agglomerates by the surface activity effect between the humidifying fluid Lla and the agglomerates. In addition, since it has the effect of lowering the surface tension of the cleaning liquid, it has an effect that the cleaning liquid easily enters between the agglomerates and the nozzle face 23, and easily peels the agglomerates from the nozzle face 23.

[0229] If the surfactant is a compound having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion in the same molecule, any one of the surfactants can be preferable. As specific examples, the surfactants represented by the following formulas (I) to (IV) are preferable. That is, the polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether surfactant of the following formula (I), the acetylene diol surfactant of the formula (II), the polyoxyethylene alkyl ether surfactant of the following formula (III), and the polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether surfactant of the formula (IV) can be listed.

[0230] Chemical Formula 1

[0231]

[0232] (R is a hydrocarbon chain of 6 to 14 carbons which can be branched, k: 5 to 20)

[0233] Chemical Formula 2

[0234]

[0235] (m, n < 20, 0 < m + n < 40)

[0236] Chemical Formula 3

[0237] R-(OCH2CH2)nH... (III)

[0238] (R is a hydrocarbon chain of 6 to 14 carbons which can be branched, n is 5 to 20)

[0239] Chemical Formula 4

[0240]

[0241] (R is a hydrocarbon chain of 6 to 14 carbons, m, n are numbers of 20 or less)

[0242] In addition to the compounds of the formulas (I) to (IV), the following can be used: polyhydric alcohol alkyl and aryl ethers such as diethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monoallyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol chlorophenyl ether, and the like; nonionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer, and the like; fluorine-based surfactants; lower alcohols such as ethanol, 2-propanol, and the like. The diethylene glycol monobutyl ether is particularly preferable.

[0243] Action

[0244] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0245] Before the liquid dispensing device 11 is assembled and shipped from the factory, a humidifying fluid filling operation is performed. The liquid dispensing device 11 is shipped from the factory with a predetermined amount of humidifying fluid L1a stored in the humidifying fluid storage section 61. During this shipment, the humidifying fluid L1a in the cover 51a is discharged beforehand, and the cover 51a is in a state with almost no humidifying fluid L1a.

[0246] When the liquid ejection device 11 arrives at the user's location after being shipped from the factory, the user sets up the device. The user installs the waste liquid container 110 onto the mounting section 100 of the liquid ejection device 11. As a result, the waste liquid collection section 86 connects to the first waste liquid flow channel 81a, and the regulating water collection section 66a connects to the regulating water supply flow channel 66b. Afterward, the user uses the operation section 15 to perform initial operation before using the liquid ejection device 11 in printing. As a preparatory action, the control section 90 executes... Figure 17 The flow of the cyclic operation is shown. When the initial cyclic operation ends, the medium M can be recorded by the liquid ejection device 11. Thereafter, the control unit 90 manages at least one of the following times by means of a timer: the recording time, the elapsed time since the end of the last cyclic operation, etc., and executes the cyclic operation when the set time reaches a predetermined time.

[0247] Next, refer to Figure 17 The flowchart shown illustrates the process of the cyclic operation performed by the control unit 90.

[0248] In step S101, the control unit 90 determines whether the first on-off valve 66c is in a closed state. If the first on-off valve 66c is in a closed state, the process proceeds to step S103. If the first on-off valve 66c is in an open state, the process proceeds to step S102. Then, in step S102, the control unit 90 closes the first on-off valve 66c.

[0249] In step S103, the control unit 90 drives the first pump 63 for a first predetermined time T1 while the first on / off valve 66c is in the closed state. Thus, as... Figure 19 As shown, the humidifying fluid L1a flows through the circulation path 62 towards... Figure 19 The arrows marked by solid lines indicate the direction of flow.

[0250] In step S104, the control section 90 stops the first pump 63 at the second predetermined time T2 with the first on-off valve 66c in the closed state. Thereby, the liquid level state in the humidifying fluid storage section 61 is stabilized. In addition, in order to shorten the time until the liquid level state is stabilized, it is preferable to reduce the amount of change in the height of the liquid level when the amount of the liquid in the humidifying fluid storage section 61 changes, by enlarging the area of the liquid level with respect to the depth in the humidifying fluid storage section 61.

[0251] In step S105, the control section 90 acquires information of the liquid level height in the humidifying fluid storage section 61 from the detection section 61a. Also, in step S106, the control section 90 judges whether the liquid level height is higher than the first predetermined height Hl. When the liquid level height is higher than the first predetermined height Hl, the flow is ended.

[0252] When the liquid level height is lower than the first predetermined height Hl, the flow is shifted to step S200. Then, in step S200, the control section 90 executes the subroutine of the concentration adjustment operation described later. When the subroutine of the concentration adjustment operation is ended, the control section 90 ends the flow.

[0253] After being set by the liquid ejection apparatus 11 and before the first recording, the humidifying fluid Lla can be circulated in the cover 51a by the circulation operation shown in Figure 19 Then, the humidifying chamber 55 in the cover 51a can be filled with the humidifying fluid Lla.

[0254] When the liquid ejection apparatus 11 records the medium M, the medium M fed from Figure 1 The medium M fed from the medium storage section 16 shown in Fig. 1 is transported to the recording section 20 by the transport path 19. The liquid ejection head 21 ejects liquid to the medium M transported in the first transport direction Zl. As a result, characters or images, etc. are recorded on the medium M.

[0255] In the recording, since the cover 51a is in the open state, the evaporation of the moisture from the humidifying fluid Lla from the humidifying chamber 55 is promoted compared to when the cover is closed. When the conditions of the environment such as temperature or humidity are the same, the higher the recording frequency and the longer the recording time, the more the evaporation of the moisture from the humidifying fluid Lla increases.

[0256] On the other hand, as Figure 4As shown, in the pressure lid, moisture evaporated from the humidification fluid Lla and passing through the first moisture permeable film 54 humidifies the waste liquid L2 absorbed by the absorbent 53. Thereby, when the viscosity increase of the waste liquid L2 absorbed by the absorbent 53 is high, the viscosity increase of the waste liquid L2 is adjusted by the moisture evaporated from the humidification fluid Lla. From the moisture evaporated from the humidification fluid Lla and the waste liquid L2 whose viscosity increase is adjusted, the enclosed space SP can be more effectively humidified. Even in the pressure lid, the moisture of the humidification fluid Lla evaporates little by little.

[0257] As shown, Figure 4 When the liquid ejection head 21 does not perform ejection of liquid, the lid unit 51 is set to a pressure lid state in which the lid unit 51 is in contact with the nozzle face 23 of the liquid ejection head 21. That is, after the head unit 24 is moved from the retreat position to the maintenance position in the third direction D3, the head unit 24 is moved from the recording position to the maintenance position in the first direction Dl. In this pressure lid state, the lid 51a is in contact with the nozzle face 23 of the liquid ejection head 21, and thus the enclosed space SP in which the nozzle 22 is open is formed.

[0258] As shown, Figure 4 The humidification chamber 55 is filled with the humidification fluid Lla. Moisture evaporated from the humidification fluid Lla and humidified air containing the moisture pass through the first moisture permeable film 54 and the absorbent 53, and thus the enclosed space SP is humidified. Therefore, the opening 22a of the nozzle 22 can be humidified. Then, since the viscosity increase of liquid in the nozzle 22 is suppressed, generation of ejection failure can be prevented.

[0259] Further, the liquid ejection apparatus 11 periodically performs ejection operation for discharging droplets irrelevant to printing into the enclosed space SP in the lid 51a from the nozzle 22, that is, purging. At the time of purging, as shown, Figure 4 Further, the liquid ejection apparatus 11 performs cleaning of the liquid ejection head 21 when it becomes a cleaning period and when an instruction to perform cleaning by the user using the operation section 15 is accepted.

[0260] When purging or cleaning is performed, liquid discharged from the nozzle 22 of the liquid ejection head 21 adheres to the nozzle face 23. Therefore, after purging or cleaning is performed, the liquid ejection apparatus 11 performs wiping. As shown, Figure 3 In the state where the head unit 24 is in the maintenance position, the wiper carriage 41 is moved from the retreat position to the fifth direction D5 and moved to the turnaround position, and thus the nozzle face 23 is wiped by the wiper member 42. Thereby, liquid and dirt such as dust adhering to the nozzle face 23 of the liquid ejection head 21 is removed.

[0261] The waste liquid L2 discharged from the nozzle 22 into the lid 51a by the flushing or cleaning is recovered into the waste liquid storage portion 86 in the waste liquid box 110. That is, as shown in Figure 5 the waste liquid recovery mechanism 80 recovers the waste liquid L2 discharged into the lid 51a by the flushing or cleaning into the waste liquid storage portion 86 of the waste liquid box 110 by the first waste liquid flow path 81a by the third pump 82. At the time of recovery of the waste liquid L2, since the air pressure in the buffer chamber 83 is lowered by the fourth pump 84, the waste liquid L2 in the lid 51a becomes easy to flow into the buffer chamber 83, and thus the waste liquid L2 is difficult to remain in the lid 51a. Further, the waste liquid L2 recovered into the wiper carriage 41 from the nozzle face 23 by the wiping is also recovered into the waste liquid storage portion 86 in the waste liquid box 110 by the second waste liquid flow path 81b. In addition, since the first moisture permeable film 54 in the lid 51a does not allow the liquid to permeate, the waste liquid L2 does not flow into the humidification chamber 55 at the time of flushing or cleaning.

[0262] At the time of non-recording, the lid 51a is set to the Figure 4 pressing state, and the closed space SP opened by the nozzle 22 is humidified by the moisture contained in the humidification fluid Lla filled in the humidification chamber 55. Thereby, the amount of the moisture contained in the humidification fluid Lla filled in the humidification chamber 55 is reduced. As a result, the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla filled in the humidification chamber 55 is higher than the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla in the humidification fluid storage portion 61.

[0263] As shown in Figure 19 , the first pump 63 is periodically driven to perform the circulation action. That is, the humidification fluid Lla is circulated in the circulation path 62 in the direction indicated by the solid arrow mark in Figure 19 . By the circulation action, the amount of the moisture contained in the humidification fluid Lla filled in the humidification chamber 55, that is, the moisture concentration of the humidification fluid Lla is recovered to an appropriate concentration. The control portion 90 manages the time by a timer or the like to periodically perform the circulation action. Thereby, the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla in the entire circulation path 62 can be made uniform at an appropriate timing. Thereby, the generation of the ejection failure due to the insufficient humidification of the opening of the nozzle 22 can be prevented.

[0264] Further, when the sealability is reduced due to deterioration or fatigue caused by long-term use, or when breakage or malfunction occurs for some reason, the seal portion 56c of the cap 51a is replaced with a new one for each cap unit 51 or as a unit of the cap 51a. Before the cap is replaced, a cap replacement preparation operation is performed. By supplying pressurized air from the pressurized air supply portion 67 into the cap 51a, the humidification fluid Lla in the cap 51a is pushed out and recovered to the humidification fluid storage portion 61. Thus, the decrease in the amount of the humidification fluid Lla caused by the replacement of the cap is limited to a minimum.

[0265] After the cap replacement preparation operation is completed, the cap unit 51 or the cap 51a is replaced with a new one. After the replacement, the aforementioned circulation operation is performed, and the humidification chamber 55 in the new cap 51a is filled with the humidification fluid Lla. Thus, since the enclosed space SP surrounding the openings of the nozzles 22 when the replaced cap 51a comes into contact with the liquid ejection head 21 is humidified, ejection failure caused by thickening of the liquid in the nozzles 22 and the like is prevented.

[0266] By the cap device 50, the enclosed space SP is humidified by the moisture contained in the humidification fluid Lla filled in the humidification chamber 55, and the circulation operation is periodically performed, so that the volume of the humidification fluid Lla stored in the humidification fluid storage portion 61 is reduced by the amount of the evaporated moisture.

[0267] In the circulation operation, when the liquid level in the humidification fluid storage portion 61 is detected by the detection portion 61a to be lower than a first predetermined height Hl, the concentration of the humidification fluid Lla in the circulation path 62 is judged to be higher than a predetermined concentration, so that the concentration adjustment operation shown in Figure 18 is performed.

[0268] Next, the flow of the concentration adjustment operation performed by the control portion 90 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 18

[0269] In step S201, the control portion 90 judges whether the first on-off valve 66c is in an open state. When the first on-off valve 66c is in the open state, the process proceeds to step S203. When the first on-off valve 66c is in a closed state, the process proceeds to step S202, in which the control portion 90 opens the first on-off valve 66c.

[0270] In step S203, the control portion 90 drives the first pump 63 at a third predetermined time T3 while the first on-off valve 66c is in the open state. Thus, as shown in Figure 19 , the humidification fluid Lla is circulated in the circulation path 62 toward Figure 19 ​The direction of the arrow mark of the solid line shown flows. Also, the conditioning water L1b flows in the conditioning water supply flow path 66b toward Figure 19 The direction of the arrow mark of the dashed line shown flows, and in the first confluence portion 62c, the humidification fluid L1a confluences together with the conditioning water L1b. Also, the humidification fluid L1a and the conditioning water L1b after confluence become the humidification fluid L1a whose concentration is adjusted, and from the first confluence portion 62c, toward the cover 51a, flow in the circulation path 62 toward Figure 19 The direction of the arrow mark of the solid line shown flows, and flows into the humidification fluid storage portion 61. Also, the liquid surface in the humidification fluid storage portion 61 is higher than the liquid surface before the start of the concentration adjustment operation.

[0271] In step S204, the control section 90 acquires information of the liquid surface height in the humidification fluid storage portion 61 by the detection section 61a. Then, in step S205, the control section 90 judges whether or not the liquid surface height is higher than the first predetermined height H1. When the liquid surface height is higher than the first predetermined height H1, the flow is transferred to step S206. When the liquid surface height is lower than the first predetermined height H1, the flow is transferred to step S207.

[0272] In step S206, the control section 90 closes the first on-off valve 66c, and the flow is transferred to the circulation operation subroutine shown in S100. Figure 17 The control section 90 ends the flow when the circulation operation subroutine ends.

[0273] As shown in Figure 19 When the liquid surface in the humidification fluid storage portion 61 is detected by the detection section 61a to be lower than the first predetermined height H1, the concentration adjustment operation shown in Figure 18 is executed. In this case, the cover device 50 sets the third predetermined time as the upper limit, and supplies the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a to the circulation path 62 until the liquid surface is detected to be the first predetermined height H1 or more. After that, after the concentration adjustment operation is executed, the circulation operation shown in Figure 17 is executed again, and thereby the cover device 50 makes the humidification fluid L1a flow in the circulation path 62. Thereby, after the amount of water evaporated is replenished to the humidification fluid L1a, the humidification fluid L1a is stirred, and thereby the concentration of the humidification fluid L1a in the entire circulation path 62 can be made uniform.

[0274] In the case where the control section 90 determines that the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage section 66a has run out in step S207, the control section 90 executes the conditioning water storage section replacement pre-action in step S208. That is, in the case where the amount of the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage section 66a reaches the amount judged to require replacement of the conditioning water storage section 66a, the cover device 50 executes the conditioning water storage section replacement pre-action. The control section 90 shifts to step S209 when the conditioning water storage section replacement pre-action ends.

[0275] In addition, in steps S203 to S205, the control section 90 can also acquire the information of the liquid level in the humidifying fluid storage section 61 from the detection section 61a while the first on-off valve 66c is in the open state, and drive the first pump 63, and stop the first pump 63 when the liquid level is higher than the first predetermined level H1. Further, when the third predetermined time T3 elapses after driving the first pump 63, the control section 90 can also determine that the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage section 66a has run out in step S207 when the liquid level is detected to be lower than the first predetermined level H1 by the detection section 61a.

[0276] In step S209, the control section 90 notifies an error indicating that the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage section 66a has run out by causing the display section 15a of the operation section 15 to display information indicating the meaning that the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage section 66a has run out. The user notified of the error replaces the conditioning water storage section 66a.

[0277] However, in the present embodiment, the storage amount of the conditioning water L1b stored in the conditioning water storage section 66a is set so that the waste liquid storage section 86 is filled with the waste liquid L2 before the conditioning water L1b stored in the conditioning water storage section 66a becomes empty (the end liquid level). Therefore, in the usual usage method, the above-described error notification does not occur.

[0278] In the present embodiment, it is set that the waste liquid storage portion 86 is filled with the waste liquid L2 first before it is judged that the conditioning water in the conditioning water storage portion 66a has run out, thereby promoting the replacement of the waste liquid cartridge 110. That is, in order to satisfy such a condition, the amount of the pre-use conditioning water stored in the conditioning water storage portion 66a and the capacity of the waste liquid storage portion 86 to be filled with the waste liquid L2 are set. The amount of the water reduced per unit time from the humidifying fluid La (i.e., the conditioning water reduction speed VI) (ml / day) is estimated based on the maximum recording frequency and the longest total recording time, etc. that are assumed in the usual use. Further, the amount of the waste liquid generated per unit time from the assumed maximum waste liquid amount (i.e., the waste liquid generation speed V2) (ml / day) is estimated based on the implementation frequency of the flushing, cleaning, and wiping and the liquid consumption amount (waste liquid amount) per time. When the waste liquid capacity is set to F (ml), the time T (days) until the waste liquid storage portion 86 is filled with the waste liquid L2 is calculated by T = F / V2. Further, the remaining amount R of the conditioning water L1b after the time T has elapsed from the start of the use of the conditioning water storage portion 66a is calculated by the formula R = G-V1*T when the initial storage amount of the conditioning water L1b is set to G.

[0279] Therefore, in order to satisfy R = G-V1*F / V2 > 0, the initial storage amount G of the conditioning water storage portion 66a is set. That is, the initial storage amount G of the conditioning water storage portion 66a is set to be more than the amount of V1*F / V2. For example, when the margin is set to a, the initial storage amount G of the conditioning water storage portion 66a is set to G = V1*F / V2+a. Thus, when the waste liquid storage portion 86 is filled with the waste liquid L2 even if the frequency of cleaning, etc. is more or less higher than the usual frequency, it becomes the setting that the conditioning water L1b remains in the conditioning water storage portion 66a.

[0280] For example, in the case of an abnormal use method in which only the case where the frequency of cleaning, etc. is excessively higher than the usual frequency, or the case where the liquid ejection device 11 is abnormally stopped and the cap 51a is left for a long time in the state of being always open so that the reduction speed of the conditioning water L1b is excessively high, etc., the above-described error is notified.

[0281] The control portion 90 ends the flow of the concentration adjustment operation when it ends the loop operation of the step S100 ( Figure 17 ) performed after the completion of the replenishment of the conditioning water (S206), or when the error is notified in the step S209.

[0282] As described above, in the usual case, the waste liquid storage section 86 is filled with the waste liquid L2 before the adjustment water L1b in the adjustment water storage section 66a is depleted. The control section 90, when detecting that the waste liquid storage section 86 is filled with the waste liquid L2, causes the display section 15a to display information indicating that the waste liquid cartridge 110 is filled with the waste liquid and a message indicating that the replacement of the waste liquid cartridge 110 is promoted. The user who sees the message replaces the waste liquid cartridge 110 with a new waste liquid cartridge. That is, the user pulls out the waste liquid cartridge 110 filled with the waste liquid L2 in the direction opposite to the mounting direction A, and thereby detaches from the mounting section 100. Next, the new waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted on the mounting section 100 by pushing in the mounting direction A.

[0283] The control section 90 detects the case where the new waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted via the electrical connection of the connection terminal 117A of the circuit substrate 117 with the substrate connection section 105. Then, the control section 90 executes the circulation operation ( Figure 17 ) and the concentration adjustment operation ( Figure 18 ). In addition, at the time of replacement of the waste liquid cartridge 110, the circulation operation can not be executed, and the concentration adjustment operation ( Figure 18 ) can be executed first.

[0284] As described above, the cover device 50 is provided with the cover 51a having the humidification chamber 55 and the first moisture permeable film 54, and can perform the accommodation of the liquid discharged from the nozzle 22 and the humidification of the nozzle 22 by one cover 51a. Further, the agitation of the humidification fluid L1a and the appropriate adjustment of the concentration can be performed by circulating the humidification fluid L1a in the circulation path 62 while supplementing the amount of the water vapor to the humidification fluid L1a. Therefore, the entire humidification fluid L1a in the circulation path 62 can be maintained in a state suitable for the humidification of the nozzle 22 of the liquid ejection head 21. Further, in the case where the humidification fluid L1a in the humidification fluid storage section 61 is insufficient, the adjustment water L1b is supplemented from the adjustment water storage section 66a. Further, the adjustment water storage section 66a is integrally incorporated into the waste liquid cartridge 110, and is replaced together with the waste liquid storage section 86 at the time of replacement of the waste liquid cartridge 110 with a new waste liquid cartridge. The user can perform only the replacement work of the waste liquid cartridge 110 without being aware of the replacement of the adjustment water storage section 66a. Therefore, even if the adjustment water storage section 66a that stores the adjustment water L1b is provided as a replaceable structure, the replacement work is hardly increased without the cartridge to be replaced or the cartridge to be added.

[0285] The effects of the present embodiment are described.

[0286] (1) The waste liquid cartridge 110 is detachably attached to the attachment portion 100 having, as an example of a waste liquid discharge portion, the waste liquid discharge portion 103 that discharges the waste liquid L2, and the liquid introduction portion 104. The waste liquid cartridge 110 includes the waste liquid introduction portion 115 that is connected to the waste liquid discharge portion 103 when the waste liquid cartridge 110 is attached to the attachment portion 100, and the waste liquid storage portion 86 that stores the waste liquid L2 discharged from the waste liquid discharge portion 103. Further, the waste liquid cartridge 110 includes the liquid discharge portion 116 that is connected to the liquid introduction portion 104 when the waste liquid cartridge 110 is attached to the attachment portion 100, and the conditioning water storage portion 66a that stores, as an example of a liquid that is discharged to the liquid introduction portion 104, the conditioning water L1b. The conditioning water L1b is a liquid that contains water used for humidifying the cover 51a that is an example of a humidifying portion.

[0287] According to this structure, since the conditioning water storage portion 66a that stores the conditioning water L1b containing water used for humidifying is provided in the waste liquid cartridge 110 that includes the waste liquid storage portion 86, even if a cartridge or a liquid storage body dedicated to humidifying is separately provided from the waste liquid cartridge 110 that stores the waste liquid L2, it is not necessary. Further, as a user, it is not necessary to increase the time and effort to purchase or replace a conditioning water cartridge that is a consumable other than the liquid supply source 31 that stores ink required for printing.

[0288] (2) The conditioning water L1b is a liquid that contains water and a preservative. According to this structure, the conditioning water L1b containing water used for humidifying can be used for a long period of time.

[0289] (3) The amount of the conditioning water L1b stored in the conditioning water storage portion 66a is set to an amount of liquid that fills the waste liquid storage portion 86 with the waste liquid L2 before the conditioning water L1b stored in the conditioning water storage portion 66a is used up. According to this structure, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the conditioning water L1b containing water used for humidifying is used up first.

[0290] (4) The first cover 112 that covers the waste liquid storage portion 86 is provided. The waste liquid storage portion 86 stores the absorption member 120 that can absorb the waste liquid L2. In a posture in which the waste liquid cartridge 110 is attached to the attachment portion 100, the absorption member 120 is in a state in which the upper surface thereof is covered with the first cover 112. According to this structure, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the waste liquid L2 absorbed by the absorption member 120 leaks to the outside.

[0291] (5) The conditioning water storage portion 66a is a conditioning water bag 68 that is an example of a bag body that stores the conditioning water L1b. According to this structure, it is possible to easily provide the conditioning water storage portion 66a.

[0292] (6) The second cover 113 covers the adjustment water storage portion 66a. In a state in which the waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100, the adjustment water storage portion 66a is covered by the second cover 113 from the lower surface. According to this structure, since the adjustment water L1b does not leak by the adjustment water bag 68, the structure in which the lower surface is covered can be provided. Therefore, in addition, the waste liquid storage portion 86 and the adjustment water storage portion 66a can be easily stored separately in a state in which liquid leakage into the waste liquid cartridge 110 is difficult.

[0293] (7) The mounting portion 100 has the substrate connecting portion 105. The waste liquid cartridge 110 has the circuit substrate 117 having the connecting terminal 117A that is electrically connected to the substrate connecting portion 105 when the waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100. In a state in which the waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100, the connecting terminal 117A of the circuit substrate 117 is provided at a position higher than the center of the waste liquid introduction portion 115. According to this structure, the case in which the waste liquid L2 adheres to the connecting terminal 117A can be suppressed.

[0294] (8) In a case in which a direction in which the waste liquid cartridge 110 is mounted on the mounting portion 100 is provided as a mounting direction A, in a width direction W intersecting the mounting direction A, the waste liquid introduction portion 115 is provided on one side and the circuit substrate 117 is provided on the other side. According to this structure, the case in which the waste liquid L2 adheres to the connecting terminal 117A can be suppressed.

[0295] (9) The liquid leading-out portion 116 is provided between the waste liquid introduction portion 115 and the circuit substrate 117 in the width direction W and is provided at a position lower than the circuit substrate 117 in the vertical direction Z. According to this structure, the case in which the liquid such as the waste liquid L2 and the adjustment water L1b adheres to the connecting terminal 117A can be suppressed.

[0296] (10) The liquid ejection apparatus 11 has the liquid ejection head 21 that is one example of a liquid ejection portion that ejects liquid (for example, ink) supplied from the liquid supply source 31 from the nozzle 22, and the cover 51a that can contact the liquid ejection head 21 to form a closed space SP in which the nozzle 22 is open. Further, the liquid ejection apparatus 11 has the mounting portion 100 on which the waste liquid cartridge 110 is detachably mounted, the supply flow path 62a that communicates the liquid introduction portion 104 and the cover 51a, and the first pump 63 that is one example of a first liquid transfer portion that transfers the adjustment water L1b in the waste liquid cartridge 110 to the cover 51a. According to this structure, the adjustment water L1b containing water can be used in humidification of the nozzle 22.

[0297] (11) The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a first waste liquid flow channel 81a that connects the cover 51a to the waste liquid outlet 103, and a third pump 82 as an example of a second liquid delivery section that delivers waste liquid L2 discharged from the liquid dispensing head 21 into the cover 51a to the waste liquid outlet 103. According to this structure, the humidifying cover 51a can also be used as a cover 51a for receiving waste liquid L2.

[0298] (12) Since the cleaning frequency or the frequency of heavy-duty cleaning can be reduced by replenishing the humidifying fluid L1a to the cover 51a, the capacity of the waste liquid collection section 86 can be reduced. Therefore, in the case of the integrated storage and regulating water collection section 66a, the size of the waste liquid box 110 does not need to be so large. That is, in the case of the integrated storage and regulating water collection section 66a, a smaller waste liquid box 110 can be achieved.

[0299] Second Implementation Method

[0300] Next, refer to Figure 20 , Figure 21 The second embodiment will now be described. This embodiment has a structure that divides the cover in the first embodiment into two types: a discharge cover and a moisturizing cover. The discharge cover is a dedicated cover for containing waste liquid discharged from the nozzle 22 of the liquid spray head 21 during maintenance. The moisturizing cover is a dedicated cover for moisturizing the nozzle 22 to prevent clogging when the head is not in use. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure other than the division of the cover into moisturizing and discharge covers is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0301] Liquid ejection device 11 is equipped with Figure 20 The cover unit 51 shown. The cover unit 51 includes a humidifying cover 151, which is an example of a humidified section, and a discharge cover 152. The shape and size of the humidifying cover 151 and the discharge cover 152 are substantially the same as those of the cover 51a in the first embodiment. The humidifying cover 151 and the discharge cover 152 are configured, for example, to be able to reciprocate integrally in the first conveying direction Z1. For example, the humidifying cover 151 and the discharge cover 152 are fixed to the upper surface of a common slider (not shown), which reciprocates in the first conveying direction Z1 via a power transmission mechanism and by power from a drive source (not shown), thereby enabling it to be configured in Figure 20 The retreat position shown and Figure 20 The maintenance position is indicated by a double-dotted line. Additionally, the moisture-retaining cover 151 and the drain cover 152 can also be configured to be independently movable.

[0302] When not recording, the moisturizing cap 151 is positioned in a maintenance position opposite the nozzle surface 23 of the liquid spray head 21. Furthermore, during maintenance, including cleaning and rinsing, the drain cap 152 is positioned in a maintenance position opposite the nozzle surface 23 of the liquid spray head 21. In this state, liquid is dispensed from the liquid spray head 21... Figure 20 The recording position indicated by the solid line in the middle is moved to Figure 20 The maintenance position, indicated by the double-dotted line, allows the nozzle surface 23 of the liquid nozzle 21 to be covered by the moisturizing cap 151 or the drain cap 152. In this covered state, the moisturizing cap 151 or the drain cap 152, by contacting the nozzle surface 23 of the liquid nozzle 21, forms a closed space SP for the nozzle 22 to open. Specifically, the moisturizing cap 151 is configured to contact the liquid nozzle 21 to form the closed space SP for the nozzle 22 to open. Similarly, the drain cap 152 is configured to contact the liquid nozzle 21 to form the closed space SP for the nozzle 22 to open.

[0303] like Figure 20 As shown, a humidification chamber 55 and a first permeable membrane 54 covering the humidification chamber 55 are disposed at the inner bottom of the humidification cover 151. Therefore, when the humidification cover 151 is pressed down, the enclosed space SP is humidified, and the nozzle 22 is moisturized. As a result, when not recording or when the power to the liquid dispensing device 11 is cut off, clogging of the nozzle 22 due to the thickening of the liquid inside the nozzle 22 can be suppressed.

[0304] In addition, such as Figure 20 As shown, the discharge cap 152 includes an absorbent 53 and a restricting member 52 that covers the absorbent 53 inside. The restricting member 52 and the absorbent 53 have the same functions as those included in the cap 51a of the first embodiment. Alternatively, the moisturizing cap 151 may include one or both of the absorbent 53 and the restricting member 52. In this case, liquid dripping from the nozzle 22 can be absorbed into the absorbent 53, and the restricting member 52 can be used to prevent the absorbent 53 from floating or detaching.

[0305] like Figure 20 , Figure 21 As shown, the supply channel 62a and the recovery channel 62b are connected to the humidification chamber 55 of the moisturizing cover 151. Furthermore, the first atmospheric communication channel 58a and the first waste liquid channel 81a are connected to the discharge cover 152.

[0306] like Figure 21 As shown, the humidification chamber 55 of the humidifying cover 151 is connected to the humidifying fluid receiving section 61 via a supply channel 62a and a return channel 62b that form the circulation path 62. The cover device 50 includes a liquid inlet section 104 (see reference 104). Figure 6The first pump 63, which is an example of a first liquid delivery unit, is connected to the supply channel 62a of the moisturizing cover 151 and the regulating water storage unit 66a, which is an example of a liquid storage unit, to deliver the liquid, namely the regulating water L1b, in the liquid delivery unit to the cover 51a.

[0307] When not recording, the moisturizing cover 151 is configured in Figure 21 At the maintenance location shown, head unit 24 is configured in Figure 20 , Figure 21 The maintenance position is indicated by a double-dotted line. As a result, the liquid nozzle 21 is covered by the humidifying cap 151. In this covered state, a closed space SP with the nozzle 22 opening is formed. The closed space SP is humidified by the water vapor contained in the humidifying fluid L1a from the humidifying chamber 55, thereby keeping the nozzle 22 moist.

[0308] Because a cyclic operation is performed to circulate the humidifying fluid L1a at predetermined time intervals, the concentration of the humidifying fluid L1a within the humidification chamber 55 is optimized. Furthermore, if the humidifying fluid L1a in the humidifying fluid collection unit 61 is insufficient due to reduction caused by water evaporation, the first pump 63 is activated when the first on / off valve 66c is open. As a result, conditioning water L1b is replenished from the conditioning water collection unit 66a in the waste liquid box 110 via the conditioning water supply channel 66b and the circulation path 62 to the humidifying fluid collection unit 61. Therefore, humidifying fluid L1a of appropriate concentration is supplied to the humidification chamber 55. Thus, with the moisturizing cap 151 closed, the nozzle 22 opening into the enclosed space SP is properly moisturized.

[0309] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, the cover device 50 includes a waste liquid discharge section 103 (see reference 103), which serves as an example of a discharge section of the mounting section 100. Figure 6 The first waste liquid flow channel 81a is connected to the discharge cover 152, and the third pump 82 is an example of the second liquid delivery unit, which delivers the waste liquid L2 discharged from the liquid nozzle 21 into the discharge cover 152 to the waste liquid outlet 103.

[0310] During rinsing and cleaning, the drain cover 152 is positioned in the maintenance position, and the head unit 24... Figure 20 , Figure 21The recording position shown in a solid line is moved to the maintenance position shown in a double-dot chain line in the same figure. As a result, the liquid discharge head 21 is pressed by the discharge lid 152. In this pressed state, the closed space SP in which the nozzle 22 is opened is formed. The liquid discharged or ejected from the nozzle 22 of the liquid discharge head 21 is accommodated in the discharge lid 152 as waste liquid L2. By driving the third pump 82, the waste liquid L2 is recovered from the discharge lid 152 into the waste liquid accommodating portion 86 in the waste liquid cartridge 110 via the inflow portion 86b.

[0311] According to this second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (12) of the first embodiment which can be obtained similarly

[0312] , the following effects can be obtained.

[0313] (13) The liquid discharge apparatus 11 is provided with the discharge lid 152 which can contact the liquid discharge head 21 to form the closed space SP in which the nozzle 22 is opened, the first waste liquid flow path 81a which communicates the discharge lid 152 with the waste liquid leading portion 103, and the third pump 82 which is one example of the second liquid feeding portion which feeds the waste liquid L2 discharged from the liquid discharge head 21 into the discharge lid 152 to the waste liquid leading portion 103. According to this structure, since the moisturizing lid 151 for humidification and the discharge lid 152 which accommodates the waste liquid L2 are provided independently, structures suitable for respective functions can be adopted.

[0314] This embodiment can be changed and implemented in the following manner. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a range in which they are not technically contradictory.

[0315] • The conditioning water L1b is provided as a liquid containing water and a preservative, but can not contain a preservative. For example, the conditioning water L1b can be a liquid containing other additives in addition to water and a preservative. In addition, the conditioning water L1b can be a liquid consisting only of water.

[0316] • The waste liquid L2, although it is waste ink constituted by ink discharged from the nozzle 22 of the liquid discharge head 21 for maintenance, can also be a waste liquid other than ink. For example, it can also be a pre-treatment liquid or a post-treatment liquid that is discharged toward the medium M from the nozzle 22 of the liquid discharge head 21. Further, the waste liquid L2 can also be a cleaning liquid that cleans the nozzle 22 of the liquid discharge head 21. The cleaning liquid is a liquid that dissolves ink by forcefully blowing the nozzle face 23 of the liquid discharge head 21 using a cleaning nozzle or the like. In this way, the waste liquid L2 can be any liquid that is generated as a result of maintenance of the liquid discharge head 21. Further, the cleaning liquid used in cleaning can also be provided as the waste liquid L2, and is stored in the waste liquid storage portion 86 of the waste liquid cartridge 110. Further, the liquid storage body can also have both a waste liquid storage portion that stores waste liquid of ink and a waste liquid storage portion that stores waste liquid of a cleaning liquid. Furthermore, such a waste liquid storage body can also have a liquid storage portion that stores a liquid containing water for humidification (for example, conditioning water L1b).

[0317] • The liquid storage portion can also be provided as a tank chamber provided in the liquid storage body instead of a liquid bag such as the conditioning water bag 68. For example, it is provided as a conditioning water tank chamber, and a vent hole is provided that communicates the inside of the chamber with the atmosphere. For example, a moisture-permeable film can also be provided on the vent hole, thereby preventing leakage of the conditioning water from the vent hole.

[0318] • Although one example of the liquid storage portion is the conditioning water storage portion 66a, the liquid that is stored together with the waste liquid storage portion 86 in the waste liquid cartridge 110, which is one example of the liquid storage body, is not limited to conditioning water that adjusts the concentration of the humidification fluid L1a that humidifies the liquid discharge head 21. For example, the liquid can also be humidification fluid for replenishment that replenishes the humidification fluid L1a to the humidification fluid storage portion 61. For example, it can also be a structure in which the liquid storage portion is also replaced together when the waste liquid cartridge is replaced, thereby replenishing the humidification fluid L1a from the new liquid storage portion to the humidification fluid storage portion 61.

[0319] • A plurality of liquid storage portions can also be stored in the waste liquid cartridge 110, which is one example of the liquid storage body. In this case, the plurality of liquid storage portions can be liquid storage portions that store the same kind of liquid, or can be liquid storage portions that store different kinds of liquid. In this case, the liquid can be any liquid containing water for humidification.

[0320] • It is also possible to have a structure in which, in the posture of the waste liquid tank 110 when it is installed in the installation portion 100, the conditioning water storage portion 66a, which is one example of a liquid storage portion, is disposed on the upper side and the waste liquid storage portion 86 is disposed on the lower side in the waste liquid tank 110. Further, it is also possible to have a structure in which, in the waste liquid tank 110 in the posture when it is installed on the installation portion 100, the conditioning water storage portion 66a and the waste liquid storage portion 86 are disposed in the horizontal direction. According to this structure, it is possible to achieve thinness of the waste liquid tank 110. In this way, the layout of the conditioning water storage portion 66a and the waste liquid storage portion 86 in the waste liquid tank 110 can also be arbitrarily set.

[0321] • The conditioning water L1b is not limited to a liquid having a function of adjusting the concentration of the humidification fluid L1a, and can be conditioning water that adjusts the components of the humidification fluid L1a. For example, in the case where the humidification fluid L1a contains components that evaporate or volatilize in addition to water, it can be conditioning water that contains the components.

[0322] • The cover device 50 can also have only one cover 51a instead of having a plurality of covers 51a. For example, it can be a structure that has one cover with respect to the head unit 24. Further, it can be one cover that forms one closed space SP that can be in contact with a plurality of unit discharge heads 21a.

[0323] • Although the flow passage of the humidification chamber 55 is formed in a labyrinth shape in which one passage is formed from the flow inlet 55a to the flow outlet 55b in the above-described embodiment, it can also be two passages, and can also be three passages. The flow passage only needs to be connected from the flow inlet 55a to the flow outlet 55b.

[0324] • It is possible to appropriately change the arrangement of the unit discharge heads 21a that constitute the liquid discharge head 21. It is not limited to the structure in which the unit discharge heads 21a are arranged obliquely as in the above-described embodiment, and for example, it can be a structure in which two rows of unit discharge heads 21a arranged at fixed intervals in the width direction X are arranged by staggered arrangement in which the positions are shifted by half the interval in the width direction between the rows.

[0325] • Although the conditioning water supply portion 66 that can supply the conditioning water L1b is provided in the supply flow passage 62a in the circulation path 62 in the above-described embodiment, the conditioning water supply portion 66 can also be provided in the recovery flow passage 62b in the circulation path 62. In this case, the cover device 50 can further have a pump for supplying the conditioning water L1b to the recovery flow passage 62b.

[0326] The lid device 50 can also have a second detection portion that detects the amount of conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a. Based on the detection result of the second detection portion, the control portion 90 can determine whether the amount of conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a needs to be replaced.

[0327] The waste liquid cartridge 110 can also be configured to be able to replenish the conditioning water L1b in the conditioning water storage portion 66a. In addition, the lid device 50 can also be configured to be able to replace the humidification fluid storage portion 61.

[0328] The manager or the user can also be able to change the timing at which the circulation operation is performed.

[0329] The first predetermined time T1, the second predetermined time T2, the third predetermined time T3, and the fourth predetermined time T4 can also not be fixed times at all times. The values can also be changed according to the temperature and humidity environment. In addition, the manager or the user can also be able to change the values.

[0330] The humidified portion is not limited to the lid 51a or the moisturizing lid 151 or the like. For example, the humidified portion can also be the medium storage portion 16 in which the medium M is stored. For example, in order to moisturize the medium M, the medium storage portion 16 can also be humidified. This can suppress the variation in the curl of the medium M after recording caused by the variation in the moisture in the main body portion 12 of the liquid discharge device 11 before recording, which is caused by the variation in the moisture contained in the medium M.

[0331] The liquid discharge device can also be an inkjet printing device. Furthermore, the printing device can have the mounting portion 100, and can store both the waste liquid storage portion 86 and the conditioning water storage portion 66a, which is one example of the liquid storage portion, in the waste liquid cartridge 110 mounted on the mounting portion as the liquid storage body.

[0332] The lid device 50 can also be provided on a liquid discharge device that discharges liquid in the vertical direction from the liquid discharge head 21 toward the medium M. Furthermore, the seal portion 56c that comes into close contact with the nozzle face 23 of the liquid discharge head 21 when the lid 51a is pressed, the absorbent 53, the first moisture-permeable film 54, and the humidification chamber 55 in the lid 51a can also be provided in a horizontal state. That is, the lid 51a of the present embodiment can also be provided in a horizontal state.

[0333] • The cap device 50 is provided on the liquid discharge device 11, which is an inkjet printer of a serial type that performs printing by discharging liquid toward a medium M from a liquid discharge head supported on a carriage that reciprocates in the width direction X. When the carriage reciprocates in the width direction X from a discharge area on which printing is performed on the medium M to a maintenance area outside the discharge area for maintenance, the cap of the cap device 50 disposed on the maintenance area can also cap the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head. In this case, the cap device 50 can also be configured such that, when the carriage moves to the maintenance area and the liquid discharge head is positioned at the maintenance position, the cap moves in a direction close to the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head, and capping is performed by the cap being in close contact with the nozzle face. Also, a humidification chamber 55 can be provided in the cap that can contact the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head to form a closed space in which the nozzle is opened. Also, the cap device 50 is provided with a humidification fluid circulation mechanism 60 that supplies humidification fluid L1a to the humidification chamber 55. The humidification fluid circulation mechanism 60 is provided with a mounting portion 100, a conditioning water storage portion 66a that is one example of a liquid storage portion, a waste liquid storage portion 86, and the like. Also, both the waste liquid storage portion 86 and the conditioning water storage portion 66a are stored in a waste liquid cartridge 110 that is one example of a liquid storage body mounted on the mounting portion 100 in a detachable manner. Thus, even in a liquid discharge device of a serial type, a conditioning water cartridge (conditioning water cartridge) can be provided separately from the waste liquid cartridge 110. In addition, as a user, there is no increase in time and effort to purchase or replace an unnecessary conditioning water cartridge in addition to consumables other than the liquid supply source 31 that stores ink necessary for printing.

[0334] • The cap device 50 is provided on the liquid discharge device 11, which is an inkjet printer of a serial type that performs printing by discharging liquid toward a medium M from a liquid discharge head supported on a carriage that reciprocates in the width direction X. When the carriage reciprocates in the width direction X from a discharge area on which printing is performed on the medium M to a maintenance area outside the discharge area for maintenance, the cap of the cap device 50 disposed on the maintenance area can also cap the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head. In this case, the cap device 50 can also be configured such that, when the carriage moves to the maintenance area and the liquid discharge head is positioned at the maintenance position, the cap moves in a direction close to the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head, and capping is performed by the cap being in close contact with the nozzle face. Also, a humidification chamber 55 can be provided in the cap that can contact the nozzle face of the liquid discharge head to form a closed space in which the nozzle is opened. Also, the cap device 50 is provided with a humidification fluid circulation mechanism 60 that supplies humidification fluid L1a to the humidification chamber 55. The humidification fluid circulation mechanism 60 is provided with a mounting portion 100, a conditioning water storage portion 66a that is one example of a liquid storage portion, a waste liquid storage portion 86, and the like. Also, both the waste liquid storage portion 86 and the conditioning water storage portion 66a are stored in a waste liquid cartridge 110 that is one example of a liquid storage body mounted on the mounting portion 100 in a detachable manner. Thus, even in a liquid discharge device of a serial type, a conditioning water cartridge (conditioning water cartridge) can be provided separately from the waste liquid cartridge 110. In addition, as a user, there is no increase in time and effort to purchase or replace an unnecessary conditioning water cartridge in addition to consumables other than the liquid supply source 31 that stores ink necessary for printing.

[0335] • Also, the waste liquid cartridge 110 can be provided with the three types of storage portions, the waste liquid storage portion 86, the conditioning water storage portion 66a, and the humidification fluid storage portion 61.

[0336] The liquid discharge device 11 can also be a liquid discharge device that discharges a liquid other than ink. The state of the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge device as a minute amount of liquid droplets includes a state in which the liquid droplets are in the form of particles, teardrops, lines, and trailing tails. The liquid referred to here is simply a material that can be discharged from the liquid discharge device. For example, the liquid can be a material in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, and can include a liquid having a high or low viscosity, a sol, a gel, water, another inorganic solvent, an organic solvent, a solution, a liquid resin, a liquid metal, a molten metal, and the like. The liquid can also include a liquid in which a functional material composed of a solid substance such as a pigment or a metal particle is dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. As representative examples of the liquid, ink or liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments, and the like can be given.

[0337] Hereinafter, the technical idea and the effects thereof according to the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described.

[0338] (A) The liquid container is detachably attached to an attachment portion having a discharge portion that discharges waste liquid and a liquid introduction portion, and includes: a waste liquid introduction portion that is connected to the discharge portion when the liquid container is attached to the attachment portion; a waste liquid storage portion that stores the waste liquid discharged from the discharge portion; a liquid discharge portion that is connected to the liquid introduction portion when the liquid container is attached to the attachment portion; a liquid storage portion that stores a liquid introduced into the liquid introduction portion; and the liquid is a liquid containing water for humidifying a humidifying portion.

[0339] According to this configuration, since the liquid storage portion that stores the liquid containing water for humidification is provided in the liquid container having the waste liquid storage portion, the liquid storage portion that stores the liquid for humidification can be provided without being independent of the liquid container that stores the waste liquid.

[0340] (B) In the above-described liquid container, the liquid can be a liquid containing water and a preservative. According to this configuration, the liquid containing water for humidification can be used for a long period of time.

[0341] (C) In the above-described liquid container, the amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion can be set to an amount of liquid that causes the waste liquid storage portion to be filled with the waste liquid before the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is used up.

[0342] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the liquid containing water for humidification from being used up first.

[0343] (D) In the liquid container described above, a first cover that covers the waste liquid storage portion that stores the absorbent member that can absorb the waste liquid can be provided, and in a state in which the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion, the absorbent member can be in a state in which the upper surface is covered by the first cover.

[0344] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the case in which the waste liquid absorbed by the absorbent member leaks to the outside.

[0345] (E) In the liquid container described above, the liquid storage portion can be a bag that stores the liquid. According to this structure, it is possible to easily provide the liquid storage portion.

[0346] (F) In the liquid container described above, a second cover that covers the liquid storage portion can be provided, and in a state in which the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion, the liquid storage portion can be in a state in which the lower surface is covered by the second cover.

[0347] According to this structure, since the liquid does not leak due to the bag, it is possible to provide a structure that covers the lower surface. Therefore, it is possible to easily store the waste liquid storage portion and the liquid storage portion separately in a state in which liquid does not leak into the liquid container.

[0348] (G) In the liquid container described above, the mounting portion can have a substrate connecting portion, the liquid container can include a circuit substrate that has a connecting terminal that is electrically connected to the substrate connecting portion when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion, and in a state in which the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion, the connecting terminal of the circuit substrate can be disposed at a position higher than the center of the waste liquid introduction portion.

[0349] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the case in which the waste liquid adheres to the connecting terminal.

[0350] (H) In the liquid container described above, in a case in which a direction in which the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion is set as a mounting direction, in a width direction that intersects the mounting direction, the waste liquid introduction portion can be disposed on one side and the circuit substrate can be disposed on the other side.

[0351] According to this structure, it is possible to suppress the case in which the waste liquid adheres to the connecting terminal.

[0352] (I) In the liquid container described above, the liquid discharge portion can be disposed between the waste liquid introduction portion and the circuit substrate in the width direction and at a position lower than the circuit substrate in the vertical direction.

[0353] This structure can prevent liquid from adhering to the connection terminals.

[0354] (J) A liquid ejection device includes: a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid supplied from a liquid supply source from a nozzle; a cover that serves as a humidified section capable of contacting the liquid ejection section to form an enclosed space for opening the nozzle; a mounting section that detachably mounts a liquid reservoir; a supply channel that connects the liquid inlet section to the cover; and a first delivery section that delivers the liquid in the liquid reservoir to the cover.

[0355] According to this structure, it is possible to use a liquid containing water in the humidification of the nozzle.

[0356] (K) In the above-described liquid ejection device, it may also include: a waste liquid flow channel that connects the cover to the discharge section; and a second liquid delivery section that delivers waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection section into the cover to the discharge section.

[0357] According to this structure, the cover that can be used for humidification can also be used as a cover for receiving waste liquid.

[0358] (L) In the above-described liquid ejection device, it may also include: a discharge cover that can contact the liquid ejection part to form a closed space for opening the nozzle; a waste liquid flow channel that connects the discharge cover to the discharge part; and a second liquid delivery part that delivers waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection part to the discharge cover to the discharge part.

[0359] According to this structure, the humidification cover and the waste liquid containment cover are set independently, so a structure suitable for their respective functions can be adopted.

[0360] Symbol Explanation

[0361] 11… liquid ejecting apparatus; 12… main body; 13… image reading section; 14… automatic feeding section; 15… operation section; 15a… display section; 16… medium storage section; 17… placement section; 17a… placement surface; 19… transport path; 20… recording section; 21… liquid ejecting head; 21a… unit ejecting head; 21b… nozzle row; 22… nozzle; 22a… opening; 23… nozzle face; 24… head unit; 25… support section; 30… liquid supply mechanism; 31… liquid supply source; 32… sub tank; 33… pump; 34… liquid supply passage; 35… supply flow passage; 36… recovery flow passage; 40… wiper device; 41… wiper carriage; 42… wiper member; 43… waste liquid outflow port; 50… cover device; 51… cover unit; 51a… unit cover (cover) which is an example of a humidified section; 52… restriction member; 53… absorbent; 54… first moisture-permeable film; 54a… communication section; 55… humidification chamber; 55a… inflow port; 55b… outflow port; 55c… tube section; 55d… groove; 55e… rib section; 55f… flow passage; 56… housing; 56a… atmospheric air communication hole; 56b… discharge hole; 56c… sealing section; 57… recess; 58… atmospheric air opening mechanism; 58a… first atmospheric air communication passage; 58b… third on-off valve; 59… holding section; 60… humidification fluid circulation mechanism; 61… humidification fluid storage section; 61a… detection section; 61b… first electrode; 61c… second electrode; 61d… second atmospheric air communication passage; 61e… second moisture-permeable film; 61f… inflow section; 61g… outflow section; 62… circulation path; 62a… supply flow passage; 62b… recovery flow passage; 62c… first confluence section; 62d… flow rate regulator section; 63… first pump which is an example of a first liquid supply section; 64… first one-way valve; 65… pressure regulating valve; 66… conditioning water supply section; 66a… conditioning water storage section which is an example of a liquid storage section; 66b… conditioning water supply flow passage; 66c… first on-off valve; 66d… second one-way valve; 66e… second confluence section; 66f… outflow section; 66G… storage chamber; 67… pressurized air supply section; 67a… pressurized air supply passage; 67b… second on-off valve; 67c… second pump; 68… humidification fluid bag; 68a… outflow section; 69… flow rate regulator; 80… waste liquid recovery mechanism; 81… waste liquid recovery passage; 81a… first waste liquid flow passage which is an example of a waste liquid flow passage; 81b… second waste liquid flow passage; 82… third pump which is an example of a second liquid supply section; 83… buffer chamber; 84… fourth pump; 85… third atmospheric air communication passage; 86… waste liquid storage section; 86b… inflow section; 86A… waste liquid chamber; 90… control section; 91… detector group; 94… interface section; 95… CPU; 96… memory; 97… control circuit; 98… drive circuit; 99… computer; 100… mounting section; 101… mounting section main body; 102… positioning pin;103 … waste liquid leading portion as an example of an exhaust portion; 104 … liquid leading portion; 105 … substrate connecting portion; 110 … waste liquid cartridge as an example of a liquid storage body; 110A … mounting surface; 111 … cartridge main body; 111A … first opening; 111B … first storage chamber; 111C … second opening; 111D … second storage chamber; 111E … partition wall; 111F … partition plate; 111G … guide plate; 111H … substrate mounting portion; 112 … first cover; 112A … air hole; 113 … second cover; 115 … waste liquid leading portion; 115A … waste liquid leading pipe; 116 … liquid leading portion; 116A … leading outlet; 117 … circuit substrate; 117A … connecting terminal; 118 … handle; 120 … absorbing member; 121 … holding member; 121A … pipe insertion hole; 122 … waste liquid leading chamber; 123 … hole portion; 124 … moisture permeable film; 125 … groove portion; 125A … waste liquid flow path; 126 … groove portion; 126A … waste liquid flow path; 127 … cutout hole; 131 to 133 … screws; 151 … moisturizing cap as an example of a humidified portion; 152 … exhaust cap; θ1 … first predetermined angle; θ2 … second predetermined angle; D1 … first direction; D2 … second direction; D3 … third direction; D4 … fourth direction; D5 … fifth direction; D6 … sixth direction; H1 … first predetermined height; H2 … second predetermined height; L1a … humidification fluid; L1b … conditioning water as an example of a liquid; L2 … waste liquid; M … medium; P1 … first predetermined pitch; SP … enclosed space; T1 … first predetermined time; T2 … second predetermined time; T3 … third predetermined time; T4 … fourth predetermined time; X … width direction; Y … depth direction; Y1 … ejection direction; Z1 … first conveying direction; Z … vertical direction; A … mounting direction; W … width direction.

Claims

1. A liquid container, characterized by comprising: The liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion in a detachable manner, and the mounting portion has a discharge portion that discharges waste liquid, a liquid introduction portion, and a substrate connection portion, The liquid storage body includes: a waste liquid introduction portion that is connected to the discharge portion when the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion; a waste liquid storage portion that is capable of storing waste liquid discharged from the discharge portion; a liquid discharge portion that is connected to the liquid introduction portion when the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion; a liquid storage portion that stores liquid discharged into the liquid introduction portion; a circuit substrate that has a connection terminal, The liquid is a liquid that contains water for humidifying a humidified portion, The connection terminal of the circuit substrate is electrically connected to the substrate connection portion when the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion, In a posture in which the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion, the connection terminal of the circuit substrate is disposed at a position higher than the center of the waste liquid introduction portion.

2. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein The liquid is a liquid that contains water and an antiseptic.

3. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein The amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is set to an amount of liquid that causes the waste liquid storage portion to be filled with waste liquid before the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion is used up.

4. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein a first cover that covers the waste liquid storage portion, the waste liquid storage portion stores an absorption member that is capable of absorbing waste liquid, In a posture in which the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion, the absorption member is in a state in which an upper surface thereof is covered by the first cover.

5. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein The liquid storage portion is a bag that stores the liquid.

6. The liquid storage body according to claim 5, wherein a second cover that covers the liquid storage portion, In a posture in which the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion, the liquid storage portion is in a state in which a lower surface thereof is covered by the second cover.

7. The liquid storage body according to claim 1, wherein In a case where a direction in which the liquid storage body is mounted on the mounting portion is set as a mounting direction, in a width direction that intersects the mounting direction, the waste liquid introduction portion is disposed on one side and the circuit substrate is disposed on the other side.

8. The liquid storage body according to claim 7, wherein The liquid discharge portion is disposed between the waste liquid introduction portion and the circuit substrate in the width direction and is disposed at a position lower than the circuit substrate in the vertical direction.

9. A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by comprising: includes: a liquid discharge portion that discharges liquid supplied from a liquid supply source from a nozzle; a cover that is a humidified portion that forms a closed space that surrounds an opening of the nozzle by being capable of being in contact with the liquid discharge portion; a mounting portion that detachably mounts the liquid storage body according to claim 1; a supply flow path that communicates the liquid introduction portion with the cap; a first liquid transfer portion that transfers the liquid in the liquid container to the cap.

10. The liquid ejection device of claim 9, wherein, provided with: a waste liquid flow path that communicates the cap with the discharge portion; a second liquid transfer portion that transfers waste liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion into the cap to the discharge portion.

11. The liquid ejection device of claim 9, wherein, provided with: a discharge cap that can contact the liquid discharge portion to form a closed space that surrounds the opening of the nozzle; a waste liquid flow path that communicates the discharge cap with the discharge portion; a second liquid transfer portion that transfers waste liquid discharged from the liquid discharge portion into the discharge cap to the discharge portion.

Images