Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device that can maintain discharge performance, without enlarging a recovery part in size.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises: a cap that can cover a discharge-port surface having a discharge port for discharging liquid formed thereon; a cap holding part that holds the cap movably between a position where the cap is tightly attached to the discharge-port surface and a position where the cap is separated from the discharge-port surface; suction means that can suction liquid from the cap; a recovery part for recovering the liquid suctioned by the suction means; a first flow path through which the cap is connected to the suction means; and a second flow path through which the suction means is connected to the recovery part. A portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path are arranged at positions overlapping with the cap holding part, in a top view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a printing apparatus capable of performing printing by discharging liquid onto a printing medium, it is desirable to reduce the size of the main body of the apparatus.

[0003] Generally, a recording apparatus includes a recovery unit for recovering and maintaining (maintaining) the liquid ejection performance. The recovery unit includes a suction mechanism capable of sucking foreign matter and solidified liquid that are clogged in the ejection port, and a waste liquid recovery unit for recovering the sucked liquid as waste liquid.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device that includes a cap that can cover the discharge port during maintenance, a pump that can suck the liquid contained in the cap, and a waste liquid recovery unit that can recover the sucked liquid through a waste liquid tube. In the recording device of Patent Document 1, the device body is made smaller by devising the arrangement of the waste liquid recovery unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-107031 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the recording device of Patent Document 1, the waste liquid tube is arranged along the side of the waste liquid recovery section. In this manner, the waste liquid tube is arranged so as to protrude in the width direction of the waste liquid recovery section, which may result in the recording device body becoming larger in the width direction.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a recording apparatus capable of maintaining ejection performance without increasing the size of a recovery section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the recording device disclosed herein comprises a cap capable of covering an ejection port surface on which an ejection port for ejecting liquid is formed, a cap holding part that movably holds the cap between a position in which the cap is in close contact with the ejection port surface and a position away from the ejection port surface, a suction means capable of sucking liquid from the cap, a recovery part for recovering the liquid sucked by the suction means, a first flow path connecting the cap and the suction means, and a second flow path connecting the suction means and the recovery part, and is characterized in that, when viewed from above, a portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path are positioned in a position overlapping the cap holding part. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the recording apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain the ejection performance without increasing the size of the recovery section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing apparatus that can be applied to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system that can be applied to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a flow path that can be applied to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a recovery unit that can be applied to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating tube connections that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of a recovery unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a configuration arranged around the cap in one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a recovery portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a recovery portion according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a wiping mechanism that can be applied to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the expansion and contraction of a return spring that can be applied to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cam unit that can be applied to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a blade slider that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a side view of a wiping mechanism that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a blade and a blade cleaner that can be used in one embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of an operation of the wiping mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rear surface of the blade cleaner. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of an operation of the wiping mechanism. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of an operation of the wiping mechanism. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of an operation of the wiping mechanism. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cam unit that can be applied to an embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a blade slider that can be applied to one embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a side view showing an example of an operation of the wiping mechanism. [Figure 24] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of operations performed during a maintenance operation that can be applied to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording device 100 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0012] In the drawings referred to in this specification, the X direction and the Y direction refer to two directions perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane. The Z direction refers to the vertical direction. In addition, when facing the front of the recording device, the +Y direction refers to the front of the recording device 100, the -Y direction refers to the rear, the -X direction refers to the left, the +X direction refers to the right, the +Z direction refers to the top, and the -Z direction refers to the bottom. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the top, bottom, left and right refer to the directions in the posture in which the recording device 100 is normally used.

[0013] In this disclosure, "recording" does not only mean forming meaningful information (for example, characters or figures that are made visible so that humans can perceive them visually). "Recording" also means forming insignificant information. Furthermore, in this disclosure, "recording" also broadly means forming an image, design, pattern, structure, or a combination of these on a recording medium, or processing the medium.

[0014] In this disclosure, the term "recording medium" refers to a medium capable of receiving a liquid. An example of the recording medium is paper used in general recording devices. Other examples of the recording medium include cloth, plastic film, metal plate, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, leather, etc.

[0015] In the present disclosure, the liquid is assumed to be ink. However, the liquid applicable to the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to ink. For example, various recording liquids including a treatment liquid used for the purpose of improving the fixation of ink on a recording medium, reducing uneven gloss, and improving abrasion resistance may be used as the liquid.

[0016] <Recording device 100> As shown in Fig. 1, the recording device 100 includes a recording head configured to be capable of ejecting ink onto a recording medium. In this embodiment, a head cartridge 101 is used as the recording head. The head cartridge 101 of this embodiment includes a first head cartridge 101a and a second head cartridge 101b. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the first head cartridge 101a and the second head cartridge 101b, they will be referred to as head cartridges 101. The head cartridge 101 is configured to be detachable from a carriage 102.

[0017] The first head cartridge 101a is capable of storing and ejecting a first type of liquid (e.g., black ink). The second head cartridge 101b is capable of storing and ejecting a second type of liquid. In this embodiment, the second head cartridge 101b is capable of storing and ejecting three types of color ink, yellow, magenta, and cyan. The first head cartridge 101a and the second head cartridge 101b may be configured to store and eject the same type of liquid.

[0018] Each of the first head cartridge 101a and the second head cartridge 101b includes a recording element substrate (not shown) capable of ejecting ink supplied from an ink storage unit through a flow path. Each recording element substrate includes an electrothermal conversion element (e.g., a heater not shown) as an ejection energy generating element (pressure generating element) that generates energy for ejecting the ink liquid filled in the pressure chamber. The electrothermal conversion element is located closer to the outflow flow path than the supply flow path, together with the ejection port (not shown) and the pressure chamber (not shown). For example, the electrothermal conversion element is driven to generate heat to cause the ink filled in the pressure chamber (not shown) to bubble, and the resulting bubble energy can be used to eject ink droplets from the ejection port (not shown). Another example of an ejection energy generating element applicable to this embodiment is a piezoelectric element.

[0019] The recording device 100 includes a feeding unit (not shown) having a mechanism capable of feeding recording media loaded in a cassette 103 one by one, and a transport unit 104 capable of transporting the recording media fed from the feeding unit. The recording device 100 includes a recovery unit 105 for maintaining and recovering the ejection performance of the head cartridge 101 mounted on the carriage 102. The recording device 100 includes a waste liquid recovery unit 106 disposed at one end of the carriage 102 in the scanning direction (±X direction) (in this embodiment, the end on the -X direction side).

[0020] A recovery unit 105 is disposed at the other end of the carriage 102 in the scanning direction (the end on the +X direction side in this embodiment). The various mechanisms of the recovery unit 105 are operated by a driving force transmitted from a driving source included in the transport unit 104 via a drive train. Ink discharged from the recovery unit 105 during maintenance is collected in a waste liquid collection unit 106. Note that "maintenance" refers to an operation for maintaining and recovering the ejection performance of the head cartridge 101 in good condition.

[0021] The recording media fed one by one from the feeding unit are transported in the transport direction (-Y direction) by the transport unit 104. With the head cartridge 101 attached to the carriage 102, the carriage 102 moves back and forth in the scanning direction, and droplets are ejected from the head cartridge 101 onto the transported recording media, thereby performing recording.

[0022] When the recording device 100 performs a recording operation, the head cartridge 101 mounted on the carriage 102 starts recording from the side where the recovery unit 105 is arranged. Then, the carriage 102 moves to the side where the waste liquid collection unit 106 is arranged. Furthermore, the carriage 102 turns back at the side where the waste liquid collection unit 106 is arranged, and returns to the side where the recovery unit 105 is arranged. The carriage 102 repeats such a reciprocating motion multiple times. The ejection action from the head cartridge 101 accompanying the reciprocating motion of the carriage 102 and the transport action by the transport unit 104 are alternately repeated, so that recording is gradually performed on the entire surface of the recording medium.

[0023] The recovery unit 105 is disposed outside the range where the carriage 102 equipped with the head cartridge 101 moves back and forth for printing (i.e., outside the printing area in the X direction). The recovery unit 105 may be disposed at a desired position outside the printing area. In the following description, a position that is within the movement area where the carriage 102 can move and outside the printing area, and where the maintenance operation by the recovery unit 105 can be performed, is called a home position. The recovery unit 105 forcibly sucks and discharges ink from the ejection openings of the head cartridge 101. By discharging the ink in this manner, it is possible to remove ink that has thickened inside the flow path formed in the head cartridge 101, and air bubbles, etc., inside the flow path.

[0024] Furthermore, during maintenance of the head cartridge 101, in order to maintain a good ejection state of the head, ink that does not contribute to image recording may be ejected from the ejection ports (hereinafter also referred to as "preliminary ejection"). At this time, the recovery unit 105 recovers the preliminarily ejected ink. Furthermore, when recording is not being performed with the head cartridge 101, the recovery unit 105 covers the ejection port surface of the head cartridge 101 to protect the head cartridge 101 and also to prevent the ink from drying out.

[0025] <Control system of the recording device 100> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the printing apparatus 100 in this embodiment.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the recording device 100 includes an MPU 201 for controlling the entire device, a ROM 202 in which programs executed by the MPU 201 and various parameters are stored, and a RAM 203 that can be used as a storage unit.

[0027] The recording apparatus 100 includes a printhead driver 204 for driving the head cartridge 101. The recording apparatus 100 includes a carriage motor 205 for driving the carriage, and a carriage motor driver 206 for controlling the carriage motor 205. The recording apparatus 100 includes a transport motor 207 for driving the transport unit, and a transport motor driver 208 for controlling the transport motor 207. The transport rollers and discharge rollers included in the transport unit are driven by the transport motor 207.

[0028] The recording device 100 includes a linear encoder 209 capable of detecting the position of the carriage 102. The recording device 100 includes a rotary encoder 210 capable of detecting the rotation angle of the transport unit 104. The recording device 100 includes a photointerrupter 211 capable of detecting the rotation angle of a cam unit (described later) of the recovery unit 105. The recording device 100 includes an operation display unit 212 used when operating the recording device 100.

[0029] The recording device 100 includes an I / F (interface) unit 213 for transmitting and receiving various data to and from an external device. In this embodiment, the I / F unit 213 is configured to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from a host computer 214 including a printer driver 2141.

[0030] The MPU 201 is configured to be capable of controlling the entire device, such as the operation of each unit and data processing. The ROM 202 is configured to be capable of storing programs and various data executed by the MPU 201. The RAM 203 temporarily stores processing data executed by the MPU 201 and data received from the host computer 214.

[0031] The operation display unit 212 includes input means (e.g., numeric input keys, mode setting keys, confirmation key, and cancel key) capable of accepting operations input by the user, and display means such as an LED (light emitting diode). Information input by the user is sent to the MPU 201. The display means of the operation display unit 212 is configured to be able to display information sent from the MPU 201. A printer driver 2141 is installed in the host computer 214 for collecting recording information such as recorded images and recorded image quality and communicating with the recording device 100 when a recording operation execution command is issued by the user. The MPU 201 exchanges recorded images and the like with the host computer 214 via the I / F unit 213.

[0032] <Flow path of recovery section 105> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow path of the recovery section 105 in this embodiment. The recovery unit 105 includes a first flow path for sucking and recovering black ink from the first head cartridge 101a (see FIG. 1) during maintenance. The recovery unit 105 includes a second flow path for sucking and recovering color ink from the second head cartridge 101b (see FIG. 1).

[0033] 3, the recovery unit 105 includes a first valve chamber 301a in which an air valve seal (not shown) made of an elastic member (e.g., rubber) is disposed. One end of a tube 302a is connected to the first valve chamber 301a. The other end of the tube 302a is connected to a first cap 303a capable of covering the ejection port surface of the first head cartridge 101a.

[0034] One end of a tube 304a for collecting black ink is connected to the first cap 303a. The other end of the tube 304a is connected to a cap joint 305.

[0035] One end of a tube 306 a for recovering black ink is connected to the connection portion of the cap joint 305 .

[0036] The other end of the tube 306a is connected to an air buffer 307 whose internal volume can be changed. A first space 307a capable of storing black ink and a second space 307b capable of storing color inks are formed in the air buffer 307. The other end of the tube 306a is connected to the first space 307a.

[0037] One end of a tube 308a for recovering black ink is connected to the first space 307a. The other end of the tube 308a is connected to one end of a tube 310a arranged on the upstream side of a pump 309 configured to be able to suck black ink and color inks. The other end of the tube 310a is connected to one end of a tube 311a arranged on the downstream side of the pump 309 and for recovering black ink. The other end of the tube 311a is connected to a joint 312 having a plurality of connectors to which an end of one tube can be connected.

[0038] One end of a tube 313a for collecting black ink is connected to the connection part of the joint 312. The other end of the tube 313a is connected to a waste liquid collection part 106 capable of storing black ink and color inks discharged outside the first head cartridge 101a during maintenance.

[0039] The recovery unit 105 includes a second valve chamber 301b in which an air valve seal (not shown) made of an elastic member (e.g., rubber) is disposed. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first valve chamber 301a and the second valve chamber 301b, they will be referred to as "valve chamber 301". An end of a tube 302b is connected to the second valve chamber 301b. The other end of the tube 302b is connected to a second cap 303b capable of covering the ejection port surface of the second head cartridge 101b. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first cap 303a and the second cap 303b, they will be referred to as "cap 303".

[0040] One end of a tube 304b for collecting color ink is connected to the second cap 303b. The other end of the tube 304b is connected to a cap joint 305. The cap joint 305 has a plurality of connectors for connecting the tubes, so that black ink and color ink do not mix inside the cap joint 305.

[0041] One end of a tube 306b for collecting color ink is connected to the connection portion of the cap joint 305. The other end of the tube 306b is connected to the second space 307b. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the tube 306a and the tube 306b, they will be referred to as "tube 306."

[0042] One end of a tube 308b for recovering color inks is connected to the second space 307b. The other end of the tube 308b is connected to one end of a tube 310b arranged on the upstream side of the pump 309. The other end of the tube 310b is connected to one end of a tube 311b arranged on the downstream side of the pump 309 and for recovering color inks. The other end of the tube 311b is connected to a joint 312. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the tubes 308a and 308b, they will be referred to as "tubes 308."

[0043] One end of a tube 313b for collecting color ink is connected to the connection portion of the joint 312. The other end of the tube 313b is connected to the waste liquid collection unit 106. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the tube 313a and the tube 313b, they will be referred to as "tube 313."

[0044] <Recovery Division 105> FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the recovery unit 105 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, a cap holding portion (described later) capable of holding a cap 303 and a suction means (e.g., a pump 309) are arranged in a line along the depth direction (Y direction) of the recording apparatus.

[0046] The recovery unit 105 of this embodiment includes a base 401 that is a structural member. A tube holding unit 702 is fixed to the base 401. By fixing the tube holding unit 702 to the base 401, deformation of the base 401 is suppressed. With this configuration, the sliding resistance between the cap holding unit and the base 401 when the cap holding unit moves up and down is reduced compared to a case in which deformation of the base 401 is not suppressed. The reduction in the sliding resistance between the cap holding unit and the base contributes to the stability of the lifting and lowering operation of the cap holding unit. The cap 303 has a shape that allows it to receive ink discharged to the outside of the head cartridge 101 while covering the ejection port surface.

[0047] The recovery unit 105 includes a first blade 402a, a second blade 402b, a third blade 402c, and a fourth blade 402d that are capable of wiping the ejection port surface of the head cartridge 101. Hereinafter, the first blade 402a, the second blade 402b, the third blade 402c, and the fourth blade 402d will be referred to as "blades 402" unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0048] The first blade 402a and the third blade 402c are capable of wiping the ejection port surface of the first head cartridge 101a. The third blade 402c is capable of wiping the entire ejection port surface of the first head cartridge 101a. The first blade 402a is capable of wiping the ejection port row and its vicinity on the ejection port surface of the first head cartridge 101a.

[0049] The second blade 402b and the fourth blade 402d can wipe the ejection port surface of the second head cartridge 101b. The fourth blade 402d can wipe the entire ejection port surface of the second head cartridge 101b. The second blade 402b can wipe the ejection port row and its vicinity on the ejection port surface of the second head cartridge 101b.

[0050] The recovery unit 105 includes a blade holder 403 that can move back and forth along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the ejection port surface while holding a blade 402. The recovery unit 105 includes a blade cleaner 404 that can scrape off ink adhering to the blade 402. When the blade 402 moves in the Y direction and comes into contact with the blade cleaner 404, the ink adhering to the blade 402 is scraped off, and re-transfer of the ink to the ejection port surface and the ejection port is suppressed.

[0051] Air buffer 307 is disposed midway through a flow path that connects cap 303 to pump 309. Air buffer 307 includes case 405 and flexible film 406 welded to case 405. Ends of tubes 306a, 306b, 308a, and 308b are connected to case 405.

[0052] The recovery unit 105 includes a cam unit 407 that can rotate when driven by a conveying motor 207 (see FIG. 2).

[0053] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the tube 304 and the tube 306. As shown in FIG.

[0054] 5, the tube 304 is connected to the tube 306 via a cap joint 305. In other words, the cap joint 305 is configured to allow the ink flowing in from the tube 304 to flow out to the tube 306.

[0055] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recovery section 105. In Fig. 6, in order to facilitate understanding of the connection relationship between the tube 304 and the tube 306, the cap joint is not shown.

[0056] 6, the recovery unit 105 includes an air valve lever 601 that can be switched between a communication state in which the inside of the cap 303 is connected to the atmosphere and a non-communication state in which the inside of the cap 303 is not connected to the atmosphere. The air valve lever 601 includes a first lever 601a and a second lever 601b.

[0057] The first lever 601a can be switched between a communication state in which the inside of the first cap 303a is communicated with the atmosphere and a non-communication state in which the inside of the second cap 303b is not communicated with the atmosphere. The second lever 601b can be switched between a communication state in which the inside of the second cap 303b is communicated with the atmosphere and a non-communication state in which the inside of the second cap 303b is not communicated with the atmosphere. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the first lever 601a and the second lever 601b, they are called "air valve levers 601". Specifically, when the first lever 601a abuts against an air valve seal (not shown) arranged in the first valve chamber 301a, the inside of the first cap 303a is not communicated with the atmosphere. When the second lever 601b abuts against an air valve seal (not shown) arranged in the second valve chamber 301b, the inside of the second cap 303b is not communicated with the atmosphere.

[0058] The recovery unit 105 includes a cap holding unit 602 capable of holding a first cap 303a and a second cap 303b. A guide (not shown) provided on the base and a part of the cap holding unit 602 engage with each other, so that the cap holding unit 602 moves up and down along the guide. By the cap holding unit 602 moving up and down in the vertical direction, the cap 303 can be switched between a capping state in which the ejection port surface is covered and a release state in which the capping state is released.

[0059] A guide (not shown) provided on the base and a part of the blade holder 403 engage with each other, causing the blade holder 403 to reciprocate along the guide in the longitudinal direction of the ejection port surface. The reciprocating movement of the blade holder 403 causes the blade 402 to wipe the ejection port surface. A blade cleaner (not shown here) is disposed at the end of the forward path of the blade holder 403 (the end on the -Y direction side).

[0060] The pump 309 includes a roller 603 capable of pressing the tubes 310a and 310b. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the tubes 310a and 310b, they will be referred to as "tubes 310". The roller 603 is held by a roller holding portion 604. The roller holding portion 604 has a rotation shaft. The rotation shaft of the roller holding portion 604 is located at the center of the arc of the arc-shaped guide surface. A pump gear 605 for rotating the pump 309 is fixed to the roller holding portion 604.

[0061] Various recovery operations in the recovery unit 105 are controlled by the rotation of the conveying motor 207 (see FIG. 2). The driving force generated by the rotation of the conveying motor 207 is transmitted to the input gear 606 via the one-way clutch gear. When the pump 309 is rotated, the conveying motor 207 rotates forward, causing the one-way clutch gear to rotate freely, and the input gear 606 to rotate forward (rotate in the direction indicated by arrow A). On the other hand, when the cam unit 407 is rotated, the conveying motor 207 rotates reversely, causing the one-way clutch gear to mesh, and the input gear 606 to rotate reversely (rotate in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow A).

[0062] The input gear 606 meshes with a gear 607 for rotating the pump 309, and a gear 609 fixed to the cam unit 407. A gear 608 for rotating the pump 309 meshes with the gear 607. A pump gear 605 meshes with the gear 608.

[0063] When the pump 309 is rotated, the driving force of the conveying motor 207 is transmitted to the input gear 606, the gear 607, the gear 608, and the pump gear 605. When the pump gear 605 rotates (in the direction indicated by the arrow A), the roller holding portion 604 also rotates, and the roller 603 presses against the tubes 310a and 310b.

[0064] When the roller 603 presses the tube 310a while the ejection port surface of the first head cartridge 101a is capped by the first cap 303a, black ink is sucked from the ejection port surface. When the roller 603 presses the tube 310b while the roller 603 presses the ejection port surface of the second head cartridge 101b, color ink is sucked from the ejection port surface.

[0065] In this embodiment, a one-way clutch (not shown) rotates idly while the pump 309 is rotating. The one-way clutch gear rotates idly, so that the cam unit 407 does not rotate. In other words, while the pump 309 is rotating, the cap 303, the blade 402, and the air valve lever 601 do not operate.

[0066] On the other hand, when the cam unit 407 is rotated, the input gear 606 rotates in the reverse direction, thereby meshing the one-way clutch gear. With the one-way clutch gear in mesh, the cap 303, the blade 402, and the air valve lever 601 can operate at a predetermined timing. In this manner, the recovery unit 105 of this embodiment is configured so that the roller 603 does not press the tubes 310a and 310b while the cap 303, the blade 402, and the air valve lever 601 are operating.

[0067] In the air buffer 307, a first space 307a (see FIG. 3) and a second space 307b are formed by welding a film 406 to a case 405. The first space 307a is capable of storing black ink. The second space 307b is capable of storing color ink. When the pump 309 is driven to suck ink and then the conveying motor 207 is rotated in reverse, air bubbles may be generated in the ink remaining inside the cap 303. In response to this, the flexible film 406 is deformed to change the volume inside the air buffer 307, thereby suppressing the generation of such air bubbles.

[0068] In this embodiment, the waste liquid recovery unit 106 (see FIG. 1), the cap holding unit 602, and the pump 309 are arranged in this order from the front along the depth direction (Y direction) of the recording apparatus 100. With this arrangement, the tubes connecting them are arranged along the Y direction, and most of the tubes can be accommodated within the width of the recovery unit 105. Therefore, by arranging the waste liquid recovery unit 106, the cap holding unit 602, and the pump 309 in this order, it is possible to make the recovery unit 105 smaller (thinner) in the direction in which the carriage 102 (see FIG. 1) moves (X direction), and the overall device can be made smaller.

[0069] In this embodiment, the first lever 601a and the second lever 601b are configured to be able to rotate independently. With this configuration, it is possible to selectively suck only black ink, suck only color ink, or suck black ink and color ink simultaneously. Furthermore, by releasing the cap 303 before sucking, it is possible to perform suction to discharge ink remaining inside the cap 303 to the outside without consuming ink in the head cartridge.

[0070] FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the configuration arranged around the cap 303 in this embodiment, as viewed from the left front.

[0071] 7(a), the cam unit 407 includes a main cam 407i, a thick shaft portion 407g, a thin shaft portion 407h, a first cam 407a, a second cam 407b, and a third cam 407c. The main cam 407i includes a first pressing portion 407d, a second pressing portion 407e (see FIG. 12), and a sensor flag 407f.

[0072] The rotation shaft included in the cam unit 407 includes a thick shaft portion 407g located at the base end (end portion on the +X direction side), and a thin shaft portion 407h having a smaller diameter than the thick shaft portion 407g. The thin shaft portion 407h extends from the center of the thick shaft portion 407g in a direction (-X direction) perpendicular to the left side surface of the thick shaft portion 407g. A first cam 407a, a second cam 407b, and a third cam 407c are formed on the tip end portion (end portion on the -X direction side) of the thin shaft portion 407h in this order from the base end to the tip end.

[0073] First cam 407a has a shape capable of pressing first lever 601a as cam unit 407 rotates. When cam unit 407 rotates and first cam 407a presses first lever 601a, the rotational motion of cam unit 407 is converted into the rotational motion of first lever 601a.

[0074] Second cam 407b has a shape capable of pressing second lever 601b as cam unit 407 rotates. When cam unit 407 rotates and second cam 407b presses second lever 601b, the rotational motion of cam unit 407 is converted into the rotational motion of second lever 601b.

[0075] A base end (end on the +Y direction side) of an arm 701 capable of supporting the cap holding part 602 so as to be freely raised and lowered is fixed to the third cam 407c. A tip end (end on the -Y direction side) of the arm 701 is fixed to the cap holding part 602. When the cam unit 407 rotates, the rotational movement of the cam unit 407 is converted into the raising and lowering movement of the cap holding part 602.

[0076] The tube holding part 702 is disposed below the cap holding part 602 in the vertical direction (-Z direction). The method of holding the tube in the tube holding part 702 will be described later. The tube holding part 702 has an upper plate part 702a having an opposing surface facing the cap holding part 602, and a lower plate part 702b (see FIG. 9) located below the upper plate part in the vertical direction. The upper plate part 702a has a tray-shaped shape. Specifically, a wall extending upward in the vertical direction is formed on the outer periphery of the upper plate part 702a. The wall may be formed at an obtuse or acute angle with respect to the outer periphery of the upper plate part 702a, or may be a curved surface, as long as it can receive ink dripping from the cap holding part 602.

[0077] With the tube holding portion 702 having such a wall, even if ink drips from the cap holding portion 602 for some reason, the dripping ink is received in an area surrounded by the wall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink dripping from the cap holding portion 602 from leaking outside the device body.

[0078] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an example of a configuration arranged around the cap 303 in this embodiment, as viewed from the right front.

[0079] 7(b), thin shaft portion 407h of cam unit 407 extends so as to penetrate main cam 407i of cam unit 407. The right side surface of main cam 407i of cam unit 407 is configured so that main gear 1002 (see FIG. 10) can be attached thereto.

[0080] FIG. 7C is a left side view showing an example of a configuration arranged around the cap 303 in this embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 7C, the cap holding portion 602 is configured to be able to move up and down between a position where the cap 303 is in close contact with the ejection port face and a position where the cap is separated from the ejection port face.

[0082] Specifically, one end (the end on the +Y direction side) of tube 304 is connected to cap 303 so as to extend vertically downward. Then, tube 304 is bent into a U shape so that the other end (the end on the -Y direction side) of tube 304 faces vertically upward. Furthermore, the other end of tube 304 is connected from below to cap joint 305, which is disposed on the -Y direction side of cap holding part 602.

[0083] The cap joint 305 has a connection portion that extends vertically downward. The other end of the tube 304 is connected to the connection portion so as to face vertically upward.

[0084] According to such a connection of the tube 304, the reaction force of the tube 304 generated when the cap holding part 602 moves up and down is reduced, compared to a case where one end of the tube 304 is connected linearly from the cap 303 along the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction). By reducing the reaction force of the tube 304, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the cap holding part 602, compared to a case where one end of the tube 304 is connected linearly from the cap 303 along the horizontal direction (for example, the Y direction).

[0085] By suppressing malfunction of the cap holding portion 602, the cap 303 can be raised with high precision to cover the ejection port surface. In addition, the cap 303 can be lowered with high precision to release the ejection port surface from its covered state.

[0086] Furthermore, the cap joint 305 includes a connection portion 703 extending along the depth direction (Y direction) of the recording device 100. One end of a tube 306 (see FIG. 5) is connected to the connection portion 703. Such a connection of the tube 306 (see FIG. 5) can contribute to a reduction in the size of the recovery portion in the width direction, compared to a case in which the tube 306 (see FIG. 5) is connected so as to extend from the cap joint 305 in the width direction (X direction).

[0087] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the recovery unit 105 in this embodiment.

[0088] 8, in a top view of the recovery unit 105, the tubes 302 and 304 are arranged so as to be within the range of the width (length in the X direction) of the upper plate portion 702a. With this arrangement, compared to an arrangement in which the tubes 302 and 304 extend from the cap 303 in the width direction (X direction), it is possible to prevent the width (length in the X direction) of the recovery unit 105 from becoming large.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of the recovery unit 105 in this embodiment.

[0090] 9, the tube 306 extends along the depth direction (Y direction) of the recording device 100 so as to be sandwiched between the bottom surface (surface facing the -Z direction) of the upper plate portion 702a and the top surface (surface facing the +Z direction) of the lower plate portion 702b. The tube 311 includes a portion that is arranged in parallel with the tube 306 along the Y direction from the pump 309, and a portion that is separated from the tube holding portion 702 and connected to the waste liquid recovery unit 106 (see FIG. 1). A portion of the tube 306 and a portion of the tube 311 extend along the Y direction in a horizontal plane, and are arranged side by side along a direction that intersects with the Y direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, a connection portion 703 is formed on the bottom surface of the cap joint 305. The connection portion 703 includes a first connection portion 703a capable of supplying ink supplied from the tube 304a to the tube 306a, and a second connection portion 703b capable of supplying ink supplied from the tube 304b to the tube 306b. Hereinafter, the first connection portion 703a and the second connection portion 703b will be referred to as the "connection portion 703" unless there is a need to particularly distinguish between them.

[0092] Tube 304a is connected to tube 306a via a first connecting portion 703a. Tube 304b is connected to tube 306b via a second connecting portion 703b. At the bottom surface of cap joint 305, tube 306 is routed so as to change direction from the -Y direction to the +Y direction without protruding beyond the width (length in the X direction) of cap joint 305.

[0093] The tube holding portion 702 includes an upper plate portion 702a and a lower plate portion 702b disposed vertically below the upper plate portion 702a. The tubes 306 and 311 are fixed to the tube holding portion 702 by being sandwiched between the upper plate portion 702a and the lower plate portion 702b.

[0094] Specifically, below the cap holding portion 602 in the vertical direction, the tubes 306 and 311 are arranged in parallel along the width direction (X direction) of the lower plate portion 702b so as not to extend beyond the width of the lower plate portion 702b.

[0095] That is, in this embodiment, the tube 306 is a part of a first flow path that connects the cap 303 and the pump 309. The tube 311 is a part of a second flow path that connects the pump 309 (see FIG. 3) and the waste liquid recovery unit 106. In a bottom view (when viewed from the -Z direction), the tube 306 and the tube 311 are arranged so as to overlap with the lower plate portion 702b. It goes without saying that the tube 306 and the tube 311 are also arranged so as to overlap with the lower plate portion 702b when viewed from a plan view (when viewed from the +Z direction).

[0096] According to such an arrangement, multiple tubes can be arranged together without increasing the width (length in the X direction). Therefore, compared to a case where the tubes are arranged along the width direction of the recovery section 105 so as to avoid the cap, the arrangement of the tubes in this embodiment can reduce the size of the recovery section 105 in the width direction (X direction).

[0097] Therefore, according to the recording apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to maintain the ejection performance without increasing the size of the recovery section.

[0098] <Wipping operation> FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a wiping mechanism 1000 that can be applied to this embodiment, seen from the left front.

[0099] 10(a), the wiping mechanism 1000 includes a blade driving mechanism 1001 for driving the blade 402, and a blade cleaner 404 capable of scraping off deposits (e.g., ink) adhering to the blade 402. The blade driving mechanism 1001 includes a cam unit 407, a main gear 1002 attached to the cam unit 407, a blade holder 403, and the blade 402. The driving force of the conveying motor 207 (see FIG. 2) is transmitted to the main gear 1002, causing the main gear 1002 to rotate. The rotation of the main gear 1002 causes the cam unit 407 to rotate.

[0100] The blade driving mechanism 1001 includes a blade slider 1003 that can move while engaging with the cam unit 407, and a two-stage gear 1004 that is rotatably attached to the blade slider 1003. The two-stage gear 1004 includes a first gear 1004a and a second gear 1004b that have the same rotation axis. The blade driving mechanism 1001 includes a return spring 1005 having elasticity.

[0101] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the wiping mechanism 1000 that can be applied to this embodiment, seen from the right front.

[0102] 10(b), a first rack 403a that can mesh with a first gear 1004a (see FIG. 10(a)) is formed on a part of the blade holder 403. A second rack 401a that can mesh with a second gear 1004b (see FIG. 10(a)) is fixed to the base 401. A return spring 1005 is disposed between the blade slider 1003 and the base 401.

[0103] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the return spring 1005 of this embodiment in a compressed state.

[0104] 11(a), one end of the return spring 1005 is fixed to the base 401. The other end of the return spring 1005 is fixed to the blade slider 1003.

[0105] Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the return spring 1005 of this embodiment is stretched. As shown in Fig. 11(b), in the forward path of the wiping operation, the conveying motor 207 (see Fig. 2) rotates in one direction, and the blade slider 1003 advances (moves in the -Y direction) while stretching the return spring 1005. This enables the blade to wipe the ejection port surface of the head cartridge while moving almost parallel to the ejection port surface.

[0106] In the return path of the wiping operation, the blade slider 1003 can move backward (move in the +Y direction) by utilizing the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005. In this way, the blade 402 (see FIG. 10(b)) can return to the initial position while being biased by the return spring 1005. In other words, with this configuration, the blade 402 can perform a reciprocating operation in which it wipes the ejection port surface while moving approximately parallel to the ejection port surface of the head cartridge 101 (see FIG. 1) and returns to the initial position while being biased by the return spring 1005.

[0107] <Cam unit 407> FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a cam unit 407 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0108] 12, thick shaft portion 407g, which functions as a rotation shaft, extends from the center of the left side surface (surface facing the -X direction) of main cam 407i toward the inside of cam unit 407. Thin shaft portion 407h, which has a smaller diameter than thick shaft portion 407g, extends from the center of the left side surface (surface facing the -X direction) of thick shaft portion 407g in the same direction as the extension of thick shaft portion 407g.

[0109] A second pressing portion 407e capable of pressing the blade slider 1003 is formed so as to contact the left side surface of the main cam 407i from the outer circumferential surface of the thick shaft portion 407g. The second pressing portion 407e is capable of pressing the blade slider 1003 (see FIG. 10(b)) by the rotation of the cam unit 407. As will be described in detail later, an unexpected load may act on the blade 402 (see FIG. 10(b)) during the return path of the wiping operation. In such a case, the second pressing portion 407e presses the blade slider 1003. The blade slider 1003 is assisted in returning to the initial position by being pressed by the second pressing portion 407e.

[0110] A first pressing portion 407d capable of pressing the blade slider 1003 is formed on the left side surface of the main cam 407i at a position away from the thick shaft portion 407g. The first pressing portion 407d is capable of pressing the blade slider 1003 when the blade 402 is advanced. When the blade 402 is retreated, the first pressing portion 407d is capable of sliding against the blade slider 1003. The first pressing portion 407d and the second pressing portion 407e are formed at positions where they overlap in the width direction (X direction) of the cam unit 407.

[0111] The main cam 407i includes a sensor flag 407f protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the main cam 407i so that light emitted with a predetermined pulse hits the sensor flag 407f. Specifically, the sensor flag 407f functions as a detection target for detecting the position by a photointerrupter 211 (see FIG. 2) having a light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged to face each other. When the sensor flag 407f passes between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the light emitted by the light emitting element with a predetermined pulse is blocked, and the light receiving element cannot receive the light. In this way, the amount of movement of the sensor flag 407f when light hits the sensor flag 407f or when light does not hit the sensor flag 407f is detected, and the angle by which the cam unit 407 has rotated is managed. In this way, the rotation of the cam unit 407 is appropriately controlled in this embodiment.

[0112] A first cam 407a, a second cam 407b, and a third cam 407c are provided on the tip end (the end on the -X direction side) of the thin shaft portion 407h.

[0113] <Blade Slider 1003> FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a blade slider 1003 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0114] 13, the blade slider 1003 is formed with a curved surface 1301 and a pressed surface 1302. The curved surface 1301 is formed so as to gradually taper from near the center of the member body toward the rear (+Y direction). The pressed surface 1302 is formed so as to be able to come into contact with the second pressing portion 407e (see FIG. 12) at the upper part (+Z direction side) in the vertical direction of the member body.

[0115] The lower end (the end on the -Z direction side) of the curved surface 1301 is rounded. In the outward movement of the wiping operation, the first pressing portion 407d (see FIG. 12) presses the lower end of the curved surface 1301, causing the blade slider 1003 to move forward in the -Y direction.

[0116] In the return path of the wiping operation, the first pressing portion 407d comes into contact with the tapered portion of the curved surface 1301, and the curved surface 1301 and the first pressing portion 407d slide against each other, thereby controlling the speed at which the blade slider 1003 returns to the initial position. This is to prevent the blade 402 from gaining too much momentum when it is pulled back by the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005 (see FIGS. 11(a) and (b)).

[0117] In the return path of the wiping operation, it may become difficult to move the blade 402 backward in the +Y direction for some reason. In such a case, the second pressing portion 407e presses the pressed surface 1302, thereby assisting the blade 402 in moving backward.

[0118] <Wipping operation> 14(a) and 14(b) are left and right side views showing an example of a wiping mechanism 1000 that can be applied to this embodiment. In Fig. 14(a) and Fig. 14(b), the state of the wiping mechanism 1000 at a time point before the start of the wiping operation is shown. In Fig. 14(a) and Fig. 14(b), the carriage 102 is in the home position and is therefore shown by a solid line.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 14(a), the blade slider 1003 is biased toward the front (+Y direction) of the mounting body by the return spring 1005 (see FIGS. 11(a) and (b)). In the wiping operation of this embodiment, the cam unit 407 rotates in one direction (in this embodiment, the direction indicated by arrow B), causing the first pressing portion 407d to press the lower end of the curved surface 1301. As the first pressing portion 407d presses the lower end of the curved surface 1301, the blade slider 1003 moves forward. In this embodiment, the blade slider 1003 moves in the direction indicated by arrow C.

[0120] As the blade slider 1003 advances, the second gear 1004b meshes with the second rack 401a (see FIG. 10), and the two-stage gear 1004 rotates in one direction (the direction indicated by the arrow D in this embodiment). As the two-stage gear 1004 rotates, the blade holder 403 having the first rack 403a meshing with the first gear 1004a advances. In this embodiment, the blade holder 403 moves in the -Y direction.

[0121] When the blade holder 403 advances, the ejection port face of the first head cartridge 101a is wiped by the first blade 402a and the third blade 402c, and the ejection port face of the second head cartridge 101b is wiped by the second blade 402b and the fourth blade 402d.

[0122] In this embodiment, the blade cleaner 404 is not located on the path of movement of the carriage 102 that reciprocates along the X direction. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the carriage 102 from coming into contact with the blade cleaner 404.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 14(b), the second pressing portion 407e is not in contact with the pressed surface 1302 before the wiping operation starts.

[0124] <Blade 402 and Blade Cleaner 404> Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 applicable to this embodiment, seen from the left front. The position of the blade holder 403 shown in Fig. 15 is the position after the ejection port surface is wiped by the blade 402 and before the blade 402 comes into contact with the blade cleaner 404.

[0125] 15, a first cleaner unit 1501a capable of scraping off deposits adhering to the third blade 402c and the first blade 402a is disposed in the blade cleaner 404. A second cleaner unit 1501b capable of scraping off deposits adhering to the fourth blade 402d and the second blade 402b is disposed in the blade cleaner 404. Hereinafter, the first cleaner unit 1501a and the second cleaner unit 1501b will be referred to as the "cleaner unit 1501" unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0126] The third blade 402c has a shape that is wider than the first blade 402a in order to wipe the entire area of ​​the ejection port face of the first head cartridge 101a. The first blade 402a has a shape that is narrower than the third blade 402c in order to wipe the vicinity of the ejection port on the ejection port face of the first head cartridge 101a.

[0127] The fourth blade 402d has a shape that is wider than the second blade 402b in order to wipe the entire area of ​​the ejection port face of the second head cartridge 101b. The second blade 402b has a shape that is narrower than the fourth blade 402d in order to wipe the vicinity of the ejection port on the ejection port face of the second head cartridge 101b.

[0128] <Full stroke of blade drive mechanism> 16(a) and 16(b) are left and right side views of the blade holder 403 advanced to its limit, that is, the blade holder 403 shown in Fig. 16(a) and Fig. 16(b) is in a full stroke state.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 16(a), the cam unit 407 rotates further in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B) from the state shown in Fig. 14(a), whereby the blade holder 403 advances further. When the blade 402 advances to its limit, it temporarily stops. While the blade 402 is temporarily stopped, the carriage 102 moves from the home position to the recording area. In this embodiment, the carriage 102 is located at the home position, as indicated by a solid line.

[0130] When the carriage 102 moves to the printing area, the blade holder 403 returns to the initial position from the full stroke position. In other words, after the blade holder 403 makes a full stroke, the wiping path is switched from the forward path to the backward path.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 16(b), at this point in time, the second pressing portion 407e is not in contact with the pressed surface 1302.

[0132] <Reducing friction during the return pass of wiping> Fig. 17(a) is a perspective view for explaining the configuration of the rear surface of the blade cleaner 404. The positions of the third blade 402c, the first blade 402a, the fourth blade 402d, and the second blade 402b shown in Fig. 17(a) are positions when the blade holder makes a full stroke.

[0133] 17(a), the blade cleaner 404 is supported by a first rotating shaft 1701a and a second rotating shaft 1701b which are positioned on the same axis and extend along the width direction (X direction) of the blade cleaner 404. With this configuration, when the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 come into contact with each other, the blade cleaner 404 can freely rotate about the first rotating shaft 1701a and the second rotating shaft 1701b.

[0134] A first rib 1702a, a second rib 1702b, and a third rib 1702c are formed on the back surface (surface facing the -Y direction) of the first cleaner portion 1501a. Each of the first rib 1702a, the second rib 1702b, and the third rib 1702c has a slope that slopes from the lower end portion (the upper end portion in FIG. 17(a)) of the first cleaner portion 1501a toward the bottom surface (surface facing the -Z direction) of the blade cleaner 404.

[0135] The second rib 1702b is formed at a position where it can slide against both the first blade 402a and the third blade 402c when the blade 402 retracts. In this embodiment, the second rib 1702b is formed between the first rib 1702a and the third rib 1702c. The first rib 1702a and the third rib 1702c are formed at a position where they cannot come into contact with the first blade 402a and can slide against the third blade 402c when the blade 402 retracts.

[0136] A fourth rib 1702d, a fifth rib 1702e, and a sixth rib 1702f are formed on the back surface (surface facing the -Y direction) of the second cleaner portion 1501b. Each of the fourth rib 1702d, the fifth rib 1702e, and the sixth rib 1702f has a slope that slopes from the lower end portion (the upper end portion in the example of FIG. 14(a)) of the second cleaner portion 1501b toward the bottom surface (surface facing the -Z direction) of the blade cleaner 404.

[0137] The fifth rib 1702e is formed at a position where it can slide against both the second blade 402b and the fourth blade 402d when the blade 402 retracts. In this embodiment, the fifth rib 1702e is formed between the fourth rib 1702d and the sixth rib 1702f. The fourth rib 1702d and the sixth rib 1702f are formed at a position where they cannot come into contact with the second blade 402b and can slide against the fourth blade 402d when the blade 402 retracts.

[0138] With this configuration, in the return path of the blade motion, the back surface (surface facing the +Y direction) of the first blade 402a slides against the second rib 1702b without contacting the first rib 1702a and the third rib 1702c. The back surface (surface facing the +Y direction) of the third blade 402c slides against the first rib 1702a, the second rib 1702b, and the third rib 1702c.

[0139] The back surface (surface facing the +Y direction) of the second blade 402b slides against the fifth rib 1702e without contacting the fourth rib 1702d and the sixth rib 1702f. The back surface (surface facing the +Y direction) of the fourth blade 402d slides against the fourth rib 1702d, the fifth rib 1702e, and the sixth rib 1702f.

[0140] FIG. 17(b) is a partial enlarged view of region XVIIb shown in the example of FIG. 17(a).

[0141] As shown in FIG. 17(b), the lower ends of the inclined surfaces of the fourth rib 1702d, the fifth rib 1702e, and the sixth rib 1702f are positioned offset in the forward direction of the blade holder (-Y direction) from the lower end of the second cleaner portion 1501b.

[0142] In this embodiment, the lower end of the inclined surface is located at a position shifted by a certain distance (L) from the lower end of the second cleaner part 1501b in the forward movement direction of the blade holder (-Y direction). The inclined surfaces of the first rib 1702a, the second rib 1702b, and the third rib 1702c have the same configuration as the inclined surfaces of the fourth rib 1702d, the fifth rib 1702e, and the sixth rib 1702f. Hereinafter, the first rib 1702a, the second rib 1702b, the third rib 1702c, the fourth rib 1702d, the fifth rib 1702e, and the sixth rib 1702f will be referred to as "ribs 1702" when there is no need to distinguish them from each other.

[0143] In the return path of the wiping operation in this embodiment, the blade holder 403 (see FIG. 18) retracts while sliding the back surface of the blade 402 against the inclined surface of the rib 1702. With this configuration, the impact generated when the blade 402 collides with the blade cleaner 404 is dissipated along the inclined surface. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the back surface of the blade 402 directly collides with the back surface of the cleaner portion 1501, the wiping mechanism 1000 of this embodiment can reduce the impact generated when the blade 402 collides with the blade cleaner 404.

[0144] Furthermore, when the blade 402 and the rib 1702 slide against each other, the blade cleaner 404 rotates about the first rotation shaft 1701a and the second rotation shaft 1701b. With this configuration, when the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 collide with each other, the blade cleaner 404 is rotated and lifted, and the impact of the collision is released by the rotation of the blade cleaner 404. Therefore, the wiping mechanism 1000 of this embodiment can reduce the impact when the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 collide with each other, compared to a configuration in which the blade cleaner cannot be rotated.

[0145] In this way, the wiping mechanism 1000 of the present embodiment is configured to minimize the amount of deflection of the blade when retracting, and therefore, compared to a configuration that does not have a rotating shaft, it is possible to suppress scattering of ink adhering to the blade cleaner 404.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the frictional resistance between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404, compared to a configuration that does not include the first rotating shaft 1701a, the second rotating shaft 1701b, and the ribs 1702. Of course, it is possible to suppress the frictional resistance between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 even if no ink is present between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404. Note that it is preferable that the number and / or arrangement of the ribs 1702 be appropriately determined according to the shape and / or characteristics of the blade.

[0147] As described above, according to the wiping mechanism of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the frictional resistance between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 on the return path of the wiping operation.

[0148] As described above, the blade cleaner 404 is not located on the path of movement of the carriage 102. As a result, even if the blade cleaner 404 has the first rotation shaft 1701a and the second rotation shaft 1701b, the clearance in the height direction (Z direction) between the blade cleaner 404 and the carriage 102 can be made smaller than in the conventional technology. Therefore, the height of the recording device can be made lower than that of conventional recording devices while suppressing the frictional resistance between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404.

[0149] <Return of wiping operation> Fig. 18(a) is a left side view showing an example of the wiping mechanism 1000 during the return path of the wiping operation. Note that the carriage 102 shown in Fig. 18(a) is shown by a dashed line because it has moved into the recording area.

[0150] As described above, in the return path of the wiping operation, the blade holder 403 returns to the initial position by utilizing the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005. Then, the first rack 403a of the blade holder 403 meshes with the first gear 1004a of the two-stage gear 1004. This causes the two-stage gear 1004 to rotate in the opposite direction (the direction indicated by the arrow F) to the direction in which it rotated when the blade holder 403 was sent out.

[0151] On the other hand, the cam unit 407 continues to rotate in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B) from the state shown in Fig. 16(a). As a result, the first pressing portion 407d rides onto the curved portion from the lower end of the curved surface 1301 and slides against the curved portion. That is, in the return path of the wiping operation in this embodiment, the first pressing portion 407d slides against the curved surface 1301, thereby controlling the moving speed when the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 return to their initial positions.

[0152] In this manner, in this embodiment, the biasing force of the return spring prevents the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 from returning too quickly, which would otherwise cause ink adhering to the blade 402 to scatter.

[0153] FIG. 18(b) is a right side view of the wiping mechanism 1000 during the return path of the wiping operation.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 18( b ), if no abnormality occurs while the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 are returning to their initial positions, the second pressing portion 407 e does not come into contact with the pressed surface 1302 .

[0155] <Return to initial position> Fig. 19(a) is a left side view showing an example of the wiping mechanism 1000 at the time when the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 return to their initial positions. Note that the carriage 102 shown in Fig. 19(a) is shown by a dashed line because it has moved into the recording area.

[0156] As shown in FIG. 19(a), if no abnormality occurs on the return path of the wiping operation, the blade slider 1003 returns to its initial position using only the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005 (see FIGS. 11(a) and (b)). As a result, the blade 402 also returns to its initial position. Note that while the blade slider 1003 is returning to its initial position, the two-stage gear 1004 continues to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow F, and the cam unit 407 continues to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow B. And even after the blade holder 403 returns to its initial position, the blade holder 403 is biased in the +Y direction by the return spring 1005.

[0157] FIG. 19(b) is a right side view of the wiping mechanism 1000 at the point when the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 have returned to their initial positions.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 19( b ), when the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 return to their initial positions without any abnormality occurring, the second pressing portion 407 e does not come into contact with the pressed surface 1302 .

[0159] <If an abnormality occurs> The following describes a case where it becomes difficult to return the blade 402 to the initial position for some reason. In this embodiment, the description is based on the assumption that the blade 402 gets caught on the blade cleaner 404 on the return path of the wiping operation, making it difficult for the blade 402 to pass through.

[0160] Figures 20(a) to 20(d) are diagrams showing the operation of the wiping mechanism 1000 when an abnormality occurs. Note that the carriage 102 shown in Figures 20(a) to 20(d) is shown by a dashed line because it has moved into the recording area.

[0161] As described above, when the wiping operation is performed normally, the second pressing portion 407e does not come into contact with the pressed surface 1302. However, when an abnormality occurs, the second pressing portion 407e presses the pressed surface 1302 to assist the blade 402 in returning to the initial position.

[0162] As shown in Fig. 20(a), in the return path of the wiping operation, it is assumed that the first blade 402a gets caught on the blade cleaner 404, and the elastic restoring force of the return spring alone is not enough to move the blade slider 1003 backward. Even in such a case, the cam unit 407 continues to rotate in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B) as the direction shown in Fig. 19(b). Here, since the movement of the blade slider 1003 has stopped since the abnormality occurred, the second pressing portion 407e presses the pressed surface 1302.

[0163] 20(b), when the cam unit 407 continues to rotate in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B) from the state shown in Fig. 20(a), the second pressing portion 407e pushes out the pressed surface 1302, forcibly retracting the blade slider 1003. As a result, the first pressing portion 407d is temporarily separated from the curved surface 1301.

[0164] 20(c), when the cam unit 407 continues to rotate in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B) from the state shown in Fig. 20(b), the blade slider 1003 moves further back with the second pressing portion 407e pressing the pressed surface 1302. As the blade slider 1003 moves further back from the state shown in Fig. 20(b), the blade 402 passes through the blade cleaner 404.

[0165] In this embodiment, the blade 402 slides against the blade cleaner 404 while rotating the blade cleaner 404. By rotating the blade cleaner 404, friction between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404 is reduced compared to when the blade cleaner 404 is not moving.

[0166] 20(d), when the blade 402 passes the blade cleaner 404, the blade slider 1003 moves backward due to the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005. This causes the curved surface 1301 and the first pressing portion 407d to contact each other again, and the blade slider 1003 moves backward in a normal manner.

[0167] As described above, the cam unit 407 of this embodiment assists the retraction of the blade slider 1003 only when an abnormality occurs. In other words, when the blade slider 1003 and the blade holder 403 cannot be returned to their initial positions by the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005 alone, the second pressing portion 407e comes into contact with the pressed surface 1302. Then, the cam unit 407 further rotates while the second pressing portion 407e is pressing the pressed surface 1302, forcibly retracting the blade slider 1003. With this configuration, even if an abnormality occurs during the return path of the wiping operation, the blade 402 can be forcibly returned to its initial position.

[0168] If the return spring 1005 is designed to be able to return the blade 402 to its initial position using only its elastic restoring force when an abnormality occurs, the return spring 1005 needs to have a large elastic restoring force. As described above, the return spring 1005 biases the blade slider 1003 in the +Y direction. Therefore, if the return spring 1005 has an excessive elastic restoring force, the driving load of the conveying motor 207 (see FIG. 2) used when advancing the blade holder 403 tends to be large. Using a motor that can withstand such a driving load may lead to increased costs.

[0169] In contrast, the wiping mechanism 1000 of this embodiment is configured to assist the retraction of the blade slider 1003 only when an abnormality occurs. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005 excessively large. In this manner, the wiping mechanism 1000 of this embodiment can reciprocate the blade 402 by rotating the conveying motor 207 in one direction.

[0170] Furthermore, the wiping mechanism 1000 of this embodiment can reciprocate the blade holder 403 substantially parallel to the discharge port surface. This allows for more reliable wiping than a blade holder that cannot reciprocate substantially parallel to the discharge port surface.

[0171] Furthermore, if an abnormality occurs during the return path of the wiping operation, the wiping mechanism 1000 of this embodiment forcibly moves the blade slider 1003 backward. This makes it possible to more reliably return the blade holder 403 to the initial position compared to a configuration not including the second pressing portion 407e.

[0172] As described above, the tubes 306 and 311 (see FIG. 9) of this embodiment are arranged by utilizing the space present vertically below the cap 303. Therefore, compared to an arrangement in which the tubes are first extended from the cap along the width direction of the recovery section and then extended along the side of the waste liquid recovery section as in the conventional technology, the arrangement of the tubes 306 and 311 of this embodiment contributes to making the recovery section smaller in the width direction.

[0173] Furthermore, as described above, the blade cleaner 404 of this embodiment is not located on the path of movement of the carriage 102. That is, the blade cleaner 404 and the carriage 102 of this embodiment are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the depth direction of the recording apparatus. Therefore, even if the blade cleaner 404 is rotatable, the carriage 102 is not located above the blade cleaner 404 in the vertical direction. This reduces the frictional resistance between the blade 402 and the blade cleaner 404, while allowing the height of the recording apparatus to be lower than that of the conventional technology.

[0174] Therefore, according to the recording apparatus of this embodiment, it is possible to maintain the ejection performance without increasing the size of the recovery section.

[0175] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs during the return path of the wiping operation, the cam unit stops the blade holder from retracting. This prevents the user from experiencing a situation where it is difficult to repair the problem on his or her own. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to refer to configurations similar to or corresponding to the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted, with differences being the main focus.

[0176] <Second cam unit 2100> FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a second cam unit 2100 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0177] 21, the second cam unit 2100 includes a thick shaft portion 407g, a thin shaft portion 407h, a first cam 407a, a second cam 407b, and a third cam 407c, similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the second cam unit 2100 includes a second main cam 2100i. The second main cam 2100i includes a third pressing portion 2100d, a fourth pressing portion 2100e, and a sensor flag 407f. The configuration of the sensor flag 407f is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0178] In this embodiment, if an abnormality occurs during the return path of the wiping operation, the third pressing portion 2100d and the fourth pressing portion 2100e come into contact with the second blade slider 2200 (see FIG. 22), thereby stopping the second blade slider 2200 from moving backward.

[0179] <Second Blade Slider 2200> FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a second blade slider 2200 that can be applied to this embodiment.

[0180] 22, the second blade slider 2200 is configured to be movable by engaging with the second cam unit 2100 (see FIG. 21). The second blade slider 2200 is formed with a curved surface 2201, a pressed surface 2202, and a vertical surface 2203 extending along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0181] In this embodiment, when an abnormal load acts on the blade 402, the third pressing portion 2100d comes into contact with the vertical surface 2203 and the fourth pressing portion 2100e comes into contact with the pressed surface 2202, thereby stopping the retreat of the second blade slider. In this embodiment, the rotation of the second cam unit 2100 is stopped in this manner.

[0182] <Processing when an abnormality occurs> On the return path of the wiping operation, the carriage 102 is usually located within the printing area. Since the blade 402 does not move within the printing area, the possibility that the blade 402 will come into contact with the carriage 102 when returning to the initial position is low. However, if the carriage 102 cannot return to the printing area from the home position for some reason, the blade 402 may come into contact with the carriage 102. In this embodiment, even in such a case, the blade 402 can be returned to the initial position. The following description will focus on the process of returning the blade 402 to the initial position when the blade 402 comes into contact with the carriage 102 on the return path of the wiping operation.

[0183] Figures 23(a) to 23(c) are diagrams showing the operation of the second wiping mechanism 2300 when an abnormality occurs. Note that the carriage 102 shown in Figures 23(a) and 23(b) is shown in solid lines because it is located at the home position. Note that the carriage 102 shown in Figure 23(c) is shown in dashed lines because it has moved from the home position into the recording area.

[0184] 23(a), suppose that on the return path of the wiping operation, the blade 402 gets caught on the carriage 102, and the second blade slider 2200 cannot be moved backward only by the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005. Even in such a case, the second cam unit 2100 continues to rotate in the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow B) as the direction shown in FIG.

[0185] 23(b), since the movement of the blade slider 1003 has stopped since the abnormality occurred, the third pressing portion 2100d contacts the vertical surface 2203, and the fourth pressing portion 2100e contacts the pressed surface 2202. In this manner, in this embodiment, the retreat of the second blade slider 2200 and the rotation of the second cam unit 2100 are stopped.

[0186] In this embodiment, even if the blade 402 contacts the carriage 102 on the return path of the wiping operation, if the second cam unit 2100 continues to rotate, the cap holding portion may rise and come into contact with the blade holder 403. If the cap holding portion 602 and the blade holder 403 interfere with each other, it may be difficult for the user to repair it by themselves.

[0187] Therefore, in this embodiment, the fourth pressing portion 2100e contacts the contact surface 2200b before the cap holding portion and the blade 402 interfere with each other, and the third pressing portion 2100d contacts the vertical surface 2200c, thereby stopping the second blade slider 2200 from moving backward.

[0188] In order to facilitate stopping the retreat of the second blade slider 2200, the fourth pressing portion 2100e is formed to be inclined with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the thick shaft portion 407g of the second cam unit 2100. Specifically, a slope is formed so that the outer peripheral surface of the thick shaft portion 407g and the lower surface of the fourth pressing portion 2100e form an acute angle. With this configuration, when the retreat of the second blade slider 2200 is stopped, a force acts on the fourth pressing portion 2100e in the vertical direction upward (+Z direction). Therefore, it is easy to stop the retreat of the second blade slider 2200.

[0189] 23C, after the abnormality is eliminated, the carriage 102 moves from the home position into the recording area. When the abnormality is eliminated, the second blade slider 2200 moves back using only the elastic restoring force of the return spring 1005.

[0190] <Wipping process> 24 is a flowchart showing an example of the wiping process in this embodiment. The process executed during the wiping operation in this embodiment will be described below.

[0191] The series of processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 24 are performed by MPU 201 (see FIG. 2) expanding program code stored in ROM 202 (see FIG. 2) into RAM 203 (see FIG. 2) and executing it. Some or all of the functions of the processes shown in FIG. 24 may be realized by hardware such as ASIC or electronic circuits. Note that the symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart. The following processes are executed when the MPU 201 receives a command to execute a recovery operation.

[0192] In S2401, the MPU 201 moves the carriage 102 (see FIG. 1) to the home position. When the carriage starts to move to the home position, the MPU 201 executes the process of S2402.

[0193] In S2402, the MPU 201 advances the blade 402 (see FIG. 4). That is, the ejection port surface is wiped by the blade 402. After the blade advances to its limit (after the blade slider has reached its full stroke), the MPU 201 executes the process of S2403.

[0194] In S2403, the MPU 201 moves the carriage 102 from the home position to the printing area. The MPU 201 executes the process of S2404 by driving the carriage motor driver 206 (see FIG. 2). Note that the process of S2404 is executed regardless of whether the carriage 102 has moved or not.

[0195] In S2404, the MPU 201 retracts the blade 402. When the blade 402 starts to retract, the MPU 201 executes the process of S2405.

[0196] In S2405, the MPU 201 determines whether or not the blade 402 has come into contact with the carriage 102 based on the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) value of the carry motor 207 and the amount of movement of the carry motor 207. Any known method may be used as the determination method. If the blade 402 has not come into contact with the carriage 102 (NO in S2405), the MPU 201 executes the process of S2406. If the blade 402 has come into contact with the carriage 102 (YES in S2405), the MPU 201 executes the process of S2408.

[0197] In S2406, the MPU 201 moves the carriage 102 to the home position. When the carriage 102 has finished moving to the home position, the MPU 201 executes the process of S2407.

[0198] In S2407, the MPU 201 acquires the detection result of the cam position sensor. For example, by acquiring the position of the sensor flag 407f (see FIG. 12) using the photointerrupter 211 (see FIG. 2), it is possible to determine whether the blade 402 has returned to its initial position. If the detection result of the photointerrupter 211 indicates that the blade 402 has returned to its initial position, the MPU 201 ends the series of processes.

[0199] In S2408, the MPU 201 issues a command to stop driving the carry motor 207. When the drive of the carry motor 207 stops, the MPU 201 executes the process of S2409.

[0200] In S2409, the MPU 201 moves the carriage 102 to the printing area. When the carriage 102 moves into the printing area, the MPU 201 repeats the processes from S2404 onwards.

[0201] The above is a description of the wiping process in this embodiment. As described above, according to the recording device of this embodiment, when the blade 402 comes into contact with the carriage 102 on the return path of the wiping operation, the second cam unit 2100 can be rotated to stop the retreat of the second blade slider 2200. This prevents the cap holding portion 602 from operating before the abnormality is resolved. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0202] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0203] The present disclosure includes the following configurations. [Configuration 1] a cap capable of covering an ejection port surface on which an ejection port for ejecting liquid is formed; a cap holder that movably holds the cap between a position where the cap is in close contact with the ejection port surface and a position where the cap is separated from the ejection port surface; A suction means capable of sucking liquid from the cap; a recovery section for recovering the liquid sucked by the suction means; a first flow path connecting the cap and the suction means; A second flow path connecting the suction means and the recovery unit; Equipped with 2. A recording device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the first flow path and a part of the second flow path are arranged in a position overlapping with the cap holding portion when viewed from above.

[0204] [Configuration 2] a flow path holding portion capable of holding a part of the first flow path and a part of the second flow path; 2. The recording device according to configuration 1.

[0205] [Configuration 3] The flow path holding portion includes an upper plate portion and a lower plate portion aligned in a vertical direction, A portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path are fixed by being sandwiched between the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion. 3. The recording device according to configuration 2.

[0206] [Configuration 4] the upper plate portion has a tray portion capable of receiving liquid dripping from the cap, When viewed from above, the tray portion is disposed at a position overlapping the cap. 4. The recording device according to configuration 3.

[0207] [Configuration 5] the cap holding portion and the suction means are arranged in a line along a first direction, The first flow path extends along the first direction, the second flow path includes a portion that is arranged in parallel with the first flow path along the first direction from the suction means, and a portion that is separated from the flow path holding unit and connected to the recovery unit. 5. The recording device according to any one of configurations 2 to 4,

[0208] [Configuration 6] A portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path extend along the first direction in a horizontal plane and are arranged to be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction. 6. The recording device according to configuration 5.

[0209] [Configuration 7] The recovery unit, the cap holding unit, and the suction means are arranged in this order along the first direction. 7. The recording device according to configuration 5 or 6.

[0210] [Configuration 8] The first flow path and the second flow path are arranged to be within a range of the flow path holding portion in the second direction. 8. The recording device according to configuration 6 or 7.

[0211] [Configuration 9] A cam capable of rotating; an arm having an end capable of sliding relative to the cam and an end fixed to the cap holder; When the cam rotates in one direction, the rotational motion is converted into a lifting motion of the cap holding part, When the cap holder is raised, the ejection port surface is covered, and when the cap holder is lowered, the cap is separated from the ejection port surface. 9. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8,

[0212] [Configuration 10] the caps include a first cap for containing black ink and a second cap for containing color ink; the first flow path includes a first tube connecting the first cap and the suction means, and a second tube connecting the second cap and the suction means, The second flow path includes a third tube and a fourth tube connecting the suction means and the recovery unit. 10. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9,

[0213] [Configuration 11] The first flow path includes a space capable of temporarily storing a liquid. 11. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10,

[0214] [Configuration 12] a recording head having the ejection port surface, 12. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11,

[0215] [Configuration 13] A conveying means capable of conveying a recording medium along the first direction; a carriage that carries a recording head having the ejection port surface and is capable of reciprocating along the second direction; 13. The recording device according to any one of configurations 6 to 12,

[0216] [Configuration 14] the recording head has a storage portion capable of storing liquid, and is detachable from the carriage; 14. The recording device according to claim 13,

Claims

1. a cap capable of covering an ejection port surface on which an ejection port for ejecting liquid is formed; a cap holder that movably holds the cap between a position where the cap is in close contact with the ejection port surface and a position where the cap is separated from the ejection port surface; A suction means capable of sucking liquid from the cap; a recovery section for recovering the liquid sucked by the suction means; a first flow path connecting the cap and the suction means; A second flow path connecting the suction means and the recovery unit; Equipped with 2. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a part of the first flow path and a part of the second flow path are disposed in a position overlapping with the cap holding portion when viewed from above.

2. a flow path holding portion capable of holding a part of the first flow path and a part of the second flow path; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,

3. The flow path holding portion includes an upper plate portion and a lower plate portion aligned in a vertical direction, A portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path are fixed by being sandwiched between the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the upper plate portion has a tray portion capable of receiving liquid dripping from the cap, When viewed from above, the tray portion is disposed at a position overlapping the cap.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3.

5. the cap holder and the suction means are arranged in a line along a first direction, The first flow path extends along the first direction, the second flow path includes a portion that is arranged in parallel with the first flow path along the first direction from the suction means, and a portion that is separated from the flow path holding portion and connected to the recovery portion.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

6. A portion of the first flow path and a portion of the second flow path extend along the first direction in a horizontal plane and are arranged to be aligned along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

7. the recovery unit, the cap holding unit, and the suction means are arranged in this order along the first direction; 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5.

8. The first flow path and the second flow path are arranged to be within a range of the flow path holding portion in the second direction.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6.

9. A cam capable of rotating; an arm having an end capable of sliding relative to the cam and an end fixed to the cap holder; When the cam rotates in one direction, the rotational motion is converted into a lifting motion of the cap holding part, When the cap holder is raised, the ejection port surface is covered, and when the cap holder is lowered, the cap is separated from the ejection port surface.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,

10. the caps include a first cap for containing black ink and a second cap for containing color ink; the first flow path includes a first tube connecting the first cap and the suction means, and a second tube connecting the second cap and the suction means, The second flow path includes a third tube and a fourth tube connecting the suction means and the recovery unit.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,

11. The first flow path includes a space capable of temporarily storing a liquid.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,

12. a recording head having the ejection port surface, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1,

13. A conveying means capable of conveying a recording medium along the first direction; a carriage that carries a recording head having the ejection port surface and is capable of reciprocating along the second direction; 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6.

14. the recording head has a storage portion capable of storing liquid, and is detachable from the carriage; 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13.

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