Liquid ejection device

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus in which a moving section is capable of moving one of a liquid ejecting section and a maintenance section toward the other along a first direction. The maintenance section has a first positioning section and a second positioning section. The first positioning section and the second positioning section perform positioning of the maintenance section and the liquid ejecting section by abutting against the liquid ejecting section. The first positioning section is provided at a position farther from a reference point at which the moving section acts on one of the liquid ejecting section and the maintenance section than the second positioning section in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first positioning section abuts against the liquid ejecting section before the second positioning section when one of the liquid ejecting section and the maintenance section moves toward the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid ejection device capable of ejecting liquid. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device that records data on a medium by ejecting liquid from a liquid ejection section. Furthermore, the liquid ejection device includes a maintenance section for maintaining the liquid ejection section. This maintenance section may include, for example, a cover that covers the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection section and a wiping section that wipes the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection section.

[0003] In such a liquid ejection device, either the liquid ejection section or the maintenance section can move towards the other. Furthermore, the maintenance section includes a positioning section. The positioning section abuts against the liquid ejection section, thus positioning the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-55782

[0005] However, in such liquid ejection devices, the positioning of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section is sometimes unstable. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a liquid ejection section capable of ejecting liquid; a maintenance section for maintaining the liquid ejection section; and a moving section capable of moving one of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section toward the other along a first direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions. The maintenance section has a first positioning section and a second positioning section, which position the maintenance section and the liquid ejection section by abutting against the liquid ejection section. With a reference point on which the moving section acts on one of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section, the first positioning section is disposed at a position further away from the reference point in a second direction intersecting the first direction than the second positioning section. When the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section move toward the other, the first positioning section abuts against the liquid ejection section before the second positioning section. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section.

[0010] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram showing the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the cover.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the first positioning part.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the second positioning part.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0016] C...Second moving direction; C1...Conveying direction; C2...Opposite direction; D...First moving direction; D1...Ejection direction; D2...Opposite direction; L0~L3...Length; P11...Ejection position; P12...Maintenance position; P13...Retreat position; P21...Standby position; P22...Implementation position; R1...First area; R2...Second area; VL1...First imaginary line; VL2...Second imaginary line; VL3...Third imaginary line; VL4...Fourth imaginary line; X...Width direction; X1...First width direction; X2...Second width direction; Z...Vertical direction; Z1...Above; Z2...Below; 11...Liquid ejection device; 12...Housing; 13...Media receiving section; 14...Paper feeding section; 15...Conveying path; 16...Conveying section; 17...Stacking section; 18...Conveying roller; 19...Conveying belt; 20...Pulley; 21...Liquid ejection section; 22...Maintenance section; 23...Maintenance moving section; 24...Moving section; 25...Control section; 30...Nozzle section; 31... 32... Nozzle; 33... First rack; 34... First wheel; 34A... First rotating shaft; 35... First drive source; 36... First abutted portion; 36A... First guide surface; 36B... First abutted surface; 37... Second abutted portion; 37A... Second guide surface; 37B... Second abutted surface; 40... Cover portion; 41... Cover member; 41A... Wall portion; 41B... Opening portion; 41C... First acute angle portion; 41D... Second acute angle portion; 41E... First obtuse angle portion; 41F... 42...Second obtuse angle portion; 43...Second rack; 44...Second wheel; 44A...Second rotating shaft; 45...Second drive source; 46...First positioning portion; 46A...First guide portion; 46B~46E...Extension portion; 46B...First extension portion; 46F...First abutting surface; 47...Second positioning portion; 47A...Second guide portion; 47B~47E...Extension portion; 47B...Second extension portion; 47F...Second abutting surface; 48...Base; 48A...Upper surface; 99...Medium. Detailed Implementation

[0017] First Implementation Method

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the liquid ejection device of this embodiment will be positioned on a horizontal plane, and the direction intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) the vertical direction Z will be defined as the width direction X. One of the width directions X will be defined as the first width direction X1, and the other width direction X will be defined as the second width direction X2. The upper part of the vertical direction Z will be defined as upper Z1, and the lower part of the vertical direction Z will be defined as lower Z2.

[0019] Structure of liquid ejection device 11

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 is a device capable of ejecting liquid. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be an inkjet printer that records by ejecting ink, an example of a liquid, from a medium. The medium can be, for example, paper, fabric, vinyl resin, plastic parts, metal parts, etc.

[0021] The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a housing 12, a media receiving section 13, a paper feeding section 14, a conveying path 15, a conveying section 16, and a stacking section 17. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include multiple media receiving sections 13 and a paper feeding section 14 in the same number as the media receiving sections 13.

[0022] The housing 12 is configured to house various components constituting the liquid ejection device 11. The media receiving section 13 may also be capable of housing multiple media 99 in a stacked state. The paper feeding section 14 feeds the media 99 housed in the corresponding media receiving section 13 one sheet at a time to the transport path 15.

[0023] The transport path 15 is the path for transporting the medium 99 through the transport section 16. The transport path 15 connects the medium receiving section 13 to the stacking section 17. Figure 1 In the image, the transport path 15 is shown by a dashed line. The stacking section 17 receives the transported medium 99.

[0024] The conveying unit 16 conveys the medium 99 fed by the paper feeding unit 14 along the conveying path 15. The conveying unit 16 discharges the conveyed medium 99 to the stacking unit 17. The conveying unit 16 may also be equipped with multiple conveying rollers 18. The multiple conveying rollers 18 convey the medium 99 by rotating while clamping the medium 99.

[0025] The conveying unit 16 may also include a ring-shaped conveyor belt 19 and a pair of pulleys 20. The conveyor belt 19 is suspended from the pair of pulleys 20. The conveyor belt 19 conveys the medium 99 along the conveying direction C1 by rotating while the medium 99 is adsorbed. The conveyor belt 19 functions as an example of a support for supporting the medium 99.

[0026] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection section 21. The liquid ejection section 21 is capable of ejecting liquid. The liquid ejection section 21 is positioned along the conveying path 15. The liquid ejection section 21 is configured to eject liquid onto the medium 99 supported by the conveyor belt 19, thereby recording on the medium 99. The liquid ejection section 21 may also be configured to eject liquid in an ejection direction D1. The ejection direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction C1 of the medium 99. Alternatively, the angle between the ejection direction D1 and the horizontal direction may be 15 degrees.

[0027] The liquid ejection section 21 is a horizontal head, but it can also be a vertical head. A horizontal head is a head that can eject liquid all over the width of the medium 99. A vertical head is a head that scans along the width direction X relative to the medium 99.

[0028] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a maintenance unit 22. The maintenance unit 22 performs maintenance on the liquid ejection unit 21. Although details will be described later, the maintenance unit 22 can perform maintenance on the liquid ejection unit 21 while it is in contact with the nozzle surface 32 of the liquid ejection unit 21.

[0029] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a maintenance moving part 23. The maintenance moving part 23 enables the maintenance part 22 to move along a second moving direction C. The second moving direction C is along the conveying direction C1. The second moving direction C includes the conveying direction C1 and the opposite direction C2 of the conveying direction C1. The second moving direction C is a direction that intersects both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction Z.

[0030] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a moving part 24. The moving part 24 is configured to move the liquid ejection part 21 along a first moving direction D. The first moving direction D is along the ejection direction D1. The first moving direction D includes the ejection direction D1 and the opposite direction D2 of the ejection direction D1. The first moving direction D is a direction that intersects the horizontal direction and the vertical direction Z.

[0031] The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a control unit 25. The control unit 25 provides overall control over the driving of each mechanism in the liquid dispensing device 11 and controls various actions performed by the liquid dispensing device 11. In particular, the control unit 25 may also control the paper feeding unit 14, the conveying unit 16, the liquid dispensing unit 21, the maintenance moving unit 23, and the moving unit 24.

[0032] The control unit 25 can be configured as a circuit including the following structures: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. For example, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memories such as RAM and ROM, which store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes all readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0033] Structure of liquid ejection section 21 and maintenance section 22

[0034] Here, refer to Figures 2-5 The structures related to the liquid ejection section 21 and the maintenance section 22 will be described.

[0035] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the liquid ejection section 21 includes a nozzle section 30. The nozzle section 30 is configured to eject liquid. The nozzle section 30 includes a nozzle 31 and a nozzle surface 32. The nozzle section 30 may also include multiple nozzles 31. The nozzle 31 is configured to eject liquid. The nozzle 31 opens at the nozzle surface 32. In other words, the nozzle surface 32 is configured to allow the nozzle 31 to open. The nozzle surface 32 is a surface orthogonal to the ejection direction D1. Thus, the liquid ejection section 21 can eject liquid in the ejection direction D1, which is perpendicular to the nozzle surface 32.

[0036] The liquid ejection section 21 includes a first rack 33. The first rack 33 is disposed on the side opposite to the conveying direction C1 of the liquid ejection section 21, on the side C2. The first rack 33 is configured to extend along the first moving direction D.

[0037] The movable part 24 may also be located Z2 below the liquid ejection part 21. The movable part 24 includes a first wheel 34. The first wheel 34 is pivotally connected in such a way that it can rotate about a first rotation axis 34A. The first rotation axis 34A is configured to extend along the width direction X. The first wheel 34 can engage with the first rack 33.

[0038] The moving part 24 includes a first drive source 35. The first drive source 35 is the drive source for the first wheel 34. The first drive source 35 may also be an electric motor. The moving part 24 uses the power from the first drive source 35 to rotate the first wheel 34 around the first rotation axis 34A. The moving part 24 moves the liquid ejection part 21 along the first moving direction D by engaging the rotating first wheel 34 with the first rack 33.

[0039] Thus, the moving part 24 interacts with the liquid ejection part 21 in the opposite direction C2 of the conveying direction C1. In other words, the point of action of the moving part 24 on the liquid ejection part 21 is the side opposite to the conveying direction C1 of the liquid ejection part 21, C2.

[0040] The liquid ejection section 21, driven by the moving section 24, can move along the first moving direction D to... Figure 2 The ejection position shown is P11. Figure 3 The maintenance location P12 shown, and Figure 4 The retraction position P13 is shown. In other words, the moving part 24 can move the liquid ejection part 21 to the ejection position P11, the maintenance position P12, and the retraction position P13.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the ejection position P11 is the position where the liquid ejection section 21 ejects liquid into the medium 99. Among the ejection position P11, maintenance position P12, and retraction position P13, the ejection position P11 is the position where the liquid ejection section 21 is closest to the conveyor belt 19.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, maintenance position P12 is the position when maintenance is performed on the liquid ejection section 21. Maintenance position P12 is, for example, a position further away from the conveyor belt 19 than the ejection position P11. Maintenance position P12 is, for example, a position closer to the conveyor belt 19 than the retreat position P13.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the retraction position P13 is the position when the liquid ejection section 21 is retracted. Among the ejection position P11, maintenance position P12, and retraction position P13, the retraction position P13 is the position furthest from the conveyor belt 19.

[0044] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the maintenance section 22 includes a cover 40. The cover 40 is located on the side opposite to the spray direction D1 of the maintenance section 22, in the direction D2. The cover 40 can cover the nozzle surface 32. The cover 40 is used for maintenance of the liquid spray section 21.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover portion 40 includes a cover member 41. The cover portion 40 may also include one or more cover members 41. The cover portion 40 may have four cover members 41, but may also have one to three or more cover members 41.

[0046] The cover member 41 can cover the nozzle surface 32. The cover member 41 seals the liquid spraying part 21 by contacting it. The so-called sealing refers to the maintenance of reducing the drying of the liquid inside the nozzle 31 by forming a closed space covering the nozzle 31.

[0047] The cover 40 can also maintain the liquid ejection section 21 by receiving the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection section 21 during rinsing. Rinsing is the action of properly ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection section 21. Rinsing is a maintenance measure to prevent clogging of the nozzle 31. In addition to sealing and rinsing, the maintenance section 22 can also perform maintenance on the liquid ejection section 21 such as pressurized cleaning.

[0048] The cover member 41 includes a wall portion 41A and an opening portion 41B. The wall portion 41A is provided at the outer edge of the cover member 41. The wall portion 41A is configured to surround the outer edge of the opening portion 41B. The wall portion 41A protrudes in the opposite direction D2 to the ejection direction D1. The opening portion 41B opens in the opposite direction D2 to the ejection direction D1. The cover member 41, through the opening portion 41B, contacts the liquid ejection portion 21, thereby forming a closed space for the nozzle 31 to open.

[0049] The cover member 41 is disposed in the second region R2 within the first region R1. When viewed from the opposite direction D2 of the ejection direction D1, the first region R1 is rectangular in shape with a width W and a height H. When viewed from the opposite direction D2 of the ejection direction D1, the second region R2 is parallelogram-shaped. In other words, the cover member 41 is configured to be a parallelogram shape when viewed from the first movement direction D. The width W may also be longer than the height H. In other words, the cover member 41 may also have its longer side in the width direction X.

[0050] The cover member 41 includes a first acute angle portion 41C and a second acute angle portion 41D. When viewed from the first moving direction D along the ejection direction D1, the first acute angle portion 41C forms an acute angle on one side of the parallelogram shape. Specifically, the first acute angle portion 41C forms an acute angle on the side of the first width direction X1 of the parallelogram shape. On the other hand, when viewed from the first moving direction D along the ejection direction D1, the second acute angle portion 41D forms an acute angle on the other side of the parallelogram shape. Specifically, the second acute angle portion 41D forms an acute angle on the side of the second width direction X2 of the parallelogram shape.

[0051] The cover member 41 includes a first obtuse angle portion 41E and a second obtuse angle portion 41F. When viewed from the first moving direction D along the ejection direction D1, the first obtuse angle portion 41E forms an obtuse angle on one side of the parallelogram shape. Specifically, the first obtuse angle portion 41E forms an obtuse angle on the side of the first width direction X1 of the parallelogram shape. On the other hand, when viewed from the first moving direction D along the ejection direction D1, the second obtuse angle portion 41F forms an obtuse angle on the other side of the parallelogram shape. Specifically, the second obtuse angle portion 41F forms an obtuse angle on the side of the second width direction X2 of the parallelogram shape.

[0052] like Figures 2-4As shown, the cover 40 includes a force-applying part 42. The force-applying part 42 applies force to the cover member 41 toward the nozzle 30. Applying force means pushing the object back when a force is applied to it. The force-applying part 42 may be, for example, a spring. When the liquid ejection part 21 moves from the retracted position P13 to the maintenance position P12 along the first moving direction D, the force-applying part 42 overcomes the moving direction of the liquid ejection part 21 and applies force to the cover member 41 toward the nozzle 30 while the cover member 41 covers the nozzle surface 32. As a result, the nozzle 30 is pressed into the cover member 41 against the force applied by the force-applying part 42.

[0053] The maintenance unit 22 includes a second rack 43. The second rack 43 is disposed on the ejection direction D1 side of the maintenance unit 22. The second rack 43 is configured to extend along the second movement direction C.

[0054] The maintenance moving part 23 includes a second wheel 44. The second wheel 44 is pivotally connected in a manner that allows it to rotate about a second rotation axis 44A. The second rotation axis 44A is configured to extend along the width direction X. The second wheel 44 can engage with the second rack 43.

[0055] The maintenance moving part 23 includes a second drive source 45. The second drive source 45 is the drive source for the second wheel 44. The second drive source 45 may also be an electric motor. The maintenance moving part 23 uses the power from the second drive source 45 to rotate the second wheel 44 about the second rotation axis 44A. The maintenance moving part 23 moves the maintenance part 22 along the second moving direction C by engaging the rotating second wheel 44 with the second rack 43.

[0056] Maintenance unit 22 can move along the second moving direction C by being driven by maintenance moving unit 23. Figure 2 The standby position P21 shown is... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The implementation position P22 is shown. In other words, the maintenance moving unit 23 can move the maintenance unit 22 to the standby position P21 and the implementation position P22.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the standby position P21 is the position where the liquid ejector 21 ejects liquid into the medium 99. The standby position P21 is the position where the cover member 41 is not facing the nozzle surface 32. The standby position P21 is a position deviating from the moving area of ​​the liquid ejector 21. In other words, the standby position P21 is the position where the liquid ejector 21 can move to the ejection position P11.

[0058] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, implementation position P22 is the position when maintenance is being performed on the liquid ejection section 21. Implementation position P22 is the position where the cover member 41 faces the nozzle surface 32. Implementation position P22 is the position between the liquid ejection section 21 and the conveyor belt 19 at the retracted position P13. Implementation position P22 is the position where the cover member 41 can cover the nozzle surface 32.

[0059] The control unit 25 controls the maintenance moving unit 23 to move the maintenance unit 22 between the standby position P21 and the implementation position P22 when the liquid ejection unit 21 is in the retracted position P13. When the liquid ejection unit 21 is not in the retracted position P13, the control unit 25 does not move the maintenance unit 22 from the standby position P21 to the implementation position P22.

[0060] The control unit 25 can also control the moving unit 24 to temporarily retract the liquid ejection unit 21 to the retracted position P13 when the liquid ejection unit 21 is moved between the ejection position P11 and the maintenance position P12. Specifically, the control unit 25 controls the moving unit 24 to move the liquid ejection unit 21 from the retracted position P13 to the ejection position P11 when the maintenance unit 22 is in the standby position P21. The control unit 25 does not move the liquid ejection unit 21 from the retracted position P13 to the ejection position P11 when the maintenance unit 22 is in the implementation position P22. The moving unit 24 controls the moving unit 24 to move the liquid ejection unit 21 from the retracted position P13 to the maintenance position P12 when the maintenance unit 22 is in the implementation position P22.

[0061] In this way, when the maintenance unit 22 is in the implementation position P22, the moving part 24 can move the liquid ejection part 21 toward the maintenance unit 22 along the first moving direction D.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover portion 40 has a first positioning portion 46 and a second positioning portion 47 as a positioning portion, but it may also have more than three positioning portions. Thus, the maintenance portion 22 has a first positioning portion 46 and a second positioning portion 47.

[0063] The first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 position the cover part 40 and the liquid spraying part 21 by abutting against the liquid spraying part 21. Specifically, when the cover part 40 contacts the liquid spraying part 21 as it moves toward the cover part 40, the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 restrict the relative movement of the cover part 40 and the liquid spraying part 21 in the second movement direction C. When the cover part 40 contacts the liquid spraying part 21 as it moves toward the cover part 40, the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 restrict the relative movement of the cover part 40 and the liquid spraying part 21 in the first movement direction D.

[0064] The first positioning part 46 is located on the conveying direction C1 side with the center of the second region R2 as a reference in the second moving direction C. The first positioning part 46 is positioned across the first imaginary line VL1. The first imaginary line VL1 is an imaginary line along the width direction X and is an imaginary line that passes through the first obtuse angle portion 41E along the upper edge of the second region R2. In other words, a portion of the first positioning part 46 is provided in the region that overlaps with the first obtuse angle portion 41E in the width direction X.

[0065] The first positioning part 46 is located on the first width direction X1 side of the second region R2 in the width direction X. The first positioning part 46 is disposed across the second imaginary line VL2. The second imaginary line VL2 is an imaginary line along the second movement direction C and is an imaginary line passing through the first acute angle 41C. In other words, a portion of the first positioning part 46 is disposed in the region that overlaps with the first acute angle 41C in the second movement direction C.

[0066] On the other hand, the second positioning part 47 is located on the opposite side of the conveying direction C1, C2, with the center of the second region R2 as a reference. The second positioning part 47 is positioned across the third imaginary line VL3. The third imaginary line VL3 is an imaginary line along the width direction X, and is an imaginary line that passes through the second obtuse angle portion 41F along the lower edge of the second region R2. In other words, a portion of the second positioning part 47 is provided in the region that overlaps with the second obtuse angle portion 41F in the width direction X.

[0067] The second positioning part 47 is located on the second width direction X2 side of the second region R2 in the width direction X. The second positioning part 47 is disposed across the fourth imaginary line VL4. The fourth imaginary line VL4 is an imaginary line along the second movement direction C and is an imaginary line passing through the second acute angle 41D. In other words, a portion of the second positioning part 47 is disposed in the region that overlaps with the second acute angle 41D in the second movement direction C.

[0068] Thus, the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 are positioned in the second moving direction C at the clamping position of the cover member 41. Furthermore, the first positioning part 46 is positioned closer to the conveying direction C1 than the second positioning part 47. Additionally, a first rack 33 is provided on the side opposite to the conveying direction C1 of the liquid ejection part 21, at the direction C2. Therefore, it can be said that, with the point of action of the moving part 24 on the liquid ejection part 21 as a reference, the first positioning part 46 is positioned in the second moving direction C at a position farther from the reference than the second positioning part 47. Furthermore, the first positioning part 46 is positioned Z1 above the second positioning part 47 in the vertical direction Z.

[0069] Structure of positioning parts 46 and 47

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 6-8The first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 will be described.

[0071] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the cover portion 40 has a base portion 48. The first positioning portion 46 and the second positioning portion 47 are configured to extend from the upper surface 48A of the base portion 48 toward the opposite direction D2 of the ejection direction D1.

[0072] The first positioning part 46 may also include a first guide part 46A. The first guide part 46A is configured to protrude from the upper surface 48A of the base 48 in the opposite direction D2 to the ejection direction D1. The first guide part 46A may also be cylindrical.

[0073] The first guide portion 46A, by abutting against the first contact portion 36 of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the second moving direction C, can suppress the deviation of the liquid ejection portion 21 from the second moving direction C. Thus, the first guide portion 46A guides the movement of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the first moving direction D.

[0074] The first positioning part 46 may also include multiple extension parts 46B to 46E. Each of the multiple extension parts 46B to 46E is configured to protrude from the upper surface 48A of the base 48 in a direction D2 opposite to the ejection direction D1. The multiple extension parts 46B to 46E are integrally formed with the first guide part 46A, but may also be provided independently. The multiple extension parts 46B to 46E may also function as ribs of the first guide part 46A.

[0075] The multiple extension portions 46B to 46E are configured to extend from the first guide portion 46A along the second moving direction C and the width direction X, respectively. The multiple extension portions 46B to 46E may also be shorter than the first guide portion 46A in the first moving direction D, with the upper surface 48A of the base portion 48 as a reference.

[0076] Multiple extension portions 46B to 46E each include a first extension portion 46B. The first extension portion 46B is configured to extend from the first guide portion 46A in the transport direction C1. The first extension portion 46B includes a first contact surface 46F. The first contact surface 46F is a surface facing the opposite direction D2 of the ejection direction D1. The first contact surface 46F is a surface facing the first contacted portion 36 of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the opposite direction D2 of the ejection direction D1. In other words, the first contact surface 46F is a surface that can contact the first contacted portion 36 of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the first movement direction D.

[0077] The second positioning part 47 may also include a second guide part 47A. The second guide part 47A is configured to protrude from the upper surface 48A of the base 48 in the opposite direction D2 to the ejection direction D1. The second guide part 47A may also be cylindrical.

[0078] The second guide portion 47A, by abutting against the second abutted portion 37 of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the second moving direction C, can suppress the deviation of the liquid ejection portion 21 from the second moving direction C. Thus, the second guide portion 47A guides the movement of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the first moving direction D.

[0079] The second positioning part 47 may also have multiple extension parts 47B to 47E. Each of the multiple extension parts 47B to 47E is configured to protrude from the upper surface 48A of the base 48 in a direction D2 opposite to the ejection direction D1. The multiple extension parts 47B to 47E are integrally formed with the second guide part 47A, but they can also be provided independently. The multiple extension parts 47B to 47E can also function as ribs of the second guide part 47A.

[0080] The multiple extension portions 47B to 47E are configured to extend from the second guide portion 47A along the second moving direction C and the width direction X, respectively. The multiple extension portions 47B to 47E may also be shorter than the second guide portion 47A in the first moving direction D, with the upper surface 48A of the base portion 48 as a reference.

[0081] Multiple extension portions 47B to 47E each have a second extension portion 47B. The second extension portion 47B is configured to extend from the second guide portion 47A in the conveying direction C1. The second extension portion 47B has a second abutting surface 47F. The second abutting surface 47F is a surface facing the opposite direction D2 to the ejection direction D1. The second abutting surface 47F is a surface facing the second abutted portion 37 of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the ejection direction D1. In other words, the second abutting surface 47F is a surface that can abut against the second abutted portion 37 of the liquid ejection portion 21 in the ejection direction D1.

[0082] The liquid ejection section 21 includes a first abutting portion 36. The first abutting portion 36 abuts against a first positioning portion 46. The first abutting portion 36 is configured to protrude toward the ejection direction D1. The first abutting portion 36 is movable along the first movement direction D as the liquid ejection section 21 moves.

[0083] The first contact portion 36 has a first guide surface 36A. The first guide surface 36A is a surface facing the opposite direction C2 to the conveying direction C1. The first guide surface 36A is a surface guided by the first guide portion 46A as the liquid ejection portion 21 moves. In other words, the first contact portion 36 is guided by the first guide portion 46A.

[0084] The first abutting part 36 has a first abutting surface 36B. The first abutting surface 36B is a surface facing the ejection direction D1. The first abutting surface 36B is opposite to the first abutting surface 46F of the first positioning part 46.

[0085] The liquid ejection section 21 includes a second abutting section 37. The second abutting section 37 abuts against the second positioning section 47. The second abutting section 37 is configured to protrude in the ejection direction D1. The second abutting section 37 is movable along the first movement direction D as the liquid ejection section 21 moves.

[0086] The second contact portion 37 has a second guide surface 37A. The second guide surface 37A is a surface facing the opposite direction C2 to the conveying direction C1. The second guide surface 37A is a surface guided by the second guide portion 47A as the liquid ejection portion 21 moves. In other words, the second contact portion 37 is guided by the second guide portion 47A.

[0087] The second abutting part 37 has a second abutting surface 37B. The second abutting surface 37B is a surface facing the ejection direction D1. The second abutting surface 37B is opposite to the second abutting surface 47F of the second positioning part 47.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, it is also possible that, in the first moving direction D, with the upper surface 48A of the base 48 as a reference, the first guide portion 46A is longer by a length L1 than the second guide portion 47A. Alternatively, in the first moving direction D, with the upper surface 48A of the base 48 as a reference, the first abutting surface 46F is longer by a length L2 than the second abutting surface 47F. In other words, it is also possible that, in the first moving direction D, the first positioning portion 46 is longer than the second positioning portion 47. Furthermore, the first positioning portion 46 may also be positioned in the first moving direction D closer to the liquid ejection portion 21 than the second positioning portion 47. Additionally, the second abutted portion 37 may also be positioned closer to the upper surface 48A of the base 48 by a length L3 than the first abutted portion 36.

[0089] Moreover, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the first abutting part 36 abuts against the first abutting surface 46F, the second abutting part 37 does not abut against the second abutting surface 47F. More specifically, when the first abutting part 36 abuts against the first abutting surface 46F, the second abutting part 37 is separated from the second abutting surface 47F by a separation length L0. Therefore, the first positioning part 46 abuts against the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47 when the liquid ejection part 21 moves towards the maintenance part 22.

[0090] The distance between the first contact surface 46F and the first contacted surface 36B can also be defined as a distance equivalent to the minimum amount of sinking required for the positioning of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 relative to the first moving direction D. On the other hand, the distance between the second contact surface 47F and the second contacted surface 37B can also be defined as a distance equivalent to the maximum amount of sinking, such that the liquid ejection part 21 does not excessively contact the maintenance part 22. In this embodiment, the first moving direction D corresponds to an example of a first direction, and the second moving direction C corresponds to an example of a second direction.

[0091] The role of the first embodiment

[0092] The function of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0093] When the maintenance unit 22 is in the implementation position P22, the liquid ejection unit 21 moves from the retraction position P13 to the maintenance position P12 by the action of the moving unit 24. The moving unit 24 interacts with the liquid ejection unit 21 in the opposite direction C2 of the conveying direction C1.

[0094] In this configuration, the liquid ejection section 21 moves in the ejection direction D1 such that the first guide surface 36A follows the first guide portion 46A of the maintenance section 22 and the second guide surface 37A follows the second guide portion 47A of the maintenance section 22. Thus, the liquid ejection section 21 is positioned relative to the maintenance section 22 in the second movement direction C. Furthermore, the liquid ejection section 21 is positioned relative to the maintenance section 22 in the first movement direction D by abutting with the first abutting surface 46F via the first abutting surface 36B.

[0095] Previously, sometimes when the liquid ejection section 21 moves toward the maintenance section 22, in the second moving direction C, the positioning section closer to the action point of the moving section 24 abuts before the positioning section farther from the action point of the moving section 24. In such cases, the liquid ejection section 21 sometimes rotates to an excessive angle relative to the direction farther from the maintenance section 22, using the positioning section closer to the action point of the moving section 24 as a fulcrum. This phenomenon is the cause of reduced positioning accuracy between the liquid ejection section 21 and the maintenance section 22.

[0096] In particular, when the first moving direction D of the liquid ejector 21 is tilted from the vertical direction Z, the weight of the liquid ejector 21 relative to the first moving direction D decreases. In such a structure, there is also a tendency for the liquid ejector 21 to rotate to an excessive angle relative to the direction away from the maintenance part 22.

[0097] Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid ejection section 21 is configured such that when it moves toward the maintenance section 22 along the first moving direction D, the first abutting surface 36B abuts against the first abutting surface 46F before the second abutting surface 37B abuts against the second abutting surface 47F. In other words, when the first abutting surface 36B abuts against the first abutting surface 46F, the second abutting surface 37B does not abut against the second abutting surface 47F.

[0098] Therefore, when the first contact surface 36B and the first contact surface 46F come into contact, the force acting on the liquid ejection part 21 from the moving part 24 is transmitted to the first contact surface 46F via the first contact surface 36B. The liquid ejection part 21 experiences resistance from the first contact surface 46F via the first contact surface 36B. For the liquid ejection part 21, experiencing resistance from the first contact surface 46F via the first contact surface 36B, compared to experiencing resistance from the second contact surface 47F via the second contact surface 37B, allows the liquid ejection part 21 to rotate at a smaller angle away from the maintenance part 22. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be improved.

[0099] Effects of the first implementation method

[0100] The effects of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0101] (1) Taking the point of action of the moving part 24 on the liquid ejection part 21 as a reference, the first positioning part 46 is positioned further away from the reference than the second positioning part 47 in the second moving direction C. When the liquid ejection part 21 moves toward the maintenance part 22, the first positioning part 46 comes into contact with the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47. Therefore, the liquid ejection part 21 can move toward the maintenance part 22 in a way that prevents the second positioning part 47 from coming into contact with the liquid ejection part 21 before the first positioning part 46. As a result, the rotation of the liquid ejection part 21 about the second positioning part 47 in the direction that would cause the liquid ejection part 21 to separate from the maintenance part 22 can be suppressed. In this way, the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be stably positioned. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be improved.

[0102] (2) The first positioning part 46 is positioned closer to the liquid ejection part 21 than the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D. Therefore, by adjusting the positional relationship between the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 and the liquid ejection part 21 in the first moving direction D, the first positioning part 46 can abut against the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47. This allows the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 to be stably positioned. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be improved.

[0103] (3) The first positioning part 46 is longer than the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D. Therefore, by adjusting the lengths of the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D, the first positioning part 46 can be made to contact the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47. In this way, the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be stably positioned. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be improved.

[0104] (4) The maintenance part 22 includes a cover part 40. The cover part 40 has a cover member 41 that can cover the nozzle surface 32. Therefore, the nozzle surface 32 and the cover member 41 can be stably positioned. Therefore, the positioning accuracy between the liquid ejection part 21 and the cover part 40 can be improved. As a result, leakage of liquid from the nozzle surface 32 can be suppressed.

[0105] (5) The first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 are provided in the second moving direction C at the position of clamping the cover member 41. Therefore, the nozzle surface 32 and the cover member 41 can be stably positioned in the second moving direction C. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the cover part 40 can be improved. As a result, leakage of liquid from the nozzle surface 32 can be suppressed.

[0106] (6) The cover member 41 is configured to be a parallelogram shape when viewed from the first moving direction D. At least a portion of the first positioning part 46 is provided in the region overlapping with the first acute angle part 41C in the second moving direction C, and at least a portion of the second positioning part 47 is provided in the region overlapping with the second acute angle part 41D in the second moving direction C. Therefore, the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 can be provided near the cover member 41 according to the shape of the cover member 41. Therefore, space saving of the cover part 40 can be achieved. In addition, such a structure can also improve the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22.

[0107] (7) The angle between the first moving direction D and the horizontal direction is 15 degrees. Therefore, the vector amount of the first moving direction D caused by the weight of the liquid ejection section 21 is less than half. As a result, miniaturization relative to the horizontal direction can be achieved, and the load used to move the liquid ejection section 21 can be suppressed. In addition, such a structure can also improve the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection section 21 and the maintenance section 22.

[0108] Change Example

[0109] This embodiment can be modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0110] The angle between the first moving direction D and the horizontal direction can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees, preferably more than 5 degrees and less than 15 degrees. This allows for miniaturization relative to the horizontal direction and suppresses the load on the liquid ejection section 21. In particular, when the angle between the first moving direction D and the horizontal direction is 30 degrees, the vector magnitude of the first moving direction D due to the weight of the liquid ejection section 21 is halved.

[0111] Alternatively, the moving part 24 can move the maintenance part 22 towards the liquid spraying part 21. In other words, the moving part 24 can move either the liquid spraying part 21 or the maintenance part 22 towards the other.

[0112] Alternatively, at least one of the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 may be disposed between the second regions R2. Alternatively, positioning parts other than the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 may be disposed between the second regions R2.

[0113] Alternatively, the entire first positioning part 46 may be located within the first region R1. In other words, at least a portion of the first positioning part 46 may be disposed in the region overlapping with the first acute angle part 41C in the second moving direction C, which intersects the first moving direction D.

[0114] Alternatively, the entire second positioning part 47 may be located within the first region R1. In other words, at least a portion of the second positioning part 47 may be disposed in the region overlapping with the second acute angle part 41D in the second moving direction C, which intersects the first moving direction D.

[0115] Alternatively, when viewed from the first direction of movement D, the cover member 41 may not be a parallelogram shape. For example, when viewed from the first direction of movement D, the cover member 41 may be rectangular.

[0116] Alternatively, the moving part 24 may interact with the liquid ejection part 21 in the conveying direction C1. In other words, the point of action of the moving part 24 on the liquid ejection part 21 may also be the conveying direction C1 side of the liquid ejection part 21. In this case, the opposite direction C2 of the conveying direction C1 becomes the position away from the point of action.

[0117] • The first positioning unit 46 may also omit the first guide unit 46A. In other words, if the first positioning unit 46 can perform positioning of the liquid ejection unit 21 and the maintenance unit 22 at least relative to the first moving direction D, then positioning relative to the second moving direction C may not be necessary. The first positioning unit 46 may also perform positioning of the liquid ejection unit 21 and the maintenance unit 22 relative to the width direction X.

[0118] • The second positioning unit 47 may also omit the second guide unit 47A. In other words, if the second positioning unit 47 can perform positioning of the liquid ejection unit 21 and the maintenance unit 22 at least relative to the first moving direction D, then positioning relative to the second moving direction C may not be necessary. The second positioning unit 47 may also perform positioning of the liquid ejection unit 21 and the maintenance unit 22 relative to the width direction X.

[0119] • If the first positioning part 46 and the first abutting part 36 can abut each other at least in the first moving direction D, then the shapes of the first positioning part 46 and the first abutting part 36 are arbitrary. The first positioning part 46 may be, for example, convex or concave. The first abutting part 36 may be, for example, convex or concave.

[0120] • If the second positioning part 47 and the second abutting part 37 can abut each other at least in the first moving direction D, then the shapes of the second positioning part 47 and the second abutting part 37 are arbitrary. The second positioning part 47 may be, for example, convex or concave. The second abutting part 37 may be, for example, convex or concave.

[0121] • If, when the liquid ejection part 21 moves toward the maintenance part 22, the first positioning part 46 comes into contact with the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D, then the first positioning part 46 may not be provided at a position closer to the liquid ejection part 21 than the second positioning part 47.

[0122] • If, when the liquid ejection part 21 moves toward the maintenance part 22, the first positioning part 46 contacts the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D, then the first positioning part 46 may not be longer than the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D.

[0123] The first abutting part 36 can be positioned closer to the cover 40 than the second abutting part 37 in the first moving direction D, or it can be positioned further away from the cover 40 than the second abutting part 37. In other words, when the liquid ejection part 21 moves toward the maintenance part 22, the first positioning part 46 abuts against the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47 in the first moving direction D. Therefore, by adjusting the lengths of the first abutting part 36 and the second abutting part 37 in the first moving direction D, the first positioning part 46 can abut against the liquid ejection part 21 before the second positioning part 47. This allows the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 to be stably positioned. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part 21 and the maintenance part 22 can be improved.

[0124] Alternatively, the structure equivalent to the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 may be provided in the liquid ejection part 21, while the structure equivalent to the first abutting part 36 and the second abutting part 37 may be provided in the maintenance part 22.

[0125] The maintenance unit 22 may also include a wiping unit. The wiping unit is configured to wipe the nozzle surface 32. In other words, the wiping unit can also maintain the liquid ejection unit 21 by wiping the nozzle surface 32.

[0126] Alternatively, the structure equivalent to the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 can be provided on the liquid ejection part 21, serving as a positioning part for positioning the liquid ejection part 21 and the conveyor belt 19 when the liquid ejection part 21 moves toward the conveyor belt 19. Alternatively, the structure equivalent to the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 can be provided on the conveyor belt 19 side, serving as a positioning part for positioning the liquid ejection part 21 and the conveyor belt 19 when the liquid ejection part 21 moves toward the conveyor belt 19. Furthermore, if the conveyor belt 19 can support the medium 99, it may not be a loop belt.

[0127] At least one of the first positioning part 46 and the second positioning part 47 may also be elastic relative to the first moving direction D.

[0128] • The liquid ejection device 11 can also eject other liquids besides ink for recording. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device 11 as tiny droplets can be described as including granular, teardrop-shaped, or trailing in a linear fashion. The liquid referred to here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device 11. For example, the liquid can be in its liquid state, including liquids with high or low viscosity, colloids, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and fluids such as molten metal. Liquids include not only liquids in a physical state, but also liquids obtained by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing functional material particles composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, inks include common water-soluble inks, as well as various liquid components such as oil-based inks, gel-like inks, and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of the liquid ejection device 11 include devices that eject liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and coloring materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device used as a precision pipette for ejecting liquids as samples, a printing and dyeing device, a micro-dispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for precisely ejecting lubricating oil from precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device for ejecting transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curable resins onto a substrate to form micro-hemispherical lenses and optical lenses used in optical communication components. The liquid ejection device 11 can also be a device for ejecting etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0129] The expression "at least one" as used in this specification refers to one or more desired options. As an example, if the number of options is two, "at least one" as used in this specification means only one option or both options. As another example, if the number of options is three or more, "at least one" as used in this specification means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0130] Postscript

[0131] The following describes the technical ideas and effects learned from the above-described implementation methods and modifications.

[0132] (A) A liquid ejection device includes: a liquid ejection section capable of ejecting liquid; a maintenance section for maintaining the liquid ejection section; and a moving section capable of moving one of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section toward the other along a first direction intersecting a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The maintenance section has a first positioning section and a second positioning section, and the first positioning section and the second positioning section position the maintenance section and the liquid ejection section by abutting against the liquid ejection section. With a reference point on which the moving section acts on one of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section, the first positioning section is disposed at a position further away from the reference point in a second direction intersecting the first direction than the second positioning section. When the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section move toward the other, the first positioning section abuts against the liquid ejection section before the second positioning section.

[0133] According to this structure, either the liquid ejector and the maintenance part can be moved towards the other without the second positioning part contacting the liquid ejector before the first positioning part. This prevents either the liquid ejector or the maintenance part from rotating around the second positioning part in a direction that would separate them. Thus, the liquid ejector and the maintenance part can be stably positioned. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejector and the maintenance part can be improved.

[0134] (B) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the first positioning part is disposed in the first direction at a position closer to the liquid ejection part than the second positioning part.

[0135] According to this structure, by adjusting the positional relationship between the first positioning part and the second positioning part and the liquid ejection part in the first direction, the first positioning part can abut against the liquid ejection part before the second positioning part. This allows for stable positioning of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part can be improved.

[0136] (C) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the first positioning part is longer than the second positioning part in the first direction.

[0137] According to this structure, by adjusting the lengths of the first and second positioning parts in the first direction, the first positioning part can abut against the liquid ejection part before the second positioning part. This allows for stable positioning of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part can be improved.

[0138] (D) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection part has a nozzle capable of ejecting liquid and a nozzle surface for opening the nozzle, and the maintenance part includes a cover part having a cover member capable of covering the nozzle surface.

[0139] This structure allows for stable positioning of the nozzle surface and the cover member. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection section and the cover section can be improved. Consequently, liquid leakage from the nozzle surface can be prevented.

[0140] (E) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the first positioning part and the second positioning part are disposed in the second direction at the position that clamps the cover member.

[0141] This structure allows for stable positioning of the nozzle surface and the cover member in the second direction. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection section and the cover section can be improved. Consequently, liquid leakage from the nozzle surface can be suppressed.

[0142] (F) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the cover member is configured to be a parallelogram shape when viewed from the first direction, the cover member having a first acute angle portion that forms one acute angle of the parallelogram shape when viewed from the first direction; and a second acute angle portion that forms the other acute angle of the parallelogram shape when viewed from the first direction, at least a portion of the first positioning portion being disposed in a region overlapping the first acute angle portion in a direction intersecting the first direction, and at least a portion of the second positioning portion being disposed in a region overlapping the second acute angle portion in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0143] According to this structure, a first positioning part and a second positioning part can be provided near the cover member, depending on the shape of the cover member. Therefore, space-saving design of the cover part is achieved. Furthermore, this structure also improves the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part.

[0144] (G) Alternatively, in the liquid dispensing device, the moving part can move the liquid dispensing part toward the maintenance part along the first direction. According to this structure, the same effect as (A) to (F) can be achieved.

[0145] (H) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the moving part can cause the maintenance part to move toward the liquid ejection part along the first direction. According to this structure, the same effect as (A) to (F) can be achieved.

[0146] (I) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection part has a first abutted part that abuts against the first positioning part and a second abutted part that abuts against the second positioning part, wherein the first abutted part is disposed in the first direction at a position closer to the maintenance part than the second abutted part.

[0147] According to this structure, by adjusting the lengths of the first and second abutting parts in the first direction, the first positioning part can abut against the liquid ejection part before the second positioning part. This allows for stable positioning of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part. Therefore, the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part can be improved.

[0148] (J) Alternatively, in the liquid ejection device, the angle between the first direction and the horizontal direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees.

[0149] According to this structure, the amount of the vector in the first direction of movement caused by the weight of either the liquid ejection section or the maintenance section is less than half. This allows for miniaturization in the horizontal direction and suppresses the load required to move either the liquid ejection section or the maintenance section. Furthermore, this structure also improves the positioning accuracy of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The liquid ejection section is capable of ejecting liquid; The maintenance department performs maintenance on the liquid ejection section; and The movable part is capable of moving one of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part towards the other along a first direction intersecting the horizontal and vertical directions. The maintenance unit has a first positioning part and a second positioning part. The first positioning part and the second positioning part position the maintenance part and the liquid ejection part by abutting against the liquid ejection part. Based on the point of action of the moving part on one of the liquid ejection part and the maintenance part, the first positioning part is disposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction at a position farther away from the reference than the second positioning part. When one of the liquid ejection section and the maintenance section moves toward the other, the first positioning section comes into contact with the liquid ejection section before the second positioning section.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first positioning part is positioned in the first direction at a position closer to the liquid ejection part than the second positioning part.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first positioning part is longer than the second positioning part in the first direction.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid ejection section has a nozzle capable of ejecting liquid onto a medium, and a nozzle surface formed on the opening side of the nozzle facing the medium. The maintenance section includes a cover. The cover has a cover member capable of covering the nozzle surface.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover member is positioned to clamp the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion in the second direction.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover member is configured to be a parallelogram shape when viewed from the first direction. The cover member has: a first acute angle portion, which forms one acute angle of a parallelogram shape when viewed from the first direction; and a second acute angle portion, which forms the other acute angle of a parallelogram shape when viewed from the first direction. At least a portion of the first positioning part is disposed in the region that overlaps with the first acute-angled part in a direction intersecting the first direction. At least a portion of the second positioning portion is disposed in the region that overlaps with the second acute-angle portion in a direction intersecting the first direction.

7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable part enables the liquid ejection part to move toward the maintenance part along the first direction.

8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable part enables the maintenance part to move toward the liquid ejection part along the first direction.

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid ejection part has a first abutting part that abuts against the first positioning part and a second abutting part that abuts against the second positioning part. The first abutted portion is positioned in the first direction closer to the maintenance portion than the second abutted portion.

10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the first direction and the horizontal direction is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees.

Images