Recording device

Abstract

This invention relates to a recording apparatus. It effectively recovers waste ink generated during edgeless recording. The recording apparatus includes: a printhead that sprays ink onto a medium; a first ink absorber, positioned opposite the printhead during edgeless recording, absorbing waste ink that has been sprayed beyond the edge; a platform supporting the first ink absorber and supporting the medium during edgeless recording; a first waste ink tray having a first outlet for discharging waste ink, receiving waste ink flowing from the first ink absorber; and a discharge mechanism for discharging the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray from the first outlet, wherein the first waste ink tray has multiple inclined regions that are tilted to guide the waste ink to the first outlet, each of the multiple inclined regions having a different tilt direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recording device. Background Technology

[0002] Various recording devices have been used in the past. Among them, there are recording devices that can perform edgeless recording, forming an image onto the edge of a medium. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a color printer with a groove formed on the platen that receives waste ink ejected beyond the edge of the medium during edgeless recording, so as not to contaminate the platen supporting the medium during edgeless recording.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-225311

[0004] In edgeless recording devices capable of forming images onto the edges of a medium, such as specialized photographic recording devices, small and easily movable recording apparatuses are preferred. In such devices, it is desirable to miniaturize components such as trays that receive waste ink generated during edgeless recording. However, in many existing recording devices, the bottom surface of the waste ink receiving component is horizontal, making it difficult to effectively discharge waste ink from this component, leading to a tendency for the waste ink recycling mechanism, including this component, to become larger. Therefore, for reasons such as miniaturizing the waste ink recycling mechanism, it is desirable to efficiently recycle waste ink. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The recording apparatus of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned technical problems, is characterized by being capable of edgeless recording that forms an image to the edge of a medium. The recording apparatus comprises: a nozzle for ejecting ink onto the medium; a first ink absorber, disposed opposite the nozzle during edgeless recording, for absorbing waste ink ejected beyond the edge from the ink; a platform supporting the first ink absorber and supporting the medium during edgeless recording; a first waste ink tray having a first outlet for discharging the waste ink, the first waste ink tray receiving the waste ink flowing from the first ink absorber; and a discharge mechanism for discharging the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray from the first outlet, wherein the first waste ink tray has a plurality of inclined regions for guiding the waste ink to the first outlet, each of the plurality of inclined regions having a different inclination direction. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1A side cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the recording device.

[0008] Figure 3 It is shown that... Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the position opposite the nozzle of the recording device, i.e., near the first ink absorber.

[0009] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view near the first ink absorber of the recording device.

[0010] Figure 5 It shows from Figure 1 A perspective view of the area near the first waste ink tray of the recording device after the first ink absorber, electrode plate, and platform have been removed.

[0011] Figure 6 It shows from Figure 1 A top view of the recording device near the first waste ink tray after the first ink absorber, electrode plate, and platform have been removed.

[0012] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A top view showing the positional relationship between the first ink absorber and the first waste ink tray in the recording device.

[0013] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 The top view of the first waste ink tray in the recording device is a diagram showing the state after the second ink absorber has been removed.

[0014] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 1 The side cross-sectional view of the first waste ink tray in the recording device is a diagram showing the state after the second ink absorber has been removed.

[0015] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 1 The front cross-sectional view of the first waste ink tray in the recording device is a diagram showing the state after the second ink absorber has been removed.

[0016] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of region α.

[0017] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 1 The top view of the first waste ink tray in the recording device is a diagram showing the state in which the second ink absorber is installed.

[0018] Figure 13 It shows from Figure 1 A top view of the recording device near the electrode plate of the first ink absorber after it has been removed.

[0019] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 1 A top sectional view of the electrode terminals of the electrode plate of the recording device and the wiring connected to the electrode terminals.

[0020] Figure 15 It is shown that... Figure 1 A perspective view of the wiring near the electrode terminals of the electrode plate of the recording device.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0022] 1…Recording device, 2…Main body, 3…Media receiving section, 4…Printer head, 5…Carriage, 6…Position opposite to printer head 4, 7…Waste ink storage section, 8…Discharge mechanism, 8a…First pipe, 8b…Pipe pump, 8c…Second pipe, 8d…Waste liquid pipe, 9…Motor, 11…Feed roller, 12…Support component, 12a…Swing shaft, 13…Rotating roller, 14…Driven roller, 15…Conveyor roller pair, 16…Driver roller, 17…Driven roller, 18…Discharge roller pair, 19…Driver roller, 20…Driven roller, 21…Opening, 31…First area, 32…Second area, 33…Opening and closing cover, 34…Rotating shaft, 35…Dividing wall, 60 …platform, 61…first ink absorber, 61a…contact portion, 62…electrode plate, 62a…wiring, 62b…electrode terminal, 63…second ink absorber, 64…first waste ink tray, 64a…first inclined surface (inclined area), 64b…second inclined surface (inclined area), 64c…third inclined surface (inclined area), 64d…first outlet, 64e…collection slot, 64G…slot, 66…second waste ink tray, 66d…second outlet, 67…third ink absorber, K1…conveying path, K2…conveying path, W1…width of the first waste ink tray 64, W2…width of the first ink absorber 61. Detailed Implementation

[0023] First, a brief description of the present invention will be given.

[0024] A recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is characterized in that it is capable of edgeless recording in which an image is formed to the edge of a medium. The recording apparatus comprises: a nozzle for ejecting ink onto the medium; a first ink absorber disposed opposite the nozzle during edgeless recording, for absorbing waste ink ejected beyond the edge from the ink; a platform supporting the first ink absorber and supporting the medium during edgeless recording; a first waste ink tray having a first outlet for discharging the waste ink, the first waste ink tray receiving the waste ink flowing from the first ink absorber; and a discharge mechanism for discharging the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray from the first outlet, wherein the first waste ink tray has a plurality of inclined regions for guiding the waste ink to the first outlet, each of the plurality of inclined regions having a different inclination direction.

[0025] According to this method, the first waste ink tray for receiving waste ink generated during edgeless recording has multiple inclined regions for guiding the waste ink to the first discharge outlet. Furthermore, the inclination directions of each of the multiple inclined regions are different. By forming such a configuration, the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray can be effectively guided to the first discharge outlet. Therefore, waste ink generated during edgeless recording can be effectively recycled.

[0026] The recording apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, it includes: a conveying unit for conveying the medium in a conveying direction, wherein the first waste ink tray has a first inclined surface inclined in the conveying direction and a second inclined surface inclined in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction as the inclined region.

[0027] According to this method, the first waste ink tray has a first inclined surface inclined in the conveying direction and a second inclined surface inclined in the width direction as inclined areas. Therefore, waste ink can be effectively guided to the first discharge outlet from significantly different directions, and waste ink can be recycled particularly effectively. Furthermore, by forming the inclined areas as surfaces, the enlargement of the first waste ink tray, thus preventing it from becoming too large, can be prevented.

[0028] The third-party recording device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second embodiment, the first waste ink tray is provided with a groove along the inclined direction in at least one of the plurality of inclined regions.

[0029] According to this method, in the first waste ink tray, a groove along the inclined direction is provided in at least one of a plurality of inclined areas. By providing the groove, the waste ink can be effectively guided to the first discharge outlet, for example, by utilizing a capillary effect. Therefore, waste ink can be recycled particularly effectively.

[0030] The recording device of the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the discharge mechanism has a waste ink storage section for storing the waste ink and a first tube connecting the first discharge outlet and the waste ink storage section.

[0031] According to this method, the discharge mechanism has a waste ink storage section for storing waste ink, and a first pipe connecting the first discharge outlet and the waste ink storage section. By forming such a configuration, for example, by making the first pipe flexible, the degree of freedom in the configuration of the waste ink storage section can be increased.

[0032] The recording device of the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the discharge mechanism has a pump that promotes the flow of the waste ink from the first discharge outlet through the first pipe to the waste ink storage section.

[0033] According to this method, a pump is provided to facilitate the flow of waste ink from the first outlet through the first pipe to the waste ink storage section. Therefore, the pump can be used to discharge waste ink to the waste ink storage section particularly quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, by using the pump, the waste ink storage section can be positioned higher in the direction of gravity than the first outlet, thereby increasing the flexibility in the configuration of the device.

[0034] The recording device of the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect, the ejector head is configured to eject ink while reciprocating relative to the medium, and is located at a starting position when not recording. A second waste ink tray is provided at the starting position to receive the ink ejected from the ejector head as waste ink. The second waste ink tray has a second discharge port. The discharge mechanism has a second pipe connecting the second discharge port and the waste ink storage unit. The pump also serves to promote the flow of waste ink from the second discharge port to the waste ink storage unit via the second pipe.

[0035] According to this method, in addition to promoting the flow of waste ink from the first outlet through the first pipe to the waste ink storage section, the pump also promotes the flow of waste ink from the second outlet through the second pipe to the waste ink storage section. Therefore, it is not necessary to install multiple pumps, thus preventing the need for large-scale equipment.

[0036] The recording device of the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, the first ink absorber has a contact portion that contacts the first waste ink tray.

[0037] According to this method, the first ink absorber has a contact portion that contacts the first waste ink tray. Therefore, it is possible to effectively move waste ink from the first ink absorber to the first waste ink tray via the contact portion. Thus, waste ink can be recycled particularly effectively.

[0038] The recording apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the width of the first waste ink tray as observed from the conveying direction is narrower than the width of the first ink absorber as observed from the conveying direction.

[0039] According to this method, the width of the first waste ink tray as viewed from the conveying direction is narrower than the width of the first ink absorber as viewed from the conveying direction. Therefore, the first waste ink tray can be miniaturized, and thus the overall device can be miniaturized.

[0040] The recording device of the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, a second ink absorber is provided around the first waste ink tray as viewed from the ink ejection direction.

[0041] According to this method, a second ink absorber is provided around the first waste ink tray as viewed from the ink ejection direction. Therefore, even when the recording device is moved while waste ink remains in the first waste ink tray, leakage of waste ink from the first waste ink tray and contamination of the device's interior can be prevented.

[0042] The recording apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect, an electrode plate is provided at a position between the platform and the first ink absorber, the electrode plate having electrode terminals connected to wiring, and a third ink absorber is provided along the wiring.

[0043] According to this method, a third ink absorber is provided along the wiring connected to the electrode terminals of the electrode plate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent waste ink from leaking out of the first waste ink tray along the wiring and contaminating the inside of the device.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in detail. It should be noted that in the figures, the direction along the X-axis represents the width direction of the device, which is the direction intersecting the medium conveying direction, i.e., the width direction. The -X direction is the right-hand direction as viewed from the user when the front surface of the device is facing the user; in the same case, the +X direction is the left-hand direction. Furthermore, the direction along the Y-axis represents the depth direction of the device; the +Y direction is the direction from the back of the device towards the front surface. Furthermore, the -Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the device towards the back. Furthermore, the direction along the Z-axis represents the vertical direction; the +Z direction is vertically upward, and the -Z direction is vertically downward.

[0045] First, refer to Figure 1 The appearance of a recording device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 The recording apparatus 1 shown in this embodiment is, for example, an inkjet printer intended for recording on a photographic recording medium such as 6 inches × 4 inches. However, the present invention is not limited to inkjet printers intended for recording on photographic recording media.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 1 includes a main body 2 and a media storage section 3 that can be detached from the main body 2. The media storage section 3 is installed on the main body 2 by inserting it into the main body 2 through an opening 21 provided on the front surface of the main body 2, and is detached from the main body 2 by pulling it out from the opening 21 relative to the main body 2. That is, the installation direction of the media storage section 3 towards the main body 2 is the -Y direction, and the detachment direction of the media storage section 3 from the main body 2 is the +Y direction.

[0047] Next, a reference point based on the medium's transport path. Figure 2 The internal structure of the recording device 1 will be described. For example... Figure 2 As shown, an opening 21 is provided on the front surface of the main body 2. The medium receiving part 3 can be installed on the main body 2 by inserting it into the main body 2 in the -Y direction from the opening 21, and can be pulled out from the main body 2 in the +Y direction relative to the main body 2 to detach from the main body 2.

[0048] The media storage unit 3 has: a first region 31 for storing pre-recording media (which serves as the medium before recording); and a second region 32 for storing completed recording media (which has been recorded by the ejector head 4, described later as the recording unit). The first region 31 and the second region 32 are separated by a dividing wall 35. Because of the dividing wall 35, mixing of the pre-recording media and the completed recording media can be prevented. Furthermore, the media storage unit 3 has an opening and closing cover 33 that can be opened and closed while mounted on the main body 2 with a rotation axis 34 as a reference. The opening and closing cover 33 is configured such that... Figure 2 As shown, it becomes open, thus allowing the -Y direction side end of the recording completion medium to be placed, via as... Figure 1 The area shown is in a closed state, thereby allowing the opening 21 to be closed.

[0049] The medium transport path will now be described. In this embodiment, the recording device 1 transports the pre-recording medium stored in the first region 31 to a position opposite the ejector head 4 in transport path K1. After recording is performed by the ejector head 4, the recorded medium is transported to the second region 32 in transport path K2. In this embodiment, the recording device 1 has a feed roller 11 positioned opposite the first region 31 with the medium storage unit 3 installed in the main body 2. The feed roller 11 is supported by a support member 12 that swings around a swing axis 12a. By swinging the support member 12, the feed roller 11 moves forward and backward relative to the pre-recording medium stored in the first region 31.

[0050] In the transport path K1, the pre-recording medium housed in the first region 31 is conveyed by the feed roller 11 to a position opposite the rotating roller 13. A plurality of driven rollers 14 are arranged around the rotating roller 13. The pre-recording medium is conveyed by being clamped by the rotating roller 13 and the driven rollers 14, thereby being conveyed in the transport path K1 to the clamping position of the transport roller pair 15 composed of the drive roller 16 and the driven roller 17.

[0051] In the transport path K1, the pre-recording medium, transported to the clamping position of the transport roller pair 15, is recorded at a position opposite to the printhead 4. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the printhead 4 is mounted on a carriage 5 that reciprocates in the X-axis direction, and is a so-called serial inkjet head that reciprocates in the X-axis direction together with the carriage 5 while simultaneously ejecting ink. The pre-recording medium transported to the position opposite the printhead 4 is recorded by repeatedly transporting a predetermined amount of ink via the transport roller pair 15 and simultaneously ejecting ink during the reciprocating movement of the printhead 4 in the X-axis direction, thus becoming a recorded medium.

[0052] The recording completed medium, which has been recorded through the ejector head 4, is conveyed in its conveying direction to the clamping position of the discharge roller pair 18, which consists of the drive roller 19 and the driven roller 20. Additionally, in the conveying path K2, the recording completed medium is discharged to the second region 32 via the discharge roller pair 18.

[0053] Here, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a recording apparatus capable of edgeless recording that forms an image to the edge of the medium. Furthermore, a platform 60 supporting the medium during recording is provided at position 6 opposite to the printhead 4. Position 6 opposite to the printhead 4 is configured such that the portion of the platform 60 corresponding to the edge of the medium is lower than the portion supporting the medium on the platform 60, so that during edgeless recording, ink adhering to the surface of the platform 60 will not adhere to the medium and contaminate it.

[0054] Below, refer to Figures 3 to 15 The detailed configuration of position 6, opposite to nozzle 4, is described in detail. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, ribs 60a are formed on the surface of the platform 60, and the medium is supported by the ribs 60a at position 6 opposite to the nozzle 4. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, a recess 60b is formed on the surface of the platen 60 in the -Z direction. A first ink absorber 61 is disposed in the recess 60b. When recording without edges, the first ink absorber 61 is disposed in a position opposite to the nozzle 4 to absorb waste ink that has been ejected from the nozzle 4 and has reached the edge of the medium.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a first waste ink tray 64 is provided at the lower part of the platform 60 in the direction of gravity to receive waste ink flowing out from the first ink absorber 61. It should be noted that the first ink absorber 61 has multiple (four) contact portions 61a, which are... Figure 7 The shape shown and the configuration relative to the first waste ink tray 64 are such that the ink hangs down from the hole provided in the platform 60 toward the first waste ink tray 64 and contacts the first waste ink tray 64.

[0056] Thus, it is preferable that the first ink absorber 61 has a contact portion 61a that contacts the first waste ink tray 64. This is because by forming such a configuration, waste ink can be effectively moved from the first ink absorber 61 to the first waste ink tray 64 via the contact portion 61a, and waste ink can be recovered particularly effectively. Furthermore, by moving waste ink from the first ink absorber 61 to the first waste ink tray 64 via the contact portion 61a, it is also possible to prevent waste ink from bouncing back and contaminating the inside of the device during the movement from the first ink absorber 61 to the first waste ink tray 64. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first ink absorber 61 has four contact portions 61a; however, the number and arrangement of the contact portions 61a are not particularly limited.

[0057] Here, the detailed structure of the first waste ink tray 64 is explained. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the first waste ink tray 64 of this embodiment has a first inclined surface 64a, a second inclined surface 64b, and a third inclined surface 64c. The first inclined surface 64a, the second inclined surface 64b, and the third inclined surface 64c each have different inclination directions and inclination angles. Furthermore, multiple grooves 64G are formed on the first inclined surface 64a, the second inclined surface 64b, and the third inclined surface 64c. The first inclined surface 64a, the second inclined surface 64b, and the third inclined surface 64c are all configured to face... Figure 8 The first row of outlets 64d shown is lower, and the slots 64G also extend towards the first row of outlets 64d. It should be noted that, as... Figure 9As shown, in the first waste ink tray 64 of this embodiment, most of the waste ink receiving area is composed of inclined surfaces, resulting in a shape with almost no flat surfaces. However, it is also possible to have a structure with many flat ink receiving surfaces and multiple inclined surfaces in the remaining area. However, it is preferable to have a structure with almost no flat surfaces, as in this embodiment, by starting from the wall surrounding the waste ink receiving area and tilting, (a structure that guides the waste ink to the discharge port by forming inclined grooves between the inclined surfaces).

[0058] In detail, such as Figure 9 As shown, the first inclined surface 64a is inclined in the Y direction corresponding to the medium conveying direction. Here, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 64a is 9°. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the second inclined surface 64b is inclined in the X direction corresponding to the width direction intersecting the medium conveying direction. Here, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 64b is 5.3°. Furthermore, a third inclined surface 64c is disposed between the first inclined surface 64a and the second inclined surface 64b, and is inclined in both the medium conveying direction and the width direction. Here, the inclination angle of the third inclined surface 64c is 6°. It should be noted that, as... Figure 11 As shown, multiple slots 64G are arranged at equal intervals, with a spacing of 1.5 mm, a width of 0.5 mm, and a depth of 0.3 mm. This applies not only to the slots 64G on the first inclined surface 64a, but also to the slots 64G on the second inclined surface 64b and the third inclined surface 64c.

[0059] It should be noted that the first row of exits 64d and Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first pipe 8a shown is connected. Additionally, the first pipe 8a is connected to the pipe pump 8b and to the waste liquid pipe 8d extending to the waste ink storage section 7. The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a mechanism for rotating the drive roller 16 and the drive roller 19. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The motor 9 is shown, but its driving force is also transmitted to the tube pump 8b. The motor 9 drives the tube pump 8b, causing a spherical object (not shown) located inside the tube pump 8b to rotate and move, simultaneously processing the first tube 8a. Thus, the waste ink inside the first tube 8a is transported to the waste ink storage unit 7 via the waste liquid pipe 8d. It should be noted that the first tube 8a, tube pump 8b, waste liquid pipe 8d, and waste ink storage unit 7 can be considered as constituting a discharge mechanism 8 that discharges the waste ink from the first waste ink tray 64 from the first discharge port 64d.

[0060] As described above, the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is a recording apparatus capable of edgeless recording, forming an image to the edge of the medium. It further includes: an ejector head 4 for ejecting ink onto the medium; a first ink absorber 61 for absorbing waste ink ejected from the ejector head 4 that extends beyond the edge of the medium during edgeless recording; and a platform 60 for supporting the first ink absorber 61 and supporting the medium during edgeless recording. Additionally, it includes: a first waste ink tray 64 having a first discharge port 64d for receiving waste ink flowing from the first ink absorber 61; and a discharge mechanism 8 for discharging the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray 64 from the first discharge port 64d. Furthermore, the first waste ink tray 64 has multiple inclined regions on its first inclined surface 64a, second inclined surface 64b, and third inclined surface 64c, each with a different inclined direction for guiding waste ink to the first discharge port 64d.

[0061] By forming such a configuration, the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray 64 can be effectively guided to the first discharge outlet 64d. Furthermore, by constructing a groove-like portion sandwiched between multiple inclined regions, the waste ink can be directed to the first discharge outlet 64d particularly efficiently. Therefore, waste ink generated during edgeless recording can be effectively recovered. It should be noted that "inclined" here refers to an inclination relative to the horizontal direction.

[0062] Furthermore, as described above, the first waste ink tray 64, as an inclined region, has a first inclined surface 64a inclined in the media conveying direction and a second inclined surface 64b inclined in the width direction intersecting the media conveying direction. Therefore, waste ink can be effectively guided to the first discharge outlet 64d from significantly different directions, allowing for particularly effective waste ink recycling. Furthermore, by forming the inclined region as a surface, the enlargement of the first waste ink tray 64 can be prevented. It should be noted that "surface" here refers to a configuration that allows for slight unevenness, such as the groove 64G configuration in this embodiment. Here, "inclined in the media conveying direction" can be understood as inclined when viewed from the width direction, and "inclined in the width direction" can be understood as inclined when viewed from the media conveying direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the first waste ink tray 64, in addition to the first inclined surface 64a and the second inclined surface 64b, also has a third inclined surface 64c. By having a third inclined surface 64c in addition to the first inclined surface 64a and the second inclined surface 64b, the area of ​​the second inclined surface 64b with its small inclination angle is reduced. By reducing the area of ​​the second inclined surface 64b with its small inclination angle, waste ink can be guided to the first discharge outlet 64d particularly effectively, and waste ink can be recycled particularly effectively.

[0064] Furthermore, as described above, multiple grooves 64G are provided along the inclined direction in the first inclined surface 64a, the second inclined surface 64b, and the third inclined surface 64c of each inclined region serving as the first waste ink tray 64. Thus, it is preferable to provide grooves along the inclined direction in at least one of the multiple inclined regions. This is because by providing grooves 64G, waste ink can be effectively guided to the first discharge outlet 64d, for example, by utilizing a capillary effect, thus enabling particularly efficient recycling of waste ink.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first waste ink tray 64 of this embodiment, a fluorine coating is applied to the first inclined surface 64a, the second inclined surface 64b, and the third inclined surface 64c, which are multiple inclined regions. Therefore, waste ink can easily flow to the first discharge outlet 64d on any one of the first inclined surface 64a, the second inclined surface 64b, and the third inclined surface 64c. However, this configuration is not limited to this; a fluorine coating may be applied to only any one of the multiple inclined regions, or no fluorine coating may be applied to any one of the multiple inclined regions.

[0066] Furthermore, as described above, the discharge mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes a waste ink storage section 7 for storing waste ink, and a first tube 8a connecting the first discharge outlet 64d and the waste ink storage section 7. By forming such a configuration, for example, by making the first tube 8a flexible, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the waste ink storage section 7 can be increased.

[0067] Furthermore, the discharge mechanism 8 of this embodiment includes a pump, namely a pipe pump 8b, which facilitates the flow of waste ink from the first discharge outlet 64d to the waste ink storage section 7 via the first pipe 8a. Therefore, the pipe pump 8b can be used to discharge waste ink to the waste ink storage section 7 particularly quickly and efficiently. In addition, by using the pipe pump 8b, the waste ink storage section 7 can be positioned higher in the gravity direction than the first discharge outlet 64d, increasing the flexibility of the device configuration. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a pipe pump 8b is used as the pump; however, the type of pump is not particularly limited.

[0068] It should be noted that, as described above, the printhead 4 of this embodiment is configured to eject ink while reciprocating relative to the medium. Furthermore, when not recording, the printhead 4 of this embodiment is located at the starting position on the -X direction side of the reciprocating movement range, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a second waste ink tray 66 is provided at the starting position. This second waste ink tray 66 receives the ink ejected from the printhead 4 as waste ink during maintenance operations such as those performed on the printhead 4. Figure 6As shown, the second waste ink tray 66 has a second discharge port 66d inside. Furthermore, the discharge mechanism 8 has a second pipe 8c connecting the second discharge port 66d to the waste ink storage section 7 via a waste liquid pipe 8d. Here, the pipe pump 8b also serves to facilitate the flow of waste ink from the second discharge port 66d to the waste ink storage section 7 via the second pipe 8c. Therefore, the recording device 1 of this embodiment does not require multiple pumps, thus reducing the need for large-scale installation.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the width W1 of the first waste ink tray 64, viewed from the medium transport direction corresponding to the Y-axis, is narrower than the width W2 of the first ink absorber 61, viewed from the medium transport direction. Therefore, in the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the first waste ink tray 64 can be miniaturized, and the overall apparatus can be miniaturized.

[0070] It should be noted that, as described above, in the recording device 1 of this embodiment, the contact portion 61a is provided on the first ink absorber 61, and the waste ink absorbed by the first ink absorber 61 via the contact portion 61a moves to the first waste ink tray 64. Therefore, it is easy to configure the width W1 of the first waste ink tray 64 to be narrower than the width W2 of the first ink absorber 61. However, it is not limited to this configuration. Even without contact, it is possible to configure the width W1 of the first waste ink tray 64 to be narrower than the width W2 of the first ink absorber 61 by providing a region on the first ink absorber 61 that extends down to the side of the first waste ink tray 64, and making this region the part from which waste ink moves from the first ink absorber 61 to the first waste ink tray 64. Moreover, it is also possible to configure the width W1 of the first waste ink tray 64 to be narrower than the width W2 of the first ink absorber 61 without providing the contact portion 61a, the region extending down to the side of the first waste ink tray 64, etc.

[0071] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, in the recording device 1 of this embodiment, a second ink absorber 63 is provided around the first waste ink tray 64 as viewed from the ink ejection direction corresponding to the Z-axis direction. The second ink absorber 63 is housed in a container provided with... Figures 8 to 10 The waste ink is stored in the receiving slot 64e of the first waste ink tray 64 shown. Therefore, in the recording device 1 of this embodiment, for example, when the recording device 1 is moved while the waste ink remains in the first waste ink tray 64, it is possible to prevent the waste ink from leaking out of the first waste ink tray 64 and contaminating the inside of the device.

[0072] Furthermore, in the recording device 1 of this embodiment, such as Figure 4 and the state in which the first ink absorber 61 has been removed. Figure 13As shown, an electrode plate 62 is disposed at a position between the platform 60 and the first ink absorber 61, and the electrode plate 62 has a... Figure 14 and Figure 15 The electrode terminal 62b is connected to the wiring 62a shown. By applying voltage to the electrode plate 62, the ink mist generated during ink ejection can be directed towards the electrode plate 62. As described above, the first ink absorber 61 is disposed on the electrode plate 62; therefore, by applying voltage to the electrode plate 62, the ink mist can be directed towards the first ink absorber 61. Furthermore, in the recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as shown in 14 and... Figure 15 As shown, a third ink absorber 67 is provided along the wiring 62a. Therefore, the recording device 1 of this embodiment can prevent waste ink from leaking from the first waste ink tray 64 along the wiring 62a and contaminating the inside of the device. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second ink absorber 63 and the third ink absorber 67 use the same raw materials as the first ink absorber 61; however, different raw materials may be used in at least one of the first ink absorber 61, the second ink absorber 63, and the third ink absorber 67.

[0073] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the claims, and these modifications are undoubtedly included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recording apparatus characterized by comprising: An edgeless recording capable of forming an image to an edge of a medium, The recording apparatus includes: an ejection head that ejects ink to the medium; a first ink absorber that is disposed at a position opposite to the ejection head at the time of the edgeless recording, and absorbs waste ink of the ink ejected to a position beyond the edge; a platen that supports the first ink absorber, and supports the medium at the time of the edgeless recording; a first waste ink tray that has a first discharge port that discharges the waste ink, and that receives the waste ink that flows from the first ink absorber; and a discharge mechanism that discharges the waste ink received by the first waste ink tray from the first discharge port, wherein the first waste ink tray has a plurality of inclined regions with inclinations for guiding the waste ink to the first discharge port, and the inclination directions of the plurality of inclined regions are different from each other, the first ink absorber has a contact portion that is drooping toward the first waste ink tray from a hole portion provided in the platen, and that is in contact with the first waste ink tray.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by includes: a conveyance section that conveys the medium in a conveyance direction, wherein the first waste ink tray has a first inclined surface inclined in the conveyance direction and a second inclined surface inclined in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction as the inclined regions.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first waste ink tray is provided with a groove along the inclination direction in at least one of the plurality of inclined regions.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge mechanism has a waste ink storage portion that stores the waste ink, and a first tube that connects the first discharge port and the waste ink storage portion.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the discharge mechanism has a pump that promotes the flow of the waste ink from the first discharge port to the waste ink storage portion via the first tube.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ejection head is configured to be able to eject the ink while reciprocating with respect to the medium, and is located at a start position at a non-recording time, a second waste ink tray that receives the ink ejected from the ejection head as waste ink is provided at the start position, the second waste ink tray has a second discharge port, the discharge mechanism has a second tube that connects the second discharge port and the waste ink storage portion, the pump functions to promote the flow of the waste ink from the second discharge port to the waste ink storage portion via the second tube.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a width of the first waste ink tray as viewed from the conveyance direction is narrower than a width of the first ink absorber as viewed from the conveyance direction.

8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second ink absorber is provided around the first waste ink tray as viewed from an ejection direction of the ink.

9. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein An electrode plate having an electrode terminal connected to a wiring is provided at a position between the platen and the first ink absorber, A third ink absorber is provided along the wiring.

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