Liquid ejection device, waste liquid recovery unit, and waste liquid recovery method

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid ejection device, a waste liquid recovery unit, and a waste liquid recovery method. A recording device (11) includes a first absorption member (expansion absorption member (90) or the like) that absorbs liquid discarded from an ejection head to an outside of an end portion of a medium supported by a support portion as waste liquid. The recording device (11) includes a second absorption member (waste liquid absorption member (50A)) that absorbs waste liquid delivered from a cap, a housing portion (waste liquid cartridge (50B)) that holds the second absorption member, and a transfer portion (141) that performs transfer of liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member. In a state in which the housing portion is inserted into a device main body (12), the transfer portion (141) is inclined downward from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member. The inclination of the transfer portion (141) when the housing portion is removed from the device main body (12) is different from the inclination in the inserted state.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with priority dates of October 29, 2020, March 18, 2021, filing date of October 27, 2021, application number 202111258387.7, entitled "Liquid Ejection Device, Waste Liquid Recovery Unit and Waste Liquid Recovery Method", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device comprising a conveying section for conveying a medium, a support section for supporting the medium, and an ejection head for recording on the medium supported on the support section, a waste liquid recovery unit, and a waste liquid recovery method. Background Technology

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device having a nozzle that ejects liquids such as ink to a medium. This liquid ejection device includes a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquids such as ink from the nozzle of the nozzle. The liquid ejection device also includes a waste liquid absorber for recovering waste liquids such as ink discharged from the nozzle via the maintenance device.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-119136

[0005] However, in the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, although a means for replacing the waste liquid absorber is shown, waste liquid may leak from the front end of the pipe when the pipe is separated from the device body (base frame) during replacement. That is, there is a technical problem: when replacing the waste liquid absorber or other absorption components, the waste liquid leaking from the separated portion may contaminate surrounding components. It should be noted that even in a configuration where the pipe is fixed to the device body, waste liquid may leak from the connection flow path (not limited to the pipe) on the device body side where the waste liquid was previously transferred to the waste liquid absorber when the waste liquid absorber is removed from the device body. In this case, the same technical problem exists, such as the leaked waste liquid potentially contaminating surrounding components. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto a recording material; a support portion disposed opposite to the nozzle and supporting the recording material from below; a first absorption member for absorbing waste liquid discharged from the nozzle onto the outer side of the end of the recording material supported on the support portion; a waste liquid receiving portion for receiving liquid discharged from the nozzle as waste liquid; a second absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion; a receiving portion for holding the second absorption member; and a transfer portion for transferring liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member. When the receiving portion is inserted into the device body, the transfer portion is inclined downwards from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member. When the receiving portion is removed from the device body, the inclination of the transfer portion differs from that in the inserted state.

[0007] The waste liquid recovery unit that solves the above-mentioned technical problems is detachably installed in the main body of the liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device includes: a support portion for supporting the recorded material; a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto the recorded material; a first absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the nozzle onto the outer side of the end of the recorded material supported by the support portion; and a waste liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid discharged from the nozzle as waste liquid. The waste liquid recovery unit includes: a second absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion; and a receiving portion for holding the second absorption member. The device includes a junction for transferring liquid between the first absorbent component and the second absorbent component. When the receiving portion is inserted into the main body of the device, the second absorbent component is connected in a manner that enables it to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion, and the junction is inclined downwards from the first absorbent component toward the second absorbent component. When the receiving portion is removed from the main body of the device, the connection of the second absorbent component to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion is released, and the inclination of the junction is different from that when the receiving portion is inserted into the main body of the device.

[0008] A waste liquid recovery method for solving the above-mentioned technical problems involves recovering waste liquid in a liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device comprising: a support portion for supporting a recording material; a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorption member for absorbing waste liquid discharged from the nozzle onto the outer side of the end of the recording material supported on the support portion; a second absorption member for absorbing the waste liquid from a waste liquid receiving portion that receives liquid discharged from the nozzle as waste liquid; a receiving portion for holding the second absorption member; and a transfer portion for transferring the liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member, thereby recovering the waste liquid. In the waste liquid recycling method, the receiving part is detachably mounted on the main body of the device. The waste liquid recycling method includes: when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, the second absorption member is connected to the waste liquid flow path in a manner capable of absorbing waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving part, and the junction is inclined downward from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member; and when the receiving part is removed from the main body of the device, the connection between the second absorption member and the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving part is released, and the junction is changed to an inclination different from the downward inclination when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the recording device in the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the back of the recording device.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the back of the recording device, showing the feed tray in its set position.

[0012] Figure 4 It indicates that it is presented from Figure 3 The state of the waste liquid container lid is further opened, and the state of the recording device is shown in a three-dimensional view of the back.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the back of the recording device, showing the state after the waste liquid recovery unit has been removed.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the recording device with its casing removed.

[0015] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 A side sectional view of the recording device viewed from line 7-7.

[0016] Figure 8 It means Figure 6 A side sectional view of the recording device viewed from the 8-8 line.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the recording device after the upper part of the recording system has been removed.

[0018] Figure 10 It is an enlarged 3D view representing the handover mechanism.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a rear sectional view showing the waste liquid recovery unit and the transfer mechanism.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a blocking mechanism that fails to prevent the transfer of waste liquid during the handover process.

[0021] Figure 13 This is an enlarged 3D view representing the blocking mechanism.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the blocking mechanism that prevents the transfer of waste liquid by the handover mechanism.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a top view showing part of the recording device that allows the viewer to see the status of the waste liquid recovery system.

[0024] Figure 16 It means Figure 6 A front sectional view of a portion of the waste absorption component viewed from line 16-16.

[0025] Figure 17 It is a perspective view showing part of the maintenance equipment and waste liquid recovery unit.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the connection part of the main body of the device that is detached from the waste liquid recovery unit.

[0027] Figure 19 It means Figure 17 A side sectional view of the waste liquid recovery unit and the surrounding area of ​​the joint between the joint and the 19-19 line.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a partial perspective view of the mechanism that applies force to the waste liquid recovery unit in the direction of injection.

[0029] Figure 21 This is a top view showing a portion of the recording device in the second embodiment, which allows the viewer to see the state of the waste liquid recovery system.

[0030] Figure 22 This is a perspective view of the recording device after the upper part, including the recording system, has been removed, viewed from the front.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of the recording device after the upper part, including the recording system, has been removed, viewed from the rear.

[0032] Figure 24 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the junction in a connected state.

[0033] Figure 25 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the junction in a non-connected state.

[0034] Figure 26 This is a side sectional view showing the second handover mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit.

[0035] Figure 27 This is a side sectional view showing the second handover mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit.

[0036] Figure 28 This is a side sectional view showing the second handover mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit.

[0037] Figure 29 This is a side sectional view showing the second handover mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit.

[0038] Figure 30 This is a side sectional view showing the junction and waste liquid recovery unit in the third embodiment.

[0039] Figure 31 This is a side sectional view showing the junction and waste liquid recovery unit in the fourth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 32 This is a perspective view of the recording device in the fifth embodiment, showing the state in which the waste liquid recovery unit has been removed.

[0041] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of the recording device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 34 This is a perspective view of the recording device in a state where the waste liquid box has been removed.

[0043] Figure 35 This is a perspective view of the back of the recording device in the seventh embodiment, showing the state in which the waste liquid recovery unit has been removed.

[0044] Figure 36 This is a partial perspective view showing the waste liquid unit with a fan in the eighth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 37 This is a top view showing the waste liquid unit including the expansion absorption component in the ninth embodiment.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 11…Recording device as an example of a liquid ejection device; 12…Device body; 13…Cover; 14…Display unit; 15…Power button; 17…Liquid supply source; 18…Window; 19…Box cover; 20…Box; 21…Supply cover; 22…Supply tray; 22A…Main support component; 22B…Secondary support component; 23…Recording unit; 24…Carriage; 25…Ejector head; 26…Support unit; 27…Support guide component; 28…Waste liquid box cover; 28A…Screw; 28B…Leaf spring as an example of a force-applying component; 30…Image reading device (scanner); 34…Moving mechanism; 35…Main frame; 35A…Guide rail; 34A…Synchronous belt; 36…Carriage motor; 37…Linear encoder; 39…Liquid supply… 39A…Liquid supply pipe, 40…Transport section, 41…First supply section, 42…Second supply section, 44…Pick-up roller, 46…Accumulator, 48…Conveyor roller pair, 49…Discharge roller pair, 50…Waste liquid recovery unit, 50A…Waste liquid absorption component as an example of a second absorption component, 50B…Waste liquid box as an example of a storage section, 50C…Connecting part, 51…First waste liquid recovery section, 52…Second waste liquid recovery section, 53…First waste liquid box section, 54…First waste liquid absorption component, 55…Second waste liquid box section, 55A…Opening, 55B…Space, 55C…Assembly hole, 56…Second waste liquid absorption component constituting an example of a first absorption component, 57…Jointed part, 59…Spillage prevention wall, 60… Maintenance device, 61…cap as an example of a liquid collection section, 62…scraper, 63…suction pump, 64…waste liquid pipe as an example of a pipe, 65…carriage locking member, 66…joint, 66A…front end, 66B…waste liquid flow path, 70…waste absorption member as an example of a first absorption member, 71…collection section, 71A…bottom surface, 72…lower absorption member, 73…surface absorption member, 73A…connection section, 75…power supply unit, 76…main substrate as an example of a substrate, 80…transfer mechanism (first transfer mechanism) as an example of a transfer section, 80A…first transfer mechanism as an example of a transfer section, 80B…second transfer mechanism as an example of a transfer section, 81…first connecting absorption member, 81A…Retaining part, 82…Second connecting absorption member, 82A…Retaining part, 83…Waste liquid guiding part, 83A…Inclined surface, 85…A blocking mechanism as an example of a blocking part, 87…Sliding gear, 90…An expanding absorption member constituting an example of a first absorption member, 90A…First expanding absorption member, 90B…Second expanding absorption member, 91…Second connecting absorption member, 92…Supporting part, 92A…Recess, 93…Base plate part, 93A…Guiding part, 94…Restricting part, 95…Guiding part, 100…A control part constituting an example of an electronic component, 111…A waste liquid container as an example of a storage part, 112…A waste liquid absorption member as an example of a second absorption member, 121…A waste liquid container as an example of a storage part.122… Waste liquid absorption component as an example of a second absorption component; 130… Fan unit; 131… Fan; 140… Second transfer mechanism; 141… Transfer part; 142… Holding part; 142A… Cam driven surface; 142B… Inner bottom surface; 142C… Groove; 142D… V-groove; 142S… Side part; 143… Absorption component; 144… Rotating shaft; 145… Spring; 150… Cam mechanism; 151… Cam part; 151… A…cam surface, 160…blocking mechanism as an example of a blocking part, 170…second handover mechanism, 171…handover part, 172…holding part, 173…absorbing member, OL…overlapping area, AD…insertion direction, -AD…pull-out direction, M…medium as an example of recorded material, HP…starting position, AH…starting opposite position, X…width direction X (scanning direction), Y…transport direction (depth direction), Z…vertical direction, Detailed Implementation

[0048] First Implementation Method

[0049] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the recording device 11, which is an example of a liquid ejection device, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 In this diagram, assuming the recording device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, three mutually orthogonal virtual axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis is a virtual axis parallel to the scanning direction of the ejector head 25 (described later), and the Y-axis is a virtual axis parallel to the transport direction of the medium during recording. The Z-axis is a virtual axis parallel to the vertical direction Z. The two directions parallel to the X-axis refer to the reciprocating scanning direction of the recording unit 23, including the ejector head 25. Therefore, the scanning direction of the recording unit 23 is also called the "scanning direction X". The direction parallel to the Y-axis refers to the transport direction of the medium M at the recording position where the ejector head 25 records on the medium M. Therefore, the transport direction of the medium M at the recording position is also called the "transport direction Y". Furthermore, the side of the Y-axis where the display unit 14 (described later) is located in the recording device 11 is called the front, and the side opposite to the front is called the rear. Additionally, the transport path of the transport medium M is not parallel to the Y-axis throughout its entire length; the transport direction varies depending on the position of the medium M on the transport path.

[0050] Composition of recording device

[0051] Figure 1 The recording device 11 shown is a serial recording inkjet printer. For example... Figure 1As shown, the recording device 11 includes a main body 12 and a cover 13 that is openable and closable on the upper part of the main body 12. The main body 12 has a housing 12A for housing various mechanisms involved in recording. The recording device 11 is generally rectangular in shape. In this example, the recording device 11 is a multifunction printer with an image reading device 30 (scanner) on the upper part of the main body 12. The cover 13 is opened and closed when the original is placed on the image reading device 30. When the cover 13 is opened, the document stage 31 (see reference) with a glass plate for placing the original in the image reading device 30 is opened. Figure 7 (Exposed)

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 has a display unit 14 on its front surface. The display unit 14, for example, is a touch panel and forms part of the interface function for the user to operate the recording device 11 by issuing instructions. The display unit 14, for example, is a touch panel and has operation functions for operating when various instructions are issued to the recording device 11, and display functions for displaying various menus and the operating status of the recording device 11. The display unit 14 is mounted on the device body 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the width direction X (left-right direction) as an axis. In addition, a power button 15 is provided on the front surface of the device body 12. It should be noted that the recording device 11 may also have a display unit 14 without touch panel functionality and a switch-type operation unit.

[0053] Additionally, one or more (six in this embodiment) liquid supply sources 17 are provided on the front right side of the main body 12. The liquid supply sources 17 are, for example, ink canisters or ink cartridges. Each liquid supply source 17 has one or more (six in this embodiment) corresponding transparent windows 18. The windows 18 are made of transparent or translucent resin, allowing the user to visually confirm the liquid level in the liquid supply source 17 from the outside. In other words, the windows 18 constitute a liquid level display unit that shows the remaining liquid level in the liquid supply source 17.

[0054] Additionally, a cover 19 is provided on the front surface of the recording device 11, which can be opened and closed. The cover 19 is opened and closed by rotating around its lower end. In the device body 12, at the location Figure 1 Inside the closed position of the cover 19, the box 20 is detachably inserted (see reference). Figure 6 , Figure 8 The cartridge 20 contains multiple media M. The main body 12 of the device is equipped with a first feed section 41 for feeding media M from the cartridge 20 (see reference). Figure 8 It should be noted that the medium M is equivalent to an example of the material being recorded.

[0055] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, a feed cover 21 is provided on the upper rear part of the recording device 11, and can be opened and closed. The feed cover 21 is opened and closed by rotating about the rear end. A feed tray 22 is disposed on the rear part of the device body 12 and stored in a storage position. The feed tray 22 is opened and closed by rotating from the rear end of the device body 12. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The storage compartment shown is pulled upwards to be positioned... Figure 3 , Figure 4 The usage position shown is a tilted posture with the back tilted.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, within the main body 12 of the device, there is a device for feeding the cassette 20 or the feed tray 22 (see reference). Figure 3 The recording unit 23 records the medium M fed into the device. The recording unit 23 is, for example, a serial recording unit. The serial recording unit 23 includes a carriage 24 capable of reciprocating in the scanning direction X, and a nozzle 25 held at the lower part of the carriage 24. That is, the recording apparatus 11 includes a nozzle 25 that sprays liquid onto the medium M. The nozzle surface of the nozzle 25, facing the medium M transported along the transport path, forms a nozzle face with multiple nozzle (not shown) openings (see reference). Figure 6 The liquid supply source 17 and the recording unit 23 are connected by a liquid supply pipe (not shown), and liquid is supplied from the liquid supply source 17 to the nozzle 25 through the liquid supply pipe.

[0057] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a support portion 26 disposed opposite to the nozzle 25 and supporting the medium M from below. The support portion 26 is an elongated strip-shaped member extending in the width direction X across a region opposite to the movement path of the nozzle 25. The support portion 26 supports the medium M through the conveying section 40 (see reference 1). Figure 6 The medium M is transported. The ejector head 25 ejects liquid such as ink into the portion of the medium M supported by the support portion 26 as it moves along the scanning direction X, thereby recording on the medium M.

[0058] The printhead 25 moves along the scanning direction X together with the carriage 24, while ejecting liquid such as ink from multiple nozzles toward the medium M. By alternately and repeatedly performing recording and transport actions, characters or images are recorded on the medium M. The recording action is the action in which the printhead 25 performs one pass of recording as the carriage 24 moves once, and the transport action is the action in which the medium M is transported to the next recording position. It should be noted that the recording unit 23 can also be a line recording method. The line recording method recording unit 23 has a printhead 25 composed of a line head, which has multiple nozzles capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid onto the entire width range of the medium with the maximum width. Since the liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the printhead 25 composed of the line head to the entire width range of the medium M being transported at a certain speed, high-speed recording of images, etc., is achieved.

[0059] The recording device 11 has a borderless recording function that records the entire surface of the medium M without creating blanks at its ends. In borderless recording mode, the ejector head 25 moves along the scanning direction X and additionally ejects liquid into areas that deviate outwards from the side ends of the medium M. Therefore, even if the medium M shifts position within an acceptable range in the width direction X due to skewing or other reasons, blanks will not be created at the side ends of the medium M.

[0060] The support portion 26 is provided with a waste absorption member 70, which serves as an example of a first absorption member. This waste absorption member 70 absorbs the liquid wasted from the nozzle to the outside of the medium M side end through the ejector head 25 during borderless recording mode. The waste absorption member 70 is configured to cover the portion of the surface of the support portion 26 corresponding to the side end of the medium M, which can be transported in at least a variety of specified sizes.

[0061] in addition, Figure 1 The recording device 11 shown includes a control unit 100 that performs various controls. The control unit 100 controls the carriage 24 and the nozzle 25, the transport of the medium M, the display of the display unit 14, and the power supply unit 75 (described later). Figure 6 Voltage control, etc.

[0062] like Figure 2As shown, on the back of the recording device 11, below the feed tray 22 in its storage position, a support guide member 27 is arranged in a vertically sliding manner. The support guide member 27 is located at the center of the back of the recording device 11. Adjacent to the lower left side of the support guide member 27, a waste liquid container cover 28 is rotatably provided. The waste liquid container cover 28 can be opened and closed by rotating left and right about its left end. It should be noted that a power cable 33A for supplying power and a communication cable 33B for communication with a communication device such as a host computer (not shown) are electrically connected to one end of the back of the recording device 11 in the width direction X.

[0063] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the support guide member 27 is configured in a vertical position, forming part of the back of the device body 12, with its upper end engaging with the sides of the main support member 22A in the width direction on both sides. The support guide member 27 is configured to slide in the vertical direction Z when the feed cover 21 is open. It is configured such that when the feed cover 21 is open, the user can pull the feed tray 22 and the support guide member 27 upwards. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The diagram shows the state where the support guide 27 slides upward and pulls out the feed tray 22 to a rearward tilted position. When the feed tray 22 is pulled upward, as the support guide 27 slides upward, the feed tray 22 is configured in a tilted posture with a predetermined rearward tilt angle. In this way, the feed tray 22 unfolds into a tilted posture capable of carrying the medium M when feeding the medium M from the rear.

[0064] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the feed tray 22 is configured as a multi-stage sliding type. The feed tray 22 is formed by a main support member 22A and a secondary support member 22B slidably connected. Figure 3 , Figure 4 In this process, the secondary support member 22B is slid upward relative to the main support member 22A, so that the feed tray 22 is in a tilted, elongated state for use. The secondary support member 22B is stretched upward relative to the main support member 22A for use. The user places one or more sheets of media M on the tilted feed tray 22. Second feed section 42 (see reference) Figure 6 The medium M, placed on the feed tray 22, is fed into the main body 12 of the device one sheet at a time from the bottom.

[0065] Furthermore, by pulling the support guide member 27 upward, a portion of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is exposed on the lower back of the device body 12. In other words, with the support guide member 27 slid upward, an opening 12C appears in the lower part of the device body 12, exposing the back frame portion 12B and the back of the waste liquid recovery unit 50, which were previously covered by the support guide member 27. However, one end of the back of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 in the width direction X is covered by the waste liquid container cover 28, which is in the closed position.

[0066] Figure 4 The diagram shows the open state with the waste liquid container cover 28 rotated to the open position. The waste liquid container cover 28 can be rotated by loosening the screw 28A that is fixed to the main body 12 of the device. When the waste liquid container cover 28 is rotated to the open position, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 becomes removable. When the user removes the waste liquid recovery unit 50 for replacement or maintenance, its entire rear portion is exposed. Figure 4 The removable state is shown.

[0067] Figure 5 This shows the state after the waste liquid recovery unit 50 has been removed. (This is achieved by making the...) Figure 4 The waste liquid recovery unit 50, in the state shown, slides upstream in the conveying direction Y and is pulled out, thereby removing the waste liquid recovery unit 50 from the device body 12. Figure 5 As shown, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 includes a waste liquid absorption component 50A, which serves as an example of a second absorption component, and a waste liquid container 50B, which serves as an example of a storage unit for holding the waste liquid absorption component 50A. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is detachable from the device body 12. Therefore, even if the user is not a maintenance personnel, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 can be replaced by the user. The waste liquid container 50B is configured as an elongated box that is open at the top when inserted into the device body 12. The waste liquid absorption component 50A stored in the waste liquid container 50B is exposed at the top.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, the waste liquid absorption component 50A includes a long strip-shaped first waste liquid recovery section 51 and a long strip-shaped second waste liquid recovery section 52. The first waste liquid recovery section 51 is located near one end in the width direction X and extends along the conveying direction Y. The second waste liquid recovery section 52 is connected to the upstream end of the first waste liquid recovery section 51 in the conveying direction Y and extends along the width direction X. The first waste liquid recovery section 51 and the second waste liquid recovery section 52 are connected orthogonally at their respective ends, forming an L-shape when viewed from above. With the L-shaped waste liquid recovery unit 50 inserted into the device body 12, the first waste liquid recovery section 51 is located in the maintenance device 60 (see reference). Figure 7 Below the second waste liquid recovery unit 52, the second feed unit 42 is located below the second feed unit 42.

[0069] The first waste liquid recovery unit 51 includes a first waste liquid box section 53 that is open at the top and a first waste liquid absorption member 54 that is a long rectangular plate and housed in the first waste liquid box section 53. The second waste liquid recovery unit 52 includes a second waste liquid box section 55 that is open at the top and a second waste liquid absorption member 56 that is a long rectangular plate and housed in the second waste liquid box section 55.

[0070] In other words, the waste liquid absorption component 50A includes a first waste liquid absorption component 54, which is a long rectangular plate extending along the conveying direction Y, and a second waste liquid absorption component 56, which is connected to the upstream end of the first waste liquid absorption component 54 in the conveying direction Y and extends along the width direction X. Furthermore, the waste liquid container 50B includes a first waste liquid container portion 53 for housing the first waste liquid absorption component 54 and a second waste liquid container portion 55 for housing the second waste liquid absorption component 56. The first waste liquid container portion 53 and the second waste liquid container portion 55 are connected by a connecting portion 50C such that the first waste liquid absorption component 54 and the second waste liquid absorption component 56 are in contact, allowing waste liquid to move between them. Additionally, a mark 50D indicating that the waste liquid container 50B can be removed is marked on one end of its back side.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the recording unit 23 includes a first feed unit 41 for conveying the medium M (see reference). Figure 8 The first feed section 41 feeds the media M stored in the box 20 one sheet at a time from above. An opening 12D for storing the box 20 is provided at the front of the main body 12. The user can install or remove the box 20 by sliding it along the wall through the opening 12D.

[0072] The second feed unit 42 includes a pair of guides 22C and a moving mechanism 22D. The guides 22C are operated by the user to position the medium M placed in the feed tray 22 in the width direction X. The moving mechanism 22D enables the pair of guides 22C to move in conjunction in the width direction X. The second feed unit 42 includes a feed roller 45. By rotating the feed roller 45, the medium M placed in the feed tray 22 is fed into the recording area of ​​the recording unit 23.

[0073] Additionally, the recording apparatus 11 includes a pair of transport rollers 48 that transports the medium M fed from the first feed section 41 or the second feed section 42 along the transport direction Y. A support section 26 is arranged downstream of the transport rollers 48 in the transport direction Y. A discharge roller pair 49 is arranged on the opposite side of the transport rollers 48 in the transport direction Y, separated by the support section 26. The discharge roller pair 49, at a position downstream of the transport rollers 48 in the transport direction Y, for example, clamps and transports a portion of the medium M from the recording section 23 after recording has ended. The medium M transported from the discharge roller pair 49 toward the transport direction Y is discharged onto the stacker 46. Figure 8 As shown, the stacker 46 is arranged overlapping the waste absorption component 70 in the retracted state. Although not shown, it moves in the Y direction to the extended state when discharging the medium M, either manually by the user or automatically by a power source (not shown). With this configuration, the depth dimension of the recording device 11 can be kept small when the stacker 46 is in the retracted state.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the recording unit 23 is in Figure 6 The starting position HP, located at the right end of the device body 12, moves back and forth along the width direction X between the starting position HP, located at the opposite starting position AH, located at the left end of the device body 12.

[0075] exist Figure 6 The liquid supply source 17 shown has an openable and closable cover 38 on its upper part. In this example, the liquid supply source 17 is a container for holding liquid. When the user looks through the window 18 (see reference...) Figure 1 When it is discovered that the liquid supply source 17 has a decreasing amount, open the cover 38 to allow the liquid supply source 17's inlet 17A (refer to...) to be filled. Figure 7 The liquid is then exposed. The user then injects liquid from the liquid bottle into the inlet 17A of the liquid supply source 17. It should be noted that the liquid supply source 17 is not limited to a container where the user replenishes liquid from a liquid bottle; it can also be a liquid bag (e.g., an ink bag) or a liquid cartridge (e.g., an ink cartridge) for storing liquid. Furthermore, the liquid supply source 17 is not limited to a detachable type mounted on the device body 12; it can also be a mounted type on the carriage 24.

[0076] From liquid supply source 17 through liquid supply pipe 39 (see reference) Figure 8 Liquid is supplied to the recording unit 23. The recording unit 23 records on the medium M that is transported by the conveying unit 40 and supported by the support unit 26.

[0077] exist Figure 6 In this process, the recording unit 23 records on the medium M by alternately performing recording and conveying actions. The recording action is an action of recording one scan amount by spraying liquid from the nozzle 25 onto the medium M supported on the support unit 26 while reciprocating along the scanning direction X. The conveying action is an action of conveying the medium M to the next recording position by means of roller pairs 48 and 49.

[0078] The recording device 11 is equipped with a borderless recording mode capable of recording the entire surface of the medium M without borders. When the user selects the borderless recording mode when setting recording conditions, the recording unit 23 sprays liquid from the ejector head 25 into a recording area that extends outward from the side end in the width direction X of the medium M. That is, Figure 6The recording device 11 shown ejects liquid from the nozzle 25 outward from the side end of the medium M supported on the support 26 in the width direction X. Therefore, even if the transport position of the medium M in the width direction X deviates within an acceptable range due to skewing or other reasons, blank spaces at the end of the medium M in the width direction X can be avoided. The amount of liquid ejected outward from the side end of the medium M is set to a predetermined length, for example, within the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a waste absorption member 70, which serves as an example of a first absorption member. This waste absorption member 70 absorbs waste liquid flowing from the nozzle 25 to the outside of the medium M supported on the support portion 26. The support portion 26 has a plurality of ribs 26A that project upwards at intervals in the width direction X to support the medium M. The surface of the support portion 26, excluding the ribs 26A, is partially covered by the waste absorption member 70. The waste absorption member 70 absorbs the waste liquid flowing to the outside of the medium M as waste liquid.

[0080] A maintenance device 60 is disposed below the recording unit 23 when it is in the initial position HP. The maintenance device 60 maintains the nozzle 25 of the recording unit 23. The maintenance device 60 includes a cap 61 that covers the nozzle 25 when the carriage 24 is in the initial position HP and a wiping member 62 that wipes the nozzle surface of the nozzle 25. By covering the nozzle 25 with the cap 61, the thickening and drying of liquid such as ink in the nozzle of the nozzle 25 are suppressed. When the liquid in the nozzle becomes thickened, or when there are air bubbles in the liquid in the nozzle, or when the nozzle is blocked by foreign objects such as paper dust, poor ejection will occur, which will prevent the liquid from being ejected normally from the nozzle due to nozzle blockage.

[0081] The maintenance device 60 cleans the nozzle of the printhead 25 to eliminate or prevent poor spraying. During cleaning, the maintenance device 60 forcibly discharges liquid from the printhead 25 to the cap 61. The maintenance device 60 includes a suction pump 63 connected to the cap 61. The maintenance device 60 drives the suction pump 63 in a sealed state, with the cap 61 in contact with the nozzle surface of the printhead 25, surrounding the nozzle. When the suction pump 63 is driven, negative pressure is introduced into the closed space between the nozzle surface of the printhead 25 and the cap 61, forcibly discharging liquid from the nozzle. By forcibly discharging liquid containing viscous liquid, air bubbles, paper dust, or other foreign matter such as ink from the nozzle, poor spraying is prevented or eliminated. It should be noted that the cap 61 during cleaning is connected by a spring 61A (see reference). Figure 11 The force of the spray head 25 keeps it in a sealed state, in contact with the nozzle surface, due to the force of the spray head 25.

[0082] Additionally, the recording unit 23 prevents poor spraying during recording by periodically or irregularly performing a dry spray (also known as "rinsing") that moves to the starting position HP and sprays droplets from all nozzles into the cap 61. The liquid (waste liquid) discharged from the nozzles into the cap 61 by rinsing and dry spraying is transported from the cap 61 to the waste liquid recovery unit 50 via the waste liquid pipe 64, driven by the suction pump 63. Specifically, the waste liquid transported from the cap 61 via the waste liquid pipe 64 by the suction pump 63 is discharged into the first waste liquid recovery section 51 located below the maintenance device 60 in the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0083] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the waste liquid absorption component 50A is positioned below the maintenance device 60 and the liquid supply source 17. The maintenance device 60 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A have a portion that is at the same position in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, and overlap in the vertical direction Z at this portion. That is, the maintenance device 60 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A partially overlap in the vertical direction Z. Thus, the waste liquid absorption component 50A is positioned below the maintenance device 60. Therefore, the waste liquid absorption component 50A can absorb spilled liquids such as ink from the maintenance device 60.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, at least a portion of the waste liquid absorption component 50A and the liquid supply source 17 are at the same position in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, and in this at least portion, the waste liquid absorption component 50A and the liquid supply source 17 overlap in the vertical direction Z. That is, the waste liquid absorption component 50A and the liquid supply source 17 overlap at least partially in the vertical direction Z. Thus, the waste liquid absorption component 50A is positioned below the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, even if the user accidentally spills liquid such as ink when replenishing it from the inlet 17A of the liquid supply source 17, the waste liquid absorption component 50A located below it can absorb the liquid.

[0085] Furthermore, by leaving the top of the waste liquid absorption component 50A housed in the waste liquid box 50B empty, the drying of liquids such as ink in the waste liquid absorption component 50A is promoted, thereby increasing the capacity of the waste liquid that the waste liquid absorption component 50A can absorb.

[0086] During unbounded recording, when the waste liquid from the nozzle 25 and absorbed by the waste absorption unit 70 accumulates to a certain amount, it flows from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid box 50B through capillary action and gravity. It should be noted that the waste absorption unit 70 and the waste liquid absorption unit 50A are connected in a manner capable of transferring waste liquid. Details of this waste liquid transfer mechanism will be explained later.

[0087] like Figure 6As shown, at one end of the rear end of the recording device 11 in the width direction X, a power supply unit 75 is provided to convert the power supplied from the power cable 33A to a specified voltage that the recording device 11 can use. The waste liquid absorption member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are arranged opposite each other across the waste liquid absorption member 70. In other words, the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are arranged on both sides of the waste liquid absorption member 70 in the width direction X. The first waste liquid absorption member 54 constituting the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are separately arranged in the storage space (accommodation space) on both sides of the transport area FA, separated by the transport medium M. The support portion 26 is located in... Figure 6 When viewed from above, it is positioned within the transport area FA. Since the power supply unit 75 and the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 are components that occupy a significant amount of storage space within the main body 12 of the device, their separate placement in storage spaces on either side of the transport area FA optimizes the overall component layout of the recording device 11.

[0088] Figure 7 The recording device 11 shown has an image reading device 30 (scanner) on the upper part of the main body 12. The image reading device 30 has a document stage 31 and a reading mechanism 32. The document stage 31 has a glass plate for placing the document, and the reading mechanism 32 has a movable image sensor (not shown) for reading the document placed on the document stage 31.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, a main frame 35 extends along the width direction X within the main body 12 of the device. The main frame 35 has a guide rail 35A for guiding the carriage 24. The carriage 24 reciprocates along the scanning direction X under the guidance of the guide rail 35A. A moving mechanism 34 is provided between the main frame 35 and the carriage 24 to move the carriage 24 along the scanning direction X. The moving mechanism 34 is, for example, belt-driven, and includes a carriage motor 36 as the drive source for the carriage 24 and an annular synchronous belt 34A tensioned along the scanning direction X. The carriage 24 is fixed to a portion of the synchronous belt 34A. The carriage motor 36 drives the carriage 24 to reciprocate along the scanning direction X via the synchronous belt 34A through forward and reverse rotation.

[0090] Additionally, a linear encoder 37 for detecting the position of the recording unit 23 in the scanning direction X is provided on the main frame 35. The linear encoder 37 includes a linear scale extending along the scanning direction X and a sensor (not shown) mounted on the carriage 24. The sensor detects light transmitted through a light-transmitting portion formed at a certain pitch on the linear scale and outputs a pulse signal containing a number of pulses proportional to the amount of movement of the carriage 24. Control unit 100 (see reference) Figure 1It has a counter (not shown) that counts the number of pulse edges of the pulse signal input from the linear encoder 37, and obtains the position of the carriage 24 in the scanning direction X, i.e., the carriage position, from the count value of the counter.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a cartridge 20 and a first feed unit 41. The cartridge 20 holds the medium M below the ejector head 25, and the first feed unit 41 feeds the medium M stored in the cartridge 20 one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejector head 25. A waste liquid absorption unit 50A is partially overlapped and disposed below the first feed unit 41. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, the second waste liquid absorption component 56 in the waste liquid absorption component 50A is arranged in an overlapping state below the first feed unit 41.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the first feed unit 41 is positioned above the medium M stored in the cartridge 20. The first feed unit 41 includes a pickup roller 44 as a feed roller for feeding the medium M. The first feed unit 41 includes a drive shaft 44A, the pickup roller 44, and a power transmission mechanism. The drive shaft 44A is rotated using power from a feed motor (not shown), and the power transmission mechanism consists of a series (gear train) of multiple gears 44B located between the drive shaft 44A and the pickup roller 44. A separating plate 12E is positioned slightly upstream of the front end of the cartridge 20 in the conveying direction Y. The separating plate 12E separates the uppermost medium M from the subsequent medium M by contacting the front end of the medium M fed from the cartridge 20 by the pickup roller 44. That is, the separating plate 12E prevents overlapping conveying by separating the medium M into a single sheet. The separating plate 12E forms part of the first feed unit 41. After the medium M is separated into one sheet, its conveying direction is changed by the flip roller 47, and it is conveyed toward the recording position of the nozzle 25. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the separation plate 12E constituting the first feed section 41 partially overlaps with the second waste liquid absorption component 56 of the waste liquid box 50B in the vertical direction Z. Thus, the waste liquid absorption component 50A overlaps below the first feed section 41.

[0093] By arranging the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 in an overlapping manner below the separation plate 12E of the first feed section 41, the depth dimension of the recording device 11 can be reduced to a smaller size compared to a configuration where the waste liquid absorption unit 50A is arranged in other positions, while maintaining the same capacity of the absorption unit.

[0094] like Figure 8As shown, the recording apparatus 11 has a second feed section 42, which includes: a feed tray 22, which is an example of a loading section, for holding a medium M; a feed roller 45 for feeding the medium M placed on the feed tray 22 toward the recording position of the ejector head 25; and a hopper 22E for pressing the medium M placed on the feed tray 22 onto the feed roller 45. The medium M, pressed against the outer circumference of the feed roller 45 by the hopper 22E, is fed one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejector head 25 while being sandwiched between the rotating feed roller 45 and the delay roller 45A. At this time, the medium M does not pass through the flip roller 47. It should be noted that a liquid supply pipe 39 for supplying liquid from the liquid supply source 17 to the recording section 23 is arranged diagonally above the discharge roller pair 49. The liquid supply tube 39 is arranged in a bundle 39B of multiple tubes along the width direction X, and is connected to the carriage 24 in a manner that allows the carriage 24 to move in the scanning direction X.

[0095] The waste liquid absorption component 50A is overlapped and disposed below the second feed section 42. Specifically, the second waste liquid absorption component 56 of the waste liquid absorption component 50A is overlapped and disposed below the upper end of the funnel 22E in the second feed section 42. This suppresses the depth dimension of the recording device 11. Alternatively, it can be... Figure 8 In the retracted state of the feed tray 22 shown, the second waste liquid absorption component 56 is overlapped and disposed on a pair of guide portions 22C constituting the feed tray 22 (see reference). Figure 6 Below the upper end of the moving mechanism 22D. According to this configuration, the depth dimension of the recording device 11 can also be suppressed.

[0096] Figure 8 The recording device 11 shown has a double-sided recording function, capable of recording on both the first and second surfaces of the medium M. The recording device 11 includes a flipping roller 47, which serves as an example of a flipping unit. This roller 47 turns the medium M, whose first surface has been recorded by the nozzle 25, upstream of the nozzle 25 in the conveying direction Y, and flips the medium M so that its second surface faces the nozzle 25. A plurality of driven rollers 47A are provided along the outer peripheral surface of the flipping roller 47. The flipping roller 47 is also used to bend and flip the medium M along the conveying path when it is conveyed from the first feed unit 41 to the recording unit 23 as described above. Waste liquid absorption members 50A are arranged below the flipping roller 47 in a partially overlapping state. Specifically, a second waste liquid absorption member 56 extending in the width direction X at the rear end of the waste liquid absorption member 50A is arranged below the flipping roller 47 in a partially overlapping state. By partially overlapping the second waste liquid absorption component 56 with the flipping roller 47 in the vertical direction Z, the depth dimension of the recording device 11 can be reduced to a shorter length.

[0097] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the interior of the recording device 11 from the rear. (Example) Figure 9 As shown, the waste liquid pipe 64 extending from the maintenance device 60 is arranged to extend along the outer side of the first waste liquid absorption member 54 inserted into the device body 12, and the connecting portion 66 fixed on its front end is connected to the connecting portion 57 provided at the front end of the waste liquid box 50B. Thus, the liquid (waste liquid) received by the cap 61 is discharged to the first waste liquid absorption member 54 via the waste liquid pipe 64 by the drive of the suction pump 63. In this way, the waste liquid received by the cap 61 is absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the waste liquid pipe 64.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, a storage element 58 (substrate) is fixed to the front end of the waste liquid container 50B. When the waste liquid container 50B is inserted into the device body 12, the storage element 58 is electrically connected to the device body 12. In addition, a scattering prevention wall 59 is formed at the front end of the waste liquid container 50B near the joint portion 57.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the waste absorption member 70, which receives waste ink and other liquids discharged to the outer side of the medium M during borderless recording, has one end adjacent to the maintenance device 60 at its starting position HP side in the width direction X, separated by a small gap. It is configured to allow waste ink and other waste liquids to be transferred from the waste absorption member 70 toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The waste liquid absorption member 50A is located below the waste absorption member 70 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the transfer of waste liquids from the waste absorption member 70 toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A can be carried out using gravity.

[0100] In this embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, a transfer mechanism 80, serving as an example of a waste liquid transfer section, is disposed between the waste absorption component 70 and the maintenance device 60. The transfer mechanism 80 utilizes gravity and capillary action to transfer waste liquid from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, the transfer mechanism 80 can transfer waste liquid from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A even without using a pump or other driving source. Since the waste liquid flows from the waste absorption component 70 side to the waste liquid absorption component 50A side, it is not necessary to replace the waste absorption component 70.

[0101] Figure 10 , Figure 11The structure of a transfer mechanism 80 for transferring waste liquid from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A is shown. The transfer mechanism 80 includes a first connecting absorption unit 81 and a second connecting absorption unit 82 connected to one end of the first connecting absorption unit 81. The first connecting absorption unit 81 is connected to one end of the waste absorption unit 70 on the maintenance device 60 side. The other end of the first connecting absorption unit 81, opposite to the end on the waste absorption unit 70 side, is connected to the upper end of the second connecting absorption unit 82, which is arranged in a vertically extending Z-direction. The first connecting absorption unit 81 is held in a near-horizontal position by a holding portion 81A. The holding portion 81A can also be inclined downward toward the transfer mechanism 80 side, thereby facilitating the movement of waste liquid toward the waste liquid absorption unit 50A side. Furthermore, the second connecting absorption unit 82 is held in a near-vertical position by being supported by the holding portion 82A.

[0102] The lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82 is spaced apart from the waste liquid guiding part 83 and faces it. The waste liquid guiding part 83 has a slope 83A, which receives waste liquid dripping from the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82 and guides the received waste liquid toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The slope 83A is oriented outward in the width direction X from the position opposite the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82. Figure 11 The left side of the recording device 11 is inclined, with a lower height. Thus, in this embodiment, waste liquid from the waste absorption member 70 side is transferred along the inclined surface 83A via the connecting absorption members 81 and 82, thereby reaching the waste liquid absorption member 50A side. Furthermore, since the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82 is spaced apart from the waste liquid guide 83 and they are arranged overlapping in the width direction X, even when the recording device 11 is tilted, it is possible to prevent waste liquid from moving from the waste liquid absorption member 50A to the waste absorption member 70, and to suppress waste liquid leakage from the waste absorption member 70.

[0103] like Figure 12 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a blocking mechanism 85, which serves as an example of a blocking part. This blocking mechanism 85 can temporarily block the liquid exchange between the waste absorption unit 70 and the waste liquid absorption unit 50A. Therefore, even if the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed from the device body 12 for replacement, leakage of the waste liquid exchanged via the transfer mechanism 80 at the separation point from the transfer mechanism 80 can be prevented.

[0104] like Figure 12As shown, the maintenance device 60 includes a drive mechanism 63A that receives power from a conveyor motor (not shown). The drive mechanism 63A includes a gear set and a cam set that drive the maintenance device 60. As each gear of the drive mechanism 63A rotates, it drives components such as the suction pump 63, the cap 61, the wiping member 62, the carriage locking member 65, and a valve mechanism (not shown).

[0105] Figure 12 The blocking mechanism 85 shown is driven by the power of the maintenance device 60. The drive mechanism 63A has a drive shaft 63B that outputs power to the blocking mechanism 85. The blocking mechanism 85 includes an intermittent gear 86 fixed to the front end of the drive shaft 63B of the drive mechanism 63A and a sliding gear 87 capable of intermittently meshing with the intermittent gear 86. In its normal state, except when disassembling or assembling the waste liquid container 50B, the sliding gear 87 is positioned... Figure 12 As shown in the rearward clearance position, the second connecting absorption component 82 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A are in a state where waste liquid can be transferred. That is, in the normal state, the blocking mechanism 85 switches to a state where waste liquid can be transferred from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A via the transfer mechanism 80.

[0106] like Figure 13 As shown, the intermittent gear 86 has an intermittent portion 86A in a portion of its circumference. When the intermittent gear 86 is driven by power from the drive shaft 63B, it... Figure 13 When the intermittent part 86A of the intermittent gear 86 engages with the engaging part 87A of the sliding gear 87 during the counterclockwise rotation of the CCW, the sliding gear 87 moves towards... Figure 14 The blocking position shown in the diagram moves. The sliding gear 87, located at the blocking position, temporarily blocks the transfer of waste liquid from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A. (As shown...) Figure 13 As shown, the sliding gear 87 has a storage section 87B, which can store a certain amount of waste liquid in the recess 87C of the storage section 87B. When the sliding gear 87 is in the blocked position, the storage section 87B is located between the second connecting absorption member 82 and the waste liquid guide section 83, and the waste liquid dripping or flowing down from the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82 is stored in the storage section 87B. The volume of the storage section 87B is set such that even if waste liquid transferred from the waste absorption member 70 is stored during the estimated time required to replace the waste liquid box 50B, it will not overflow. In addition, the waste liquid stored in the storage section 87B can be removed by using an absorbent material (not shown) when it is in a transferable state, so that the waste liquid can be stored again.

[0107] With this configuration, when replacing the waste liquid recovery unit 50, it is possible to prevent waste liquid from dripping downwards from the second connecting absorption member 82 and causing contamination of the device body 12. Furthermore, since the blocking mechanism 85 is operated using the power of the existing drive source of the drive maintenance device 60, component costs are also reduced.

[0108] The blocking action of the blocking mechanism 85 is preferably performed in conjunction with various actions of the maintenance device 60 when replacing the waste liquid recovery unit 50. Alternatively, the blocking mechanism 85 may not be a sliding gear type, but rather the transfer mechanism 80 may be configured as a pipe suction method that uses the suction force of the pipe to transfer the waste liquid, and the transfer of waste liquid may be blocked by using a choke mechanism to choke the pipe.

[0109] like Figure 15 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a main substrate 76, and a control unit 100 for controlling the ejector head 25 is mounted on the main substrate 76 as an electronic component. The main substrate 76, like the power supply unit 75, is located in the left-hand storage space within the main body 12, in the storage spaces on both sides that enclose the transport area FA along the width direction X. On the other hand, a waste liquid absorption member 50A is inserted into the bottom of the right-hand storage space. Furthermore, the waste liquid absorption member 70 is disposed below the transport area FA along with the support unit 26. Therefore, the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the main substrate 76 are arranged opposite each other across the waste liquid absorption member 70. In other words, the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the main substrate 76 are arranged opposite each other in the width direction X across the transport area FA in which the waste liquid absorption member 70 is disposed. Thus, the main substrate 76 is positioned at a distance from the waste liquid absorption member 50A that is equivalent to a distance slightly longer than the width of the transport area FA by the width of the waste liquid absorption member 70. Therefore, even if waste liquid leaks from the waste liquid recovery unit 50, the possibility of the waste liquid contacting the main substrate 76 is extremely low. It should be noted that the control unit 100 for controlling the nozzle 25 can also be mounted on the carriage 24. In this case, the electronic components can be components other than the control unit 100.

[0110] like Figure 15 As shown, the first waste liquid absorption component 54 in the waste liquid absorption component 50A is disposed in the maintenance device 60 of the recording device 11 (see reference). Figure 6 The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is disposed on the front surface side of the recording device 11 at the right end, where it is positioned and connected to the connecting part 66, which serves as the outlet for waste liquid from the maintenance device 60. Thus, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 can be removed from the rear side of the recording device 11.

[0111] like Figure 15 As shown, within the main body 12 of the device, an expanded absorption member 90 is disposed behind the waste absorption member 70 on the upstream side in the conveying direction Y. Figure 15In the example shown, the expansion absorption component 90 is equipped with two expansion absorption components: a first expansion absorption component 90A and a second expansion absorption component 90B. The first expansion absorption component 90A and the second expansion absorption component 90B are arranged along the width direction X behind the waste absorption component 70. The waste absorption component 70 is connected to the two expansion absorption components 90 via two connecting absorption components 91, allowing waste liquid to flow. That is, the waste absorption component 70 is connected to the first expansion absorption component 90A via one connecting absorption component 91 and to the second expansion absorption component 90B via the other connecting absorption component 91. By providing the expansion absorption components 90, the capacity of waste liquid that each recording device's absorption component can absorb is increased.

[0112] like Figure 15 As shown, the recording device 11 includes an expanding absorption member 90 that is connected to the waste absorption member 70 in a manner capable of transferring liquid. The waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are arranged opposite each other at a position different from the transfer mechanism 80, separated by the expanding absorption member 90. Specifically, the waste absorption member 70 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 constituting the waste liquid absorption member 50A are arranged opposite each other at a position different from the transfer mechanism 80, separated by the expanding absorption member 90. Therefore, the capacity of waste liquid that each recording device can absorb is increased, and the replacement frequency of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is reduced.

[0113] like Figure 16 As shown, the waste absorption component 70 has a receiving portion 71, a lower absorption component 72 received in the receiving portion 71, and a surface absorption component 73 that partially covers the area other than the plurality of ribs 26A in the support portion 26. The surface absorption component 73 forms the surface layer of the waste absorption component 70. Waste liquid from the nozzle of the spray head 25 to the outside of the medium M falls onto the surface absorption component 73. Therefore, the waste liquid from the spray head 25 is first absorbed by the surface absorption component 73. The base 26C of the support ribs 26A in the support portion 26 has gaps at multiple locations. The surface absorption component 73 has a plurality of connecting portions 73A extending obliquely downward. The plurality of connecting portions 73A extend obliquely downward through the gaps located at multiple locations in the base 26C.

[0114] The connecting portion 73A, extending obliquely downward from the surface absorber 73, contacts the lower absorber 72 forming the lower layer of the waste absorber 70. At least the lower absorber 72 in the waste absorber 70 is supported on the bottom surface 71A of the receiving portion 71. Furthermore, the lower ends of the plurality of connecting portions 73A are pressed against the upper surface of the lower absorber 72. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the nozzle 25 into the waste absorber 70 is first absorbed by the surface absorber 73, and then permeates from the surface absorber 73 to the lower absorber 72 via the connecting portion 73A. The permeation of liquid via the connecting portion 73A occurs through capillary action and gravity.

[0115] The bottom surface 71A of the receiving portion 71 supporting the waste absorption component 70 slopes downward toward the waste liquid absorption component 50A. This slope is sufficient for the liquid to flow in the direction toward the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, the waste liquid moving from the surface absorption component 73 to the lower absorption component 72 and stored in the lower absorption component 72 flows along an inclined path that tends to slope downwards towards the bottom surface 71A as it approaches the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Figure 16 The flow is indicated by the dashed arrow. That is, the waste liquid stored at the bottom of the waste absorption component 70 flows towards the transfer mechanism 80 along the slope of the bottom surface 71A. Then, the waste liquid flowing at the bottom of the waste absorption component 70 and reaching the transfer mechanism 80 flows to the waste liquid absorption component 50A via the connecting absorption components 81, 82 and the inclined surface 83A.

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the conveyor roller pair 48 includes a drive roller 48A and multiple driven rollers 48B. The driven rollers 48B are forced towards the drive roller 48A by a helical spring 102. The recording device 11 includes multiple pressing members 101 that press the medium M during transport downwards toward the support portion 26. The front ends of the multiple pressing members 101 are positioned in the width direction X opposite to the recessed areas 26B between the ribs 26A. The pressing members 101 are supported so as to be able to rotate around a pivot point (not shown) and are forced in the gravity direction -Z by a spring (not shown). By pressing the surface of the medium M at the positions between the ribs 26A in the width direction X by the multiple pressing members 101, a wave shape undulating in the width direction X is formed on the medium M. This wave shape applies tension to the medium M extending in the transport direction Y, suppressing curling of the front and rear ends of the medium M during recording.

[0117] like Figure 17 As shown, the waste liquid container 50B housing the waste liquid absorption component 50A has a coupling portion 57 capable of engaging with a needle-shaped coupling portion 66, which is connected to the front end of the waste liquid pipe 64 connected to the maintenance device 60. The coupling portion 66 is fixed to the front end of the waste liquid pipe 64 via a clamping member 67. The waste liquid container 50B has a splash prevention wall 59 above the front end on the same side as the coupling portion 57. Waste liquid is transported from the suction pump 63 of the maintenance device 60 through the waste liquid pipe 64 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A inside the waste liquid container 50B. In addition, on the device body 12 side, a connection terminal 69 supported on a connection frame 68 is arranged near the coupling portion 66. Furthermore, a storage element 58 connected to the connection terminal 69 is provided at the corner of the front end of the waste liquid container 50B.

[0118] Figure 18The diagram shows the waste liquid container 50B slightly pulled out, thus disconnecting the waste liquid container 50B from the needle-shaped connector 66 and the electrical connection between the connector terminal 69 located on the side of the device body 12 and the storage element 58 located at the corner of the front end of the waste liquid container 50B.

[0119] When the connection terminal 69 is disconnected from the storage element 58, air bubbles or other waste liquids such as waste ink may remain at the front end of the needle-shaped joint 66, which is pierced and connected to the joint of the waste liquid container 50B. When these air bubbles burst, they may contaminate the recording device 11. Therefore, a splash prevention wall 59 is provided above the front end of the waste liquid container 50B to prevent contamination caused by the bursting of air bubbles.

[0120] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, the anti-scattering wall 59 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A have portions at the same position in the conveying direction Y (depth direction) and overlap in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the anti-scattering wall 59 also has the function of preventing the waste liquid absorption component 50A from falling upwards.

[0121] like Figure 19 As shown, the needle-shaped connecting portion 66 is inserted into the waste liquid container 50B with a portion of its front end penetrating the rubber seal 57A, and is engaged with the connected portion 57. The waste liquid absorption component 50A is constructed by overlapping multiple (e.g., three) first waste liquid absorption components 54 in the vertical direction Z. The front end 54B of the uppermost component extends to the vicinity of the connected portion 57, while the front ends of the other two components are located further away from the connected portion 57 than the uppermost component. Through the stepped shape of the front ends of these multiple first waste liquid absorption components 54, a space 54A is formed inside the end of the waste liquid container 50B on the connected portion 57 side.

[0122] Therefore, as Figure 19As shown, the tip 66A of the needle-shaped connecting portion 66, after being connected to the connecting portion 57, partially contacts the waste liquid absorption component 50A. That is, the tip 66A of the needle-shaped connecting portion 66, which is connected to the connecting portion 57 of the waste liquid container 50B, contacts a portion of the waste liquid absorption component 50A to a degree that does not block the waste liquid flow path 66B of the connecting portion 66. Specifically, the corner of the tip 54B of the uppermost of the multiple first waste liquid absorption components 54 constituting the waste liquid absorption component 50A contacts the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 in the connected state. Because of the aforementioned space 54A, the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 contacts the tip 54B of the first waste liquid absorption component 54 in a near-point contact state. This suppresses the generation of waste liquid bubbles when disassembling or assembling the waste liquid container 50B. If the front end 66A of the connecting portion 66 is in contact with the first waste liquid absorption member 54 in a state that blocks the waste liquid flow path 66B, then when the waste liquid container 50B is removed, bubbles may sometimes be generated through the waste liquid present between the front end 66A of the connecting portion 66 and the first waste liquid absorption member 54 during the separation process. When these bubbles burst, the waste liquid scatters and contaminates the recording device 11. In contrast, in this embodiment, the front end 66A of the connecting portion 66 only partially contacts the waste liquid absorption member 50A, and is not in contact with the waste liquid flow path 66B blocked. Therefore, when the waste liquid container 50B is removed, bubbles are less likely to be generated during the separation process between the front end 66A of the connecting portion 66 and the first waste liquid absorption member 54. Thus, contamination of the recording device 11 due to bubble bursting during the removal and installation of the waste liquid container 50B is suppressed.

[0123] like Figure 20 As shown, a leaf spring 28B, serving as a force-applying component, is provided between the waste liquid container 50B inserted into the main body 12 of the device and a waste liquid container cover 28, which covers the waste liquid container 50B. This leaf spring 28B applies force to the waste liquid container 50B in the insertion direction when the waste liquid container cover 28 is closed. That is, a leaf spring 28B is provided on the waste liquid container cover 28, applying force to the waste liquid container 50B in the forward direction of the recording device 11, i.e., the transport direction Y. According to this structure, as long as the waste liquid container 50B is not closed... Figure 5 When the screw 28A of the waste liquid container cover 28 shown is tightened, the waste liquid container cover 28 will rotate and remain open. Therefore, the user can easily identify that the waste liquid container 50B is not pushed in enough and is in a half-inserted state.

[0124] It should be pointed out that, in Figure 20In the example shown, leaf spring 28B is used, but it could also be a torsion spring or a compression spring. Alternatively, if it is detected that the connection terminal 69 is not connected to the storage element 58 during partial insertion, the liquid suction operation of the maintenance device 60 can be disabled, and an error notification indicating that it is in a partial insertion state can be displayed on the display unit 14 or the main unit's display unit. Furthermore, sensors that detect the movement of the waste liquid container 50B and the waste liquid container cover 28 can be provided. When a partial insertion state of the waste liquid container 50B is detected, the liquid suction operation of the maintenance device 60 can be disabled, and an error notification indicating that it is in a partial insertion state can be displayed on the display unit 14 or the main unit's display unit.

[0125] Electrical configuration of the recording device

[0126] Next, the electrical configuration of the recording device 11 will be described. The recording device 11 is communicatively connected to the host device (not shown). The control unit 100 performs recording control based on the recording data received from the host device. It should be noted that the host device may be any one of a personal computer, a portable information terminal (PDA), a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc.

[0127] The control unit 100 performs various controls, including recording control of the recording device 11. The control unit 100 includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software). The processors include a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, which store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. The control unit 100 is not limited to performing software processing. For example, the control unit 100 may also include dedicated hardware circuitry (e.g., application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) for hardware processing of at least a portion of the processing it executes.

[0128] The control unit 100 is electrically connected as an output system to the nozzle 25, feed motor, conveyor motor, and carriage motor 36. The control unit 100 controls the nozzle 25, feed motor, conveyor motor, and carriage motor 36. In addition, the control unit 100 is electrically connected as an input system to the medium detector, linear encoder 37, and rotary encoder.

[0129] The control unit 100 feeds the medium M from the box 20 or the feed tray 22 by controlling the first feed unit 41 or the second feed unit 42. Additionally, the control unit 100 controls the conveying of the medium M by controlling the drive of the conveying motors. The control unit 100 obtains the conveying position of the medium M by setting the position detected by the medium detector as, for example, the origin, and by using a counter (not shown) to count the pulse edges of the pulse signal input from the rotary encoder.

[0130] The control unit 100 uses the position of the carriage 24 when it reaches the starting position HP as the origin, and counts the number of pulse edges of the detection signal input from the linear encoder 37 using a counter (not shown) to obtain the position of the carriage 24 in the scanning direction X, based on the origin position. The control unit 100 controls the carriage motor 36 according to the count value of the carriage position, thereby controlling the speed and position of the carriage 24. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the timing of liquid ejection from the nozzle of the ejector head 25 according to the recorded data. As a result, the ejector head 25 records an image on the medium M based on the recorded data.

[0131] When instructed to perform double-sided recording, the control unit 100 first drives the conveyor motor to rotate forward, causing rollers 48 and 49 to rotate forward while recording the first side of the medium M, thereby conveying the medium M in the conveying direction Y. During this conveying, the recording unit 23 records images, etc., on the first side of the medium M. When recording of the first side of the medium M ends, the control unit 100 drives the conveyor motor to rotate in reverse, causing rollers 48 and 49 to rotate in reverse, thereby conveying the medium M in the reverse direction upstream of the conveying direction Y. The reverse-conveyed medium M is flipped by the flipping roller 47 so that the second side, opposite to the first side, becomes the recording surface, and the flipped medium M is fed again in the conveying direction Y.

[0132] The control unit 100 measures or calculates the amount of liquid ejected and discharged from the nozzle 25 based on recorded data and maintenance information, and adds the measured or calculated amount of liquid to the waste liquid amount read from the storage element 58, thereby updating the current waste liquid amount of the waste liquid recovery unit 50. The control unit 100 updates the storage element 58 periodically or irregularly by writing the latest waste liquid amount of the waste liquid recovery unit 50. When the waste liquid amount of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 reaches the upper limit, the control unit 100 notifies the user by displaying a message indicating that the replacement period has arrived and prompting for replacement on the display unit 14 or the display unit of the main unit, thereby prompting the user to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0133] Next, the function of the recording device 11 will be explained.

[0134] When the user selects the borderless recording mode and instructs to start recording, the medium M fed from cartridge 20 or placed on the feed tray 22 is fed. The fed medium M is conveyed toward the recording area by the rotation of rollers 48 and 49. Recording is performed on the medium M by alternating recording and conveying actions. The recording action is the action of recording one scan amount by ejecting liquid toward the medium M from the ejector head 25 midway as the recording unit 23 moves along the scanning direction X. The conveying action is the action of conveying the medium M to the next recording position by rollers 48 and 49.

[0135] For example, in borderless recording mode, the ejector head 25, which moves along the scanning direction X with the recording unit 23, also ejects liquid into an area extending outward from the side end in the width direction X of the medium M. At this time, the liquid ejected from the ejector head 25 to the outside of the side end in the width direction X of the medium M is discarded into the waste absorption member 70, which covers a portion of the surface of the support unit 26. The discarded liquid is treated as waste liquid. Figure 1 , Figure 6 The waste absorption component 70 shown absorbs the waste liquid. Specifically, the waste liquid is absorbed by the surface absorption component 73 disposed on the surface side of the waste absorption component 70. Thus, during recording, the waste liquid discharged from the nozzle 25 is absorbed by the waste absorption component 70 as waste liquid, and the waste liquid slowly accumulates in the waste absorption component 70.

[0136] Additionally, during recording, the recording unit 23 periodically performs a dry spray (rinsing) by moving to the starting position HP and spraying liquid from all nozzles of the nozzle head 25 toward the cap 61. This dry spray prevents the nozzles of the nozzle head 25 from clogging during recording. The liquid (waste liquid) accumulated in the cap 61 by the dry spray is recovered into the waste liquid box 50B by driving the suction pump 63 through the waste liquid pipe 64. The waste liquid transported through the waste liquid pipe 64 is recovered into the waste liquid box 50B by the connection of the coupling 66 and the coupling 57, and is absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A held in the waste liquid box 50B.

[0137] Additionally, when the cleaning period arrives, the maintenance device 60 performs a forced cleaning process to drain liquid from the nozzle of the nozzle head 25. This cleaning prevents or eliminates clogging of the nozzle of the nozzle head 25. Specifically, the recording unit 23 is in a sealed state at the initial position HP, with the cap 61 in contact with the nozzle surface of the nozzle head 25. By driving the suction pump 63 in this sealed state, the enclosed space surrounded by the nozzle surface and the cap 61 is created under negative pressure. As a result, liquid is forcibly drained from the nozzle of the nozzle head 25. The drained liquid is received by the cap 61 and, under the negative pressure of the suction pump 63, is recovered from the cap 61 via the waste liquid pipe 64 to the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0138] The connecting portion 66, fixed to the front end of the waste liquid pipe 64, is engaged with the connecting portion 57 of the waste liquid container 50B. Waste liquid transported through the waste liquid pipe 64 is recycled into the waste liquid container 50B. The waste liquid recycled into the waste liquid container 50B is absorbed by the first waste liquid absorption member 54. Furthermore, the waste liquid absorbed by the first waste liquid absorption member 54 is transferred to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 via capillary action or the like.

[0139] On the other hand, the liquid discarded into the waste absorption unit 70 is stored as waste liquid in the waste absorption unit 70. The waste liquid stored in the waste absorption unit 70 is directed towards the bottom surface 71A due to its slight slope. Figure 16 The waste liquid moves in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. Within the waste absorption unit 70, the waste liquid moving to the end flows through the transfer mechanism 80 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A via capillary action and gravity. Because the transfer mechanism 80 is located... Figure 12 As shown in the non-blocking position (avoidance position), the waste liquid flowing via the connecting absorption members 81 and 82 drips or flows down from the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82, and then flows down from the inclined surface 83A of the waste liquid guide 83, thereby reaching the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Then, the waste liquid reaching the waste liquid absorption member 50A is absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A.

[0140] In this way, when the amount of waste liquid absorbed by the waste absorption component 70 exceeds a certain level, it flows from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A via the transfer mechanism 80. Therefore, the waste absorption component 70 is maintained in a state where waste liquid will not overflow and it can always absorb waste liquid. The waste liquid absorbed by the waste absorption component 70 flows by gravity to the waste liquid absorption component 50A, which is located at a lower position than the waste absorption component 70, via the transfer mechanism 80.

[0141] Furthermore, when the amount of waste liquid flowing from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A via the transfer mechanism 80 is less than the amount of waste liquid being disposed of to the waste absorption unit 70, a slight excess of waste liquid may accumulate in the waste absorption unit 70. In this case, the waste liquid accumulated in the waste absorption unit 70 temporarily flows to the expansion absorption units 90 (90A, 90B) via the connecting absorption unit 91. Therefore, the frequency of temporary excess waste liquid accumulation in the waste absorption unit 70 is reduced. Then, even if the recording to the medium M ends without waste liquid being disposed of to the waste absorption unit 70, waste liquid continues to be transferred via the transfer mechanism 80, and thus the amount of waste liquid accumulated in the waste absorption unit 70 gradually decreases. Therefore, the waste liquid temporarily flowing to the expansion absorption unit 90 returns to the waste absorption unit 70 via the connecting absorption unit 91. If the waste liquid accumulated in the waste absorption unit 70 becomes excessive due to this return, the waste liquid continues to flow from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A via the transfer mechanism 80. In this way, even if the amount of liquid discarded to the waste absorption unit 70 per unit time is large, the waste absorption unit 70 is kept in a state capable of absorbing liquid.

[0142] Then, in the recording device 11, when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is filled with waste liquid due to the discharge of waste liquid through recording, air spraying, cleaning, etc., the user replaces the waste liquid recovery unit 50 with a new waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0143] The amount of waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is managed by the control unit 100. When the amount of waste liquid exceeds the upper limit, the control unit 100 displays a message on the display unit 14 or the display unit of the host computer indicating that the waste liquid recovery unit 50 has reached its replacement period. The user who sees this message can notify the recording device 11 to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by operating the touch panel of the display unit 14 or the input unit of the host device.

[0144] When the control unit 100 receives an instruction to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50, it drives the conveyor motor to move the sliding gear 87 from the avoidance position to the blocking position. By positioning the sliding gear 87 in the blocking position, the transfer path of the waste liquid via the transfer mechanism 80 is blocked.

[0145] like Figure 3 As shown, the user slides the feed tray 22 and the support guide 27 upwards, thereby exposing a portion of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 from the opening 12C at the lower rear of the device body 12. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the user removes screw 28A and opens the waste liquid container cover 28 from the closed position to the open position.

[0146] Then, the user pulls the waste liquid recovery unit 50 upstream in the conveying direction Y to remove it from the device body 12. Then, while sliding a new waste liquid recovery unit 50 from the opening 12C toward the conveying direction Y (push-in direction), it is pushed in. This pushing in causes the connecting part 66 to engage with the connecting part 57 of the waste liquid container 50B. Thus, the waste liquid container 50B is connected to the waste liquid pipe 64. Additionally, at this time, the connecting terminal 69 is electrically connected to the storage element 58.

[0147] An updated value of the amount of waste liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 50, managed by the control unit 100, is written to the storage element 58.

[0148] The control unit 100 measures the amount of liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 50, including the amount of liquid ejected from the nozzle of the nozzle head 25 during air spraying and the amount of liquid discharged from the nozzle during cleaning. The measured amount of liquid is written into the storage element 58 provided in the waste liquid box 50B at a predetermined time. Therefore, even if the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is replaced, the control unit 100 can obtain the amount of waste liquid recovered into the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by reading the data stored in the storage element 58.

[0149] According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

[0150] (1) A recording device 11, as an example of a liquid ejection device, includes: an ejection head 25 for ejecting liquid to a medium M, which is an example of a recording material; a support portion 26, which is disposed opposite to the ejection head 25 and supports the medium M from below; and a waste absorption member 70, as an example of a first absorption member, for absorbing waste liquid discharged from the ejection head 25 to the outer side of the end of the medium M supported on the support portion 26. Furthermore, the recording device 11 includes: a cap 61, as an example of a waste liquid receiving portion, for receiving liquid discharged from the ejection head 25 as waste liquid; a waste liquid absorption member 50A, as an example of a second absorption member, for absorbing waste liquid delivered from the cap 61; and a waste liquid container 50B, as an example of a storage portion, for holding the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are connected in a manner that allows waste liquid to be transferred from the waste absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A.

[0151] Therefore, the waste liquid (waste liquid) flowing from the nozzle 25 to the end of the medium M supported on the support 26 is absorbed by the waste absorption component 70. The waste liquid absorbed by the waste absorption component 70 is transferred from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A. When replacing, it is sufficient to replace only the waste liquid box 50B that holds the waste liquid absorption component 50A, which is part of both the waste absorption component 70 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, the replacement of the absorption component is easy, and it can prevent contamination of the recording device 11 or the operator's hands by the waste liquid absorbed by the absorption component during replacement. In addition, even ordinary users who are not maintenance personnel can replace the waste liquid absorption component 50A themselves, thus improving the ease of use of the recording device.

[0152] (2) The waste liquid absorption component 50A is located lower than the waste absorption component 70. Therefore, liquid can be transferred from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A by gravity. For example, even if the waste liquid absorption component 50A is replaced, the situation where a large amount of waste liquid remains in the waste absorption component 70 and is not recycled can be avoided. In addition, a pump and its drive unit for transferring liquid are not required, and even if a pump or the like is installed, it can be a small pump or the like. Therefore, liquid can be transferred from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A efficiently.

[0153] (3) The recording device 11 has a transfer mechanism 80, which serves as an example of a transfer unit, for transferring liquid between the waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Therefore, even if the waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are separated, waste liquid can still be transferred via the transfer mechanism 80. For example, there are cases where the waste liquid absorption member 50A is positioned to make it difficult for the waste liquid container 50B to come into contact with the waste absorption member 70 in order to make it easy to detach and install relative to the device body 12. In this case, when liquid transfer becomes difficult, it is necessary to replace both the waste absorption member and the waste liquid absorption member 50A separately. In this case, if only the waste liquid container 50B holding the waste liquid absorption member 50A is replaced, a large amount of liquid will remain in the waste absorption member 70. In contrast, according to this embodiment with the transfer mechanism 80, even if the waste liquid container 50B is shaped for easy assembly and disassembly relative to the device body 12, or positioned for easy assembly and disassembly, liquid can be transferred from the waste absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the transfer mechanism 80. Therefore, for example, even if the waste liquid container 50B is replaced, it is easy to avoid a situation where a large amount of liquid remains in the waste absorption member 70. In other words, it is sufficient to simply replace the waste liquid container 50B that holds the waste liquid absorption member 50A.

[0154] (4) The recording device 11 may also include a blocking mechanism 85 that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid between the waste absorption component 70 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A via the transfer mechanism 80. Therefore, when the waste liquid box 50B is replaced, the transfer of liquid from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A via the transfer mechanism 80 can be temporarily blocked by the blocking mechanism 85. Therefore, even if the waste liquid absorption component 50A is separated from the waste absorption component 70, the leakage of waste liquid transferred from the waste absorption component 70 into the device body 12 can be prevented, thus preventing the recording device 11 from being contaminated by waste liquid.

[0155] (5) The blocking mechanism 85 is driven by the power of the maintenance device 60 to temporarily block the transfer of liquids. Therefore, since the blocking mechanism 85 is driven by the power of the maintenance device 60, the user does not need to manually switch the blocking mechanism 85 between blocking and connecting. For example, the user can switch the blocking mechanism 85 between blocking and connecting by operating the operating switch using the power of the maintenance device 60.

[0156] (6) The transfer mechanism 80 is configured to transfer liquid when the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12. Therefore, when the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12, the transfer mechanism 80 can transfer liquid between the waste absorption component 70 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, the overall waste liquid absorption efficiency of the absorption component can be improved.

[0157] (7) The main substrate 76 on which electronic components are mounted and the waste liquid absorption component 50A are arranged opposite each other across the waste absorption component 70. That is, the main substrate 76 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A are arranged opposite each other in the width direction X across the conveying area FA where the waste absorption component 70 is located. The main substrate 76 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A are respectively arranged at a distance equivalent to the width dimension of the waste absorption component 70. Therefore, even if waste liquid leaks from the waste liquid absorption component 50A, it is unlikely that the leaked waste liquid will cross the conveying area FA and reach the main substrate 76 and come into contact with it. For example, it is possible to prevent the waste liquid leaking from the waste liquid absorption component 50A from coming into contact with the main substrate 76 and causing electrical failure. It should be noted that although the waste absorption component 70 is located closer to the main substrate 76 than the waste liquid absorption component 50A, the amount of liquid absorbed is less than that of the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, even if waste liquid leaks from the waste absorption component 70, it is unlikely that the waste liquid will come into contact with the main substrate 76.

[0158] (8) The recording device 11 includes an expansion absorption member 90 that is connected to the waste absorption member 70 in a manner capable of transferring liquid. The waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are arranged opposite each other at a different position from the transfer mechanism 80, separated by the expansion absorption member 90. Therefore, since the overall waste liquid absorption capacity of the absorption member of each recording device is increased, the replacement frequency of the waste liquid absorption member 50A can be reduced. In addition, since the space between the waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A that is not occupied by the transfer mechanism 80 is utilized, it is easy to ensure a large volume for the expansion absorption member.

[0159] (9) The recording device 11 includes a liquid supply source 17 that supplies liquid to the nozzle 25 and a maintenance device 60 that forcibly discharges liquid from the nozzle 25 to the cap 61. A waste liquid absorption member 50A is disposed below the maintenance device 60 or the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, the waste liquid absorption member 50A can absorb waste liquid falling downwards from the maintenance device 60 during cleaning of the nozzle 25, or waste liquid falling during replacement of the liquid supply source 17 or when replenishing the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, contamination of the recording device 11 by waste liquid can be suppressed.

[0160] (10) The waste liquid absorption component 50A has the function of absorbing liquid that spills from the maintenance device 60 or the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, the waste liquid absorption component 50A can absorb liquid that spills from the maintenance device 60 or the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the recording device 11 by waste liquid.

[0161] (11) The waste liquid absorption component 50A is partially overlapped and disposed below the first feed section 41, which feeds the media M stored in the box 20 located below the nozzle 25 one by one to the recording position of the nozzle 25. Therefore, the size of the recording device 11 can be miniaturized.

[0162] (12) The waste liquid absorption component 50A is stacked below the second feed section 42, which feeds the medium M placed on the feed tray 22, which is an example of a mounting section, toward the recording position of the ejector head 25. Therefore, the size of the recording device 11 can be miniaturized.

[0163] (13) The recording device 11 includes a flipping roller 47, which is an example of a flipping unit. The flipping roller 47 turns the medium M, which has completed recording on the first side through the nozzle 25, upstream of the conveying direction Y of the nozzle 25, and flips the medium M so that the second side, which is opposite to the first side, can face the nozzle 25. The waste liquid absorption member 50A is partially overlapped and disposed below the flipping roller 47. Therefore, the size of the recording device 11 can be miniaturized.

[0164] (14) The recording device 11 includes a power supply unit 75 that supplies power to the ejector head 25. The waste liquid absorption component 50A and the power supply unit 75 are arranged opposite each other across the waste liquid absorption component 70. Since the waste liquid absorption component 50A and the power supply unit 75 occupy a significant amount of storage space within the recording device 11, by separately arranging the waste liquid absorption component 50A and the power supply unit 75 on opposite sides across the waste liquid absorption component 70 within the recording device 11, the overall component layout of the recording device 11 can be optimized. Therefore, miniaturization of the recording device 11 can be achieved.

[0165] (15) The bottom surface 71A of the receiving portion 71 of the waste absorption component 70 is inclined downward toward the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, the slope of the bottom surface 71A of the receiving portion 71 allows the waste liquid absorbed by the waste absorption component 70 to flow easily toward the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, compared with a configuration where the bottom surface of the receiving portion is horizontal, it is easier to transfer waste liquid from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A.

[0166] (16) The waste liquid container 50B has a connected portion 57 that can be connected to the connecting portion 66 and a scattering prevention wall 59 disposed above the front end portion on the same side as the connected portion 57, wherein the connecting portion 66 is connected to the front end portion of the pipe 64 connected to the maintenance device 60. Therefore, even if the air bubbles of waste liquid generated at the front end portion of the connecting portion 66 rupture when the waste liquid container 50B is disassembled or assembled, the scattering prevention wall 59 can prevent the ruptured waste liquid from scattering.

[0167] (17) In the waste liquid box 50B, the front end of the joint 66 after being joined with the joint 57 comes into partial contact with the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Therefore, when the waste liquid box is disassembled or assembled, the air bubbles of the waste liquid can be suppressed at the front end of the joint.

[0168] (18) The recording device 11 may also include a waste liquid container cover 28 that covers the waste liquid container 50B inserted into the device body 12, and a leaf spring 28B as an example of a force-applying component. The leaf spring 28B is disposed between the waste liquid container 50B and the waste liquid container cover 28, and applies force to the waste liquid container 50B in the insertion direction when the waste liquid container cover 28 is closed. Therefore, partial insertion can be prevented when disassembling or assembling the waste liquid container.

[0169] (19) A waste liquid recovery unit 50, detachably mounted on the main body 12 of a recording device 11, which includes a support 26, a nozzle 25, a waste absorption component 70, and a cap 61, comprises a waste liquid absorption component 50A for absorbing waste liquid from the cap 61 and a waste liquid container 50B for holding the waste liquid absorption component 50A. With the waste liquid container 50B inserted into the main body 12, the waste liquid absorption component 50A is connected to absorb waste liquid from the cap 61 and to the waste absorption component 70 for transferring waste liquid from the waste absorption component 70. On the other hand, when the waste liquid container 50B is removed from the main body 12, the connection of the waste liquid absorption component 50A to absorb waste liquid from the cap 61 is released, and the connection between the waste liquid absorption component 50A and the waste absorption component 70 is severed when the path of waste liquid transferred from the waste absorption component 70 is blocked. Therefore, the same effect (1) of the recording device 11 can be obtained by the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0170] (20) The waste liquid recovery method is a method for recovering waste liquid in the recording device 11. The recording device 11 includes a support 26, a nozzle 25, a waste absorption member 70 for absorbing liquid waste to the outer side of the end of the medium M, and a waste liquid absorption member 50A for absorbing waste liquid from a cap 61 that receives liquid discharged from the nozzle 25 as waste liquid. The waste liquid box 50B is configured to be detachable from the device body 12. The waste liquid recovery method includes: when the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12, connecting the waste liquid absorption member 50A to the waste liquid flow path in a manner that can absorb waste liquid from the cap 61, and connecting it to the waste absorption member 70 in a manner that can transfer waste liquid from the waste absorption member 70; when the waste liquid box 50B is removed from the device body 12, disconnecting the waste liquid absorption member 50A from the waste liquid flow path of the cap 61, and cutting off the connection with the waste absorption member 70 in a state where the transfer of waste liquid from the waste absorption member 70 is blocked. According to this waste liquid recovery method, the same effect as the effect (1) of the recording device 11 described above can be obtained.

[0171] Second Implementation Method

[0172] Next, refer to Figures 21 to 29 The second embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are used for components common to the first embodiment described above, and descriptions are omitted. In particular, different components will be described. It should be noted that the same applies to the third embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0173] like Figures 21 to 23 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a waste absorption member 70 and an expansion absorption member 90 as an example of a first absorption member, which draws waste from the nozzle 25 (both referenced to...). Figure 1 The recording device 11 absorbs the waste liquid as waste liquid from the outer side of the end of the medium M supported on the support part 26. In addition, the recording device 11 is equipped with a waste liquid absorption member 50A as an example of a second absorption member, which absorbs the waste liquid sent from the cap 61, and the cap 61 receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle 25 as waste liquid.

[0174] like Figures 21 to 23 As shown, the waste absorption component 70 is connected to the waste liquid absorption component 50A in a location different from the transfer mechanism 80 via the expansion absorption component 90 in a manner that enables liquid transfer.

[0175] exist Figures 21 to 23 In the example shown, the recording device 11 includes a first transfer mechanism 80 and a second transfer mechanism 140. The first transfer mechanism 80 transfers liquid from the waste absorption member 70 to the first waste liquid absorption member 54, and the second transfer mechanism 140 transfers liquid from the waste absorption member 70 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 via the expansion absorption member 90. The first transfer mechanism 80 corresponds to the transfer mechanism 80 in the first embodiment.

[0176] The second transfer mechanism 140 connects the expansion absorption member 90 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 in a manner that allows waste liquid to be transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Thus, the second transfer mechanism 140 has a transfer section 141 for transferring the liquid between the expansion absorption member 90 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0177] Thus, a first waste liquid path is formed, from the waste absorption component 70 to the first waste liquid absorption component 54 via the first transfer mechanism 80, and a second waste liquid path is formed, from the expansion absorption component 90 that expands the waste absorption component 70 to the second waste liquid absorption component 56 via the second transfer mechanism 140. The first waste liquid absorption component 54 and the second waste liquid absorption component 56 are connected via a connecting portion 50C in a manner that allows the waste liquid to move. Therefore, the first waste liquid path and the second waste liquid path, starting from the waste absorption component 70, are connected through the connecting portion 50C, thereby forming a closed loop waste liquid path.

[0178] For example, if excess liquid is discharged from the nozzle 25 to the waste absorption unit 70 during the recording process, the waste liquid can be discharged from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A through both the first waste liquid path and the second waste liquid path. Therefore, the liquid is smoothly discharged from the waste absorption unit 70, and excess liquid is less likely to accumulate in the waste absorption unit 70. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the expansion absorption unit 90 constitutes an example of the first absorption unit. Furthermore, the second waste liquid absorption unit 56 is an example of the second absorption unit.

[0179] Figure 23 While the first waste liquid recovery unit 51 and the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 are depicted separately, they can also be connected in a liquid-movable manner via an opening (not shown) formed on the side of the second waste liquid container 55 and a connecting portion 50C. It should be noted that a configuration where the first waste liquid recovery unit 51 and the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 are separated without the connecting portion 50C is also possible. In other words, a configuration where the first waste liquid recovery unit 51 and the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 are respectively inserted into the device body 12 is also possible.

[0180] like Figure 23 As shown, the height of the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 in this embodiment is longer than that of the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the upper end of the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 can also be located slightly higher than the upper surface of the expansion absorption member 90. The connection portion 141 of the second connection mechanism 140 is provided on the side of the expansion absorption member 90. When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is moved in the insertion direction AD and inserted into the device body 12, the second waste liquid absorption member 56 connects to the connection portion 141. Furthermore, when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is moved in the direction opposite to the insertion direction AD, i.e., the removal direction AD, and removed from the device body 12, the second waste liquid absorption member 56 disengages from the connection portion 141.

[0181] With the waste liquid recovery unit 50 inserted into the main body 12 of the device, the junction 141 is tilted downwards in an orientation that allows liquid to flow from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56. In other words, because the junction 141 is tilted downwards at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal, the waste liquid from the expansion absorption member 90 flows over the junction 141 and is discharged towards the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Thus, in this embodiment, by tilting the junction 141 downwards, gravity is used to move the waste liquid from the expansion absorption member 90 towards the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0182] However, if the junction 141 remains tilted in the same direction as when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 was inserted after the waste liquid recovery unit 50 has been removed from the main body 12, the following technical problem may occur. Specifically, if the junction 141 remains tilted in the same direction as when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 was inserted, the waste liquid flowing from the expansion absorption member 90 onto the junction 141 may drip into the housing of the recording device 11 or onto the mounting surface such as a table or shelf on which the recording device 11 is mounted. In this case, the housing or mounting surface will be contaminated by the waste liquid.

[0183] Therefore, as Figures 26 to 29 As shown, the recording device 11 of this embodiment may also include a blocking mechanism 160, which can temporarily block the liquid exchange between the expansion absorption member 90 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 through the interface 141.

[0184] Composition of the blocking mechanism

[0185] Next, refer to Figures 24 to 26 The composition of the blocking mechanism 160 will be explained.

[0186] The blocking mechanism 160, which temporarily blocks the exchange of waste liquid, is a mechanism that switches one or both of the tilting orientation and the tilting slope of the exchange portion 141. The blocking mechanism 160 is connected to a cam mechanism 150 (see reference 160) that engages with the exchange portion 141. Figure 24 ) and spring 145 (see reference) which is an example of a force-applying component that applies force to the junction 141. Figure 25 Driven by the action of ), the blocking mechanism 160 switches the movement of the user's waste liquid recovery unit 50 toward the insertion direction AD (first movement) and the movement of the user's waste liquid recovery unit 50 toward the withdrawal direction AD (second movement) via the cam mechanism 150 into a tilting action corresponding to the insertion / withdrawal of the junction 141 in the rotation direction.

[0187] The user inserts and removes the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by holding the second waste liquid container 55, which serves as a storage unit. Alternatively, the first waste liquid recovery unit 51 and the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 can be separated in a way that allows them to be inserted separately. In this case, the user also holds the second waste liquid container 55 to insert and remove the second waste liquid recovery unit 52.

[0188] When the user inserts the waste liquid recovery unit 50 into the device body 12, the blocking mechanism 160 tilts the junction 141 downwards. On the other hand, when the user removes the waste liquid recovery unit 50 from the device body 12, the blocking mechanism 160 does not necessarily have to tilt the junction 141 upwards. The tilt of the junction 141 during removal can be any of the following: a downward tilt with a smaller slope than the downward tilt during insertion, a horizontal tilt, or an upward tilt rising from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0189] For example, when the second waste liquid box 55 is pulled out, even if it is only switched to a downward slope with a smaller slope than the downward slope of the junction 141 during insertion, the waste liquid can be prevented from dripping from the front end of the junction 141.

[0190] Furthermore, when the second waste liquid container 55 is pulled out and the slope of the junction 141 becomes horizontal with an inclination angle of 0°, the waste liquid on the junction 141 stops flowing due to its own weight. In other words, by switching the junction 141 to a horizontal position, the waste liquid on the junction 141 stops flowing from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0191] Furthermore, if the junction 141 is switched to an upward tilt (opposite to the downward tilt during insertion) when the second waste liquid container 55 is pulled out, the direction of the waste liquid flow on the junction 141 can be changed to the opposite direction to the downward tilt during insertion. Therefore, waste liquid flows in the junction 141 in the direction of return to the expansion absorption member 90. Thus, the configuration of switching the junction 141 to an upward tilt when the second waste liquid container 55 is pulled out effectively suppresses waste liquid dripping from the front end of the junction 141 after pull-out. Based on this reason, in Figures 26 to 29 The image shows an example of "upward tilt," which has the greatest effect among the options for the tilt direction / slope of the switching junction 141 when the second waste liquid box 55 is pulled out. It should be noted that by setting it to a downward tilt or a horizontal tilt with a small slope, the rotation area of ​​the junction 141 is small, and therefore an appropriate option can be selected depending on the availability of configuration space around the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0192] Figures 26 to 29 The blocking mechanism 160 shown reduces the inclination of the junction 141 from a downward inclination as it descends from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 (see reference). Figure 26 The direction is changed to an upward inclination from the expansion absorption component 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption component 56 (see reference). Figure 29 When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is pulled out, if the junction 141 is tilted upwards, the dripping of waste liquid from the front end of the junction 141 can be prevented. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the blocking mechanism 160 is equivalent to an example of the blocking part.

[0193] Figure 26 The blocking mechanism 160 shown is a mechanism that switches the junction 141 between downward tilting and upward tilting. With the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, the junction 141 is in a first posture, which is a downward tilting posture from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Furthermore, as... Figure 25 , Figure 29 As shown, with the second waste liquid box 55 removed from the main body 12 of the device, the transfer part 141 is in a second posture, which is an upward tilting posture from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0194] Figures 26 to 29 The blocking mechanism 160 shown is a mechanism that switches the tilting orientation of the junction 1 between downward and upward tilting in response to the insertion / removal of the second waste liquid box 55. Therefore, the blocking mechanism 160 includes a rotating shaft 144 (see reference) that supports the junction 141 so that it can rotate. Figure 25 The switching mechanism, which switches the tilting orientation of the junction 141 in accordance with the insertion / removal of the second waste liquid container 55, includes a spring 145 (see reference 145) as an example of a force-applying component. Figure 25 ) and cam mechanism 150, the spring 145 being oriented in a first rotational direction that causes the junction 141 to tilt upwards. Figure 26 The cam mechanism 150 applies force to the junction 141 in a counter-clockwise direction (in the middle). During the insertion of the second waste liquid box 55, the cam mechanism 150 engages with the junction 141, thereby overcoming the force of the spring 145 and causing the junction 141 to rotate in the opposite direction to the first rotation direction, i.e., the second rotation direction. Figure 26 (The center rotates clockwise). By utilizing the cam mechanism 150, the junction 141 is rotated in the second rotation direction against the force of the spring 145, thereby switching the junction 141 from an upward tilting posture to a downward tilting posture.

[0195] Next, the force-applying structure of the cam mechanism 150 and the junction 141 will be described in detail.

[0196] Cam mechanism

[0197] First, refer to Figure 24 The detailed structure of the cam mechanism 150 is explained below.

[0198] like Figure 24As shown, the second waste liquid container portion 55 has an opening 55A on the surface facing the insertion direction AD for the insertion portion 141 to be inserted. The dimension of the opening 55A in the width direction X is slightly longer than the dimension of the portion of the insertion portion 141 in the width direction X. The cam mechanism 150 includes a pair of cam portions 151 and a cam follower surface 142A. The pair of cam portions 151 protrude in the insertion direction AD near the opening 55A of the second waste liquid container portion 55. The cam follower surface 142A is formed by the upper surface of the front end portion of the pull-out direction AD of a pair of side portions 142S on both sides of the retaining portion 142 on both sides of the width direction X. During the insertion of the retaining portion 142 into the opening 55A, the portion of the pair of cam portions 151 opposite to the side portions 142S on both sides of the retaining portion 142 has a cam surface 151A. The cam surface 151A is formed as an inclined surface that is positioned higher the further downstream it is towards the insertion direction AD. On the side portion 142S, a cam follower surface 142A is formed at a position opposite to the cam surface 151A. It should be noted that the cam surface 151A and the cam follower surface 142A may not be a pair but only one.

[0199] During the insertion process of the second waste liquid container 55 moving in the insertion direction AD, the cam surfaces 151A of a pair of cam portions 151 engage with a pair of cam follower surfaces 142A of the holding portion 142, and the upstream end (front end) of the holding portion 142 in the insertion direction AD is pressed downward. As a result, the transfer portion 141 is in a first posture, which is a downward tilting posture from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0200] Furthermore, during the pulling-out process where the second waste liquid box section 55 moves in the pulling-out direction -AD, a pair of cam sections 151 move away from the holding section 142 in the pulling-out direction -AD, thereby causing the connecting section 141 to be held by the spring 145 (see reference). Figure 25 Under the action of the force, the cam follower surface 142A is displaced upward along the cam surface 151A while rotating in the first rotation direction. Through this rotation in the first rotation direction, the junction 141 is changed to a second posture of tilting upward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0201] Force-applying structure at the junction

[0202] Next, refer to Figure 25 , Figure 26 The force-applying structure of the junction 141 will be explained.

[0203] like Figure 25 As shown, the blocking mechanism 160 includes a rotation shaft 144 that supports the holding part 142 so that it can rotate, and a first rotation direction ( Figure 26A spring 145 (rotating counterclockwise) applies force to the retaining part 142. Additionally, the blocking mechanism 160 includes a limiting part 94 (stop) (see reference). Figure 26 The limiting part 94 rotates above the end position limiting and holding part 142 in the rotation direction of the force exerted by the spring 145.

[0204] The retaining part 142 is supported so that it can rotate within a predetermined angle range about the rotation axis 144. The retaining part 142 has a length that allows the expansion absorption member 90 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 to be bridged in a manner that allows waste liquid to flow when the second waste liquid box part 55 is fully inserted into the device body 12. The supporting part 92 supporting the expansion absorption member 90 has a recess 92A at a position corresponding to the downstream end (base end) of the insertion direction AD of the connecting part 141. The connecting part 141 is connected to the expansion absorption member 90 in a manner that allows liquid from the expansion absorption member 90 to be transferred by arranging its base end in the recess 92A. The retaining part 142 has a concave shape when cut in a direction orthogonal to its long side. The retaining part 142 has a bottom and a pair of side parts 142S extending upward on both sides in the width direction X of the bottom. The retaining part 142 holds the absorption member 143 on its inner bottom surface 142B.

[0205] The axial direction of the rotating shaft 144 is perpendicular to (e.g., orthogonal to) the insertion direction AD. Figure 25 , Figure 26 In the example shown, the axial direction of the rotating shaft 144 is oriented in a direction that intersects (e.g., orthogonally) both the insertion direction AD and the vertical direction Z. The rotating shaft 144 supports the retaining part 142 so that it can rotate.

[0206] The junction 141 is subjected to force in a direction from its downward tilting position when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted toward its upward tilting position when the second waste liquid container 55 is removed. In other words, the junction 141 is subjected to force in a first rotational direction by a force-applying component. This force-applying component may also be... Figure 25 , Figure 26 Spring 145 is shown in the figure. Spring 145 can also be... Figure 25 The compression spring is shown. The support member 93, extending horizontally from the support portion 92 of the support expansion absorption member 90 in the pull-out direction AD, is located below the junction portion 141. The spring 145 is clamped between the retaining portion 142 and the support member 93. Therefore, the junction portion 141 is forced by the spring 145 in a first rotational direction from downward tilting to upward tilting. Here, the first rotational direction refers to the junction portion 141 moving from a downward tilting first posture (see reference) where it descends from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Figure 26The orientation becomes an upwardly inclined second posture, rising from the expansion absorption component 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption component 56 (see reference). Figure 28 , Figure 29 The direction of rotation of the spring 145. It should be noted that the spring 145, as an example of a force-applying component, can also be a torsion coil spring assembled around the rotation axis 144 in a manner that can apply force to the junction 141 in the first rotation direction.

[0207] like Figure 25 As shown, the transfer portion 141 includes a holding portion 142 and an absorption member 143 held by the holding portion 142. A groove 142C is formed on the inner bottom surface 142B of the holding portion 142. The groove 142C extends along the long side direction of the holding portion 142. The long side direction of the holding portion 142 is the flow direction of the waste liquid being transferred. Specifically, the groove 142C extends along the long side direction of the holding portion 142 along a path passing through the central portion of the width of the inner bottom surface 142B of the holding portion 142. This groove 142C becomes one of the flow paths for the waste liquid being transferred. It should be noted that the transfer of waste liquid through the transfer portion 141 is carried out by the flow of waste liquid through the groove 142C and the permeation of waste liquid caused by the capillary effect of the absorption member 143. Alternatively, the groove 142C can be formed with a very narrow flow path, and the waste liquid can be transferred along the groove 142C by utilizing the permeation of the capillary effect.

[0208] like Figure 26 As shown, with the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, the junction portion 141 at least partially overlaps with the second waste liquid container 55 in the insertion direction AD. That is, in the state of... Figure 26 In the inserted state shown, there is an overlapping area OL where the junction 141 and the second waste liquid box 55 overlap in the insertion direction AD.

[0209] The function of the second embodiment

[0210] Next, the operation of the recording device 11 in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0211] like Figure 26 As shown, when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the junction 141 engages with the cam 151 and assumes a first posture. This first posture is a downwardly inclined posture as it descends from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. This is because the front end of the junction 141 is pressed downward by the cam 151. Through the downward inclination of the junction 141, waste liquid flows from the expansion absorption member toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0212] like Figure 27 As shown, when the second waste liquid box 55 is removed from the inserted state in the pull-out direction -AD, the junction 141 is rotated in the first rotation direction by the spring 145. Figure 27 The force (counterclockwise) causes it to rotate in the first rotation direction. Figure 27 During the rotation, the connecting portion 141 is in a horizontal position. Furthermore, as the pulling process continues, the front end of the connecting portion 141 is displaced upwards by guiding the cam follower surface 142A along the cam surface 151A. Thus, the connecting portion 141 rotates in the first rotational direction under the force of the spring 145.

[0213] Then, as Figure 28 As shown, when the second waste liquid container 55 moves further from the inserted state towards the pull-out direction -AD, the base end of the connecting portion 141 abuts against the limiting portion 94 (stop), thereby restricting its rotation in the first rotation direction. Additionally, the front end of the connecting portion 141 disengages from the cam portion 151. The connecting portion 141 adopts a second upward tilting posture, rising from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. While the connecting portion 141 is being forced in the first rotation direction by the force of the spring 145, its base end abuts against the limiting portion 94, thus maintaining it in the second posture.

[0214] Then, as Figure 29 As shown, with the second waste liquid container 55 completely removed from its inserted state, the junction 141 is held in a second upward tilted position. In other words, this second position is a downward tilt as it descends from the second waste liquid absorption member 56 toward the expansion absorption member 90. The waste liquid on the junction 141 flows in the direction of returning to the expansion absorption member 90. As a result, dripping of waste liquid from the front end of the junction 141 is suppressed. Therefore, even if the second waste liquid container 55 in its inserted state is removed from the device body 12, dripping of waste liquid from the front end of the junction 141 can be suppressed. As a result, contamination of the device body 12 or its mounting surface by waste liquid can be prevented.

[0215] Furthermore, when inserting a new waste liquid recovery unit 50, the second transfer mechanism 140 causes the transfer portion 141 to rotate in the second rotation direction in the reverse order of its removal. That is, when the user... Figure 29 When the second waste liquid box 55 shown moves in the insertion direction AD, the cam 151 engages with the front end of the junction 141. Figure 28 When the second waste liquid box 55 is further moved in the insertion direction AD, the cam follower surface 142A of the junction 141 is guided by the cam surface 151A, thereby overcoming the force of the spring 145 and rotating in the second rotation direction. Figure 27 ).

[0216] Then, as Figure 26As shown, when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the transfer portion 141 slopes downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56, and the front end of the transfer portion 141 is inserted into the space 55B inside the second waste liquid container 55. As a result, the transfer portion 141 is positioned in the insertion direction AD and partially overlaps with the second waste liquid container 55. Therefore, the waste liquid flowing from the expansion absorption member 90 onto the transfer portion 141 will not leak to the outside of the second waste liquid container 55, but will be reliably transferred to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 inside the second waste liquid container 55.

[0217] According to the second embodiment described above, in addition to obtaining the same effects (1) to (20) as the first embodiment, the following effects can also be obtained.

[0218] (21) With the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, the transfer portion 141 slopes downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Therefore, with the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, liquid can be transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56. In particular, in this embodiment, with the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, the transfer portion 141 slopes downward from the expansion absorption member 90 (an example of the first absorption member) toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 (an example of the second absorption member). The slope of the transfer portion 141 is different when the second waste liquid container 55 is removed from the device body 12 compared to the inserted state. Therefore, not only is it easier to replace the waste liquid absorption member 50A, but also during replacement, it is possible to prevent waste liquid leaking from the part separated from the waste liquid absorption member 50A from soiling surrounding components.

[0219] (22) When the second waste liquid container 55 is removed from the device body 12, the inclination of the junction 141 is any one of the following: a downward inclination with a smaller slope than the downward inclination from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted into the device body 12; a horizontal inclination; or an upward inclination from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Therefore, when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted into the device body 12, liquid can be transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56, and when the second waste liquid container 55 is removed from the device body 12, liquid dripping from the junction 141 can be prevented.

[0220] (23) The device includes a blocking mechanism 160, which is one example of a blocking part. This blocking mechanism 160 can temporarily block the liquid transfer between the expansion absorption member 90 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 through the transfer part 141. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box 55 holding the second waste liquid absorption member 56 is replaced, if the liquid transfer from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 is temporarily blocked by the blocking mechanism 160, even if the second waste liquid absorption member 56 is separated from the expansion absorption member 90, the contamination of the device body 12 by the liquid (waste liquid) transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 can be suppressed.

[0221] (24) The blocking mechanism 160 changes the inclination of the transfer portion 141 from a downward inclination from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 to an upward inclination from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box portion 55 is inserted into the device body 12, liquid can be transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56, and when the second waste liquid box portion 55 is removed from the device body 12, liquid dripping from the transfer portion 141 can be effectively suppressed or prevented.

[0222] (25) With the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, the position of the transfer portion 141 in the insertion direction AD at least partially overlaps with the second waste liquid container 55. Therefore, with the second waste liquid container 55 inserted into the device body 12, leakage of liquid to the outside of the second waste liquid container 55 can be suppressed when liquid is transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0223] (26) It is equipped with a cam mechanism 150, which engages with the junction 141 during the insertion or removal of the second waste liquid box 55 to change the tilt orientation of the junction 141. Therefore, during the insertion or removal of the second waste liquid box 55, the tilt orientation of the junction 141 can be changed with a simple configuration even without a drive source.

[0224] (27) The junction 141 is subjected to force in the direction that is tilted when inserting the second waste liquid box 55 toward the direction that is tilted when pulling out the second waste liquid box 55. Therefore, when pulling out the second waste liquid box 55, the junction 141 can be reliably changed to the tilt that is pulled out.

[0225] (28) A groove 142C is provided on the inner bottom surface 142B of the junction 141. Therefore, liquid can be smoothly transferred through the junction 141.

[0226] Third Implementation Method

[0227] Next, refer to Figure 30The third embodiment will be described. This third embodiment is an example in which the configuration of the junction 141 is changed from that in the second embodiment. The configuration other than the junction 141 is the same as that in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0228] like Figure 30 As shown, the retaining portion 142 of the junction 141, when cut with a plane orthogonal to the long side direction of the retaining portion 142, can also have a V-shaped cross-section. That is, the inner bottom surface of the retaining portion 142 has a V-groove 142D with a V-shaped cross-section. This V-groove 142D can be deeper towards the upstream side of the insertion direction AD, or it can be formed from the middle of the long side direction of the retaining portion 142. Furthermore, as... Figure 30 As shown, the junction 141 may also not have the absorption component 143.

[0229] Fourth Implementation Method

[0230] Next, refer to Figure 31 The fourth embodiment will be described. This fourth embodiment is an example in which the second transfer mechanism is provided on the storage section side.

[0231] like Figure 31 As shown, the recording device 11 includes a second transfer mechanism 170. A transfer portion 171 is provided in the second waste liquid container portion 55. The configuration other than the second transfer mechanism 170 is the same as in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for configurations common to the second embodiment, and descriptions are omitted.

[0232] like Figure 31 As shown, in the waste liquid recovery unit 50, the connecting portion 171 is fixed in a state where it is inserted through the assembly hole 55C of the second waste liquid recovery unit 52. The upstream end of the connecting portion 171 in the insertion direction AD is inserted into the space 55B within the second waste liquid container 55. With the connecting portion 171 and the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 partially overlapping in the insertion direction AD, the connecting portion 171 is fixed relative to the second waste liquid recovery unit 52. Therefore, even when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the position of the connecting portion 171 in the insertion direction AD at least partially overlaps with the second waste liquid container 55. Furthermore, the connecting portion 171 slopes downward from the downstream side towards the upstream side in the insertion direction AD. Therefore, when the second waste liquid container 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the connecting portion 171 slopes downward from the expansion absorption member 90 towards the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0233] Furthermore, a guide portion 95, sloping downwards from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56, extends from the support portion 92 supporting the expansion absorption member 90. The guide portion 95 partially overlaps with the junction portion 171 in the insertion direction AD. Therefore, when the second waste liquid container portion 55 is inserted into the device body 12, liquid from the expansion absorption member 90 drips from the guide portion 95 onto the junction portion 171, where it flows and is transferred to the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Additionally, during the insertion of the second waste liquid container portion 55, the lower surface of the junction portion 171 is guided by a plurality of ribs 93A extending upwards from the support member 93. The front ends of the plurality of ribs 93A are formed as guide surfaces by being sloping upwards towards the downstream side closer to the insertion direction AD. A recess between one rib 93A in the support member 93 and the support portion 92 is located below the front end of the guide portion 95. With the second waste liquid box 55 removed from the main body 12, the liquid dripping from the guide 95 is collected in the recess on the support member 93.

[0234] Alternatively, the junction 171 may have a retaining portion 172 with a concave cross-sectional shape along its long side and an absorbent member 173 held by the retaining portion 172. The upstream end 172A of the retaining portion 172 in the insertion direction AD is inserted into the space 55B within the second waste liquid container portion 55. The absorbent member 173 has the same function as the absorbent member 143 in the second embodiment. The retaining portion 172 may also have a groove on its inner bottom surface similar to the groove 142C in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the retaining portion 172 may have a V-groove with a V-shaped cross-section as in the third embodiment. In this case, the absorbent member 173 may not be required.

[0235] Fifth Implementation Method

[0236] Next, refer to Figure 32 The fifth embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals are used for components common to the first embodiment described above, and descriptions are omitted. In particular, different components will be described. It should be noted that the same applies to the fifth embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

[0237] like Figure 32 As shown, the disassembly and assembly direction of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 of the recording device 11 in the fifth embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 may also be configured to be disassembled and assembled from the side of the recording device 11. That is, the insertion direction of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 toward the device body 12 is parallel to the width direction X.

[0238] like Figure 32As shown, the waste liquid container cover 110 is detached from the right side of the recording device 11, allowing the waste liquid recovery unit 50 to move to the right side of the recording device 11. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 includes a waste liquid absorption member 112 (an example of a second absorption member) and a waste liquid container 111 (an example of a storage member) that holds the waste liquid absorption member 112. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is configured as a unit having approximately the same shape / size as the first waste liquid recovery unit 51 in the first embodiment, with its insertion direction in the width direction X. Therefore, the connecting portion 57, the storage element 58, and the scattering prevention wall 59 are located on the side of the front end in the insertion direction. The connecting portion 57 and the storage element 58 of the waste liquid container 111 are connected / separated by the movement of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 in the width direction X. The waste liquid container cover 110 and the waste liquid container 111 are separate components, arranged in a structure that allows them to be individually attached and detached from the opening 12C of the device body 12. It should be noted that the waste liquid container cover 110 and the waste liquid container 111 can also be detachably configured as a single unit. With this configuration, the user requires less pulling action when removing the waste liquid recovery unit 50, making it easier to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0239] It should be pointed out that it is also possible to... Figure 32 The waste liquid recovery unit 50 shown is configured as a first waste liquid recovery section 51, and is integrally formed with a second waste liquid recovery section 52. However, since the pull-out operation of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is more extensive, the length of the second waste liquid recovery section 52 in the width direction X can be shorter than that in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the second waste liquid recovery section 52 can be separately configured and can be detached from the back side of the recording device 11.

[0240] Sixth Implementation Method

[0241] Next, refer to Figure 33 , Figure 34 The sixth embodiment will be described. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 may also be configured to be detachable from the front surface of the recording device 11. For example... Figure 33 As shown, a waste liquid container cover 120 is provided on the front surface of the recording device 11. Figure 33 In this example, the waste liquid container cover 120 is located below the liquid supply source 17 in the main body 12 of the device. In other words, the waste liquid container cover 120 is located below the window 18 that indicates the liquid volume of the liquid supply source 17.

[0242] like Figure 34As shown, the waste liquid container cover 120 is configured to be rotatable, and the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is movable to be pulled out from the front surface of the recording device 11 towards the front. In other words, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 can be attached to and detached from the front surface of the device body 12. The insertion direction of the waste liquid container 121 is upstream of the transport direction Y. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 has a waste liquid absorption member 122 as an example of a second absorption member and a waste liquid container 121 as an example of a storage portion holding the waste liquid absorption member 122. By reciprocating the waste liquid recovery unit 50 in the front-back direction (depth direction), the coupling portion 57 and the storage element 58 of the waste liquid container 121 are connected / separated from the front surface of the recording device 11 at a rear position within the device body 12. Thus, by configuring the waste liquid recovery unit 50 to be detachable from the front surface side of the recording device 11, the user can easily access it when removing the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0243] In addition, since the display unit 14 with touch panel function is located near the top of the waste liquid container cover 120, it has the advantage that when the operation guide is displayed to the user on the display unit 14 when the waste liquid recycling unit 50 is replaced, the operation guide is nearby and easy for the user to see.

[0244] Seventh Implementation Method

[0245] Next, refer to Figure 35 The seventh embodiment will be described. It can also be applied to a recording device 11 in which a liquid supply source 17 is mounted on the upper part of the carriage 24. For example... Figure 35 As shown, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is configured similarly to that in the first embodiment to be detachable from the back of the recording device 11. Figure 35 As shown, the recording unit 23 has a liquid supply source 17 equipped with an ink canister for replenishing liquids such as ink mounted on the upper part of the carriage 24. The liquid supply source 17 has a separate cover 38 for blocking the injection port. When the user sees that the remaining liquid is low through the window 18, the user opens the cover 38 and inserts the nozzle-shaped supply part of the liquid bottle 125 into the injection port to replenish the ink canister or other liquids to the liquid supply source 17. With the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 inserted into the main body 12 of the device, the waste liquid absorption component 50A is located below the carriage 24, which is located at the liquid replenishment position when the user replenishes the liquid supply source 17. The liquid replenishment position can also be the starting position HP, but it can also be any position other than the starting position HP as long as the waste liquid absorption component 50A can be arranged below the liquid replenishment position.

[0246] According to this configuration, when replenishing ink or other liquids to the liquid supply source 17 at the upper part of the carriage 24, even if liquid is accidentally spilled from the bottle onto the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 located below it, the waste liquid absorption component 50A will absorb the spilled liquid. That is, assuming that liquid is accidentally spilled by the user due to operation before or after replenishing the liquid, it can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorption component 50A of the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 located below the carriage 24 and the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, even in the case of liquid spillage during replenishment, a recording device 11 with higher reliability can be provided.

[0247] Eighth Implementation Method

[0248] Next, refer to Figure 36 The eighth embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 36 As shown, a fan unit 130 equipped with a fan 131 can also be provided above the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50. An air-cooled fan is provided above the waste liquid absorption component 50A held in the waste liquid box 50B. The fan 131 is driven, for example, by the power of the maintenance device 60. The fan 131 rotates using the power from the maintenance device 60, delivering air toward the waste liquid absorption component 50A. Due to the upper opening of the waste liquid box 50B opposite to the fan 131, the air delivered downward from the fan 131 will come into contact with the waste liquid absorption component 50A. By bringing the air into contact with the waste liquid absorption component 50A, the drying of the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorption component 50A is promoted. As a result, the apparent capacity of the waste liquid in the absorption component is increased.

[0249] The fan 131 can be driven synchronously with the maintenance device 60, but it can also be driven directly by the power of the conveyor motor, the feed motor, or a dedicated power source, instead of the power from the maintenance device 60. Thus, the driving timing of the fan 131 may not necessarily be synchronized with the maintenance device 60. Furthermore, the fan 131 can be powered without using the motor's driving force, or by converting a portion of the user's operating force (such as inserting or removing the box 20 or opening / closing the cover) into the fan 131's rotational force.

[0250] Ninth Implementation Method

[0251] Next, refer to Figure 37 The ninth embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 37 As shown, the waste absorption member 70, which is an example of a first absorption member, the transfer mechanism 80, which is an example of a transfer part, the waste liquid absorption member 50A, which is an example of a second absorption member, and the expansion absorption member 90 can also form an annular path capable of transferring liquid.

[0252] The waste absorption component 70 can also be connected to the waste liquid absorption component 50A in a location different from the transfer mechanism 80, in a manner capable of transferring liquid. Figure 37 In the example, the recording device 11 includes a first transfer mechanism 80A and a second transfer mechanism 80B. The first transfer mechanism 80A transfers liquid from the waste absorption member 70 to the first waste liquid absorption member 54 in the waste liquid absorption member 50A, and the second transfer mechanism 80B transfers liquid from the waste absorption member 70 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 in the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the expansion absorption member 90. The first transfer mechanism 80A corresponds to the transfer mechanism 80 of the first embodiment, and the second transfer mechanism 80B has a configuration that is substantially the same as the transfer mechanism 80. That is, the second transfer mechanism 80B includes a first connecting absorption member 81, a second connecting absorption member 82, and a waste liquid guide 83 (also see...). Figure 10 , Figure 11 ).

[0253] Furthermore, a blocking mechanism 85 can also be provided for the second transfer mechanism 80B. That is, a blocking mechanism 85 can also be provided to block the waste liquid transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 in the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The blocking mechanism 85 is controlled by the control unit 100, and is driven in a manner that can block the waste liquid when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed.

[0254] exist Figure 37 In the example, a first path and a second path are formed. The first path is the path through which waste liquid flows from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A (first waste liquid absorption unit 54) via the first transfer mechanism 80A. The second path is the path through which waste liquid flows from the waste absorption unit 70 to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A (second waste liquid absorption unit 56) via the connecting absorption unit 91, the expanding absorption unit 90, and the second transfer mechanism 80B. Furthermore, the first waste liquid absorption unit 54 and the second waste liquid absorption unit 56 are connected via a connecting portion 50C in a manner capable of transferring waste liquid. Therefore, in Figure 37 In the configuration shown, the waste liquid transfer path is formed as a loop shape.

[0255] Therefore, waste liquid from the waste absorption unit 70 is transferred to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A via the first transfer mechanism 80A, and waste liquid transferred from the waste absorption unit 70 to the expansion absorption unit 90 is transferred to the waste liquid absorption unit 50A via the second transfer mechanism 80B. This mitigates the tendency for waste liquid to accumulate in absorption units other than the replaceable waste liquid absorption unit 50A, namely the waste absorption unit 70 and the expansion absorption unit 90, thus improving the overall waste liquid absorption efficiency of each recording device's absorption units.

[0256] It should be pointed out that, in Figure 37 Alternatively, the first transfer mechanism 80A may be omitted, or a third transfer mechanism with the same configuration as the transfer mechanism 80 may be provided between the second expansion absorption member 90B and the second waste liquid absorption member 56. In this way, the waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A can be connected at one or more points via one or more transfer points capable of transferring waste liquid. Furthermore, blocking parts may be provided for all of the multiple transfer points, or at least one of them may be without blocking parts.

[0257] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments can also be modified as shown in the following variations. Furthermore, a suitable combination of the above-described embodiments and the variations shown below can be used as a further variation, as can a suitable combination of the variations shown below can be used as a further variation.

[0258] The connection between the waste absorption component 70 and the waste liquid absorption component 50A is not limited to the connection via the transfer mechanism 80; any connection capable of transferring liquid is sufficient. For example, the connection can be a "contact" where liquid can be transferred via capillary action. Even if separated into a non-contact state, as long as liquid can be transferred through dripping, the connection is included. Furthermore, the connection can also be an indirect connection via an intermediate component such as a transfer part (e.g., a transfer mechanism 80), or a connection via a flow path such as a tank, recess, liquid guide tube, or pipe.

[0259] In the first and seventh embodiments, the second waste liquid recovery unit 52 may be omitted.

[0260] In various embodiments, the blocking mechanism 85 may be omitted. Since the replacement of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is carried out during the recording stop period, the flow rate of waste liquid transferred from the waste absorption component 70 to the waste liquid absorption component 50A is usually small. Therefore, if the replacement time is short and the waste liquid does not drip during this period, the contamination of the waste liquid in the device body 12 can be suppressed.

[0261] The first and second absorbent components can also be located at the same height. For example, the bottom surface of the housing portion holding the first absorbent component can be made into an inclined surface, and the waste liquid of the first absorbent component can flow along the inclined surface to the second absorbent component by gravity.

[0262] The second absorption component can also be located higher than the first absorption component. A pump can also be used to draw waste liquid from the first absorption component to the second absorption component. Alternatively, capillary action can be used to transfer waste liquid upwards via a tank or porous component.

[0263] The waste liquid recycling unit 50 may also be without a waste liquid container 50B. For example, if the sides and bottom of the waste liquid absorption component 50A are treated with waterproofing to prevent waste liquid leakage, then a storage part such as a waste liquid container 50B for holding the waste liquid absorption component 50A may not be necessary.

[0264] When the direction in which the junction extends is the insertion direction AD, it is configured to engage with the cam mechanism and rotate by moving relative to the cam in the insertion direction AD. However, when the junction extends in a direction that intersects the insertion direction AD, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the junction rotates by engaging with the cam mechanism that moves relative to the cam mechanism in a direction that intersects the extension direction of the junction.

[0265] When the junction is configured to have a retaining part, a groove may be formed on the inner bottom surface of the retaining part.

[0266] In the second and third embodiments, the spring 145, as an example of a force-applying component, can also be a tension spring. For example, it can be a tension spring that applies force to the front end of the retaining portion 142 in the first rotational direction.

[0267] In the second and third embodiments, the force-applying component is not limited to the spring 145, as long as it can apply force to the holding part 142 in the first rotation direction. The force-applying component can also be rubber, elastic synthetic resin, sponge (porous component), etc.

[0268] In the second and third embodiments, the transfer mechanism 140 may also be configured without a force-applying component. For example, gravity may be used to apply force to the transfer portion 141 in the first rotation direction. For example, the weight of the portion of the transfer portion 141 closer to the base than the pivot point is greater than the weight of the portion closer to the front. In this case, for example, the length of the arm of the portion of the transfer portion 141 closer to the base than the pivot point is made longer than the length of the arm of the portion closer to the front, or a counterweight is provided in the portion of the transfer portion 141 closer to the base than the pivot point, making the base portion heavier than the front portion. With such a configuration, force can be applied to the transfer portion 141 in the first rotation direction even without a force-applying component such as a spring 145.

[0269] In the fourth embodiment, the junction 171 can also be supported so that it can rotate, instead of being fixed to the waste liquid recovery unit 50 side. Specifically, the junction extends in the insertion direction AD while being rotatably supported on the second waste liquid container 55, which serves as a storage unit. This junction, like the second junction mechanism 140 of the second embodiment, includes a rotating shaft, a force-applying member, a limiting member, and a cam mechanism. The difference from the second embodiment is that in this modified second junction mechanism, the rotating shaft, the force-applying member, and the limiting member are located on the second waste liquid container 55 side, and the cam mechanism is located on the device body 12 side. With the waste liquid recovery unit 50 inserted into the device body 12, the junction 141 adopts a first posture of tilting downwards from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 (see reference). Figure 24 When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed from the main body 12 of the device, the junction 141 of the second junction mechanism 140 switches to a third position in which it is inclined downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 at a greater slope than the first position. According to this configuration, when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed, waste liquid is less likely to drip from the junction 141 of the second junction mechanism 140, and the amount of the junction 141 extending in the insertion direction AD is reduced, thus making the waste liquid recovery unit 50 more compact.

[0270] In the second and third embodiments, the configuration may also be as follows: the power of the maintenance device 60, which forcibly discharges liquid from the nozzle 25 to the cap 61 (an example of a waste liquid receiving section), drives the blocking mechanism 160 (an example of a blocking section). According to this configuration, with the receiving section inserted into the device body 12, the connecting sections 141 and 171 are inclined downwards from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member. Therefore, the downwardly inclined connecting sections 141 and 171 allow liquid to be transferred from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member by their own weight. On the other hand, with the receiving section removed from the device body 12, the power of the maintenance device 60 changes the downward inclination of the connecting sections 141 and 171 from the downward inclination at insertion to an inclination different from this downward inclination (including horizontal). Therefore, even without a force-applying component such as the spring 145, the power of the maintenance device 60 can change the connecting sections 141 and 171 from a downward inclination capable of transferring liquid to a posture capable of blocking liquid transfer. Therefore, when the storage unit is removed from the main body of the device, leakage of waste liquid from the separation part on the main body side can be suppressed. It should be noted that the device can also be configured such that a sensor or other detection unit is provided in the recording device 11 to detect the removal of the storage unit from the main body 12, and the control unit 100 activates the maintenance device 60 when it detects the removal (pull-out) of the storage unit based on the detection signal from the detection unit. Alternatively, the control unit 100 can activate the maintenance device 60 when the user notifies the operation unit of the removal of the storage unit before or after removal.

[0271] In the second and third embodiments, when the storage part is inserted into the device body 12, the power of the maintenance device 60 can be used to change the posture (including horizontal) of the connecting parts 141 and 171 from that during removal (pulling out) to a downward tilt during insertion. That is, with the storage part inserted into the device body 12, the connecting parts 141 and 171 can also be changed from a tilt during removal to a downward tilt from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member using the power of the maintenance device 60. According to this configuration, even without the cam mechanism 150, the power of the maintenance device can be used to change the connecting parts 141 and 171 to a downward tilt when the storage part is inserted into the device body 12. It should be noted that it can also be configured such that a sensor or other detection unit is provided in the recording device 11 to detect the insertion of the storage part into the device body 12, and the control unit 100 drives the maintenance device 60 when the insertion of the storage part is detected by the detection signal from the detection unit. Alternatively, it can be configured such that when the user inserts the storage unit and then operates the operation unit to issue a notification that the insertion is complete, the control unit 100 drives the maintenance device 60.

[0272] Alternatively, both of the above-described modifications can be used, where the driving of the blocking mechanism 160 when removing the storage section from the device body 12 and the downward tilting of the junction when inserting the storage section into the device body 12 are both performed using the power of the maintenance device 60. Here, the driving of the blocking mechanism 160 refers to the drive used to change the downward tilt of the junction sections 141 and 171 to a different tilt (including horizontal). It should be noted that the drive source of the maintenance device 60 is not limited to the conveyor motor that serves as the drive source for the conveyor section 40, and can also be a dedicated motor.

[0273] In the second and third embodiments, the tilt (posture) of the junction portions 141 and 171 when the receiving portion is removed from the device body 12 is only required to be different from the downward tilt of the junction portions 141 and 171 when the receiving portion is inserted into the device body 12. The tilt of the junction portions 141 and 171 is not limited to any of the following: a downward tilt with a slope smaller than the downward tilt from the first absorber member to the second absorber member, a horizontal tilt, or an upward tilt from the first absorber member to the second absorber member. In other words, the tilt of the junction portions when the receiving portion is removed is not limited to a tilt that can suppress the transfer of liquid from the first absorber member to the second absorber member compared to when the receiving portion is inserted. For example, the tilt of the junction portions 141 and 171 can also be a downward tilt with a slope larger than the downward tilt of the junction portions 141 and 171 when the receiving portion is inserted. For example, a waste liquid receiving portion can be provided inside the device body 12 to receive waste liquid leaking from the front end of the junction portions 141 and 171. Alternatively, the junction can be configured such that its slope is greater than the downward slope during insertion, thereby moving the front end of the junction from a position not directly above the waste liquid receiving part to a position directly above the waste liquid receiving part. With this configuration, since the waste liquid dripping from the front end of the junction 141, 171 is collected by the waste liquid receiving part when the receiving part is removed, it is possible to prevent surrounding components from being contaminated by the waste liquid.

[0274] The junction section can also replace the junction sections 141 and 171 in the second and third embodiments described above, and be composed of a retaining section and a tube. That is, the junction flow route is composed of a tube, and the inclination of the retaining section of the support tube is changed. Thus, the inclination of the tube can be changed between a downward inclination when the storage section is in the inserted state and an inclination (including horizontal) that is different from the inserted state when the storage section is in the removed state.

[0275] As an example of a storage unit, the insertion direction AD of the waste liquid box 50B relative to the device body 12 can also be the width direction X. In this case, the first transfer mechanism 80 can also be configured to have the same tiltable transfer portions 141 and 171 as in the second and third embodiments.

[0276] The recording device 11 is not limited to a serial printer in which the recording unit 23 reciprocates in the scanning direction X, but can also be a horizontal printer in which the recording unit 23 can move in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, the recording device 11 can also be a line printer equipped with a liquid ejection head capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid from multiple nozzles across the entire width of the medium, wherein the multiple nozzles are arranged at a certain nozzle pitch across the entire width of the medium at its maximum width.

[0277] The recording device 11 may not be a multifunction printer equipped with a reading unit, but a printer that only has the recording function among the three functions of recording, copying and scanning.

[0278] The medium M is not limited to paper; it can also be flexible plastic film, cloth, non-woven fabric, etc., or it can be a laminate containing multiple layers of synthetic resin and metal.

[0279] The recording device 11 is not limited to a recording device that prints on a medium such as paper, but can also be a printing and dyeing machine that prints on cloth.

[0280] The liquid ejection device is not limited to recording devices such as printers for printing. For example, it can be a device that ejects a liquid formed by dispersing or mixing functional material particles in a liquid to create electrical wiring patterns or pixels of various types of displays such as liquid crystal, EL (electroluminescent), and surface-emitting displays on a substrate, which is an example of a medium. Furthermore, it can be a liquid ejection device for forming three-dimensional objects by ejecting uncured resin liquid. Even with these liquid ejection devices, as long as they have a first absorption member that absorbs the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head without a maintenance device, and a second absorption member that absorbs the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head during maintenance via a maintenance device, and the second absorption member can be detached from the main body of the device, it is acceptable.

[0281] The technical concepts and their effects, as understood based on the above implementation methods and variations, are described below.

[0282] (A) A liquid ejection device includes: an ejector head for ejecting liquid onto a recording material; a support portion disposed opposite to the ejector head and supporting the recording material from below; a first absorption member for absorbing waste liquid discharged from the ejector head onto the outer side of the end of the recording material supported on the support portion; a waste liquid receiving portion for receiving liquid discharged from the ejector head; a second absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion; a receiving portion for holding the second absorption member; and a transfer portion for transferring liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member. When the receiving portion is inserted into the device body, the transfer portion is inclined downwards from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member. When the receiving portion is removed from the device body, the inclination of the transfer portion differs from that in the inserted state. It should be noted that the inclination different from the inserted state may also include horizontal.

[0283] According to this configuration, waste liquid flowing from the nozzle to the end of the recorded material supported on the support is absorbed as waste liquid by the first absorption member. The waste liquid absorbed by the first absorption member is transferred from the first absorption member to the second absorption member. It is sufficient to replace only the receiving part of the second absorption member, which is a part of both the first and second absorption members. Therefore, the replacement of the absorption members is easy, and it is possible to prevent waste liquid leaking from the part separated from the absorption member from soiling surrounding parts during replacement.

[0284] It should be noted that the connection between the first absorption component and the second absorption component is sufficient as long as it is a connection that can transfer liquid. It can be a "contact" that can transfer liquid through capillary action. Even if they are separated into a non-contact state, as long as they can transfer liquid through dripping, it is also included in the connection. This includes indirect connections through intermediates such as transfer components and transfer mechanisms, as well as connections through flow paths such as tanks, recesses, liquid guides, and pipes for liquid flow.

[0285] (B) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, the second absorption component may also be located at a lower position than the first absorption component.

[0286] According to this configuration, liquid can be transferred from the first absorber to the second absorber by gravity through a junction that slopes downwards from the first absorber towards the second absorber. Therefore, liquid can be transferred efficiently from the first absorber to the second absorber. For example, even when the second absorber is replaced, the situation where a large amount of waste liquid remains in the first absorber and is not recovered can be avoided. Furthermore, a pump and its drive unit for liquid transfer are not required; even if a pump is provided, it can be a small pump. Therefore, liquid can be transferred efficiently from the waste absorber to the waste liquid absorber.

[0287] (C) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the inclination of the junction when the receiving part is removed from the device body may be any one of the following: a downward inclination with a smaller slope than the downward inclination from the first absorption member to the second absorption member when the receiving part is inserted into the device body, a horizontal slope, or an upward inclination from the first absorption member to the second absorption member.

[0288] According to this configuration, when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, liquid can be transferred from the first absorption member to the second absorption member, and when the receiving part is removed from the main body of the device, liquid dripping from the receiving part can be prevented.

[0289] (D) In ​​the above-described liquid ejection device, a blocking part may also be provided that can temporarily block the liquid exchange between the first absorption member and the second absorption member through the junction.

[0290] According to this configuration, when the receiving part that holds the second absorber is replaced, if the transfer of liquid from the first absorber to the second absorber is temporarily blocked by the blocking part, then even if the second absorber is separated from the first absorber, the contamination of the device body by the liquid (waste liquid) transferred from the first absorber can be suppressed.

[0291] (E) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the blocking part may also change the inclination of the junction from a downward inclination from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member to an upward inclination from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member.

[0292] According to this configuration, when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, liquid can be transferred from the first absorption member to the second absorption member, and when the receiving part is removed from the main body of the device, liquid can be effectively suppressed or prevented from dripping from the receiving part.

[0293] (F) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the position of the junction in the insertion direction may at least partially overlap with the storage part when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device.

[0294] According to this configuration, when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, leakage of liquid to the outside of the receiving part can be suppressed when liquid is transferred from the first absorption member to the second absorption member.

[0295] (G) The liquid ejection device described above may also include a cam mechanism, which engages with the junction during the insertion or removal of the receiving part to change the orientation of the junction.

[0296] According to this configuration, even without a drive source, the orientation of the junction can be easily changed during the insertion or removal of the storage section.

[0297] (H) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the junction may also be subjected to force in the direction of tilting from when the receiving part is inserted toward when the receiving part is pulled out.

[0298] According to this configuration, when the storage section is pulled out, the junction can be reliably changed to the tilt that occurs during pulling out.

[0299] (I) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, a groove may also be provided on the inner bottom surface of the junction.

[0300] Based on this configuration, the transfer of liquids can be smoothly achieved using the junction.

[0301] (J) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a maintenance device may also be provided to forcibly discharge liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section, and the blocking section is driven by the power of the maintenance device.

[0302] According to this configuration, since the blocking section is driven by the power of the maintenance device, the user does not need to manually switch the blocking section between blocking and connection. For example, the user can switch the blocking section between blocking and connection simply by operating the operating switch, using the power of the maintenance device.

[0303] (K) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a maintenance device may also be provided to forcibly discharge liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving part. When the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, the power of the maintenance device is used to change the tilted posture of the connecting part from the disassembled state to a downward tilt from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member.

[0304] According to this configuration, even without a cam mechanism or other mechanism, the connection part can be tilted downwards when the storage part is inserted into the main body of the device using the power of the maintenance device.

[0305] (L) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the first absorption member may also include: a portion that absorbs the liquid discarded from the ejection head as waste liquid, and an expansion absorption member connected to the portion in a manner that allows liquid to be exchanged, wherein the exchange portion exchanges the liquid between the expansion absorption member and the second absorption member.

[0306] According to this configuration, by including the expansion absorption member, the overall waste liquid absorption capacity of the absorption member of each recording device is increased, thereby reducing the replacement frequency of the second absorption member. In addition, since the transfer section handles the liquid transfer between the expansion absorption member and the second absorption member, it is possible to prevent the liquid volume transferred from the nozzle to the expansion absorption member after discharge from the nozzle from from the expansion absorption member from accumulating in the expansion absorption member.

[0307] (M) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the transfer portion may also be configured to transfer liquid when the receiving portion is inserted into the main body of the device.

[0308] With this configuration, when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, the transfer part can transfer liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member. Therefore, the overall waste liquid absorption efficiency of the absorption members can be improved.

[0309] (N) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a substrate for mounting electronic components may also be provided, and the second absorption component and the substrate are arranged opposite each other across the first absorption component.

[0310] According to this configuration, even if liquids such as ink (waste liquid) leak from the second absorber, the leaked waste liquid can be prevented from flowing onto the substrate. It should be noted that since the first absorber absorbs less liquid than the second absorber, it is preferable that the second absorber is located further away from the substrate than the first absorber.

[0311] (O) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a liquid supply source for supplying liquid to the ejection head and a maintenance device for forcibly discharging liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section may also be provided, and the second absorption member is disposed below the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

[0312] According to this configuration, the second absorption component can absorb waste liquid falling downwards from the maintenance device during cleaning of the nozzle, or during replacement of the liquid supply source or replenishment of the liquid supply source. Therefore, it is possible to suppress contamination of the liquid spraying device by waste liquid.

[0313] (P) In the above-described liquid ejection device, there may also be a liquid supply source that supplies liquid to the ejection head and a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving unit, and the second absorption member has the function of absorbing liquid that is scattered from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

[0314] According to this configuration, the second absorption component can absorb liquid that has splashed from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the liquid discharge device by waste liquid.

[0315] (Q) In the above-described liquid ejection device, there may also be a box for storing the recorded material at a position below the ejection head, and a first feeding section for feeding the recorded material stored in the box one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejection head, and the second absorption member is disposed below the first feeding section in a partially overlapping manner.

[0316] This configuration enables the miniaturization of the liquid ejection device.

[0317] (R) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a second feeding section may also be provided to feed the material to be recorded to the recording position of the ejection head without passing through the flipping section, and the second absorption member is disposed overlappingly below the second feeding section.

[0318] This configuration enables the miniaturization of the liquid ejection device.

[0319] (S) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a flipping section may also be provided, which turns and conveys the recorded material, which has completed the recording of the first side through the ejection head, to the upstream side of the conveying direction of the ejection head, and flips the recorded material so that the second side, which is opposite to the first side, can face the ejection head. The second absorption member is partially overlapped and disposed below the flipping section.

[0320] This configuration enables the miniaturization of the liquid ejection device.

[0321] (T) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a power supply unit for supplying power to the ejection head may also be provided, and the second absorption component and the power supply unit are arranged opposite each other across the first absorption component.

[0322] According to this configuration, since the second absorption component and the power supply unit occupy a significant amount of storage space within the recording device, by separately arranging them on either side of the first absorption component within the recording device, the overall component layout of the recording device can be optimized. Therefore, miniaturization of the recording device is possible.

[0323] (U) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, the bottom surface of the receiving component of the first absorption component may be tilted downward toward the second absorption component.

[0324] With this configuration, the slope of the bottom surface of the receiving section allows the waste liquid absorbed by the first absorption member to flow easily towards the second absorption member. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the bottom surface of the receiving section is horizontal, it is easier to transfer waste liquid from the first absorption member to the second absorption member.

[0325] (V) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the receiving part that houses the second absorbent component may also have a receiving part that can be connected to a needle-shaped connecting part, the connecting part being connected to the front end of a tube connected to a maintenance device, and the receiving part having a scattering prevention wall above the front end on the same side as the receiving part.

[0326] According to this configuration, even if air bubbles of waste liquid generated at the front end of the needle-shaped joint rupture during the disassembly and assembly of the waste liquid box, the ruptured waste liquid can be prevented from scattering by the scattering prevention wall.

[0327] (W) In the above-mentioned liquid ejection device, the front end of the joint after being combined with the joint can also partially contact the second absorption component.

[0328] According to this configuration, when the waste liquid box is disassembled or assembled, the air bubbles of the waste liquid can be suppressed at the front end of the joint.

[0329] (X) In the above-described liquid ejection device, a cover that covers the receiving portion inserted into the main body of the device and a force-applying member disposed between the receiving portion and the cover may also be provided, wherein the force-applying member applies force to the receiving portion in the insertion direction when the cover is closed.

[0330] This design prevents partial insertion during the assembly and disassembly of the waste liquid container.

[0331] (Y) A waste liquid recovery unit is detachably inserted into the main body of a liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device comprising: a support portion for supporting a recording material; a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the nozzle onto the outer side of the end of the recording material supported on the support portion; and a waste liquid receiving portion for receiving liquid discharged from the nozzle as waste liquid. The waste liquid recovery unit comprises: a second absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion; a receiving portion for holding the second absorption member; and a transfer portion for transferring liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member. When the receiving portion is inserted into the main body of the device, the second absorption member is connected in a manner capable of absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion, and the transfer portion is inclined downward from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member. When the receiving portion is removed from the main body of the device, the connection of the second absorption member capable of absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion is released, and the inclination of the transfer portion is different from that when the receiving portion is inserted into the main body of the device. It should be noted that the tilt, different from the insertion state, can also include a horizontal position. Based on this configuration, the same effect as the liquid ejection device described above can be obtained.

[0332] (Z) Waste liquid recovery method is a waste liquid recovery method in a liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection device comprising: a support portion for supporting a recording material; a nozzle for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from the nozzle onto the outer side of the end of the recording material supported on the support portion; a second absorption member for absorbing waste liquid from a waste liquid receiving portion, the waste liquid receiving portion receiving liquid discharged from the nozzle as waste liquid; a receiving portion for holding the second absorption member; and a transfer portion for transferring liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member. In the waste liquid recycling method, the receiving part is detachably installed in the main body of the device. The waste liquid recycling method includes: when the receiving part is inserted into the main body of the device, the second absorption member is connected to the waste liquid flow path in a manner capable of absorbing waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving part, and the connecting part is inclined downward from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member; and when the receiving part is removed from the main body of the device, the connection between the second absorption member and the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving part is released, and the downward inclination of the connecting part changes from the downward inclination when the receiving part is inserted into the main body to an inclination different from the downward inclination. It should be noted that the inclination different from the inserted state may also include horizontal. According to this method, the same effect as the liquid spraying device described above can be obtained.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The nozzle sprays liquid onto the material being recorded. The feed tray is tilted backward to accommodate the material being recorded. The second feed unit feeds the recorded material, placed on the feed tray, one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the nozzle; A support portion is disposed opposite to the nozzle and supports the material being recorded from below; The first absorption component absorbs the waste liquid from the nozzle toward the outside of the end of the recorded material supported on the support portion as waste liquid; The waste liquid receiving unit receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle as waste liquid; The second absorption component absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving unit; The storage section holds the second absorbent component; The junction is where liquid is transferred from the first absorption component to the second absorption component; as well as The blocking section can temporarily block the exchange of liquid between the first absorbent component and the second absorbent component. The second absorption component is located below the second feed section. The blocking part switches the junction between downward tilting and upward tilting.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second absorption component is housed in the second waste liquid box. The second waste liquid box is located at the rear of the device and can be removed from the back of the device.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper part of the second waste liquid box is open.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second waste liquid box is covered by a waste liquid box lid.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The waste liquid container lid can be secured with screws.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second waste liquid box has a handle that allows for easy installation and removal.

7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mark is printed on one end of the back of the storage section.

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