Liquid ejection device, recording system

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid ejection device and a recording system that suppress the reduction of image quality. The liquid ejection device comprises: a conveying section that conveys a medium along a conveying path; a liquid ejection head that performs recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface to the conveyed medium; a mounting section that is provided with a liquid storage section for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head; and a first discharge section that discharges the medium after the recording is performed to a medium processing device that processes the medium, wherein the mounting section is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface, and the first conveying path of the portion of the conveying path from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the first discharge section passes above the mounting section.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202010089666.4, application date February 12, 2020, and invention name “Liquid ejection device, recording system”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a liquid ejecting device and a recording system. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a liquid ejecting device including a liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid onto a medium, a mounting portion for mounting a liquid container for storing liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head, and a conveying device for conveying the medium along a conveying path.

[0004] In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, the medium coated with liquid by the liquid ejection head is transported through the bottom of the mounting portion. Therefore, there is a problem that when the liquid drips from the mounting portion, the liquid adheres to the coated medium, resulting in a problem of reduced image quality.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-13240 Summary of the invention

[0006] The liquid ejection device of the present application is characterized in that it comprises: a conveying portion, which conveys a medium along a conveying path; a liquid ejection head, which performs recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface to the conveyed medium; a mounting portion, which is provided with a liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head; a first discharge portion, which discharges the medium after the recording is performed to a medium processing device for processing the medium, the mounting portion being arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface, and the first conveying path of the portion of the conveying path from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the first discharge portion passes through the top of the mounting portion.

[0007] The recording system of the present application is characterized in that it comprises: a medium processing device that processes a medium; a liquid ejection device having a conveying portion, a liquid ejection head, a mounting portion and a first discharge portion, wherein the conveying portion conveys the medium along a conveying path, the liquid ejection head performs recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface to the conveyed medium, the mounting portion is used to mount a liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head, the first discharge portion discharges the medium after the recording is performed to the medium processing device, the mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface, and the first conveying path of the portion of the conveying path from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the first discharge portion passes through the top of the mounting portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is an external view showing the structure of the recording system involved in the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the liquid ejecting device according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment as viewed from another direction.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment when it is in a first posture.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment when it is in the second posture.

[0015] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a displacement member and a flexible member included in the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the displacement member according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the pressure adjustment mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the medium processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system involved in the second embodiment.

[0021] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system involved in the third embodiment.

[0022] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system involved in the fourth embodiment.

[0023] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a medium processing device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0024] Fig.17 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system involved in the fifth embodiment.

[0025] Fig.18 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system involved in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, in order to make each component and the like recognizable, the size of each component is different from the actual size and is shown.

[0027] 1. First Implementation

[0028] First, the structure of the recording system 1 will be described. Figure 1 FIG. 2 is an external view showing the structure of the recording system 1. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recording system 1 includes a liquid ejecting device 100 and a medium processing device 200. In addition, the recording system 1 includes a control unit 2 ( Figure 2 ). The liquid ejection device 100 is, for example, an inkjet printer that records images such as text, graphics, and photos by attaching ink, which is an example of liquid, to paper S, which is an example of medium. The medium processing device 200 is arranged adjacent to the liquid ejection device 100. The medium processing device 200 is a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as stapling processing to bind the paper S on which the image is recorded by the liquid ejection device 100 using staples (needles).

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a housing 101. On the upper portion of the housing 101, an operation unit 102 for performing various operations of the liquid ejection device 100 is mounted.

[0030] In addition, a cover 104 that can open and close a part of the housing 101 is provided in the +Z direction of the operating portion 102. The cover 104 is provided so as to be rotatable with the -Y direction end side of the cover 104 as the base end. Furthermore, it is configured to be rotatable between two positions: an open position in which the top end side, which is the side opposite to the base end, is separated from the liquid ejection device 100, and a closed position in which it constitutes a part of the housing 101.

[0031] In addition, in the +Z direction of the cover 104, a paper box 103 is provided as a medium storage unit for storing paper S. In the present embodiment, four paper boxes 103 are arranged side by side along the +Z direction of the cover 104. Paper S recorded by the liquid ejection device 100 is stored in each paper box 103 in a stacked state. In addition, a gripping portion 103a for a user to grip is provided in each paper box 103. The paper box 103 is configured so that the gripping portion 103a can be moved in the -X direction and the X direction, thereby being detachable relative to the housing 101. In addition, the paper S stored in each paper box 103 can be paper of different categories or paper of the same category.

[0032] Next, the structure of the liquid ejection device 100 will be described. Figure 2 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the liquid ejection device 100. Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a housing 101, a liquid ejection head 13 for ejecting liquid in the housing 101, a maintenance unit 31 for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head 13, a displacement mechanism 14 for displacing the liquid ejection head 13, a paper box 103 for storing a plurality of paper sheets S, and a medium support unit 18 for supporting the paper sheets S transported from the paper box 103. In addition, a liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid ejection head 13 for ejecting liquid in the housing 101, a maintenance unit 31 for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head 13, a displacement mechanism 14 for displacing the liquid ejection head 13, a paper box 103 for storing a plurality of paper sheets S, and a medium support unit 18 for supporting the paper sheets S transported from the paper box 103. Figure 2 The conveying unit 17 conveys the paper S by conveying the paper S along the conveying path R (single-dot chain line in the figure). The conveying unit 17 is composed of a plurality of conveying roller pairs driven by a driving motor not shown in the figure. The paper S discharged from the paper box 103 is conveyed to the medium processing device 200 along the conveying path R by the conveying unit 17. Alternatively, it is discharged from the second discharge unit 85. In addition, the detailed structure of the conveying path R will be described later. The control unit 2 controls the moving mechanism 34 that moves the maintenance unit 31 in the +Y direction or the -Y direction, the liquid ejection head 13, the displacement mechanism 14, the maintenance unit 31, and the driving motor of the conveying unit 17.

[0033] On the inner side of the housing 101, a mounting portion 20 is provided, and one or more liquid receiving portions 19 for receiving the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 13 are installed in the mounting portion 20. In the present embodiment, four liquid receiving portions 19 are provided. The liquid receiving portion 19 may be a box that can be detached relative to the mounting portion 20, or a tank into which liquid can be injected. The mounting portion 20 is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13. That is, the mounting portion 20 is arranged closer to the -Z direction than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13. Thus, pressurized supply can be easily performed for the liquid ejection head 13.

[0034] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid supply channel 21 for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection head 13, and a pressure regulating mechanism 24 provided in the liquid supply channel 21. In the liquid supply channel 21, a filter 25 for filtering the liquid flowing into the pressure regulating mechanism 24 and a filter 27 for filtering the liquid flowing out of the pressure regulating mechanism 24 are provided.

[0035] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a storage portion 71 that is connected to the liquid storage portion 19 and the liquid ejection head 13 and can temporarily store the liquid flowing from the liquid storage portion 19. The storage portion 71 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 on which the nozzle 23 is formed, and is arranged at a position lower than the mounting portion 20. Thus, the liquid ejection head 13 can be pressurized and supplied by the water level difference between the storage portion 71 and the nozzle 23. That is, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection head 13 by the water level difference in a manner that does not rely on the driving force of the pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid storage portion 19, for example.

[0036] The displacement mechanism 14 includes a holding member 15 for holding the liquid ejecting head 13, and the liquid ejecting head 13 is displaced to a certain position by rotating the holding member 15 around a rotation axis 16. Figure 2 The first posture represented by the solid line, and Figure 2 The second posture is indicated by the double-dashed line in FIG. The displacement mechanism 14 may also include a mechanism for moving the liquid ejection head 13 in the second posture in the +Z direction. The liquid ejection head 13 has a plurality of nozzles 23 for ejecting liquid toward the paper S, and a nozzle surface 13b on which the nozzles 23 are formed. When the liquid ejection head 13 ejects a plurality of different types of liquids, at least the nozzles 23, the liquid supply channel 21, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 are provided for each type of liquid.

[0037] The first posture is, for example, a posture in which the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the second posture is a posture in which the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b relative to the horizontal direction is smaller than that of the first posture. Although in the present embodiment, when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the second posture, the nozzle surface 13b is in the horizontal direction, it does not necessarily have to be in the horizontal direction, as long as the nozzle surface 13b is closer to the horizontal direction than in the first posture. That is, "the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b relative to the horizontal direction is smaller than that of the first posture" includes the case where the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b relative to the horizontal direction becomes zero and the nozzle surface 13b is in the horizontal direction.

[0038] When the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture, the liquid is ejected as droplets toward the paper S supported on the medium support portion 18 arranged opposite to the nozzle surface 13b, thereby performing recording. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the paper S advances on the medium support portion 18 is defined as the conveying direction F, and the direction in which the liquid ejection head 13 in the first posture ejects the liquid is defined as the ejection direction J. In addition, the direction different from both the conveying direction F and the ejection direction J is defined as the width direction W. The liquid ejection head 13 of the present embodiment is configured as a line head including a large number of nozzles 23 arranged so that the printing range in the width direction W becomes larger than the width of the paper S.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the maintenance unit 31 will be exemplified.

[0040] The maintenance unit 31 includes a cap 33 for accommodating liquid discharged from the nozzles 23 of the nozzle surface 13b as the liquid ejection head 13 moves relative to the liquid ejection head 13, and a suction mechanism 36 for sucking the inside of the cap 33. The suction mechanism 36 is connected to the cap 33 and the waste liquid storage unit 37 via a suction channel 35.

[0041] In addition, the maintenance portion 31 is disposed below the storage portion 71. Thus, pressure supply can be performed with respect to the liquid ejecting head 13, and maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 13 can be easily performed.

[0042] When the liquid ejection head 13 is in the second posture, the maintenance unit 31 performs maintenance operations including capping and cleaning. When the cap 33 is located below the liquid ejection head 13, capping is performed. When capping is performed, the liquid ejection head 13 moves downward, thereby forming a closed space between the cap 33 and the nozzle surface 13b. The position of the maintenance unit 31 when capping is performed is referred to as the capping position. When the liquid ejection head 13 stops the ejection operation of the liquid, including when the power is turned off, capping is performed to suppress the drying of the nozzle 23.

[0043] Whenever suction cleaning as a type of cleaning is performed, first, the liquid ejection head 13 is moved downward by the displacement mechanism 14 to perform capping. Furthermore, when the suction mechanism 36 is driven in a state where a closed space is formed between the cap 33 and the nozzle surface 13b, foreign matter such as bubbles in the liquid ejection head 13 is discharged from the nozzle 23 together with the liquid.

[0044] Cleaning is performed when the cap 33 is located below the liquid ejection head 13. Cleaning is performed before starting the printing process or after the execution of the printing process.

[0045] In addition, as a maintenance operation, the liquid ejection head 13 is flushed to eject the liquid when a slight ejection defect occurs. When the liquid ejection head 13 is in the second posture, the moving mechanism 34 moves the maintenance section 31 to the storage position to perform flushing, and the cover 33 is used to store the liquid ejected by flushing. In this case, it is preferred that the liquid ejection head 13 is not moved downward but is pre-arranged at a position separated from the cover 33. In addition, the liquid stored in the cover 33 is stored in the waste liquid storage section 37 by driving the suction mechanism 36.

[0046] Alternatively, the medium support portion 18 may be provided with a rib 18a for supporting the paper S and a concave receiving portion 18b provided around the rib 18a, and flushing may be performed toward the receiving portion 18b when there is no paper S on the medium support portion 18. In this case, the liquid ejection head 13 is flushed in the first posture.

[0047] When the medium support portion 18 is provided with the storage portion 18b, for example, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets S, flushing can be performed with the liquid ejection head 13 in the first posture between the sheets S being transported. Therefore, the maintenance operation time can be shortened compared to the case where the liquid ejection head 13 is displaced to the second posture during the printing process and flushing is performed toward the cover 33. In addition, the liquid contained in the storage portion 18b can be stored in the waste liquid storage portion 37 via a waste liquid pipe (not shown) or the like.

[0048] Next, the layout of the transport path R and the like of the liquid ejection device 100 will be described.

[0049] A first discharge unit 80 is provided at the upper end portion in the -Y direction of the housing 101, and the first discharge unit 80 discharges the paper S after recording by the liquid ejection head 13 toward the inlet 226 of the medium processing device 200. The first discharge unit 80 has an opening provided in the housing 101. The paper S after recording is discharged to the inlet 226 of the medium processing device 200 through the opening.

[0050] Furthermore, the first conveying path R1 from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the first discharge portion 80 in the conveying path R passes above the mounting portion 20. In addition, the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 refers to the position of the conveying path R that is opposite to the nozzle surface 13b when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. In more detail, the first conveying path R1 bypasses the side of the mounting portion 20 in the +Y direction and further passes through a position closer to the mounting portion 20 in the -Z direction. Therefore, for example, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripping liquid adhering to the paper S after recording is reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reduction of image quality.

[0051] In addition, the liquid ejection device 100 has a second ejection unit 85 that ejects the paper S recorded by the liquid ejection head 13 from the housing 101 without ejecting it to the medium processing device 200. The second ejection unit 85 is arranged closer to the -Z direction than the first ejection unit 80. The second ejection unit 85 has an opening provided in the housing 101. The recorded paper S is ejected from the housing 101 to the outside through the opening.

[0052] Moreover, the second discharge portion 85 is disposed above the first conveying path R1 in a manner adjacent to the first conveying path R1. In addition, the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 refers to the position of the conveying path R that is opposite to the nozzle surface 13b when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. In further detail, the second conveying path R2 bypasses the side of the mounting portion 20 in the +Y direction and further passes through a position closer to the -Z direction than the mounting portion 20 and closer to the -Z direction than the first conveying path R1. Therefore, for example, even in the case where liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripping liquid adhering to the recorded paper S is reduced. Thus, it is possible to suppress the reduction in image quality. In addition, the first conveying path R1 and the second conveying path R2 are jointly constructed in the range from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the midway portion. Thus, space saving of the conveying path R is achieved.

[0053] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a medium storage unit 88 for storing the paper S ejected from the second ejection unit 85. The medium storage unit 88 is plate-shaped and is arranged in the -Z direction of the first transport path R1. The first transport path R1 passes between the medium storage unit 88 and the mounting unit 20. Thus, the space of the arrangement area of ​​the medium storage unit 88 and the first transport path R1 can be saved.

[0054] Here, the unit conveying passage 90 may be integrally constituted by the first discharge section 80 and the first connection section R1a as a connection section connected to the first discharge section 80 in the first conveying path R1. The first connection section R1a of the unit conveying passage 90 connected to the first discharge section 80 is the upper portion of the mounting portion 20 of the first conveying path R1, and is the portion corresponding to the second discharge section 85 in the +Y direction from the first discharge section 80. Moreover, the unit conveying passage 90 is configured to be detachable with respect to the portion R1b of the first conveying path R1 other than the first connection section R1a. Therefore, when the unit conveying passage 90 is mounted in the housing 101, the end surface of the unit conveying passage 90 in the -Z direction functions as the medium storage section 88. On the other hand, when the unit conveying passage 90 is removed, since the distance from the second discharge section 85 to the surface of the housing 101 below becomes longer, the storage amount of the paper S discharged from the second discharge section 85 can be increased, and the convenience can be improved according to the use.

[0055] In addition, when the shell 101 is viewed from the side, the width direction of the shell 101 is Figure 2 In the +Y and -Y directions in the embodiment, the first discharge unit 80 is arranged on the first surface 101a side of the housing 101 facing the medium processing device 200, that is, on the -Y direction side which is one side compared to the center in the width direction of the housing 101, that is, the +Y and -Y directions, and the liquid ejection head 13 performs recording on the paper S at a position closer to the second surface 101b facing the first surface 101a, that is, on the +Y direction side which is the other side compared to the center in the width direction of the housing 101, that is, the +Y direction side. That is, the position where the liquid ejection head 13 performs recording on the paper S in the first posture and the position of the first discharge unit 80 are in opposite directions to each other. As a result, the distance that the recorded paper S is conveyed to the first discharge unit 80 becomes longer, so that the drying time of the liquid applied to the paper S can be set longer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the curling of the paper S due to the undrying of the paper S or the transfer of the liquid on the paper S.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, when the housing 101 is viewed from the side in the -X direction, in the area surrounded by the paper box 103, the fourth conveying path R4, the first conveying path R1 connected to the fourth conveying path R4, and the first surface 101a of the housing 101, the mounting portion 20, the storage portion 71, and the maintenance portion 31 are arranged along the vertical direction, wherein the paper box 103 is arranged on the first surface 101a side below the liquid ejection head 13, and the fourth conveying path R4 is a path from the paper box 103 to the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 in the conveying path R. In addition, the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 refers to the position of the conveying path R that is opposite to the nozzle surface 13b when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. As a result, the layout in the housing 101 is made efficient and space saving can be achieved. In addition, the waste liquid storage portion 37 is also arranged in the above-mentioned area. As a result, space efficiency can be further achieved.

[0057] In addition, the waste liquid storage unit 37 can be opened by opening the cover 104 ( Figure 1 The cover 104 is provided on a surface of the housing 101 that intersects with a surface forming the first discharge portion 80. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the first discharge unit 80 is provided on the first surface 101a which is the surface in the -Y direction of the housing 101, and the cover 104 is provided on the surface in the -X direction of the housing 101. Therefore, even when the medium processing device 200 and the liquid ejection device 100 are arranged side by side, the waste liquid storage unit 37 can be easily replaced.

[0058] Below the mounting portion 20 or the storage portion 71 or the maintenance portion 31, a liquid holding portion 72 that can hold liquid is provided. In the present embodiment, below the storage portion 71, a liquid holding portion 72 is provided. The liquid holding portion 72 is plate-shaped and is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. Thus, the liquid dripping from the storage portion 71 can be reliably held. In addition, the liquid holding portion 72 and the waste liquid receiving portion 37 are connected by a waste liquid flow channel 39. The waste liquid flow channel 39 allows the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 72 to flow to the waste liquid receiving portion 37. Thus, in the case where the liquid leaks from the mounting portion 20 or the storage portion 71, the leaked liquid can be reliably flowed to the waste liquid receiving portion 37. In addition, the liquid holding portion 72 can also be arranged below each of the mounting portion 20, the storage portion 71 and the maintenance portion 31. In addition, the configuration position of the liquid holding portion 72 can also be appropriately set.

[0059] Next, the structure of the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 will be exemplified. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the pressure regulating mechanism 24. Figure 4 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the pressure regulating mechanism 24. Figure 5This is an exploded perspective view of the pressure regulating mechanism 24 as viewed from other directions. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 when it is in the first posture. Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view when the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 is in the second posture. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the displacement member 55 and the flexible member 53 included in the pressure adjustment mechanism 24. Fig. 9 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the displacement member 55. Fig.10 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the pressure regulating mechanism 24. Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 .

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the liquid supply channel 21, the portion where the liquid flows into the pressure regulating mechanism 24 is called the inflow channel 21a, and the portion where the liquid flows out of the pressure regulating mechanism 24 is called the outflow channel 21b. The pressure regulating mechanism 24 includes a liquid chamber 41 for temporarily storing the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 13. The pressure regulating mechanism 24 is configured so that a first flow channel forming member 51 formed with the inflow channel 21a and a second flow channel forming member 52 formed with the liquid chamber 41 and the outflow channel 21b are overlapped.

[0061] The liquid chamber 41 has a circular inner bottom 41a and a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 41b as a wall surface, and the circular inner bottom 41a and the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 41b constitute a wall surface that is recessed on one side of the first flow path forming member 51 (at Figure 3 In the liquid chamber 41, the inner bottom 41a side is set as the bottom side, and the side where the recess opens is set as the top side.

[0062] The first flow channel forming member 51 has a cylindrical protruding flow channel 51a, the central axis of which overlaps with the central axis Ca of the inner bottom 41a and the inner peripheral surface 41b, and the inflow channel 21a passes through the protruding flow channel 51a along the central axis. The second flow channel forming member 52 has a cylindrical receiving recess 52a for receiving the protruding flow channel 51a when overlapping with the first flow channel forming member 51, and a cylindrical cylindrical protrusion 52b protruding from the inner bottom of the receiving recess 52a to the inside of the liquid chamber 41. Preferably, a plurality of grooves 52c extending along the central axis Ca are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical protrusion 52b.

[0063] When the first flow channel forming member 51 and the second flow channel forming member 52 are overlapped in such a manner that the protruding flow channel 51a is accommodated in the accommodation recess 52a, the supply chamber 42 is surrounded by the top end surface of the protruding flow channel 51a and the internal space of the cylindrical protrusion 52b. In addition, a communication hole 43 for communicating the liquid chamber 41 with the supply chamber 42 is formed at the top end portion of the cylindrical protrusion 52b protruding into the liquid chamber 41.

[0064] The opening of the communication hole 43 that communicates with the liquid chamber 41 is an inlet 43a for the liquid that flows from the inlet channel 21a into the supply chamber 42 to flow into the liquid chamber 41. In addition, an outlet 44 is formed at the inner bottom 41a of the liquid chamber 41 for the liquid to flow out toward the outflow channel 21b. Figure 2 In the second posture shown, the central axis Ca is substantially in the horizontal direction. At this time, the outflow port 44 is arranged vertically above the central axis Ca, and the inflow port 43a is arranged on the central axis Ca.

[0065] The pressure regulating mechanism 24 includes a flexible component 53 constituting a wall surface on the top side of the liquid chamber 41, a fixing component 54 that presses the outer edge of the flexible component 53 from the outside of the liquid chamber 41 to fix it on the second flow path forming component 52, a displacement component 55 that is arranged on the outside of the liquid chamber 41 and overlaps with the flexible component 53, and a pressure-bearing component 56 that is arranged on the inside of the liquid chamber 41.

[0066] The flexible member 53 can be made of an elastic body such as an elastic rubber (for example, rubber such as butyl rubber). In a state where the outer edge of the flexible member 53 is clamped between the second flow channel forming member 52 and the fixing member 54, the first flow channel forming member 51, the second flow channel forming member 52 and the fixing member 54 are fixed to each other by, for example, a fixing member 57 such as a screw. At this time, when an elastic body such as an O-ring 58 is clamped between the first flow channel forming member 51 and the second flow channel forming member 52, leakage of liquid can be suppressed.

[0067] The flexible member 53 is configured to block the opening of the recessed portion formed by the inner bottom 41a and the inner peripheral surface 41b. At this time, the outer surface side of the flexible member 53 is opened to the atmosphere. The portion of the flexible member 53 extending from the outer edge to the center forms a curved portion 53a, and the curved portion 53a is bent in a manner that after entering the liquid chamber 41 along the inner peripheral surface 41b, it turns back and bends toward the outside of the liquid chamber 41. The central portion of the flexible member 53 forms a pressure-bearing wall 53c that is concentric with the opening of the liquid chamber 41. In the flexible member 53, a cylindrical portion 53b located on the inner side of the inner peripheral surface 41b is formed between the curved portion 53a and the pressure-bearing wall 53c. Preferably, the pressure-bearing wall 53c is thicker than the curved portion 53a and the cylindrical portion 53b. The cylindrical portion 53b, the pressure-bearing wall 53c and the curved portion 53a function as a flexible portion constituting a part of the wall surface of the liquid chamber 41.

[0068] The displacement member 55 has a cylindrical side wall 55b overlapping the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 53b of the flexible member 53, and a disc portion 55c blocking one end side (end portion on the top side) of the side wall 55b. The fixed member 54 has a cylindrical through hole 54a through which the disc portion 55c of the displacement member 55 can be inserted. The fixed member 54 may have a protrusion portion 54b extending toward the bottom side of the liquid chamber 41 in the through hole 54a so as to press the outer edge of the curved portion 53a of the flexible member 53.

[0069] The pressure-receiving member 56 includes a cylindrical small-diameter cylindrical portion 56b overlapping the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 53b of the flexible member 53, a pressure-receiving portion 56c located at the top of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 56b and overlapping the pressure-receiving wall 53c, and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a having a larger diameter than the small-diameter cylindrical portion 56b. The pressure-receiving member 56 may be formed with a flow hole 56d (also see FIG. 5 ) for allowing liquid to flow to the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a and the like. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ).

[0070] Regarding the pressure-receiving member 56, when the small-diameter cylindrical portion 56b and the pressure-receiving portion 56c overlap with the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure-receiving wall 53c of the flexible member 53, respectively, the curved portion 53a overlaps with the step difference portion formed between the small-diameter cylindrical portion 56b and the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a. In addition, it is preferable to form a concavo-convex shape at the portion where the pressure-receiving portion 56c and the pressure-receiving wall 53c meet, and the two are engaged with each other in the concavo-convex shape.

[0071] Regarding the flexible member 53, when the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 41 increases, the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure-receiving wall 53c move in a direction of increasing the internal volume of the liquid chamber 41 (in Figure 3In addition, regarding the flexible member 53, when the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 41 decreases, the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure-receiving wall 53c move in the direction of reducing the internal volume of the liquid chamber 41 (in the left direction). Figure 3 The bending portion 53a moves in the right direction, and the bending portion 53a is flexed and displaced along with the movement.

[0072] The displacement member 55 and the pressure-receiving member 56 are displaced in the same direction as the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure-receiving wall 53c in a manner following the displacement of the flexible member 53. When the flexible member 53 is flexed and displaced in accordance with the pressure change in the liquid chamber 41, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a of the pressure-receiving member 56 moves along the inner peripheral surface 41b of the liquid chamber 41. That is, the pressure-receiving member 56 moves along the inner peripheral surface 41b of the liquid chamber 41 (the wall surface of the liquid chamber 41 separated from the flexible portion) in accordance with the displacement of the flexible portion of the flexible member 53.

[0073] In addition, the displacement member 55 disposed on the outside of the liquid chamber 41 moves with the displacement of the flexible portion (the cylindrical portion 53b, the pressure-receiving wall 53c, and the curved portion 53a) of the flexible member 53. At this time, the through hole 54a provided in the fixed member 54 functions as a guide portion for guiding the movement of the displacement member 55. Therefore, it is preferred that the friction coefficient of the displacement member 55 relative to the through hole 54a is smaller than that of the flexible member 53, so that the friction force generated when sliding in contact with the through hole 54a of the fixed member 54 is reduced. For example, in the case where the flexible member 53 is composed of an elastomer such as butyl rubber, the displacement member 55 is composed of a resin (particularly preferably, a resin having a smoother surface than the flexible member 53, or a resin that is less likely to be elastically deformed than the flexible member 53).

[0074] Therefore, when the flexible member 53 is flexed and displaced, the displacement member 55 is in sliding contact with the through hole 54a instead of the flexible member 53 being in sliding contact with the through hole 54a, so that the flexible member 53 is smoothly displaced according to the pressure change in the liquid chamber 41. In addition, if the friction force generated between the flexible member 53 and the through hole 54a when the flexible member 53 is in sliding contact with the through hole 54a is small, and the friction force generated between the flexible member 53 and the through hole 54a does not hinder the displacement, the displacement member 55 may not be provided.

[0075] The pressure regulating mechanism 24 includes a valve body 61 capable of opening and closing the inlet port 43a, a protruding member 62 whose base end side is accommodated in the supply chamber 42 and whose top end side is accommodated in the liquid chamber 41, a first urging member 63 accommodated in the supply chamber 42, a retainer 64 for retaining the base end of the first urging member 63, and a second urging member 65 for urging the pressure receiving member 56 in the liquid chamber 41. The base end portion 62a of the protruding member 62 located in the supply chamber 42 is formed to have a larger diameter than the communicating hole 43. The valve body 61 is composed of an elastic body mounted on the base end portion 62a, for example.

[0076] The retainer 64 is arranged in the supply chamber 42 at a position in contact with the top end surface of the protruding flow channel 51a, and the base end side of the first force member 63 is locked on the retainer 64, and the top end side is locked on the base end 62a. The first force member 63 is, for example, a conical coil spring whose diameter decreases from the base end side toward the top end side, but may also be a cylindrical coil spring.

[0077] The second urging member 65 is, for example, a cylindrical coil spring and is arranged to overlap the outer circumference of the cylindrical protrusion 52b. The base end of the second urging member 65 is locked to the inner bottom 41a, and the tip end is locked to the pressure receiving portion 56c.

[0078] The valve body 61 blocks the communication hole 43 by the force of the first force applying member 63 applied to the protruding member 62. When the coil spring as the first force applying member 63 contracts, the valve body 61 separates from the communication hole 43. The positions of the valve body 61 and the protruding member 62 when the valve body 61 blocks the communication hole 43 ( Figure 3 The position shown in FIG. 4 is referred to as the closed position, and the position of the valve body 61 and the protruding member 62 when the valve body 61 is separated from the communicating hole 43 ( Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 That is, the first force applying member 63 applies force to the valve body 61 in the direction of closing the inlet 43a.

[0079] Next, the operation of the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 will be described.

[0080] When the pressurized liquid flows from the inflow channel 21a into the supply chamber 42, the pressure (internal pressure) of the supply chamber 42 rises. Even if the pressure of the supply chamber 42 rises, the valve body 61 does not move to the open position. Therefore, even if the pressurized liquid is supplied from the inflow channel 21a to the supply chamber 42, as long as the valve body 61 is in the closed position, the liquid does not flow into the liquid chamber 41.

[0081] When the liquid in the liquid ejection head 13 is consumed by the ejection of the liquid, the liquid in the liquid chamber 41 flows out from the outflow port 44 to the liquid ejection head 13. When the pressure (internal pressure) of the liquid chamber 41 decreases due to the outflow of the liquid, the flexible member 53 is displaced toward the inside of the liquid chamber 41. Moreover, the pressure-receiving member 56 displaced together with the flexible member 53 overcomes the force of the second force-applying member 65 and presses the protruding member 62 toward the bottom side, thereby moving the valve body 61 toward the open position. As a result, the pressurized liquid in the supply chamber 42 flows into the liquid chamber 41 through the inflow port 43a.

[0082] Furthermore, when the pressure of the liquid chamber 41 increases with the inflow of liquid, the flexible member 53 is displaced toward the outside of the liquid chamber 41. As a result, the valve body 61 moves from the open position to the closed position, and the supply of liquid from the supply chamber 42 to the liquid chamber 41 is stopped. In this way, the liquid chamber 41 has a flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure-receiving wall 53c, and curved portion 53a) that can be displaced according to the differential pressure between the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 41 and the external pressure (atmospheric pressure) as a part of the wall surface, and the valve body 61 opens and closes the inlet 43a with the displacement of the flexible portion.

[0083] Here, when the pressure receiving portion 56c approaches the protruding member 62, the second force applying member 65 pushes the pressure receiving portion 56c back in the direction of separation from the protruding member 62. Therefore, when the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 decreases and the pressure receiving portion 56c overcomes the force of the first force applying member 63 and the second force applying member 65 to press the protruding member 62, the valve body 61 moves to the open position. In addition, before the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 rises to a positive pressure due to the inflow of liquid, the pressure receiving portion 56c is separated from the protruding member 62 by the force of the second force applying member 65. Therefore, the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 is maintained within the range of negative pressure corresponding to the force of the second force applying member 65.

[0084] Thus, the movement of the valve body 61 to the open position is caused by the displacement of the flexible member 53. Therefore, the valve body 61 automatically moves between the closed position and the open position without using a driving force of a motor or the like due to the differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure and the liquid chamber 41. Therefore, the pressure regulating mechanism 24 is also called a differential pressure valve (or a self-sealing valve), and the automatic pressure regulating function generated by the differential pressure valve is also called a self-sealing function.

[0085] However, when the liquid flows into the liquid chamber 41 through the inlet 43a, bubbles may be mixed in and gas may accumulate in the upper part of the gas-liquid chamber 41. When such gas becomes bubbles and flows out from the outlet 44 together with the liquid, bubbles may be mixed in the nozzle 23, and a poor ejection may occur in which liquid droplets are not ejected properly from the nozzle 23.

[0086] Therefore, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a maintenance unit 31 that performs suction cleaning as a maintenance operation to suck liquid from the nozzle 23 and discharge gas inside the liquid ejection head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 together with the liquid.

[0087] Here, since the gas that has flowed into the liquid chamber 41 accumulates in the upper portion of the liquid chamber 41 , if the outflow port 44 is located in the upper portion of the liquid chamber 41 , the gas can easily flow out during cleaning.

[0088] Regarding this, Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the first posture when printing ( Figure 6 The position of the outflow port 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the second posture ( Figure 7 That is, when the height of the outflow port 44 from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41 in the first posture is set to P1, and the height of the outflow port 44 from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41 in the second posture is set to P2, P1<P2.

[0089] In addition, the outflow port 44 is located at a position lower than the inflow port 43a in the first posture, and is located at a position higher than the inflow port 43a in the second posture. That is, when the height of the inflow port 43a from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41 in the first posture is H1, and the height of the inflow port 43a from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41 in the second posture is H2, P1H2.<h1>

[0090] Next, the operation of the liquid ejection device 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0091] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a displacement mechanism 14 that displaces the liquid ejection head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 to a first posture when ejecting liquid onto the paper S and a second posture when performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head 13. Furthermore, when the liquid ejection head 13 is printing to eject liquid onto the paper S, the liquid ejection head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 are in the first posture. Therefore, when the liquid is ejected from the nozzle 23, the liquid flows out from the outlet 44 located at a lower position than the inlet 43a. In this way, when the liquid is ejected, since the outlet 44 is located at a lower position in the liquid chamber 41, even if gas accumulates in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41, it is difficult for the bubble to flow out to the nozzle 23.

[0092] Furthermore, when the liquid ejection head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 are in the second posture and the maintenance unit 31 performs suction cleaning, a negative pressure is generated in the closed space formed between the cap 33 and the nozzle surface 13b as the suction mechanism 36 is driven, and the negative pressure is spread to the liquid chamber 41 via the outflow channel 21b. As a result, the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 is reduced, and the valve body 61 moves to the open position, and the pressurized liquid flows into the liquid chamber 41 via the inflow channel 21a. Therefore, the liquid flows from the inlet 43a to the outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41, and the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 also flows out from the outlet 44 along with the liquid flow. Moreover, during suction cleaning, since the outlet 44 is located at a higher position in the liquid chamber 41, it is easy to discharge the gas accumulated in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41.

[0093] Here, when the liquid chamber 41 becomes negative pressure due to suction, the bubbles mixed in the liquid expand and are easily discharged from the liquid chamber 41. That is, the discharge characteristics of the bubbles during suction cleaning are related to the magnitude of the negative pressure generated by suction, and when, for example, the altitude of the installation location of the liquid ejection device 100 is different, the negative pressure generated relative to the suction force changes, and the discharge characteristics of the bubbles may sometimes deteriorate. Even in this case, as long as the outflow port 44 is arranged at the upper part of the liquid chamber 41 during cleaning, the gas accumulated in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41 will be effectively discharged.

[0094] In particular, since a large amount of liquid needs to be discharged in order to discharge the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 located upstream of the liquid ejection head 13 compared to cleaning that only targets the interior of the liquid ejection head 13, the amount of liquid consumed by cleaning can be reduced by improving the gas discharge performance.

[0095] In order to further expand the bubbles and improve the discharge performance, an opening and closing valve that functions as an air blocking valve may be provided in the inflow channel 21a, and air blocking cleaning may be performed by performing suction with the opening and closing valve closed, and opening the opening and closing valve after the negative pressure in the liquid chamber 41 increases. Even in the case where small bubbles are hanging on the flow path, by performing air blocking cleaning, the bubbles that have been greatly expanded due to the strong negative pressure can be separated from the flow path by the impact of the pressure change caused by the opening of the air blocking valve, and the bubbles can be flushed away at once by the liquid that flows violently due to the large differential pressure.

[0096] In addition, when cleaning is performed, a pressing mechanism that presses the pressure-receiving component 56 from the outside of the liquid chamber 41 can be provided, so that the valve body 61 is forcibly moved to the open position, thereby causing the liquid to flow out from the nozzle 23. According to this structure, cleaning (pressurized cleaning) can be implemented without a device for suction. In addition, it can also be set to adjust the amount of the pressing mechanism pressing the pressure-receiving component 56, and cause the liquid to flow out from the liquid chamber 41 to the extent that the liquid is not discharged from the nozzle 23, thereby implementing pressurization for pressurized wiping. In this case, the pressure regulating mechanism 24 can be used as a part of a pressurizing mechanism for implementing pressurized cleaning or pressurized wiping, etc. Moreover, it can also be set to implement pressurized supply of liquid to the liquid ejection head 13 by the pressure of the pressing mechanism. In this case, the liquid chamber 41 functions as a pump chamber of a pressurizing pump.

[0097] However, when the flexible member 53 is expanded into a planar state ( Fig.10 In the case where the flexible member 53 is flexed and displaced (as shown in FIG. 1 ), the reaction force of the tension may cause deviation in the response to the pressure change. In this regard, when the curved portion 53a is formed in the flexible member 53 and the flexible member 53 is displaced, the reaction force is less likely to affect the reaction force, and thus the responsiveness to the pressure change is better. However, when the curved portion 53a is formed in the flexible member 53, wrinkles may be generated in the cylindrical portion 53b and the like.

[0098] For example, Fig. 9 As shown, when the disc-shaped flexible member 53 is deformed to form a curved portion 53a, irregular wrinkles appear in the cylindrical portion 53b, and the reaction force generated in this portion may change the way the pressure changes received by the pressure-bearing wall 53c are transmitted to the curved portion 53a.

[0099] Therefore, if Fig. 9 As in the modified example shown in FIG. 1 , it is also possible to form the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 55b of the displacement member 55 into a regular polygonal cross section (in Fig. 9 When the displacement member 55 is covered on the flexible member 53, regular wrinkles are generated in the cylindrical portion 53b. If such a method is adopted, the shape of the wrinkles of the cylindrical portion 53b can be stabilized, thereby stabilizing the reaction of the flexible member 53 to pressure changes.

[0100] The pressure regulating mechanism 24 can also be changed to Fig.10 The differential pressure valve of the first modified example shown in the figure. In the pressure regulating mechanism 24 of this modified example, since the flexible member 53 is formed of a thin film and the pressure receiving member 56 is plate-shaped and does not have the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a described in the first embodiment, the length of the pressure regulating mechanism 24 along the central axis Ca can be shortened, thereby making the device thinner.

[0101] However, when the pressure-receiving member 56 does not have the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a, when the pressure-receiving member 56 is displaced in accordance with the pressure change in the liquid chamber 41, the pressure-receiving member 56 may be tilted, and the responsiveness to the pressure change may be deviated. In particular, when the flexible member 53 does not have the curved portion 53a and is flexed and displaced in a state of being expanded into a flat surface, Fig.10 As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 , when the flexible member 53 expands toward the outside of the liquid chamber 41, the pressure receiving member 56 is difficult to tilt. Fig.10 When the expansion of the flexible member 53 disappears as indicated by the solid line in FIG. Fig.10 The pressure receiving member 56 is inclined as indicated by the two-dot chain line.

[0102] Furthermore, when the pressure receiving member 56 is tilted, the timing of pressing the protruding member 62 is deviated, thereby causing deviation in the opening and closing pressure of the valve body 61. Therefore, in the case where the responsiveness to the pressure change of the liquid chamber 41 is preferred over the thinning of the pressure regulating mechanism 24, the pressure receiving member 56 having the cylindrical large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a along the inner peripheral surface 41b of the liquid chamber 41 can be used.

[0103] In addition, you can Fig.11 As in the pressure regulating mechanism 24 of the second modified example shown in FIG. 1 , one or more protrusions 52d protruding into the liquid chamber 41 are provided on the inner circumferential surface 41b of the second flow channel forming member 52, and an engaging portion 56e engaging with the protrusion 52d is provided in the large diameter cylindrical portion 56a of the pressure receiving member 56. According to this structure, the engaging portion 56e engages with the protrusion 52d, thereby suppressing the unnecessary rotation of the cylindrical pressure receiving member 56. The engaging portion 56e may be either a hole or a recess. In addition, in the case where a plurality of circulation holes 56d are provided in the large diameter cylindrical portion 56a of the pressure receiving member 56, a part of the plurality of circulation holes 56d may be used as the engaging portion 56e engaging with the protrusion 52d. According to this structure, the circulation channel of the liquid in the liquid chamber 41 can be ensured, and at the same time, the rotation of the pressure receiving member 56 can be suppressed.

[0104] According to the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0105] When liquid is sprayed onto the paper S, the liquid chamber 41 is in the first posture and the outlet 44 is arranged at a lower position, so that the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 is difficult to flow out. Therefore, when liquid is sprayed onto the paper S, it is difficult to cause poor spraying due to bubbles mixed into the nozzle 23. On the other hand, when maintenance is performed, the liquid chamber 41 is in the second posture and the outlet 44 is arranged at a higher position, so that the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 is easy to flow out. Therefore, when maintenance is performed, the gas is easier to be discharged than when liquid is sprayed.

[0106] In the first posture of spraying liquid onto the paper S, since the outflow port 44 of the liquid chamber 41 is located at a position lower than the inflow port 43a, the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 is difficult to flow out, and the gas flowing into the liquid chamber from the inflow port when spraying liquid is also difficult to flow out. On the other hand, when performing maintenance, since the outflow port 44 of the liquid chamber 41 is located at a position higher than the inflow port 43a, the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 is easy to flow out, and the gas flowing into the liquid chamber 41 from the inflow port 43a due to maintenance is also easy to flow out. Therefore, when performing maintenance, the gas is easier to be discharged than when spraying liquid.

[0107] Since the displacement mechanism 14 displaces the liquid ejection head 13 so that the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b relative to the horizontal direction changes, the liquid chamber 41 can be tilted up to 90 degrees together with the liquid ejection head 13, thereby changing the height of the outflow port 44 and the like in the liquid chamber 41.

[0108] As maintenance, suction cleaning can be performed in which the liquid in the liquid ejection head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 is sucked through the nozzle 23 to discharge foreign matter such as bubbles together with the liquid.

[0109] Since the flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure-receiving wall 53c and curved portion 53a) is displaced according to the differential pressure between the internal pressure and the external pressure of the liquid chamber 41, the valve body 61 opens and closes the inlet 43a, thereby being able to appropriately adjust the pressure of the liquid chamber 41 that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection head 13.

[0110] The pressure-receiving member 56 moves along the inner peripheral surface 41 b in the liquid chamber 41 , thereby stabilizing the displacement of the flexible portion (the cylindrical portion 53 b , the pressure-receiving wall 53 c , and the curved portion 53 a ) accompanying pressure fluctuations.

[0111] When the flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure receiving wall 53c and curved portion 53a) is displaced, the displacement member 55 having a smaller friction coefficient than the flexible portion contacts the through hole 54a as a guide portion, thereby stabilizing the displacement of the flexible portion accompanying pressure fluctuations.

[0112] In addition, when the position of the outflow outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the first posture is lower than the position of the outflow outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the second posture, the position of the outflow outlet 44 in the first posture may be higher than the inflow inlet 43a, the position of the outflow outlet 44 in the second posture may be lower than the inflow inlet 43a, and the heights of the outflow outlet 44 and the inflow inlet 43a in the two postures may be the same.

[0113] In addition, a structure is also adopted in which a pressurizing mechanism that can pressurize the liquid is provided, and the pressurized liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection head 13 through the liquid supply passage 21 by the operation of the pressurizing mechanism. The pressurizing mechanism can pressurize the liquid in the liquid storage section 19, and can also pressurize and supply the liquid sucked from the liquid storage section 19 toward the downstream.

[0114] Next, the structure of the medium processing device 200 will be described. Fig.12 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the medium processing device 200 .

[0115] The media processing device 200 is a device that processes the paper S with an image recorded thereon and conveyed from the liquid ejection device 100. The media processing device 200 is arranged on the -Y direction side, that is, the first surface 101a side, of the +Y direction and -Y direction of the width direction of the housing 101 of the liquid ejection device 100. The media processing device 200 has a housing 227 and has an inlet 226 at a position corresponding to the first discharge unit 80 of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0116] The media processing device 200 includes a paper feed path 228 into which the paper S is introduced from the feed inlet 226, a first paper discharge path 231, a second paper discharge path 232, and a third paper discharge path 230 that are branched and formed downstream of the paper feed path 228, a first path switching unit 233, and a second path switching unit 234. The first path switching unit 233 is composed of a flapper guide that changes the conveying direction of the paper S, and is switched by a driving unit (not shown) to a mode of guiding the paper S conveyed from the feed inlet 226 to the third paper discharge path 230 and a mode of guiding the paper S in the direction of the first paper discharge path 231 or the second paper discharge path 232.

[0117] The first paper discharge passage 231 and the second paper discharge passage 232 are arranged in a connected manner so that the conveying direction of the paper S temporarily introduced into the first paper discharge passage 231 can be reversed and zigzag-conveyed to the second paper discharge passage 232. The second path switching unit 234 is switched by a driving unit (not shown) to a mode in which the paper S conveyed from the first path switching unit 233 is introduced into the first paper discharge passage 231 and a zigzag-conveying mode in which the paper S introduced into the first paper discharge passage 231 is introduced into the second paper discharge passage 232. In addition, a punching unit for punching holes in the fed paper S is arranged in the paper feeding path 228.

[0118] The media processing device 200 includes a first processing unit 201 for aligning and loading the sheets S sent from the first paper discharge path 231 and performing stapling processing, and a second processing unit 202 for shifting the sheets S sent from the third paper discharge path 230 in the orthogonal direction by a predetermined amount. A first tray 249 and a second tray 271 for loading the sheets S or the stacks of sheets S processed and transported in the first and second processing units 201 and 202 are provided outside the housing 227.

[0119] The first processing section 201 is composed of a processing tray 237 on which the sheets S fed from the paper discharge port 235 are aligned and loaded, and a stapler unit 238 for stapling the loaded stack of sheets S. The processing tray 237 is arranged below the paper discharge port 235 of the first paper discharge passage 231, and the conveying direction of the sheets S fed from the paper discharge port 235 is zigzag, and the sheets S are introduced onto the processing tray 237. Moreover, the sheets S are positioned at a predetermined stapling position on the processing tray 237 by a positioning mechanism, and are stapling-processed by the stapler unit 238, and the stack of sheets S after stapling processing is sent out to the first tray 249 by a sheet stack delivery mechanism.

[0120] The second processing unit 202 performs jog sorting to sort the sheets S conveyed to the third paper discharge path 230 by shifting them in a direction perpendicular to the paper discharge, and stores them in the second tray 271 .

[0121] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0122] In the liquid ejection device 100 and the recording system 1, the first transport path R1 passes through the top of the mounting portion 20. Thus, even when liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded paper S is reduced, so it is possible to suppress the degradation of image quality. In addition, since the mounting portion 20 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b, it is possible to easily supply pressure to the liquid ejection head 13.

[0123] 2. Second Implementation

[0124] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig.13 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system 1A according to the present embodiment. Fig.13 As shown, the recording system 1A includes a liquid ejection device 100A and a medium processing device 200A.

[0125] The liquid ejection device 100A includes a conveying unit 17 for conveying a sheet S along a conveying path R, a liquid ejection head 13 for performing recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle 23 formed on a nozzle surface 13b onto the conveyed sheet S, a mounting unit 20 for mounting a liquid storage unit 19 for storing liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 13, a first discharge unit 80 for discharging the recorded sheet S to a medium processing device 200A for processing the sheet S, and a first conveying path R1 passing above the mounting unit 20. In addition, the second discharge unit 85A is provided for discharging the recorded sheet S to the medium processing device 200A. The conveying path R includes a third conveying path R3 of a portion from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the second discharge unit 85A. Here, the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 refers to a position of the conveying path R facing the nozzle surface 13b when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. In addition, since the structure other than the second discharge unit 85A and the third transport path R3 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0126] The second discharge portion 85A is provided at the -Y direction end portion above the housing 101. The second discharge portion 85A has an opening provided on the housing 101. The recorded paper S is transported along the third transport path R3 and is discharged to the inlet 226A of the medium processing device 200A via the second discharge portion 85A. In addition, the third transport path R3 is arranged above the first transport path R1. The first transport path R1 passes between the third transport path R3 and the mounting portion 20.

[0127] Here, a unit conveying passage 90A may be formed by integrally forming the first discharge unit 80, the first connection portion R1a in the first conveying path R1 connected to the first discharge unit 80, the second discharge unit 85A, and the second connection portion R3a in the third conveying path R3 connected to the second discharge unit 85A. The unit conveying passage 90A is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a portion R1b of the first conveying path R1 other than the first connection portion R1a and a portion R3b of the third conveying path R3 other than the second connection portion R3a.

[0128] The media processing device 200A includes a first processing unit 201 that aligns and loads the sheets S conveyed from the first discharge unit 80 through the inlet 226 and performs a binding process. The processed sheets S are loaded on the first tray 249. In addition, since the structures of the first processing unit 201 and the conveying system associated with the first processing unit 201 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0129] The medium processing device 200A in the recording system 1A of the present embodiment is configured to have an inlet 226A, and the paper S fed from the second discharge unit 85A is discharged to the second tray 271 through the inlet 226A. That is, the first path switching unit 233 and the third paper discharge path 230 in the first embodiment are omitted in the medium processing device 200A.

[0130] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0131] In the liquid ejection device 100A and the recording system 1A, since the first transport path R1 is arranged between the third transport path R3 and the mounting portion 20 , space saving can be achieved.

[0132] 3. Third Implementation

[0133] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig.14 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system 1B according to this embodiment. Fig.14 As shown, the recording system 1B includes a liquid ejection device 100B and a medium processing device 200B.

[0134] The liquid ejection device 100B has a conveying portion 17 for conveying a sheet of paper S along a conveying path R, a liquid ejection head 13 for recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle 23 formed on a nozzle surface 13b onto the conveyed sheet of paper S, an installation portion 20 for installing a liquid receiving portion 19 for receiving liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 13, a first ejection portion 80 for ejecting the recorded sheet of paper S to a medium processing device 200B for processing the sheet of paper S, and a first conveying path R1 passing through the top of the mounting portion 20.

[0135] Here, the difference between the liquid ejection device 100B of this embodiment and the aforementioned liquid ejection devices 100 and 100A is that the second conveying path R2 and the third conveying path R3 are omitted in the liquid ejection device 100B. Since the other structures are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

[0136] The medium processing device 200B includes a second tray 271 as a first loading unit for loading the paper S discharged from the first discharge unit 80 of the liquid ejecting device 100B without being processed, a first processing unit 201 as a processing unit for performing processing on the paper S discharged from the first discharge unit 80, and a first tray 249 as a second loading unit for loading the paper S processed by the first processing unit 201. In addition, since the structures of the first processing unit 201 and the conveying system associated with the first processing unit 201 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0137] The media processing device 200B of this embodiment has an inlet 226 , and the paper S conveyed from the first discharge unit 80 is conveyed into the media processing device 200B through the inlet 226 .

[0138] The media processing device 200B has a baffle guide 288 as a switching unit for arbitrarily switching between two conveying paths on the downstream side of the inlet 226 in the conveying direction of the paper S. One conveying path is connected to the first tray 249 via the first processing unit 201. The other conveying path is connected to the second tray 271 without passing through the first processing unit 201. That is, in the recording system 1B of this embodiment, the paper S recorded in the liquid ejection device 100B is collectively conveyed from the first discharge unit 80 to the media processing device 200B, and a path is provided for discharging the paper S recorded in the media processing device 200B in its original state without being processed, and a path is provided for discharging the paper S processed in the first processing unit 201.

[0139] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0140] By providing the medium processing device 200B with a path for discharging the recorded paper S as is and a path for discharging the processed paper S, the structure of the transport unit 17 and the transport path R of the liquid ejecting device 100B can be simplified.

[0141] 4. Fourth Implementation

[0142] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig.15 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system 1C according to the present embodiment. Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recording system 1C includes a liquid ejecting device 100C and a medium processing device 200C. The recording system 1C includes a control unit 2 ( 200C ) for comprehensively controlling the driving of each mechanism of the liquid ejecting device 100C and the medium processing device 200C. Fig.15). The liquid ejection device 100C is, for example, an inkjet printer that records text, graphics, photos, and other images by attaching liquid to paper S as an example of a medium. The liquid is, for example, ink. The medium processing device 200C is arranged adjacent to the liquid ejection device 100C. The medium processing device 200C is provided with a first processing unit 201 ( Fig.15 , Fig.16 ) is a post-processing device, wherein the first processing unit 201 performs post-processing such as stapling processing to bind the sheets S on which the image is recorded by the liquid ejecting device 100C using staples (needles).

[0143] Next, the structure of the liquid ejection device 100C will be described. Fig.15 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the liquid ejection device 100C. Fig.15 As shown, the liquid ejection device 100C includes a housing 101, a liquid ejection head 13 for ejecting liquid in the housing 101, a maintenance unit 31 for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head 13, a displacement mechanism 14 for displacing the liquid ejection head 13, a paper cassette 103 for storing a plurality of paper sheets S, and a medium support unit 18 for supporting the paper sheets S transported from the paper cassette 103. In addition, a liquid ejection device 100C includes a housing 101, a liquid ejection head 13 for ejecting liquid in the housing 101, a maintenance unit 31 for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head 13, a displacement mechanism 14 for displacing the liquid ejection head 13, a paper cassette 103 for storing a plurality of paper sheets S, and a medium support unit 18 for supporting the paper sheets S transported from the paper cassette 103. Fig.15 The conveying unit 17 conveys the paper S (single-dot chain line in FIG. 1 ). The conveying unit 17 is composed of a plurality of conveying rollers that are rotated by a driving motor (not shown), driven rollers provided on each of the conveying rollers, and a guide that guides the paper S. The paper S clamped between the conveying rollers and the driven rollers is conveyed along the conveying path R by the rotation of the conveying rollers by the driving motor. The paper S discharged from the paper box 103 is conveyed to the medium processing device 200C along the conveying path R by the conveying unit 17. In addition, the detailed structure of the conveying path R will be described later. The control unit 2 controls the moving mechanism 34 that moves the maintenance unit 31 in the +Y direction or the -Y direction, the liquid ejection head 13, the displacement mechanism 14, the maintenance unit 31, and the driving motor of the conveying unit 17.

[0144] A mounting portion 20 is provided on the inner side of the housing 101, and one or more liquid receiving portions 19 for receiving the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head 13 are installed in the mounting portion 20. In the present embodiment, four liquid receiving portions 19 are provided. The liquid receiving portion 19 may be a box that can be detached from the mounting portion 20, or a tank into which liquid can be injected. The mounting portion 20 is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejecting head 13. That is, the mounting portion 20 is arranged closer to the -Z direction than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejecting head 13. Since the mounting portion 20 on which the liquid receiving portion 19 is mounted is located above the nozzle surface 13b, it is possible to easily supply liquid to the liquid ejecting head 13 under pressure.

[0145] The liquid ejection device 100C includes a liquid supply channel 21 for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection head 13, and a pressure regulating mechanism 24 provided in the liquid supply channel 21. In the liquid supply channel 21, a filter 25 for filtering the liquid flowing into the pressure regulating mechanism 24 and a filter 27 for filtering the liquid flowing out of the pressure regulating mechanism 24 are provided.

[0146] The liquid ejection device 100C includes a storage portion 71 that is connected to the liquid storage portion 19 and the liquid ejection head 13 and can temporarily store the liquid flowing from the liquid storage portion 19. The storage portion 71 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 on which the nozzle 23 is formed, and is arranged at a position lower than the mounting portion 20. Thus, the liquid ejection head 13 can be pressurized and supplied by the water level difference between the storage portion 71 and the nozzle 23. That is, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection head 13 by the water level difference in a manner that does not rely on the driving force of the pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid storage portion 19, for example.

[0147] The displacement mechanism 14 includes a holding member 15 for holding the liquid ejecting head 13, and the liquid ejecting head 13 is displaced to a certain position by rotating the holding member 15 around a rotation axis 16. Fig.15 The first posture represented by the solid line, and Fig.15 The second posture is indicated by the double-dashed line in FIG. The displacement mechanism 14 may also include a mechanism for moving the liquid ejection head 13 in the second posture in the +Z direction. The liquid ejection head 13 has a plurality of nozzles 23 for ejecting liquid toward the paper S, and a nozzle surface 13b on which the nozzles 23 are formed. When the liquid ejection head 13 ejects a plurality of different types of liquids, the nozzles 23, the liquid supply channel 21, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 24 are provided at least for each type of liquid.

[0148] The first posture is, for example, a posture in which the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, and the second posture is a posture in which the inclination relative to the horizontal direction of the nozzle surface 13b is smaller than that of the first posture. Although in the present embodiment, when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the second posture, the nozzle surface 13b is in the horizontal direction, it does not necessarily have to be in the horizontal direction, as long as the nozzle surface 13b is closer to the horizontal direction than in the first posture. That is, "the inclination relative to the horizontal direction of the nozzle surface 13b is smaller than that of the first posture" means that the inclination relative to the horizontal direction of the nozzle surface 13b becomes zero and the nozzle surface 13b becomes horizontal.

[0149] When the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture, the liquid is ejected as droplets toward the paper S supported on the medium support portion 18 arranged opposite to the nozzle surface 13b, thereby performing recording. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the paper S advances on the medium support portion 18 is defined as the conveying direction F, and the direction in which the liquid ejection head 13 in the first posture ejects the liquid is defined as the ejection direction J. In addition, the direction different from both the conveying direction F and the ejection direction J is defined as the width direction W. The liquid ejection head 13 of the present embodiment is configured as a line head including a large number of nozzles 23 arranged so that the printing range in the width direction W becomes larger than the width of the paper S.

[0150] Next, the configuration of the maintenance unit 31 will be exemplified.

[0151] The maintenance unit 31 includes a cap 33 for accommodating liquid discharged from the nozzles 23 of the nozzle surface 13b as the liquid ejection head 13 moves relative to the liquid ejection head 13, and a suction mechanism 36 for sucking the inside of the cap 33. The suction mechanism 36 is connected to the cap 33 and the waste liquid storage unit 37 via a suction channel 35.

[0152] In addition, the maintenance portion 31 is disposed below the storage portion 71. Thus, pressure supply can be performed with respect to the liquid ejecting head 13, and maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 13 can be easily performed.

[0153] When the liquid ejection head 13 is in the second posture, the maintenance unit 31 performs maintenance operations including capping and cleaning. When the cover 33 is located below the liquid ejection head 13, capping is performed. When capping is performed, the liquid ejection head 13 moves downward, thereby forming a closed space between the cover 33 and the nozzle surface 13b. The position of the maintenance unit 31 when capping is performed is referred to as the capping position. When the liquid ejection head 13 stops the ejection operation of the liquid, including when the power is turned off, capping is performed to suppress the drying of the nozzle 23.

[0154] Whenever suction cleaning as a type of cleaning is performed, first, the liquid ejection head 13 is moved downward by the displacement mechanism 14 to perform capping. Furthermore, when the suction mechanism 36 is driven in a state where a closed space is formed between the cap 33 and the nozzle surface 13b, foreign matter such as bubbles in the liquid ejection head 13 is discharged from the nozzle 23 together with the liquid.

[0155] Cleaning is performed when the cap 33 is located below the liquid ejection head 13. Cleaning is performed before starting the printing process or after the printing process is executed.

[0156] In addition, as a maintenance operation, the liquid ejection head 13 is flushed to eject the liquid when a slight ejection defect occurs. When the liquid ejection head 13 is in the second posture, the moving mechanism 34 moves the maintenance unit 31 to the storage position to perform flushing, and the cover 33 is used to store the liquid ejected by flushing. In this case, the liquid ejection head 13 is preferably not moved downward, but is arranged at a position separated from the cover 33. In addition, the liquid contained in the cover 33 is stored in the waste liquid storage unit 37 by the drive of the suction mechanism 36.

[0157] Alternatively, the medium support portion 18 may be provided with a rib 18a for supporting the paper S and a concave receiving portion 18b provided around the rib 18a, and flushing may be performed toward the receiving portion 18b when there is no paper S on the medium support portion 18. In this case, the liquid ejection head 13 is flushed in the first posture.

[0158] When the medium support portion 18 is provided with the storage portion 18b, for example, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets S, flushing can be performed with the liquid ejection head 13 in the first posture between the sheets S being transported. Therefore, the maintenance operation time can be shortened compared to the case where the liquid ejection head 13 is displaced to the second posture during the printing process and flushing is performed toward the cover 33. In addition, the liquid contained in the storage portion 18b can be stored in the waste liquid storage portion 37 via a waste liquid pipe (not shown) or the like.

[0159] Next, the layout of the transport path R and the like of the liquid ejection device 100C will be described.

[0160] At the -Y direction end of the upper part of the housing 101, a first discharge portion 80 is provided, and the first discharge portion 80 discharges the paper S after recording by the liquid ejection head 13 toward the inlet 226 of the media processing device 200C. The first discharge portion 80 has an opening portion provided on the housing 101. The paper S after recording is discharged to the inlet 226 of the media processing device 200C through the opening portion. The first discharge portion 80 is arranged above the mounting portion 20. In addition, at the -Y direction end of the housing 101, a second discharge portion 85 is provided above the first discharge portion 80. The second discharge portion 85 has an opening portion provided on the housing 101. The paper S after recording is discharged to the inlet 226A of the media processing device 200C through the opening portion.

[0161] Furthermore, a first conveying path R1 is formed in a portion of the conveying path R from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the first discharge portion 80. The first conveying path R1 passes through the top of the mounting portion 20 and is connected to the first discharge portion 80. In addition, the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 refers to a position of the conveying path R that is opposite to the nozzle surface 13b when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. In more detail, the first conveying path R1 bypasses the side of the mounting portion 20 in the +Y direction and further passes through a position closer to the mounting portion 20 in the -Z direction. That is, the first conveying path R1 does not pass through the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction. In other words, the first conveying path R1 does not pass through the bottom of the mounting portion 20, that is, the area overlapping with the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction. Therefore, for example, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripping liquid adhering to the paper S after recording is reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reduction of image quality.

[0162] In addition, the branch path R5 branched from the middle of the first conveying path R1 is connected to the second discharge unit 85. In detail, a branch point Pt is provided in the middle of the first conveying path R1 above the mounting portion 20. The first conveying path R1 is maintained at a height substantially the same as the height at which the branch point Pt is provided, and is connected to the first discharge unit 80. That is, the height at which the branch point Pt is provided is substantially the same as the height of the first discharge unit 80. In addition, a branch path R5 is formed upward from the branch point Pt. The branch path R5 passes through the upper side relative to the first conveying path R1. A baffle guide not shown is provided at the branch point Pt, and a conveying direction in which the paper is conveyed to the first conveying path R1 or the branch path R5 is selected. Since the branch path R5 does not pass through the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction, similarly to the first conveying path R1, even when liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded paper S is reduced. Thus, it is possible to suppress the degradation of image quality.

[0163] Furthermore, the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 are configured in common from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to a branch point Pt where they branch off from each other. Thus, the space of the transport path R can be saved.

[0164] Here, a unit conveying channel 90C may be formed, which is integrally formed by the first discharge portion 80, the first connection portion R1a connected to the first discharge portion 80 in the first conveying path R1, the second discharge portion 85, and the branch path R5. The first connection portion R1a connected to the first discharge portion 80 and the branch path R5 of the unit conveying channel 90C are the upper part of the mounting portion 20 and are the part including the branch point Pt. Moreover, the unit conveying channel 90C is configured to be detachable relative to the part R1b of the first conveying path R1 other than the first connection portion R1a. Thus, by integrating a part of the first conveying path R1 and the branch path R5 by the unit conveying channel 90C, the structure of the conveying path R in the liquid ejection device 100C can be simplified.

[0165] In addition, when the unit conveying passage 90C is removed from the housing 101, the paper S recorded by the liquid ejection head 13 is discharged to the outside from the downstream side of the portion R1b of the first conveying path R1. The discharged paper S is loaded through the portion above the cover mounting portion 20 of the housing 101. By adopting such a structure, it is possible to switch between using the liquid ejection device 100C as a single unit and using it as a recording system 1C using only one liquid ejection device 100C.

[0166] In addition, when the shell 101 is viewed from the side, the width direction of the shell 101 is Fig.15 In the +Y and -Y directions in the first posture, the first discharge unit 80 is arranged on the first surface 101a side of the housing 101 that is opposite to the medium processing device 200C, that is, on the -Y direction side that is one side of the center in the +Y and -Y directions of the width direction of the housing 101, and the liquid ejection head 13 performs recording on the paper S at a position closer to the second surface 101b that is opposite to the first surface 101a, that is, on the +Y direction side that is the other side of the center in the width direction of the housing 101, that is, the +Y direction side. That is, the position where the liquid ejection head 13 performs recording on the paper S in the first posture and the position of the first discharge unit 80 are in opposite directions to each other. As a result, the distance that the recorded paper S is conveyed to the first discharge unit 80 becomes longer, and the drying time of the liquid applied to the paper S can be set longer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the curling of the paper S due to the undrying of the paper S or the transfer of the liquid on the paper S.

[0167] like Fig.15 As shown, when the housing 101 is viewed from the side in the -X direction, the mounting portion 20, the storage portion 71, and the maintenance portion 31 are arranged along the vertical direction in an area surrounded by the paper cassette 103, the fourth conveying path R4, the first conveying path R1 connected to the fourth conveying path R4, and the first surface 101a of the housing 101, wherein the paper cassette 103 is arranged on the first surface 101a side below the liquid ejection head 13, and the fourth conveying path R4 is a conveying path from the paper cassette 103 arranged below the liquid ejection head 13 to a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 in the conveying path R. In addition, the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 refers to a position of the conveying path R that is opposite to the nozzle surface 13b when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. As a result, the layout in the housing 101 is made more efficient and space saving can be achieved. Furthermore, the waste liquid storage section 37 is disposed below the maintenance section 31 in the above region, that is, at a position vertically overlapping with at least a portion of the maintenance section 31. This further improves space efficiency.

[0168] In addition, the fourth conveying path R4 is formed upward from the paper cassette 103 toward the second surface 101b. That is, the fourth conveying path R4 does not pass through the direction along the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20. In other words, the fourth conveying path R4 does not pass through the area below the mounting portion 20 and overlaps with the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even in the case where liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the paper S before recording is reduced. As a result, it is possible to suppress the reduction of image quality. This is also the same in the liquid ejection heads 100 to 100B of embodiments 1 to 3.

[0169] In addition, a reversing path R6 is provided on the conveying path R of the present embodiment. The reversing path R6 is a path for reversing the paper S on which one side of the paper S has been recorded by the liquid ejection head 13 and conveying it toward the liquid ejection head 13 again when performing double-sided printing to record images on both sides of the paper S.

[0170] A branch point that branches from the reversing path R6 is provided on the downstream side of the first conveying path R1 relative to the liquid ejection head 13. When double-sided printing is performed, the paper S after one side is printed is temporarily conveyed to the downstream side of the first conveying path R1 by the forward driving of the driving motor of the conveying unit 17. Thereafter, the driving motor of the conveying unit 17 is reversely driven, so that the paper S is conveyed to the reversing path R6. Moreover, the paper S is conveyed in a state where the paper S is reversed from the reversing path R6 again toward the first conveying path R1 corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13. Moreover, the reversely conveyed paper S is conveyed in a manner in which the opposite side where the image is not printed, etc., faces the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13. Thus, double-sided printing can be performed by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 13 to the paper S.

[0171] In addition, the reversal path R6 is formed in a manner that bypasses the second surface 101b side relative to the medium support portion 18. That is, the reversal path R6 is formed in a direction that separates from the mounting portion 20. Therefore, since the reversal path R6 does not pass through the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction, that is, the area below the mounting portion 20 and overlapping with the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction, even in the case where liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded paper S is reduced. Thus, the reduction in image quality can be suppressed. Even in the liquid ejection devices 100 to 100B of the first to third embodiments, it is preferable to set the reversal path R6 in the same layout as the present embodiment.

[0172] In addition, the waste liquid storage unit 37 can be opened by opening the cover 104 ( Figure 1 The cover 104 is provided on a surface of the housing 101 that intersects with a surface forming the first discharge portion 80. Fig.15 In the embodiment, the first discharge portion 80 is provided on the first surface 101a, which is the surface in the -Y direction of the housing 101, and the cover 104 is provided on the surface in the -X direction of the housing 101 intersecting the first surface 101a. The waste liquid storage portion 37 is held on the guide member in the housing 101, and can be removed from the inside of the housing 101 to the outside by pulling the waste liquid storage portion 37 out in the -X direction. Therefore, the waste liquid storage portion 37 can be easily approached and operated by opening the cover 104, thereby improving the convenience of the user. Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the cover 104 is provided on the surface in the -X direction of the housing 101, the waste liquid storage portion 37 can be easily replaced even when the medium processing device 200C and the liquid ejection device 100C are placed in parallel.

[0173] Below the mounting portion 20 or the storage portion 71 or the maintenance portion 31, a liquid holding portion 72 that can hold liquid is provided. In the present embodiment, below the storage portion 71, a liquid holding portion 72 is provided. The liquid holding portion 72 is plate-shaped and is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. Thus, the liquid dripping from the storage portion 71 can be reliably held. In addition, the liquid holding portion 72 and the waste liquid receiving portion 37 are connected by a waste liquid flow channel 39. The waste liquid flow channel 39 causes the liquid held in the liquid holding portion 72 to flow to the waste liquid receiving portion 37. Thus, in the case where the liquid leaks from the mounting portion 20 or the storage portion 71, the leaked liquid can be reliably flowed to the waste liquid receiving portion 37. In addition, the liquid holding portion 72 can also be arranged below each of the mounting portion 20, the storage portion 71 and the maintenance portion 31. In addition, the configuration position of the liquid holding portion 72 can also be appropriately set.

[0174] In addition, a detection unit 73 for detecting the liquid contained in the liquid containing unit 72 is also configured. The detection unit 73 of this embodiment is arranged on the liquid containing unit 72. The detection unit 73 is electrically connected to the control unit 2. The detection unit 73 has a pair of electrode terminals, and the pair of electrode terminals are arranged on the liquid containing unit 72. Moreover, when liquid is attached between the pair of electrode terminals, the resistance between the electrode terminals changes according to the amount of liquid attached. Based on the change of this resistance, the liquid contained in the liquid containing unit 72 can be detected. In addition, the information detected by the detection unit 73 is notified through the operation unit 102. Thus, it is possible to detect the leakage or dripping of the liquid from the mounting unit 20 or the storage unit 71 or the maintenance unit 31 in advance. In addition, the detection unit 73 can be either single or multiple. Even in the liquid containing unit 72 of the first embodiment to the third embodiment, it is preferred to set the same detection unit 73 as in this embodiment.

[0175] As described above, according to the conveying path R involved in the liquid ejection device 100C, all the paths that can convey the paper S, namely, the first conveying path R1, the branch path R5, the fourth conveying path R4, and the reversing path R6 are set at positions that do not pass through the area that overlaps with the area where the mounting portion 20 is set in the vertical direction. In other words, all the paths that can convey the paper S do not pass through the area below the mounting portion 20 and overlap with the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction. As a result, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripping liquid adhering to the paper S is reduced, so that the reduction in image quality can be suppressed.

[0176] Furthermore, all the above-mentioned paths involved in the present embodiment are arranged at positions that do not pass through an area that overlaps in the vertical direction with an area where the storage section 71 is arranged. Thus, for example, even when liquid drips from the atmosphere-opening portion of the storage section 71 when the storage section 71 is an atmosphere-opening structure, the possibility that the dripped liquid adheres to the paper S is reduced, and thus it is possible to suppress a reduction in image quality.

[0177] Furthermore, all the above-mentioned paths involved in this embodiment are set at positions that do not pass through the area that overlaps with the area where the liquid container 72 is provided in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the liquid contained in the liquid container 72 drips from the liquid container 72, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the paper S is reduced, so it is possible to suppress the reduction of image quality.

[0178] In addition, in the present embodiment, recording is performed when the liquid ejection head 13 is in the first posture. That is, recording is performed in a posture in which the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the fourth conveying path R4 for feeding paper from the paper box 103 to the liquid ejection head 13 is formed obliquely upward relative to the horizontal direction. Here, for example, in the case of a structure in which recording is performed in a posture in which the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 is in a horizontal direction, it is necessary to form the fourth conveying path R4 for feeding paper from the paper box 103 to the liquid ejection head 13 in a horizontal direction in the same manner as the nozzle surface 13b. In such a structure, the path length of the fourth conveying path becomes longer, and the fourth conveying path R4 has to pass through the layout of the lower area of ​​the mounting portion 20, and when liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, there is a possibility that the dripped liquid adheres to the paper S. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the fourth conveying path R4 is formed linearly from the paper box 103 toward the liquid ejection head 13 above. Therefore, compared with the structure in which recording is performed with the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid ejection head 13 in a horizontal posture, the path length of the fourth conveying path R4 for feeding paper from the paper cassette 103 to the liquid ejection head 13 can be further shortened, and the throughput can be improved. In addition, since the fourth conveying path R4 does not pass through the lower area of ​​the mounting portion 20, when liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the paper S is reduced.

[0179] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the area surrounded by the paper cassette 103, the fourth conveying path R4, the first conveying path R1 connected to the fourth conveying path R4, and the first surface 101a of the housing 101, the mounting portion 20, the storage portion 71, and the maintenance portion 31 are arranged along the vertical direction. Here, for example, in the case of a structure in which the mounting portion 20 and the maintenance portion 31 are arranged in a direction intersecting with the direction along the vertical direction, the housing 101 becomes larger in the lateral width direction, and the installation area of ​​the liquid ejection device 100C becomes relatively large. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since each portion is arranged along the vertical direction and has a longitudinal structure, the installation area can be further reduced.

[0180] The structure and layout described in the liquid ejection device 100C of this embodiment can also be applied to the liquid ejection devices 100 to 100B of the first to third embodiments. The effects obtained thereby are also the same as those of this embodiment.

[0181] Next, the structure of the medium processing device 200C will be described. Fig.16 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a medium processing device 200C.

[0182] The media processing device 200C is a device that processes the paper S with an image recorded thereon and conveyed from the liquid ejection device 100C. The media processing device 200C is arranged on the -Y direction side of the width direction of the housing 101 of the liquid ejection device 100C, that is, on the first surface 101a side, that is, on one side. The media processing device 200C has a cover 227 and has an inlet 226 at a position corresponding to the first discharge unit 80 of the liquid ejection device 100C. In addition, an inlet 226A is arranged at a position corresponding to the second discharge unit 85.

[0183] In addition, the medium processing device 200C includes a second tray 271 as a first loading unit for loading the paper S discharged from the second discharge unit 85 without being processed, a first processing unit 201 for performing processing on the paper S discharged from the first discharge unit 80, and a first tray 249 as a second loading unit for loading the paper S processed by the first processing unit 201. Thus, the structure of the conveying unit 17 of the liquid ejecting device 100 can be simplified.

[0184] The media processing device 200C includes a conveying unit capable of conveying the paper S along the conveying path between the inlet 226A and the second tray 271. The conveying unit is composed of a plurality of conveying rollers that are rotated by a driving motor (not shown), driven rollers provided on each of the conveying rollers, and a guide that guides the paper S. The paper S introduced from the inlet 226A is conveyed along the conveying path and is loaded on the second tray 271.

[0185] The media processing device 200C also includes a paper feed path 228 into which the paper S is introduced from the feed inlet 226, a first paper discharge path 231 and a second paper discharge path 232 branched and formed downstream of the paper feed path 228, a path switching unit 234, and a conveying unit capable of conveying the paper S. The conveying unit is composed of a plurality of conveying rollers that are rotated by a driving motor (not shown), driven rollers provided on the respective conveying rollers, and a guide that guides the paper S.

[0186] The first paper discharge passage 231 and the second paper discharge passage 232 are arranged in a connected manner so that the conveying direction of the paper S temporarily introduced into the first paper discharge passage 231 can be reversed and zigzag-conveyed to the second paper discharge passage 232. The path switching unit 234 is composed of a baffle guide that changes the conveying direction of the paper S, and is switched by a driving unit (not shown) to a mode of introducing the paper S into the first paper discharge passage 231 and a zigzag-conveying mode of introducing the paper S introduced into the first paper discharge passage 231 into the second paper discharge passage 232. In addition, a punching unit for punching holes in the fed paper S is arranged in the paper feeding path 228.

[0187] The media processing device 200C includes a first processing unit 201 for aligning and stapling the sheets S fed from the first paper discharge path 231. A first tray 249 for loading the sheets S or a stack of sheets S processed and fed by the first processing unit 201 is provided outside the housing 227.

[0188] The first processing section 201 is composed of a processing tray 237 on which the paper S sent from the paper discharge port 235 is aligned and loaded, and a stapler unit 238 for stapling the loaded paper S. The processing tray 237 is arranged below the paper discharge port 235 of the first paper discharge passage 231, and the paper S sent from the paper discharge port 235 is conveyed in a zigzag direction, and the paper S is introduced onto the processing tray 237. Moreover, the paper S is positioned at a predetermined stapling position on the processing tray 237 by a positioning mechanism, and is stapling-processed by the stapler unit 238, and the stapling-processed paper S stack is sent out to the first tray 249 by a paper stack delivery mechanism.

[0189] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0190] In the liquid ejection device 100C and the recording system 1C, the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 pass above the mounting portion 20. Thus, even when liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded paper S is reduced, so that the image quality can be suppressed from being reduced. In addition, since the mounting portion 20 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b, it is easy to supply the liquid to the liquid ejection head 13 under pressure.

[0191] 5. Fifth Implementation

[0192] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Fig.17 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system 1D according to the present embodiment. Fig.17 As shown, the recording system 1D includes a liquid ejection device 100D and a medium processing device 200C.

[0193] In addition, in this embodiment, since the remaining structures except for the first conveying path R1 and the branch path R5 of the liquid ejecting device 100D are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, the description is mainly about the parts different from the fourth embodiment, and the description of the parts with the same structure as the fourth embodiment is omitted.

[0194] The transport path R of the liquid ejection device 100D includes a first transport path R1 extending from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the first discharge unit 80 , and a branch path R5 branching from the first transport path R1 and passing above the first transport path R1 to be connected to the second discharge unit 85 .

[0195] like Fig.17 As shown, a branch point Pt is provided in the middle of the first conveying path R1 above the mounting portion 20. The first conveying path R1 passes through a position lower than the height at which the branch point Pt is provided and is connected to the first discharge portion 80. That is, the position of the first discharge portion 80 is lower than the height at which the branch point Pt is provided. In addition, the branch path R5 maintains a height substantially the same as the height at which the branch point Pt is provided and is connected to the second discharge portion 85. That is, the height at which the branch point Pt is provided is substantially the same as the height of the second discharge portion 85. In this way, the branch path R5 passes above the first conveying path R1.

[0196] Furthermore, the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 are configured together from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the branch point Pt where they branch off from each other. Thus, the space of the transport path R can be saved.

[0197] In addition, a unit conveying channel 90D may be formed, which is integrally formed by the first discharge portion 80, the first connection portion R1a connected to the first discharge portion 80 in the first conveying path R1, the second discharge portion 85, and the branch path R5. The first connection portion R1a connected to the first discharge portion 80 and the branch path R5 of the unit conveying channel 90D are the upper part of the mounting portion 20 and are the parts including the branch point Pt. Moreover, the unit conveying channel 90D is configured to be detachable relative to the part R1b of the first conveying path R1 other than the first connection portion R1a. Thus, by integrating a part of the first conveying path R1 and the branch path R5 by the unit conveying channel 90D, the structure of the conveying path R in the liquid ejection device 100D can be simplified.

[0198] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0199] In the liquid ejection device 100D and the recording system 1D, since the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 do not pass through the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the paper S after recording is reduced. Thus, it is possible to suppress the degradation of image quality.

[0200] 6. Sixth Implementation

[0201] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Fig.18 Schematic diagram showing the structure of a recording system 1E according to this embodiment. Fig.16 As shown, the recording system 1E includes a liquid ejection device 100E and a medium processing device 200C.

[0202] In addition, in this embodiment, since the remaining structures except for the first conveying path R1 and the branch path R5 of the liquid ejection device 100E are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, the parts different from the fourth embodiment are mainly described, and the description of the parts with the same structure as the fourth embodiment is omitted.

[0203] The conveying path R of the liquid ejection device 100E includes a first conveying path R1 that extends from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head 13 to the first discharge portion 80, a branch path R5 that branches off from the middle of the first conveying path R1 and passes through the top of the first conveying path R1 and is connected to the second discharge portion 85, and a converging path R7 that further branches off from the middle of the branch path R5 and converges with the first conveying path R1.

[0204] In detail, a first branch point Pt1 is provided in the middle of the first conveying path R1 above the mounting portion 20. Furthermore, a branch path R5 is formed that passes above the first conveying path R1 from the first branch point Pt1. Furthermore, a second branch point Pt2 is provided on the downstream side of the first branch point Pt1 in the conveying direction of the branch path R5, that is, in the middle of the branch path R5. Furthermore, a converging path R7 that converges from the second branch point Pt2 to the first conveying path R1 below is provided. A baffle guide not shown is provided at the second branch point Pt2, and the conveying direction in which the paper S is conveyed to the branch path R5 or the converging path R7 is selected.

[0205] Here, the branch path R5 from the first branch point Pt1 to the second branch point Pt2 and the path from the second branch point Pt2 to the converging path R7 converging to the first conveying path R1 function as a buffer path for waiting the recorded paper S. That is, when the first processing unit 201 of the medium processing device 200C performs post-processing on the paper S, a waiting time for waiting for the supply of the paper S from the liquid ejection device 100E to the medium processing device 200C is generated during a certain period of time when the first processing unit 201 performs post-processing on a certain number of paper S. At this time, the recorded paper S is waited on the branch path R5 and the converging path R7, and if the medium processing device 200C can receive it, the paper S waiting on the branch path R5 and the converging path R7 is conveyed from the first conveying path R1 to the medium processing device 200C. If such a method is adopted, the throughput can be improved without stopping the printing process performed on the paper S by the liquid ejection head 13.

[0206] In addition, the branch path R5 from the first branch point Pt1 to the second branch point Pt2 and the path from the second branch point Pt2 to the converging path R7 converging to the first conveying path R1 also function as a standby path for drying the liquid applied to the recorded paper S. For example, when the paper S coated with a large amount of liquid or the paper S after double-sided printing is conveyed to the media processing device 200C, it is easy to cause a jam in the middle of the conveyance due to the warping or curling of the paper S, or the paper S loaded on the first tray 249 or the second tray 271 cannot be aligned. Therefore, before conveying to the media processing device 200C, the liquid applied to the paper S is dried by standing by at the branch path R5 and the converging path R7, and the paper S is conveyed to the media processing device 200C in a state where the warping or curling of the paper S is eliminated, so that the conveyance jam in the media processing device 200C can be reduced or the paper S on the tray can be aligned.

[0207] In addition, since the first transport path R1, the branch path R5, and the converging path R7 do not pass through the mounting portion 20 in the vertical direction, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded paper S is reduced. This can suppress the degradation of image quality.

[0208] In addition, a unit conveying channel 90E may be formed, which is integrally formed by the first discharge portion 80, the first connection portion R1a connected to the first discharge portion 80 in the first conveying path R1, the second discharge portion 85, the branch path R5, and the confluence path R7. The first connection portion R1a connected to the first discharge portion 80 and the branch path R5 of the unit conveying channel 90E are the upper part of the mounting portion 20, and are the part including the first and second branch points Pt1 and Pt2. Moreover, the unit conveying channel 90E is configured to be detachable relative to the part R1b of the first conveying path R1 other than the first connection portion R1a. Thus, by integrating a part of the first conveying path R1, the branch path R5, and the confluence path R7 by the unit conveying channel 90E, the structure of the conveying path R in the liquid ejection device 100B can be simplified.

[0209] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects according to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0210] The liquid ejection device 100E and the recording system 1E include a merging path R7 that branches from the branch path R5 and merges with the first transport path R1 , thereby functioning as a buffer path for holding recorded paper S, and improving throughput.

[0211] 4. Modifications

[0212] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes, improvements, etc. can be added to the above-mentioned embodiment. Modifications will be described below.

[0213] Modification 1

[0214] In the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, a heating unit for heating the paper S transported along the first transport path R1 may be provided on the transport path on the downstream side compared to the liquid ejection head 13. The heating unit may be a structure that does not contact the paper S or a structure that contacts the paper S. For example, a warm air generating device that generates warm air may be provided in the middle of the first transport path R1, or a heating roller may be applied to a transport roller pair provided on the first transport path R1. If such a method is adopted, it is possible to suppress the curling or transfer and other defects caused by the undried paper S discharged from the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E. Furthermore, when the paper S is transported from the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E to the medium processing device 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, it is possible to suppress problems such as curling or transfer caused by the non-drying of the paper S in the medium processing device 200, 200A, 200B, 200C. Furthermore, since the heat generated by the heating unit can be released above the liquid ejection head 13 by being provided on the transport path on the downstream side of the liquid ejection head 13, it is possible to suppress the increase in viscosity of the liquid or the increase in bubbles in the liquid ejection head 13 caused by the heat.

[0215] Modification 2

[0216] A heating unit for heating the paper S conveyed from the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E may be provided in the medium processing device 200, 200A, 200B, 200C. The heating unit may be a structure that is not in contact with the paper S or a structure that is in contact with the paper S. For example, a warm air generating device that generates warm air may be provided or a heating roller may be used. If such a method is adopted, it is possible to suppress problems such as curling or transfer caused by the paper S not being dried.

[0217] Modification 3

[0218] A wiper may also be provided in the maintenance unit 31. The wiper includes a wiping member for wiping the nozzle surface 13b. The wiping member is preferably formed of a plate-like member that is elastically deformable, such as a rubber member or an elastic material, but may also be a non-woven fabric, a cloth that can absorb liquid, or a porous material. The wiper moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the cover 33 moved by the moving mechanism 34, and wipes the nozzle surface 13b. Thus, the driving mechanism of the cover 33 and the wiper can be simplified.

[0219] Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the wiper is moved in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the cap 33 .

[0220] Furthermore, separate wipers may be provided in the moving direction of the cap 33 and in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the cap 33 .

[0221] Modification 4

[0222] The paper cassettes 103 can be added as needed. This can improve convenience.

[0223] Modification 5

[0224] Preferably, in the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, a mounting portion for mounting the medium processing device 200, 200A, 200B, 200C is provided on the first surface 101a of the housing 101. The mounting portion may be a structure that is pre-set in the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, or a structure that is mounted in a detachable manner from the housing 101. If such a method is adopted, the installation of the liquid ejecting device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E and the medium processing device 200, 200A, 200B, 200C can be easily performed, and the displacement between the liquid ejecting device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E and the medium processing device 200, 200A, 200B, 200C can be suppressed.

[0225] Modification 6

[0226] Preferably, in the liquid ejection apparatus 100, 100A, a shutter guide as a switching unit for switching the conveying direction is provided at the branch point between the first conveying path R1 and the second conveying path R2. In this way, the first conveying path R1 and the second conveying path R2 can be switched reliably.

[0227] Modification 7

[0228] Although the media processing devices 200, 200A, 200B, and 200C are described by taking the structure of providing the first processing unit 201 and performing binding processing on the stack of paper S and punching processing as an example, they are not limited to this. For example, as the processing of the media processing devices 200, 200A, 200B, and 200C, it is also possible to perform center folding processing on the stack of paper S or perform binding processing on the stack of paper S. In addition, it is also possible to include a conveying processing unit for conveying the paper S. In addition, it is also possible to perform processing such as offsetting the paper S by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. In addition, in this case, a tray for stacking the paper S is configured in a manner corresponding to each of the processing units provided. If such a method is adopted, the convenience can be further improved.

[0229] ·Variant 8

[0230] Preferably, in the mounting portion 20 of the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, the portion where the liquid storage portion 19 with the largest volume is mounted among the liquid storage portions 19 mounted on the mounting portion 20 is closest to the inner wall surface of the housing 101, that is, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the mounting portion 20 is arranged close to the first surface 101a. If such a mode is adopted, the portion where the liquid storage portion 19 with the largest volume is mounted is arranged near the inner wall surface, thereby increasing the rigidity and suppressing the deformation of the mounting portion 20.

[0231] Modification 9

[0232] In the liquid ejection device 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, a cover that can expose at least one of the medium support portion 18 and the first conveying path R1 and the reversing path R6 can be provided on the second surface 101b side of the housing 101. If such a method is adopted, in addition to the effects of "suppressing the non-drying of the medium due to the extension of the conveying distance" and "effective layout of each structural element in the housing 101" obtained in the above-mentioned embodiment, the following effect can be obtained, that is, the paper S blocked in the medium support portion 18, the first conveying path R1, or the reversing path R6 can be removed in a state where the medium processing device and the liquid ejection device are placed in parallel.

[0233] Modification 10

[0234] The media processing devices 200, 200A, 200B, and 200C are not limited to post-processing devices. The media processing devices 200, 200A, 200B, and 200C may be intermediate devices that perform a conveying process from the first discharge unit 80 to the post-processing device, or intermediate devices that perform a heating process on the paper S discharged from the first discharge unit 80 and discharge it to the post-processing device.

[0235] Modification 11

[0236] Although the media processing devices 200A and 200C are provided with the processing unit 201 on the conveying path between the inlet 226 and the first tray 249, they are not limited to this structure. For example, the processing unit 201 may be provided on the conveying path between the inlet 226A and the second tray 271 instead of on the conveying path between the inlet 226 and the first tray 249. Furthermore, the processing unit 201 may be provided on both the conveying path between the inlet 226 and the first tray 249 and the conveying path between the inlet 226A and the second tray 271.

[0237] Modification 12

[0238] Although the following structure is adopted, the paper S fed into the feed inlet 226A is loaded on the second tray 271, and the paper S fed into the feed inlet 226 is loaded on the first tray 249 in the media processing apparatus 200A, 200C, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the following structure may be adopted, that is, the paper S fed into the feed inlet 226A is loaded on the first tray 249, and the paper S fed into the feed inlet 226 is loaded on the second tray 271.

[0239] Modification 13

[0240] Although the waste liquid flow path 39 is provided to connect the liquid container 72 and the waste liquid storage part 37 in this embodiment, a structure may be adopted in which the waste liquid flow path 39 is omitted. That is, a structure may be adopted which only has the liquid container 72 and the detection part 73. If such a mode is adopted, the structure can be simplified.

[0241] Modification 14

[0242] When the detection part 73 is arranged on the liquid storage part 72, a plurality of grooves connected to the arranged detection part 73 may be provided on the bottom surface of the liquid storage part 72. If such a mode is adopted, the liquid contained in the liquid storage part 72 flows toward the detection part 73 side due to the capillary force of the grooves, so that early detection can be performed by dripping or leaking a small amount of liquid.

[0243] In addition, an absorbent material that is partially in contact with the detection section 73 may be provided on the bottom surface of the liquid holding section 72. The absorbent material is, for example, a nonwoven fabric. In this case, a structure in which the absorbent material is laid on the entire bottom surface of the liquid holding section 72 may be adopted, or a structure in which a strip-shaped or linear absorbent material is provided along the bottom surface of the liquid holding section 72 may be adopted. In addition, it is preferred to provide a cover that covers the upper surface of the absorbent material. This can prevent the liquid absorbed in the absorbent material from drying out.

[0244] Furthermore, a metal material may be provided on the bottom surface of the liquid container 72 so that a part of it contacts the detection part 73. In this case, a structure in which the metal material is laid on the entire bottom surface of the liquid container 72 may be adopted, or a structure in which a strip-shaped or linear metal material is provided along the bottom surface of the liquid container 72 may be adopted. If such a structure is adopted, it is possible to effectively detect dripping or leakage of the liquid.

[0245] Modification 15

[0246] The branch path R5, the converging path R7, the branch point Pt, the first branch point Pt1, and the second branch point Pt2 may be provided on the medium processing device 200C instead of the liquid ejection device 100C, 100D, 100E. In this case, it is preferred that only the first conveying path R1 is provided on the liquid ejection device 100C, 100D, 100E or the unit conveying passage 90C, 90D, 90E. Even with such a structure, the possibility of liquid dripping from the mounting portion or the like adhering to the recorded medium can be reduced, thereby suppressing the reduction of image quality.

[0247] The following describes the contents derived from the embodiment.

[0248] The liquid ejection device is characterized in that it comprises: a conveying portion that conveys a medium along a conveying path; a liquid ejection head that performs recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface to the medium being conveyed; a mounting portion on which a liquid receiving portion that receives the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head is mounted; and a first discharge portion that discharges the medium on which the recording has been performed to a medium processing device that processes the medium, wherein the mounting portion is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface, and a first conveying path of a portion of the conveying path from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the first discharge portion passes through above the mounting portion.

[0249] According to this structure, the first conveying path of the portion from the position of the conveying path corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the first discharge portion passes through the top of the mounting portion. Thus, even if the liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility of the dripping liquid adhering to the recorded medium is reduced, so the reduction of image quality can be suppressed. In addition, since the mounting portion is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface, it is easy to pressurize and supply the liquid to the liquid ejection head.

[0250] Preferably, the liquid ejecting device further includes a second ejecting unit that ejects the medium on which the recording has been performed, and the second ejecting unit is provided above the first transport path so as to be adjacent to the first transport path.

[0251] According to this configuration, even when liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility of the liquid adhering to the medium after recording is reduced, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality.

[0252] Preferably, the liquid ejecting device further includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating the medium discharged from the second discharging portion, and the first transport path passes between the medium accommodating portion and the mounting portion.

[0253] According to this configuration, since the first transport path is arranged between the medium accommodating portion and the mounting portion, it is possible to save space.

[0254] Preferably, the liquid ejection device has a unit conveying channel, which is integrally formed by the first discharge portion and a first connecting portion in the first conveying path connected to the first discharge portion, and the unit conveying channel can be disassembled and assembled relative to the first conveying path except the first connecting portion.

[0255] According to this configuration, by integrating the parts of the transport system of the unit transport channels, it is possible to simplify the structure of the transport path in the liquid ejecting device.

[0256] In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, it is preferred that a second ejection unit is further provided, and the second ejection unit ejects the medium after the recording is implemented to the medium processing device, and the conveying path has a third conveying path from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the second ejection unit, and the first conveying path passes between the third conveying path and the mounting portion.

[0257] According to this configuration, since the first transport path is arranged between the third transport path and the mounting portion, space saving can be achieved.

[0258] The above-mentioned liquid ejection device is characterized in that it has a unit conveying channel, which is integrally composed of the first discharge part, the first connecting part of the first conveying path connected to the first discharge part, the second discharge part, and the second connecting part of the third conveying path connected to the second discharge part, and the unit conveying channel can be disassembled and assembled relative to the part of the first conveying path except the first connecting part and the part of the third conveying path except the second connecting part.

[0259] According to this configuration, by integrating the parts of the transport system of the unit transport channels, it is possible to simplify the structure of the transport path in the liquid ejecting device.

[0260] The above-mentioned liquid ejection device is characterized in that it also has a second discharge unit, which discharges the medium after the recording is implemented to the medium processing device, and the conveying path has a branch path, which branches from the middle of the first conveying path and is connected to the second discharge unit, and the first conveying path and the branch path pass through the top of the installation part.

[0261] According to this structure, the first conveying path and the branch path pass through the top of the mounting portion. Therefore, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded medium is reduced, thereby suppressing the reduction of image quality.

[0262] The above-mentioned liquid ejection device is characterized in that it has a unit conveying channel, which is integrally composed of the first discharge part, the first connecting part of the part of the first conveying path connected to the first discharge part, the second discharge part, and the branch path, and the unit conveying channel can be disassembled and assembled relative to the part of the first conveying path except the first connecting part.

[0263] According to this configuration, by integrating the parts of the transport system of the unit transport channels, it is possible to simplify the structure of the transport path in the liquid ejecting device.

[0264] Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises a shell, which accommodates the liquid ejection head and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a horizontal direction, the first ejection portion is arranged at a position closer to the first surface than the second surface, and the liquid ejection head records on the medium at a position of the shell that is closer to the second surface than the first surface.

[0265] According to this structure, the position recorded by the liquid ejection head and the position of the first discharge unit are in opposite directions. As a result, the distance from the recorded medium to the first discharge unit becomes longer, and the drying period of the liquid applied to the medium can be set longer. Therefore, the occurrence of undesirable phenomena such as curling of the medium due to the undrying of the medium or transfer caused by the liquid on the medium can be suppressed.

[0266] In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, it is preferred that there is also a storage portion, which is connected to the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head and can store the liquid. The storage portion is arranged above the nozzle surface and below the mounting portion.

[0267] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily supply liquid under pressure to the liquid ejection head.

[0268] The above-mentioned liquid ejection device preferably further includes a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head, and the maintenance unit is arranged below the storage unit.

[0269] According to this structure, the maintenance of the liquid ejection head can be easily performed.

[0270] Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises a medium storage portion, which stores the medium, and the medium storage portion is arranged on the first surface side below the liquid ejection head, and in an area surrounded by the medium storage portion, the fourth conveying path, the first conveying path connected to the fourth conveying path, and the first surface of the shell, the mounting portion, the storage portion, and the maintenance portion are arranged along the vertical direction, wherein the fourth conveying path is a path in the conveying path from the medium storage portion to a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head.

[0271] According to this structure, the layout inside the casing can be made more efficient, and space saving can be achieved.

[0272] Preferably, the liquid ejection device further comprises: a waste liquid storage portion capable of storing the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head; and a cover capable of opening and closing a portion of the housing, wherein the waste liquid storage portion can be detached in a state where the cover is opened.

[0273] According to this configuration, even when the medium processing device and the liquid ejecting device are placed in parallel, the waste liquid storage unit can be easily replaced.

[0274] Preferably, the above-mentioned liquid ejection device also includes: a waste liquid receiving portion, which can receive the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head; a liquid containing portion, which is arranged below the mounting portion or the storage portion or the maintenance portion and can receive the liquid; and a waste liquid flow channel, which allows the liquid contained in the liquid containing portion to flow to the waste liquid receiving portion.

[0275] According to this configuration, liquid leaking from the attachment portion, the storage portion, or the maintenance portion can be reliably caused to flow to the waste liquid storage portion.

[0276] The recording system is characterized in that it comprises: a medium processing device that processes a medium; a liquid ejecting device having a conveying portion, a liquid ejecting head, a mounting portion and a first discharge portion, wherein the conveying portion conveys the medium along a conveying path, the liquid ejecting head performs recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface to the conveyed medium, the mounting portion is used to mount a liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head, the first discharge portion discharges the medium after the recording is performed to the medium processing device, the mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface, and the first conveying path of the portion of the conveying path from the position corresponding to the liquid ejecting head to the first discharge portion passes through the top of the mounting portion.

[0277] According to this structure, the first conveying path of the portion of the conveying path from the position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the first discharge portion passes through the top of the mounting portion. Thus, even if the liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility of the liquid adhering to the recorded medium is reduced, so that the reduction of image quality can be suppressed. In addition, since the mounting portion is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface, it is easy to pressurize and supply the liquid to the liquid ejection head.

[0278] In the above recording system, preferably, the liquid ejecting device further includes a second discharge unit that discharges the medium on which the recording has been performed, and the second discharge unit is provided above the first conveying path so as to be adjacent to the first conveying path.

[0279] According to this configuration, even when liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility of the liquid adhering to the medium after recording is reduced, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in image quality.

[0280] In the above recording system, preferably, the liquid ejecting device further includes a medium accommodating portion that accommodates the medium ejected from the second ejecting portion, and the first transport path passes between the medium accommodating portion and the mounting portion.

[0281] According to this configuration, since the first transport path is arranged between the medium accommodating portion and the mounting portion, it is possible to save space.

[0282] In the above-mentioned recording system, the liquid ejection device has a unit conveying channel, which is integrally composed of the first discharge portion and the first connecting portion in the first conveying path connected to the first discharge portion, and the unit conveying channel can be disassembled and assembled relative to the part of the first conveying path except the first connecting portion.

[0283] According to this configuration, the structure of the transport path in the liquid ejecting device can be simplified by integrating the transport system parts of the unit transport channels.

[0284] In the above-mentioned recording system, preferably, the liquid ejection device further includes a second discharge unit, which discharges the medium after the recording is implemented to the medium processing device, and the conveying path has a branch path that branches off from the middle of the first conveying path and is connected to the second discharge unit, and the first conveying path and the branch path pass through the top of the mounting portion.

[0285] According to this structure, the first conveying path and the branch path pass through the top of the mounting portion. Therefore, even if liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility of the dripped liquid adhering to the recorded medium is reduced, thereby suppressing the reduction of image quality.

[0286] In the above-mentioned recording system, preferably, the liquid ejection device includes a shell, which accommodates the liquid ejection head and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a horizontal direction, the first discharge portion is arranged at a position closer to the first surface than the second surface, and the liquid ejection head records on the medium at a position closer to the second surface than the first surface.

[0287] According to this structure, the position recorded by the liquid ejection head and the position of the first discharge unit are in opposite directions. As a result, the distance from the recorded medium to the first discharge unit becomes longer, and the drying period of the liquid applied to the medium can be set longer. Therefore, the curling of the medium caused by the undried medium or the transfer caused by the liquid on the medium can be suppressed. In addition, since the medium without curling is transported to the medium processing device, the medium can be reliably processed.

[0288] Explanation of symbols

[0289] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E…recording system; 2…control unit; 13…liquid ejection head; 13b…nozzle surface; 17…transport unit; 18…medium support unit; 19…liquid storage unit; 20…installation unit; 23…nozzle; 31…maintenance unit; 33…cover; 34…moving mechanism; 37…waste liquid storage unit; 39…waste liquid flow channel; 71…storage unit; 72…liquid storage unit; 80…first discharge unit; 85…second discharge unit; 85A…second discharge unit; 88…medium storage unit; 90, 90A, 90B, 90C, 90D…unit transport passage; 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D…unit transport passage; 0B, 100C, 100D, 100E…liquid ejecting device; 101…housing; 101a…first surface; 101b…second surface; 103…paper box; 104…cover; 200, 200A, 200B, 200C…medium processing device; 249…first tray; 271…second tray; Pt…branch point; Pt1…first branch point; Pt2…second branch point; R…conveying path; R1…first conveying path; R2…second conveying path; R3…third conveying path; R4…fourth conveying path; R5…branch path; R6…reversing path; R7…converging path; S…paper.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that: have: A conveying unit that conveys the medium along a conveying path; a liquid ejection head for performing recording by ejecting liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle face toward the medium being transported; A mounting portion, which is arranged at a higher position than the nozzle surface and is provided with a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head; a housing for housing the liquid ejection head and having a first surface close to a position where the mounting portion is provided and a second surface facing the first surface in a horizontal direction; a unit conveying passage which can be attached to and detached from the housing and can at least convey the medium on which the liquid ejecting head has performed recording, The liquid ejection head performs recording on the medium at a position closer to the second surface than to the first surface. The unit conveyance path conveys the medium from the second surface toward the first surface so as to pass over an upper portion of the mounting portion.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein: The unit conveyance path can discharge the medium to a position closer to the first surface than to the second surface.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein: The unit transport path includes a first discharge portion and a second discharge portion that discharge the medium to a position closer to the first surface than to the second surface.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein: The device further includes a second discharge unit that discharges the medium on which the recording has been performed, and a medium storage unit that stores the medium discharged from the second discharge unit.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein: and further comprising a storage portion, the storage portion being in communication with the liquid storage portion and the liquid ejection head and capable of storing the liquid. The storage portion is arranged above the nozzle surface and is arranged below the mounting portion.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: further comprising a maintenance unit for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head, The maintenance portion is disposed below the storage portion.

7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6, wherein: A medium storage unit is further provided, wherein the medium storage unit stores the medium. The medium storage unit is arranged on the first surface side below the liquid ejection head. In an area surrounded by the medium storage portion, the conveying path from the medium storage portion to a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head, the unit conveying channel and the first surface of the shell, the mounting portion, the storage portion and the maintenance portion are arranged along the vertical direction.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: a waste liquid storage portion capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head; a cover capable of opening and closing a portion of the housing, The waste liquid storage unit can be attached or detached in a state where the cover is opened.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also available: a waste liquid storage portion capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head; a liquid containing portion, which is disposed below the mounting portion, the storage portion, or the maintenance portion and is capable of containing the liquid; A waste liquid flow path allows the liquid contained in the liquid containing section to flow to the waste liquid storage section.

10. A recording system, characterized in that: have: A medium processing device, which processes the medium; The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images