Liquid ejection device

Abstract

A liquid ejection device (11) includes a head (17) having a nozzle face (19) in which nozzles (18) are opened and ejecting liquid from the nozzles, a standby cover (31) covering the nozzles by contact with the head, a receiving portion (32) receiving the liquid ejected from the nozzles, and a maintenance portion (33) maintaining the head, the head moving within a first area (A1), a second area (A2), and a printing area (A3) by moving along a scanning direction (X) and printing on a medium (99) by ejecting the liquid toward the medium while moving in the printing area, the printing area being located between the first area and the second area in the scanning direction, the standby cover and the receiving portion being located in the first area, and the maintenance portion being located in the second area.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device comprising: a nozzle for ejecting liquid, a maintenance part for maintaining the nozzle, a receiving part for receiving liquid from the nozzle, and a standby cover in contact with the nozzle. The nozzle prints on the medium by scanning the medium. During this process, the nozzle moves between a first region, a second region, and a printing region. The nozzle prints on the medium by ejecting liquid into the printing region.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-240119 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1, the standby cover is located in the first area, and the maintenance section and the receiving section are located in the second area. Compared to the standby cover and the receiving section, the maintenance section is more likely to be enlarged. Therefore, there is a possibility that when the receiving section is located in the area where the maintenance section is located, the space within the device cannot be used effectively and flexibly.

[0005] A liquid ejection device for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a nozzle having a nozzle surface for opening a nozzle and ejecting liquid from the nozzle; a standby cover covering the nozzle by contacting the nozzle; a receiving part receiving the liquid ejected from the nozzle; and a maintenance part maintaining the nozzle, wherein the nozzle moves along a scanning direction to a first region, a second region, and a printing region, and prints on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium while moving in the printing region, the printing region being located between the first region and the second region in the scanning direction, the standby cover and the receiving part being located in the first region, and the maintenance part being located in the second region. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 A front view illustrating one embodiment of the liquid ejection device.

[0007] Figure 2 This is a top view of the liquid ejection device.

[0008] Figure 3 The front view of the liquid ejection device is shown schematically.

[0009] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0010] 11: Liquid ejection device; 12: Housing; 13: Base frame; 14: Support; 15: Support platform; 16: Moving mechanism; 17: Nozzle; 18: Nozzle; 19: Nozzle face; 20: Carriage; 21: First assembly; 22: Second assembly; 23: Liquid reservoir; 24: First assembly; 25: First box; 26: Second assembly; 27: Second box; 31: Standby cover; 32: Receiving part; 33: Maintenance 34: Cleaning section; 35: Suction cover; 36: Suction pump; 37: Wiping section; 38: Wiping component; 39: Winding section; 40: Outlet section; 41: Roll-up section; 42: Wiping box; 99: Media; A1: First area; A2: Second area; A3: Printing area; B1: First acceleration / deceleration area; B2: Second acceleration / deceleration area; D1: First direction; D2: Second direction; D3: Third direction; X: Scanning direction. Detailed Implementation

[0011] An embodiment of the liquid ejection device will now be described with reference to the figures. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints text, photographs, and other images by ejecting ink, a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or cloth.

[0012] Liquid ejection device

[0013] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 12 and a base frame 13. The housing 12 is mounted on the base frame 13.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a support portion 14. The support portion 14 is configured to support the medium 99. The support portion 14 is mounted on the base frame 13. The support portion 14 includes, for example, a support platform 15 and a moving mechanism 16.

[0015] The support platform 15 is a platform for supporting the medium 99. The support platform 15 is connected to the moving mechanism 16. The moving mechanism 16 is a mechanism that moves the support platform 15. The moving mechanism 16 is mounted on the base frame 13. The moving mechanism 16 moves the support platform 15 in one direction. As a result, the medium 99 moves in one direction. In one example, the support portion 14 moves the medium 99 along the first direction D1. The support portion 14 may also be configured to support the medium 99 conveyed along the first direction D1. For example, the support portion 14 may also support the medium 99 conveyed by rollers along the first direction D1.

[0016] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a nozzle 17. The nozzle 17 has a nozzle face 19 for opening to one or more nozzles 18. The nozzle 17 is configured to eject liquid from the nozzles 18.

[0017] The printhead 17 is configured to move along the scanning direction X. The scanning direction X represents two directions, including a second direction D2 and a third direction D3. The second direction D2 represents a direction different from the first direction D1. The third direction D3 represents a direction opposite to the second direction D2. The printhead 17 prints on the medium 99 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 99 while moving along the scanning direction X. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 11 is a serial printer capable of printing across the entire width of the medium 99 by scanning it with the printhead 17.

[0018] The printhead 17 moves along the scanning direction X, within the first region A1, the second region A2, and the printing region A3. The first region A1, the second region A2, and the printing region A3 are all regions within the housing 12. The first region A1, the second region A2, and the printing region A3 are regions obtained by dividing the space within the device along the scanning direction X.

[0019] The first region A1 and the second region A2 are located at opposite ends of the scanning direction X within the housing 12. The first region A1 and the second region A2 are located outside the printed region A3 within the housing 12.

[0020] Printing area A3 is the area for printing an image on medium 99. In printing area A3, printhead 17 ejects liquid onto medium 99 while moving along a second direction D2 and a third direction D3. In printing area A3, medium 99 moves along a first direction D1. Printing area A3 is the area located between first area A1 and second area A2 in the scanning direction X. In printing area A3, printhead 17 is opposite to support portion 14. Specifically, in printing area A3, nozzle surface 19 is opposite to support stage 15.

[0021] The printhead 17 moves in acceleration / deceleration zones along the scanning direction X. In one example, the printhead 17 moves in a first acceleration / deceleration zone B1 and a second acceleration / deceleration zone B2. The acceleration / deceleration zones are areas where the printhead 17 accelerates and decelerates for printing. During printing, the printhead 17 moves alternately along the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The printhead 17 accelerates and decelerates when switching directions of movement.

[0022] The acceleration / deceleration zone is located outside the printing area A3. Therefore, the printhead 17 can spray liquid onto the medium 99 while moving at a constant speed within the printing area A3. By moving the printhead 17 at a constant speed, the accuracy of the liquid landing on the medium 99 is improved. If the acceleration / deceleration zone were located within the printing area A3, the accuracy of the liquid landing on the medium 99 would easily deteriorate because the printhead 17 sprays liquid onto the medium 99 while accelerating or decelerating.

[0023] The first acceleration / deceleration zone B1 is located within the first zone A1. Specifically, the first acceleration / deceleration zone B1 is included within the first zone A1. Therefore, the first zone A1 can be used effectively and flexibly. Within the first acceleration / deceleration zone B1, the nozzle 17 switches its direction of movement from the second direction D2 to the third direction D3. The second acceleration / deceleration zone B2 is located within the second zone A2. Specifically, the second acceleration / deceleration zone B2 is included within the second zone A2. Therefore, the second zone A2 can be used effectively and flexibly. Within the second acceleration / deceleration zone B2, the nozzle 17 switches its direction of movement from the third direction D3 to the second direction D2.

[0024] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a carriage 20. The carriage 20 carries a nozzle 17. The carriage 20 is configured to move along the scanning direction X. The nozzle 17 moves by moving the carriage 20.

[0025] The liquid dispensing device 11 has one or more assembly portions. In one example, the liquid dispensing device 11 has a first assembly portion 21 and a second assembly portion 22. The assembly portions are configured to assemble one or more liquid reservoirs 23. In one example, multiple liquid reservoirs 23 are respectively assembled in the first assembly portion 21 and the second assembly portion 22. In the assembly portion, for example, multiple liquid reservoirs 23 are assembled in an overlapping manner. That is, multiple layers of liquid reservoirs 23 are assembled in the assembly portion.

[0026] The liquid reservoir 23 is configured to hold liquid. For example, the liquid reservoir 23 is a container for storing liquid. The liquid reservoir 23 is mounted on the assembly section, and liquid is supplied from the liquid reservoir 23 to the liquid dispensing device 11. For example, the liquid reservoir 23 is mounted on the assembly section, and liquid is supplied from the liquid reservoir 23 to the nozzle 17. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir 23 can be mounted on the assembly section, and liquid can be supplied from the liquid reservoir 23 to a different configuration than the nozzle 17. For example, the liquid reservoir 23 can be mounted on the assembly section, and liquid can be supplied from the liquid reservoir 23 to the maintenance section 33 (described later).

[0027] The type of liquid stored in the liquid reservoir 23 is not limited to the type of liquid sprayed from the nozzle 17. For example, the liquid reservoir 23 may also store cleaning fluid for cleaning and maintenance section 33. In one example, the plurality of liquid reservoirs 23 assembled in the assembly section include a liquid reservoir 23 for storing ink and a liquid reservoir 23 for storing cleaning fluid.

[0028] The assembly part is mounted on the base frame 13. The first assembly part 21 and the second assembly part 22 are located in the scanning direction X, at the position that clamps the support part 14 in the middle.

[0029] The first assembly portion 21 is located further in the second direction D2 than the support portion 14. At least a portion of the first assembly portion 21 is located within the first region A1. In one example, the entire first assembly portion 21 is located within the first region A1. The first assembly portion 21 may also be located across the first region A1 and the printing region A3. By positioning the first assembly portion 21 within the first region A1, the first region A1 can be utilized effectively and flexibly. The first assembly portion 21 may also be located within the first acceleration / deceleration region B1. Thus, the first acceleration / deceleration region B1 can be utilized effectively and flexibly.

[0030] The second assembly 22 is located at a third-direction D3 further than the support 14. At least a portion of the second assembly 22 is located within the second region A2. In one example, the entire second assembly 22 is located within the second region A2. The second assembly 22 may also be located across the second region A2 and the printing region A3. By positioning the second assembly 22 within the second region A2, the second region A2 can be utilized effectively and flexibly. The second assembly 22 may also be located within the second acceleration / deceleration region B2. Thus, the second acceleration / deceleration region B2 can be utilized effectively and flexibly.

[0031] The number of liquid reservoirs 23 that can be assembled in the first assembly section 21 is greater than the number of liquid reservoirs 23 that can be assembled in the second assembly section 22. Therefore, the proportion of space occupied by the first assembly section 21 in the device is greater than the proportion of space occupied by the second assembly section 22 in the device. As a result, the first assembly section 21 occupies a larger portion of the first region A1.

[0032] The assembly section has an assembly body and one or more boxes. The first assembly section 21 has a first assembly body 24 and one or more first boxes 25. The second assembly section 22 has a second assembly body 26 and one or more second boxes 27. The assembly body is mounted on the base frame 13. The boxes are assembled to the assembly body. The boxes can be freely inserted and removed from the assembly body. The liquid reservoir 23 can be housed in the box. By assembling the box containing the liquid reservoir 23 to the assembly body, the liquid reservoir 23 is assembled to the assembly section. The assembly section can also be configured to directly assemble the liquid reservoir 23.

[0033] The first assembly section 21 has four first boxes 25. That is, four liquid reservoirs 23 can be assembled in the first assembly section 21. The four liquid reservoirs 23 for storing color inks for printing are assembled in the first assembly section 21. For example, the four liquid reservoirs 23 for storing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks respectively are assembled in the first assembly section 21.

[0034] The second assembly section 22 has three second boxes 27. That is, three liquid reservoirs 23 can be assembled in the second assembly section 22. Two liquid reservoirs 23 for storing white ink for the substrate and one liquid reservoir 23 for storing cleaning fluid are respectively assembled in the second assembly section 22. The lower liquid reservoir 23 of the three liquid reservoirs 23 assembled in the second assembly section 22 stores cleaning fluid.

[0035] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a standby cover 31. The standby cover 31 covers the nozzle 18 by contacting the nozzle head 17. Specifically, the standby cover 31 forms a space communicating with the nozzle 18 by contacting the nozzle surface 19. This moisturizes the nozzle 18. Moisturizing the nozzle 18 reduces the possibility of clogging.

[0036] The standby cover 31 is located within the first region A1. The standby cover 31 may also be located within the first acceleration / deceleration region B1. The standby cover 31 is positioned above the first assembly part 21. The standby cover 31 is in contact with the printhead 17 when the printhead 17 is not printing. That is, when the printhead 17 is not printing, it is positioned opposite the standby cover 31. Therefore, the position opposite the standby cover 31 is the starting position of the printhead 17. The printhead 17 is normally in standby position in the starting position. The standby cover 31 is in contact with the printhead 17 in the starting position.

[0037] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a receiving section 32. The receiving section 32 is configured to receive liquid ejected from the nozzle 17. Specifically, the receiving section 32 receives liquid ejected from the nozzle 18 through rinsing. Rinsing is an action that appropriately ejects liquids that are detrimental to printing before, during, or after printing. Rinsing removes thickened liquids, air bubbles, etc., from the nozzle 17, thereby maintaining the ejection performance of the nozzle 17. The receiving section 32 may include, for example, a tray, box, cover, or porous component for receiving liquid.

[0038] The receiving unit 32 is located within the first region A1. The receiving unit 32 may also be located within the first acceleration / deceleration region B1. The receiving unit 32 is positioned higher than the first assembly unit 21. In the scanning direction X, the receiving unit 32 is located between the standby cover 31 and the support unit 14. In the scanning direction X, the receiving unit 32 is located between the standby cover 31 and the maintenance unit 33. Therefore, the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32 are arranged in this order along the third direction D3. The printhead 17 is flushed before printing. That is, the printhead 17 moves from the standby cover 31 toward the receiving unit 32 at the start of printing. Therefore, when the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32 are arranged in this order along the third direction D3, the printhead 17 approaches the printing area A3 by moving from the standby cover 31 toward the receiving unit 32. This allows printing to begin efficiently.

[0039] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a maintenance section 33. The maintenance section 33 is configured to maintain the nozzle 17. The maintenance section 33 maintains or restores the ejection performance of the nozzle 17 by maintaining the nozzle 17. The maintenance section 33 is located in the second region A2. The maintenance section 33 may also be located in the second acceleration / deceleration region B2. The maintenance section 33 is located above the second assembly section 22.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the maintenance unit 33 includes a cleaning unit 34. The cleaning unit 34 maintains the printhead 17 by cleaning it. Cleaning is an action that forces liquid out of the nozzle 18, causing air bubbles, thickened liquid, foreign matter, etc., to be discharged from the printhead 17 along with the liquid. The cleaning unit 34 forces liquid out of the nozzle 18 by suction from the nozzle 18. The cleaning unit 34 cleans the printhead 17 after printing has been completed.

[0041] The cleaning unit 34 includes a suction cover 35 and a suction pump 36. The suction cover 35 covers the nozzle 18 by contacting the nozzle 17. Specifically, the suction cover 35 forms a space communicating with the nozzle 18 by contacting the nozzle surface 19. The suction pump 36 is connected to the suction cover 35. The suction pump 36 performs suction within the suction cover 35. With the suction cover 35 covering the nozzle 18, the suction pump 36 performs suction within the suction cover 35. The cleaning unit 34 thereby cleans the nozzle 17.

[0042] The cleaning unit 34 can also be configured to supply cleaning fluid to the suction cap 35. Sometimes, liquid may remain on the suction cap 35 after cleaning. In this case, the liquid residue on the suction cap 35 may solidify. By supplying cleaning fluid to the suction cap 35 after cleaning, the possibility of liquid residue remaining on the suction cap 35 is reduced.

[0043] The maintenance unit 33 includes a wiping unit 37. The wiping unit 37 maintains the printhead 17 by wiping the nozzle surface 19. The wiping unit 37 removes liquid, foreign matter, etc., adhering to the nozzle surface 19 by wiping the nozzle surface 19. The wiping unit 37 wipes the nozzle surface 19 after the printhead 17 has finished printing. Specifically, the wiping unit 37 wipes the nozzle surface 19 after the cleaning unit 34 has cleaned the printhead 17. When the cleaning unit 34 cleans the printhead 17, liquid is easily drawn from the nozzle 18, so liquid tends to adhere to the nozzle surface 19. Therefore, by wiping the nozzle surface 19 after cleaning by the wiping unit 37, the liquid adhering to the nozzle surface 19 due to cleaning can be removed.

[0044] In the scanning direction X, the wiping part 37 is located between the cleaning part 34 and the support part 14. In the scanning direction X, the wiping part 37 is located between the cleaning part 34 and the receiving part 32. Therefore, the cleaning part 34 and the wiping part 37 are arranged in this order along the second direction D2. The printhead 17 returns to the starting position after printing is completed. That is, the printhead 17 moves to the starting position after maintenance. Therefore, when the cleaning part 34 and the wiping part 37 are arranged in this order along the second direction D2, the printhead 17 approaches the standby cover 31 from the cleaning part 34 toward the wiping part 37 along the second direction D2. Thus, the printhead 17 can move efficiently.

[0045] The wiping section 37 has a wiping member 38. The wiping member 38 is a component that contacts the nozzle surface 19. The wiping member 38 is, for example, a cloth. The nozzle surface 19 is wiped by the contact between the wiping member 38 and the nozzle surface 19.

[0046] The wiping section 37 may also have a winding section 39. The wiping member 38 is wound around the winding section 39. The winding section 39 is, for example, a roller. The winding section 39 pushes the wiping member 38 toward the nozzle surface 19. As a result, liquids, foreign objects, etc. are effectively removed from the nozzle surface 19.

[0047] The wiping section 37 may also have a discharge section 40. The discharge section 40 is configured to discharge the wiping member 38. The discharge section 40 discharges the wiping member 38 toward the winding section 39. The discharge section 40 is, for example, a roller. Unused wiping members 38 are overlapped and wound around the discharge section 40. The discharge section 40 discharges unused wiping members 38 by rotating. Alternatively, the discharge section 40 discharges unused wiping members 38 whenever the wiping member 38 wipes the nozzle surface 19. As a result, liquids, foreign objects, etc., are effectively removed from the nozzle surface 19.

[0048] The wiping section 37 may also have a winding section 41. The winding section 41 is configured to wind up the wiping member 38. The winding section 41 winds up the wiping member 38 from the winding section 39. The winding section 41 is, for example, a roller. The used wiping member 38 is overlapped and wound around the winding section 41. The winding section 41 winds up the used wiping member 38 by rotating it. Alternatively, the winding section 41 winds up the used wiping member 38 each time the wiping member 38 wipes the nozzle surface 19.

[0049] The wiping unit 37 may also have a wiping housing 42. The wiping housing 42 is a housing that houses the wiping member 38, the winding part 39, the guide part 40, and the roll-up part 41. The winding part 39 is housed in the wiping housing 42 with a portion exposed. Therefore, the portion of the wiping member 38 wound around the winding part 39 is exposed from the wiping housing 42. The wiping housing 42 is configured to be movable along the first direction D1. The wiping member 38 wipes the nozzle surface 19 by moving the wiping housing 42 along the first direction D1. Alternatively, instead of moving the wiping housing 42, the wiping member 38 can wipe the nozzle surface 19 by moving the nozzle 17 along the first direction D1.

[0050] The wiping component 38 is not limited to a cloth; for example, it can also be made of a resin-based scraper. In this case, liquid removed by the wiping component 38 from the nozzle surface 19 may remain. Therefore, the wiping section 37 can also be configured to supply cleaning fluid to the wiping component 38. By supplying cleaning fluid to the wiping component 38 after wiping the nozzle surface 19, the possibility of liquid residue remaining in the wiping component 38 is reduced.

[0051] Layout of Zone 1 and Zone 2

[0052] The maintenance unit 33 is more likely to be larger than the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32. This is because the configuration of the cleaning unit 34 and the wiping unit 37 is more complex than that of the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32. For example, the cleaning unit 34 and the wiping unit 37 require motors for operation, thus making them more likely to be larger. Consequently, the proportion of space occupied by the maintenance unit 33 within the device is more likely to be larger than that occupied by the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32. Therefore, the maintenance unit 33 occupies a larger portion of the second area A2.

[0053] In the liquid dispensing device 11, it is necessary to ensure the presence of both the first region A1 and the second region A2 for the acceleration and deceleration zones. That is, assuming that the standby cover 31, the receiving section 32, and the maintenance section 33 are all located within the first region A1, it is also necessary to ensure the presence of the second region A2. Therefore, by placing the second assembly section 22 within the second region A2, which is largely occupied by the maintenance section 33, the space within the device can be utilized effectively and flexibly. Furthermore, by placing the standby cover 31 and the receiving section 32 within the first region A1, which is largely occupied by the first assembly section 21, the space within the device can also be utilized effectively and flexibly.

[0054] Functions and effects

[0055] Next, the function and effects of the above-described implementation methods will be explained.

[0056] (1) The standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32 are located in the first region A1. The maintenance unit 33 is located in the second region A2. According to the above configuration, since the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32 are located in a different region than the maintenance unit 33, the space within the device can be used effectively and flexibly. That is, by placing the relatively small standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32 in the first region A1, which is different from the second region A2 where the relatively large maintenance unit 33 is located, the space within the device can be used effectively and flexibly.

[0057] (2) The maintenance section 33 has a cleaning section 34 that maintains the nozzle 17 by drawing liquid from the nozzle 18.

[0058] According to the above configuration, liquid is drawn from nozzle 18 by cleaning section 34, and air bubbles, thickened liquid, and foreign matter are discharged from nozzle 18 together with the liquid. As a result, the spraying performance of nozzle 17 can be maintained or restored.

[0059] (3) The maintenance section 33 has a wiping section 37 for maintaining the nozzle 17 by wiping the nozzle surface 19.

[0060] Based on the above configuration, the wiping section 37 wipes the nozzle surface 19 to remove liquids, foreign objects, etc., adhering to the nozzle surface 19. As a result, the spraying performance of the nozzle 17 can be maintained or restored.

[0061] (4) The number of liquid reservoirs 23 that can be assembled in the first assembly part 21 is greater than the number of liquid reservoirs 23 that can be assembled in the second assembly part 22.

[0062] The maintenance unit 33 is easier to enlarge compared to the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32. Therefore, the proportion of space occupied by the maintenance unit 33 within the device is easier to increase compared to the proportion occupied by the standby cover 31 and the receiving unit 32. Based on the above configuration, the proportion of space occupied by the first assembly unit 21 within the device is larger than the proportion occupied by the second assembly unit 22. Therefore, by having the standby cover 31, the receiving unit 32, and the first assembly unit 21 located in the first region A1, and the maintenance unit 33 and the second assembly unit 22 located in the second region A2, the space within the device can be utilized effectively and flexibly.

[0063] (5) In the scanning direction X, the receiving unit 32 is located between the standby cover 31 and the maintenance unit 33.

[0064] The printhead 17 is normally in standby mode, covered by the standby cover 31. When printing begins, the printhead 17 sprays liquid onto the receiving section 32. That is, the printhead 17 moves from the standby cover 31 toward the receiving section 32 at the start of printing. According to this configuration, the printhead 17 approaches the printing area A3 by moving from the standby cover 31 toward the receiving section 32. Therefore, the printhead 17 can move efficiently when printing begins.

[0065] (6) In the scanning direction X, the wiping part 37 is located between the cleaning part 34 and the receiving part 32.

[0066] When the nozzle 17 is cleaned by the cleaning section 34, liquid adheres to the nozzle surface 19. Therefore, the wiping section 37 typically wipes the nozzle surface 19 after cleaning. After the nozzle surface 19 is wiped by the wiping section 37, the nozzle 17 returns to the standby cover 31. According to the above configuration, the nozzle 17 approaches the standby cover 31 by moving from the cleaning section 34 toward the wiping section 37. Therefore, when returning to the standby cover 31, the nozzle 17 can move efficiently.

[0067] (7) The standby cover 31 and the receiving part 32 are located within the first acceleration / deceleration zone B1. Based on the above configuration, the first acceleration / deceleration zone B1 can be used effectively and flexibly.

[0068] (8) The maintenance unit 33 is located within the second acceleration / deceleration zone B2. Based on the above configuration, the second acceleration / deceleration zone B2 can be used effectively and flexibly.

[0069] Change Example

[0070] The above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be combined and implemented to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0071] The multiple liquid reservoirs 23 assembled in the assembly are not limited to being arranged vertically; for example, they can be arranged either along the first direction D1 or along the second direction D2.

[0072] • The liquid reservoir 23 for storing cleaning fluid can also be assembled in the first assembly part 21.

[0073] • The liquid ejected by printhead 17 is not limited to ink; for example, it can also be a liquid formed by dispersing or mixing functional material particles with a liquid. For example, printhead 17 can also eject a liquid containing materials such as electrode materials or pixel materials in a dispersed or dissolved form for the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0074] Technical ideas

[0075] The technical concepts and their effects, as understood based on the above implementation methods and modifications, are described below.

[0076] (A) A liquid ejection device includes: a nozzle having a nozzle surface for opening a nozzle, and ejecting liquid from the nozzle; a standby cover covering the nozzle by contacting the nozzle; a receiving section receiving the liquid ejected from the nozzle; and a maintenance section maintaining the nozzle, wherein the nozzle moves along a scanning direction through a first region, a second region, and a printing region, and prints on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium while moving in the printing region, the printing region being located between the first region and the second region in the scanning direction, the standby cover and the receiving section being located in the first region, and the maintenance section being located in the second region. According to this configuration, since the standby cover and the receiving section are located in a region different from the region where the maintenance section is located, the space within the device can be used effectively and flexibly.

[0077] (B) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the maintenance section may also include a cleaning section that maintains the nozzle by drawing liquid from the nozzle. This cleaning section includes a suction cap that covers the nozzle by contacting it, and a suction pump that draws liquid from the suction cap. According to this configuration, liquid is drawn from the nozzle by the cleaning section, and air bubbles, thickened liquid within the nozzle, and foreign matter are discharged from the nozzle. This allows the ejection performance of the nozzle to be maintained or restored.

[0078] (C) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the maintenance section may also include a wiping section for maintaining the nozzle head by wiping the nozzle surface. This wiping section includes a wiping component that contacts the nozzle surface, an outlet section for discharging the wiping component, and a roll-up section for winding up the wiping component. According to this configuration, by wiping the nozzle surface with the wiping section, liquid, foreign matter, etc., adhering to the nozzle surface are removed. This allows the ejection performance of the nozzle to be maintained or restored.

[0079] (D) Alternatively, the liquid dispensing device may include a first assembly section and a second assembly section capable of assembling liquid reservoirs, respectively. At least a portion of the first assembly section is located in the first region, and at least a portion of the second assembly section is located in the second region. The first assembly section can accommodate more liquid reservoirs than the second assembly section can accommodate. The maintenance section is easier to enlarge compared to the standby cover and the receiving section. Therefore, the proportion of space occupied by the maintenance section within the device is easier to increase compared to the proportion occupied by the standby cover and the receiving section. According to the above configuration, the proportion of space occupied by the first assembly section within the device is larger than the proportion occupied by the second assembly section. This allows for efficient and flexible use of the space within the device.

[0080] (E) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the receiving section may also be located between the standby cover and the maintenance section in the scanning direction. The printhead is typically in standby mode with the standby cover covering it. The printhead ejects liquid into the receiving section when printing begins. That is, the printhead moves from the standby cover toward the receiving section when printing begins. According to the above configuration, the printhead approaches the printing area by moving from the standby cover toward the receiving section. Therefore, the printhead can move efficiently when printing begins.

[0081] (F) In the above-described liquid dispensing device, the wiping section may also be located between the cleaning section and the receiving section in the scanning direction. When the nozzle is cleaned by the cleaning section, liquid adheres to the nozzle surface. Therefore, the wiping section typically wipes the nozzle surface after cleaning. After the nozzle surface is wiped by the wiping section, the nozzle returns to the standby cover. According to the above configuration, the nozzle approaches the standby cover by moving from the cleaning section toward the wiping section. Therefore, the nozzle can move efficiently when returning to the standby cover.

[0082] (G) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the first region may also include an acceleration / deceleration region for accelerating and decelerating the printhead for printing, wherein the standby cover and the receiving part are located within the acceleration / deceleration region. In a liquid ejection device, an acceleration / deceleration region is necessary to facilitate the movement of the printhead along the scanning direction. Based on the above configuration, the acceleration / deceleration region included in the first region can be effectively and flexibly utilized.

[0083] (H) In the above-described liquid ejection device, the second region may also include an acceleration / deceleration region for accelerating and decelerating the printhead for printing, and the maintenance unit is located within the acceleration / deceleration region. In a liquid ejection device, an acceleration / deceleration region is necessary to facilitate printhead movement along the scanning direction. Based on the above configuration, the acceleration / deceleration region included in the second region can be effectively and flexibly utilized.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, The liquid ejection device includes: A nozzle having a nozzle face for opening a nozzle, and spraying liquid from the nozzle; A standby cover that covers the nozzle by contacting the nozzle; The receiving unit receives the liquid ejected from the nozzle; as well as Maintenance department, maintains the nozzle. The printhead moves along the scanning direction in a first region, a second region, and a printing region, and prints on the medium by spraying liquid onto the medium while moving in the printing region. In the scanning direction, the printing area is located between the first area and the second area. The standby cover and the receiving unit are located in the first area. The maintenance unit is located in the second area. In the scanning direction, the receiving unit is located between the standby cover and the maintenance unit. The maintenance unit includes a cleaning section that maintains the nozzle by drawing liquid from the nozzle, and is located within the second area. The liquid ejection device includes a first assembly part and a second assembly part, each capable of assembling a liquid storage body for storing liquid. At least a portion of the first assembly part is located within the first region. The first assembly part is situated below the standby cover and the receiving part. In the first assembly part, a plurality of liquid reservoirs are assembled in an overlapping manner. At least a portion of the second assembly is located within the second region, and the second assembly is situated below the maintenance unit. In the second assembly, a plurality of liquid reservoirs are assembled in an overlapping manner. The plurality of liquid reservoirs assembled to the second assembly include liquid reservoirs containing cleaning fluid for cleaning the maintenance section. The proportion of space occupied by the first assembly part within the liquid ejection device is greater than the proportion of space occupied by the second assembly part within the liquid ejection device.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning unit includes: a suction cap that covers the nozzle by contacting the nozzle; and a suction pump that suctions the contents of the suction cap.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maintenance unit includes a wiping section for maintaining the nozzle by wiping the nozzle surface. The wiping section includes: a wiping component that contacts the nozzle surface; and an outlet section that outlets the wiping component. And a rolling section for rolling up the wiping component.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first assembly part can assemble a greater number of liquid reservoirs than the second assembly part can assemble.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the scanning direction, the wiping part is located between the cleaning part and the receiving part.

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first region includes an acceleration / deceleration zone, which is an area for the printhead to accelerate and decelerate for printing. The standby cover and the receiving unit are located within the acceleration / deceleration area.

7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second region includes an acceleration / deceleration zone, which is an area for the printhead to accelerate and decelerate for printing. The maintenance unit is located within the acceleration / deceleration zone.

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