Liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device that facilitates work for replacing an absorbing member and can suppress waste liquid leaking out from a portion separated from the absorbing member from soiling a component and the like existing around the device, when replacing the member, a waste liquid recovery unit and a waste liquid recovery method.SOLUTION: A recording device 11 comprises a first absorbing member (expanding absorbing member 90 or the like) which absorbs, as waste liquid, liquid ejected from a discharge head to outside of an end part of a medium supported by a supporting part. Further, the recording device 11 has: a second absorbing member (waste liquid absorbing member 50A) which absorbs waste liquid fed from a cap; a storing part (waste liquid box 50B) which retains the second absorbing member; and a delivering part 141 that delivers liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member. In a state where the storing part is inserted into a device main body 12, the delivering part 141 inclines downward from the first absorbing member toward the second absorbing member. The delivering part 141 inclines when the storing part is detached from the device main body 12 differently from the state where the storage part is inserted into the main body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device including a transport section that transports a medium, a support section that supports the medium, and an ejection head that records on the medium supported by the support section, a waste liquid recovery unit, and a waste liquid recovery method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device equipped with an ejection head that ejects liquid such as ink onto a medium. This type of liquid ejection device is provided with a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid such as ink from the nozzles of the ejection head. The liquid ejection device also includes a waste liquid absorber that collects waste liquid such as ink discharged from the ejection head by the maintenance device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-119136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1 discloses a means for replacing the waste liquid absorber, there is a possibility that waste liquid may leak from the tip of the tube when the tube is separated from the device body (bottom frame) during replacement. In other words, there is a problem that when replacing an absorption member such as the waste liquid absorber, waste liquid leaking from the separated portion may contaminate surrounding components. Even if the tube is configured to be fixed to the device body, there is a possibility that waste liquid may leak from the transfer flow path (not limited to the tube) on the device body side that had previously transferred waste liquid to the waste liquid absorber when the waste liquid absorber was removed from the device body. In this case, there is a similar problem that the leaked waste liquid may contaminate surrounding components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem comprises an ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording material, a support section that is arranged opposite the ejection head and supports the recording material from below, a first absorption member that absorbs liquid that is discarded from the ejection head outside the end of the recording material supported by the support section as waste liquid, a waste liquid receiving section that receives liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, and a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorption member and the second absorption member, wherein when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, the transfer section is inclined downward from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member, and the inclination of the transfer section when the storage section is removed from the device main body is different from when it is inserted.

[0006] The waste liquid recovery unit that solves the above problem is a waste liquid recovery unit that is detachably inserted into a device body of a liquid ejection device that includes a support section that supports a recording material, an ejection head that ejects liquid onto the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid that is discharged from the ejection head to the outside of the end of the recording material supported by the support section, and a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, and the waste liquid recovery unit includes a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, a storage section that holds the second absorbing member, and a transfer section for transferring liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member, and when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, the second absorbent member is connected so as to be able to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and the transfer section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, and when the storage section is removed from the device main body, the second absorbent member is released from its connection so as to be able to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and the inclination of the transfer section is different from when the storage section is inserted into the device main body.

[0007] A waste liquid recovery method that solves the above problem is a waste liquid recovery method that recovers the waste liquid in a liquid ejection device that includes a support section that supports a recording material, an ejection head that ejects liquid onto the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head outside the edge of the recording material supported by the support section, a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, a storage section that holds the second absorbing member, and a delivery section that delivers liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member. The storage section is provided detachably with respect to the device body, and when the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to a waste liquid flow path so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member; and when the storage section is removed from the device body, the second absorbent member is disconnected from the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving section, and the delivery section is changed to an inclination different from the downward inclination when the storage section is inserted into the device body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recording apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the recording apparatus in which the feed tray is set. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view showing the recording apparatus in a state where the waste liquid box cover is further opened from the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the recording apparatus with the waste liquid recovery unit removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the recording device with the housing removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the recording device taken along the line 7-7 in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the recording device taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 6. [Figure 9]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a recording device with the upper part including a recording system removed. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a rear cross-sectional view showing the waste liquid recovery unit and the delivery mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the blocking mechanism when the blocking mechanism does not block the transfer of waste liquid by the transfer mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the blocking mechanism blocking the transfer of waste liquid by the transfer mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the recording apparatus with the waste liquid recovery system visible. [Figure 16] 16 is a front cross-sectional view showing a part of the throwaway absorbing member taken along the line 16-16 in FIG. 6. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a portion of the maintenance device and the waste liquid recovery unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connection portion between the waste liquid recovery unit and the apparatus main body side, to which the waste liquid recovery unit is detachably attached. [Figure 19] 19 is a side cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the connection portion between the waste liquid recovery unit and the connection portion, taken along the arrows 19-19 in FIG. 17. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing a mechanism for biasing the waste liquid recovery unit in a pushing direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a part of a recording apparatus in a second embodiment, in which a waste liquid recovery system is visible. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording device from the front side, with the upper part including the recording system removed. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording device from the rear side with the upper part including the recording system removed. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the delivery section in a connected state. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the delivery section in a disconnected state. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the second delivery mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the second delivery mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the second delivery mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the second delivery mechanism and the waste liquid recovery unit. [Figure 30] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing a delivery section and a liquid waste recovery unit in a third embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing a delivery section and a liquid waste recovery unit in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a recording apparatus in a state where a waste liquid recovery unit is removed according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a recording apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the recording apparatus with the waste liquid box removed. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view showing a recording apparatus from which a waste liquid recovery unit has been removed according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view showing a drainage unit having a fan according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a waste liquid unit including an expansion absorption member according to a ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of a recording apparatus 11, which is an example of a liquid ejection apparatus, will be described below with reference to the drawings. In Fig. 1, the recording apparatus 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and three mutually orthogonal virtual axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The X-axis is a virtual axis parallel to the scanning direction of an ejection head 25 (described later), and the Y-axis is a virtual axis parallel to the medium transport direction during recording. The Z axis is a virtual axis parallel to the vertical direction Z. Both directions parallel to the X axis indicate the directions in which the recording unit 23, including the ejection head 25, scans back and forth. Therefore, the direction in which the recording unit 23 scans is also referred to as the "scanning direction X." One direction parallel to the Y axis indicates the transport direction of the medium M at the recording position where the ejection head 25 records on the medium M. Therefore, the transport direction of the medium M at the recording position is also referred to as the "transport direction Y." Note that on the Y axis, the side of the recording device 11 on which the display unit 14, described below, is located is referred to as the front, and the side opposite the front is referred to as the rear. Furthermore, the transport path along which the medium M is transported is not entirely parallel to the Y axis, and the transport direction changes depending on the position of the medium M on the transport path.

[0010] <Configuration of recording device> The recording device 11 shown in Figure 1 is a serial recording type inkjet printer. As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 11 includes a device main body 12 and an openable and closable cover 13 attached to the top of the device main body 12. The device main body 12 includes a housing 12A that houses various mechanisms related to recording. The recording device 11 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The recording device 11 in this example is a multifunction device that includes an image reading device 30 (scanner) attached to the top of the device main body 12. The cover 13 is opened and closed when setting a document on the image reading device 30. When the cover 13 is opened, a document table 31 (see FIG. 7) having a glass plate on which the document is set on the image reading device 30 is exposed.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 11 has a display unit 14 on its front surface. The display unit 14 is configured, for example, as a touch panel, and constitutes part of an interface function that is operated by the user to give instructions to the recording device 11. The display unit 14 is configured, for example, as a touch panel, and has an operation function that is operated when giving various instructions to the recording device 11, and a display function that displays various menus and the operating status of the recording device 11. The display unit 14 is attached to the device body 12 so as to be rotatable about an axis in the width direction X (left-right direction). In addition, a power button 15 is provided on the front surface of the device body 12. The recording device 11 may also have a display unit 14 that does not have a touch panel function and a switch-type operation unit.

[0012] Furthermore, one or more (six in this embodiment) liquid supply sources 17 are provided on the front right side of the device main body 12. The liquid supply sources 17 are formed, for example, from ink tanks or ink cartridges. Each liquid supply source 17 has one or more (six in this embodiment) corresponding transparent window portions 18. The window portions 18 are made of transparent or translucent resin, and the user can visually check the liquid level of the liquid contained in the liquid supply source 17 from the outside through the window portions 18. In other words, the window portions 18 form a liquid level indicator that displays the remaining liquid level in the liquid supply source 17.

[0013] Furthermore, a cassette cover 19 is provided on the front of the recording device 11 in an openable and closable manner. The cassette cover 19 is opened and closed by rotating around its lower end. A cassette 20 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) is removably inserted into the device main body 12 inside the cassette cover 19, which is in the closed position shown in FIG. 1. The cassette 20 contains a plurality of sheets of media M. A first feeding section 41 (see FIG. 8) that feeds the media M from the cassette 20 is provided within the device main body 12. The media M corresponds to an example of a recording material.

[0014] 1 and 2, a feed cover 21 is provided at the rear of the top surface of the recording device 11 in an openable and closable manner. The feed cover 21 is opened and closed by rotating around its rear end. A feed tray 22 stored in a storage position is disposed at the rear of the device body 12. The feed tray 22 is moved upward from the storage position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to a usage position in which it assumes a backward tilted oblique posture as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 12 houses a recording unit 23 for recording on a medium M fed from a cassette 20 or a feed tray 22 (see FIG. 3). The recording unit 23 is, for example, of a serial recording type. The serial recording type recording unit 23 includes a carriage 24 that is reciprocable in a scanning direction X and an ejection head 25 held below the carriage 24. That is, the recording apparatus 11 includes the ejection head 25 that ejects liquid onto the medium M. The surface of the ejection head 25 that faces the medium M transported along the transport path is a nozzle surface (see FIG. 6) on which a plurality of nozzles (not shown) open. The liquid supply source 17 and the recording unit 23 are connected via a liquid supply tube (not shown), and liquid is supplied from the liquid supply source 17 to the ejection head 25 via the liquid supply tube.

[0016] 1, the recording device 11 also includes a support section 26 that is disposed opposite the ejection head 25 and supports the medium M from below. The support section 26 is an elongated member that extends in the width direction X across an area that faces the movement path of the ejection head 25. The support section 26 supports the medium M transported by a transport section 40 (see FIG. 6). During the process of moving in the scanning direction X, the ejection head 25 records on the medium M by ejecting a liquid such as ink onto the portion of the medium M that is supported by the support section 26.

[0017] The ejection head 25 ejects liquid such as ink from multiple nozzles toward the medium M while moving in the scanning direction X together with the carriage 24. Characters or images are recorded on the medium M by alternating between a recording operation in which the carriage 24 moves once and the ejection head 25 performs one pass of recording and a transport operation in which the medium M is transported to the next recording position. The recording unit 23 may also be a line recording type. A line recording type recording unit 23 includes an ejection head 25 made of a line head having multiple nozzles that can eject liquid simultaneously across the entire width of the maximum width medium. Liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the ejection head 25 made of a line head onto the medium M, which is transported at a constant speed, with the entire width of the medium M as the ejection target, thereby achieving high-speed recording of images, etc.

[0018] The recording device 11 has a borderless recording function that records on the entire surface without leaving any margins at the edges of the medium M. In borderless recording mode, the ejection head 25 moves in the scanning direction X, and ejects extra liquid even in areas that deviate from the side edges of the medium M. As a result, no margins are formed at the side edges of the medium M, even if the medium M is misaligned within the allowable range in the width direction X due to skew or other reasons.

[0019] The support section 26 is provided with a discard absorbing member 70 as an example of a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the nozzles by the ejection head 25 to the outside of the side edges of the medium M during borderless recording mode. The discard absorbing member 70 is provided in a state that covers the portions of the surface of the support section 26 that correspond to the side edges of at least multiple types of medium M of specified sizes that can be transported.

[0020] 1 also includes a control unit 100 that controls various functions. The control unit 100 controls the carriage 24 and the ejection head 25, transport of the medium M, display control of the display unit 14, and voltage control of a power supply unit 75 (see FIG. 6) described later.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a support guide member 27 is disposed on the rear surface of the recording device 11 below the feed tray 22 in the storage position, in a state in which it can slide vertically. The support guide member 27 is disposed in the center of the rear surface of the recording device 11. A waste liquid box cover 28 is rotatably provided at a position immediately to the left of the lower part of the support guide member 27. The waste liquid box cover 28 can be opened and closed by rotating left and right around its left end as an axis. Note that a power cable 33A for supplying power and a communication cable 33B for communicating with communication devices such as a host computer (not shown) are electrically connected to one end of the rear surface of the recording device 11 in the width direction X.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support guide member 27 is disposed in a vertical position constituting part of the rear portion of the device main body 12, and both widthwise sides of its upper end engage with both widthwise side portions of the main support member 22A. With the feed cover 21 open, the support guide member 27 is slidable in the vertical direction Z. With the feed cover 21 open, the user can pull the feed tray 22 and the support guide member 27 upward. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a state in which the support guide member 27 has slid upward and the feed tray 22 has been pulled out in a rearward tilted position. When the feed tray 22 is pulled out upward, the support guide member 27 slides upward, causing the feed tray 22 to assume an oblique position tilted backward at a predetermined angle. In this way, the feed tray 22 is deployed in an oblique position in which the medium M can be placed when feeding the medium M from the rear side.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the feed tray 22 is configured as a multi-stage sliding type. The feed tray 22 is configured by slidably connecting a main support member 22A and a sub-support member 22B. In Figures 3 and 4, the sub-support member 22B is slid upward relative to the main support member 22A, and the feed tray 22 is in an extended, backward tilted position during use. The sub-support member 22B is extended upward relative to the main support member 22A during use. The user sets one or more media M on the feed tray 22 in the backward tilted position. The second feed section 42 (see Figure 6) feeds the media M set in the feed tray 22 into the device main body 12 one by one from below.

[0024] Furthermore, by pulling the support guide member 27 upward, a portion of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is exposed at the lower back surface of the apparatus main body 12. In other words, when the support guide member 27 is slid upward, an opening 12C appears at the lower part of the apparatus main body 12, exposing the rear frame portion 12B and the rear surface of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 that were previously covered by the support guide member 27. However, one end of the rear surface of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 in the width direction X is covered by the waste liquid box cover 28 that is in the closed position.

[0025] 4 shows the waste liquid box cover 28 in an open state where it has been rotated to the open position. By releasing the screws 28A that secure it to the apparatus body 12, the waste liquid box cover 28 becomes rotatable. When the waste liquid box cover 28 is rotated to the open position, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 becomes removable. When the user removes the waste liquid recovery unit 50 for replacement or maintenance, the unit is placed in the removable state shown in FIG. 4, with the entire back surface exposed.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a state in which the waste liquid recovery unit 50 has been removed. The waste liquid recovery unit 50, which is in the state shown in FIG. 4, is removed from the apparatus main body 12 by sliding it upstream in the conveying direction Y and pulling it out. As shown in FIG. 5, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 has a waste liquid absorbing member 50A as an example of a second absorbing member, and a waste liquid box 50B as an example of a storage section that holds the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is detachable from the apparatus main body 12. This allows users to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50 themselves, even if they are not service personnel. The waste liquid box 50B is configured as a long box with an open top when inserted into the apparatus main body 12. The waste liquid absorbing member 50A accommodated in the waste liquid box 50B is in a state where the upper part is exposed.

[0027] 5, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A includes a first waste liquid collecting section 51 that is disposed near one end in the width direction X and extends in the conveying direction Y, and a second waste liquid collecting section 52 that is connected to the upstream end of the first waste liquid collecting section 51 in the conveying direction Y and extends in the width direction X. The first waste liquid collecting section 51 and the second waste liquid collecting section 52 are connected at their respective ends so as to intersect at right angles with each other, forming an L-shape in plan view. When the L-shaped waste liquid collecting unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 12, the first waste liquid collecting section 51 is located below the maintenance device 60 (see FIG. 7), and the second waste liquid collecting section 52 is located below the second feeding section 42.

[0028] The first waste liquid collection section 51 includes a first waste liquid box section 53 in the form of a long box with an open top, and a first waste liquid absorption member 54 in the form of a long rectangular plate housed in the first waste liquid box section 53. The second waste liquid collection section 52 includes a second waste liquid box section 55 in the form of a long box with an open top, and a second waste liquid absorption member 56 in the form of a long rectangular plate housed in the second waste liquid box section 55.

[0029] In other words, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A includes a first waste liquid absorbing member 54 in the shape of a long rectangular plate extending in the conveying direction Y, and a second waste liquid absorbing member 56 that is connected to the upstream end of the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 in the conveying direction Y and is long and extends in the width direction X. The waste liquid box 50B includes a first waste liquid box portion 53 that houses the first waste liquid absorbing member 54, and a second waste liquid box portion 55 that houses the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. The first waste liquid box portion 53 and the second waste liquid box portion 55 are connected at a connection portion 50C so that the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 are in contact with each other, allowing waste liquid to move between them. A mark 50D indicating that the waste liquid box 50B is removable is provided on one end of the back surface of the waste liquid box 50B.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 6, the recording unit 23 includes a first feeding unit 41 (see FIG. 8) for transporting the medium M, and a second feeding unit 42. The first feeding unit 41 feeds the media M stored in the cassette 20 one by one in order from the top. An opening 12D capable of storing the cassette 20 is provided in the front of the device main body 12. The user can attach and detach the cassette 20 by sliding it from the opening 12D along the wall surface.

[0031] The second feeding unit 42 includes a pair of guide portions 22C that are operated by the user to position the medium M set in the feeding tray 22 in the width direction X, and a movement mechanism 22D that enables the pair of guide portions 22C to move in conjunction with each other in the width direction X. The second feeding unit 42 includes a feeding roller 45. The medium M set in the feeding tray 22 is fed to the recording area of ​​the recording unit 23 by rotation of the feeding roller 45.

[0032] The recording device 11 also includes a transport roller pair 48 that transports the medium M fed from the first feed unit 41 or the second feed unit 42 in the transport direction Y. A support unit 26 is disposed downstream of the transport roller pair 48 in the transport direction Y. A discharge roller pair 49 is disposed on the opposite side of the transport roller pair 48 in the transport direction Y, with the support unit 26 sandwiched between them. The discharge roller pair 49 is located downstream of the transport roller pair 48 in the transport direction Y and nips and transports, for example, a portion of the medium M on which recording by the recording unit 23 has finished. The medium M transported in the transport direction Y from the discharge roller pair 49 is discharged onto the stacker 46. As shown in FIG. 8 , the stacker 46 is arranged to overlap the waste absorption member 70 in the stored state, and, although not shown, when discharging the medium M, it moves in the Y direction by manual operation by the user or automatically by operation of a power source (not shown) to an extended state. By arranging it in this manner, it is possible to keep the depth dimension of the recording device 11 small when the stacker 46 is stored.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6, the recording unit 23 moves back and forth in the width direction X between a home position HP located at the right end of the device body 12 in FIG. 6 and an anti-home position AH located at the left end of the device body 12.

[0034] The liquid supply source 17 shown in FIG. 6 has an openable and closable cap cover 38 on its top. The liquid supply source 17 in this example is a tank that contains liquid. When the user sees through the window 18 (see FIG. 1) that the liquid supply source 17 is low in liquid, the user opens the cap cover 38 to expose the inlet 17A (see FIG. 7) of the liquid supply source 17. The user then injects liquid from a liquid bottle into the inlet 17A of the liquid supply source 17. Note that the liquid supply source 17 is not limited to a liquid refillable tank that the user refills with liquid from a liquid bottle, but may also be a liquid pack (e.g., an ink pack) or a liquid cartridge (e.g., an ink cartridge) that contains liquid. Furthermore, the liquid supply source 17 is not limited to an off-carriage type provided in the device main body 12, but may also be an on-carriage type that is mounted on the carriage 24.

[0035] Liquid is supplied to the recording unit 23 from the liquid supply source 17 through a liquid supply tube 39 (see FIG. 8). The recording unit 23 records on the medium M that is transported by the transport unit 40 and supported by the support unit 26.

[0036] In Figure 6, the recording unit 23 records on the medium M by alternately performing a recording operation in which the ejection head 25 ejects liquid toward the medium M supported by the support unit 26 to record one scan while moving back and forth in the scanning direction X, and a transport operation in which the medium M is transported to the next recording position by a pair of rollers 48, 49.

[0037] The recording device 11 has a borderless recording mode that enables borderless recording on the entire surface of the medium M. When the user selects the borderless recording mode when setting the recording conditions, the recording unit 23 ejects liquid from the ejection head 25 onto a recording area that extends beyond the side edges of the medium M in the width direction X. That is, in the recording device 11 shown in FIG. 6, the liquid is ejected from the ejection head 25 also outward from the side edges of the medium M in the width direction X supported by the support unit 26. This prevents margins from being created at the ends of the medium M in the width direction X, even if the transport position of the medium M in the width direction X varies within the allowable range due to skew or the like. The amount of liquid that extends beyond the side edges of the medium M is set to a predetermined length, for example, within a range of 1 to 5 mm.

[0038] 6, the recording device 11 has a throwaway absorption member 70 as an example of a first absorption member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head 25 to the outside of the medium M supported by the support portion 26. The support portion 26 has a plurality of ribs 26A that support the medium M and protrude upward at intervals in the width direction X. The surface of the support portion 26 other than the ribs 26A is partially covered by the throwaway absorption member 70. The throwaway absorption member 70 absorbs the liquid discarded to the outside of the medium M as waste liquid.

[0039] A maintenance device 60 is disposed below the recording unit 23 when the carriage 24 is at the home position HP. The maintenance device 60 performs maintenance on the ejection head 25 of the recording unit 23. The maintenance device 60 includes a cap 61 that caps the ejection head 25 when the carriage 24 is at the home position HP, and a wiper 62 that wipes the nozzle surface of the ejection head 25. Capping the ejection head 25 with the cap 61 prevents the ink or other liquid in the nozzles of the ejection head 25 from thickening or drying out. If the liquid in the nozzles thickens, if there are air bubbles in the liquid in the nozzles, or if the nozzles are blocked by foreign matter such as paper dust, the nozzles become clogged, causing ejection failure, in which the liquid cannot be ejected normally from the nozzles.

[0040] The maintenance device 60 cleans the nozzles of the ejection head 25 to eliminate or prevent this type of ejection failure. During cleaning, the maintenance device 60 forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head 25 into the cap 61. The maintenance device 60 includes a suction pump 63 that communicates with the cap 61. The maintenance device 60 drives the suction pump 63 in a capping state in which the cap 61 is in contact with the nozzle face of the ejection head 25 and surrounds the nozzles. When the suction pump 63 is driven, negative pressure is introduced into the closed space between the nozzle face of the ejection head 25 and the cap 61, forcibly discharging liquid from the nozzles. By forcibly discharging liquid such as ink containing thickened liquid, air bubbles, paper dust, and other foreign matter from the nozzles, ejection failures in the nozzles are prevented or eliminated. During cleaning, the cap 61 is maintained in a capping state in contact with the nozzle face of the ejection head 25 by the biasing force of a spring 61A (see FIG. 11).

[0041] Furthermore, the recording unit 23 periodically or irregularly moves to the home position HP during recording, and performs idling (also called "flushing"), in which droplets are discharged from all nozzles toward the cap 61. ) prevents ejection defects during recording. The liquid (waste liquid) discharged from the nozzles into the cap 61 by cleaning and idle ejection is sent from the cap 61 through a waste liquid tube 64 to the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by driving a suction pump 63. More specifically, the waste liquid sent from the cap 61 through the waste liquid tube 64 by driving the suction pump 63 is discharged into a first waste liquid recovery section 51 located below the maintenance device 60 in the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the waste liquid absorption member 50A is disposed below the maintenance device 60 and the liquid supply source 17. The maintenance device 60 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A have portions where they are positioned at the same position in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and they overlap in the vertical direction Z at these portions. In other words, the maintenance device 60 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A partially overlap in the vertical direction Z. In this way, the waste liquid absorption member 50A is disposed below the maintenance device 60. This allows the waste liquid absorption member 50A to absorb liquid such as ink that is splashed by the maintenance device 60.

[0043] 6, there is at least a portion where the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the liquid supply source 17 are positioned at the same position in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and at least a portion of this overlaps between the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the liquid supply source 17 in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the liquid supply source 17 at least partially overlap in the vertical direction Z. In this way, the waste liquid absorption member 50A is disposed below the liquid supply source 17. This allows the waste liquid absorption member 50A to absorb any liquid that may be accidentally spilled when the user refills the liquid supply source 17 with ink or other liquid through the inlet 17A.

[0044] Furthermore, since the space above the waste liquid absorbing member 50A housed in the waste liquid box 50B is open, the ink or other liquid from the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is dried, and the amount of waste liquid that can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is increased.

[0045] When liquid is discarded from the ejection head 25 during borderless recording or the like and absorbed in the waste liquid absorbing member 70, once a certain amount of waste liquid accumulates, it flows from the waste liquid absorbing member 70 into the waste liquid box 50B by capillary action and gravity. The waste liquid absorbing member 70 and the waste liquid absorbing member 50A are connected in a manner that allows the transfer of waste liquid. The mechanism for transferring this waste liquid will be described in detail later.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, a power supply unit 75 that converts a predetermined voltage supplied from the power cable 33A into a predetermined voltage usable by the recording device 11 is disposed at one end of the rear end of the recording device 11 in the width direction X. The waste liquid absorption member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are disposed opposite each other, sandwiching the waste liquid absorption member 70 therebetween. In other words, the waste liquid absorption member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are disposed on either side of the waste liquid absorption member 70 in the width direction X. The first waste liquid absorption member 54 and the power supply unit 75 that constitute the waste liquid absorption member 50A are disposed in separate storage spaces on either side of a transport area FA, which is an area where the medium M is transported. The support portion 26 is disposed in the transport area FA in the plan view of FIG. 6. The power supply unit 75 and the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 are components that occupy a large amount of storage space within the device main body 12. Therefore, disposing them separately in storage spaces on either side of the transport area FA can optimize the overall component layout of the recording device 11.

[0047] 7 includes an image reading device 30 (scanner) on top of the device body 12. The image reading device 30 includes a document table 31 having a glass plate on which a document is set, and a reading mechanism 32 having a movable image sensor (not shown) that reads the document set on the document table 31.

[0048] 7, a main frame 35 is provided inside the device body 12 and extends in the width direction X. The main frame 35 has a guide rail 35A that guides the carriage 24. The carriage 24 moves back and forth in the scanning direction X while being guided by the guide rail 35A. A movement mechanism 34 that moves the carriage 24 in the scanning direction X is provided between the main frame 35 and the carriage 24. The movement mechanism 34 is, for example, a belt-driven type, and includes a carriage motor 36 that is the drive source for the carriage 24, and an endless timing belt 34A that is stretched along the scanning direction X. The carriage 24 is fixed to a part of the timing belt 34A. When the carriage motor 36 is driven forward and backward, the carriage 24 moves back and forth in the scanning direction X via the timing belt 34A.

[0049] The main frame 35 is also provided with a linear encoder 37 for detecting the position of the recording unit 23 in the scanning direction X. The linear encoder 37 includes a linear scale extending along the scanning direction X and a sensor (not shown) attached to the carriage 24. The sensor detects light that has passed through light-transmitting portions formed at a constant pitch on the linear scale, and outputs a pulse signal including a number of pulses proportional to the amount of movement of the carriage 24. The control unit 100 (see FIG. 1) includes a counter (not shown) that counts the number of pulse edges of the pulse signal input from the linear encoder 37, and obtains the position of the carriage 24 in the scanning direction X, i.e., the carriage position, from the count value of the counter.

[0050] 8, the recording device 11 includes a cassette 20 that stores media M below the ejection head 25, and a first feeding unit 41 that feeds the media M stored in the cassette 20 one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejection head 25. A waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below the first feeding unit 41 so as to partially overlap it. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, a second waste liquid absorbing member 56 of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below the first feeding unit 41 so as to overlap it.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the first feeding unit 41 is disposed above the media M housed in the cassette 20. The first feeding unit 41 includes a pickup roller 44 as a feeding roller for feeding the media M. The first feeding unit 41 includes a drive shaft 44A that rotates with power from a feeding motor (not shown), a pickup roller 44, and a power transmission mechanism including a train (gear train) of multiple gears 44B interposed between the drive shaft 44A and the pickup roller 44. A separation plate 12E is disposed slightly upstream of the leading edge of the upstream side of the cassette 20 in the conveying direction Y. The separation plate 12E separates the topmost medium M from the following medium M by striking the leading edge of the medium M fed from the cassette 20 by the pickup roller 44 against the separation plate 12E. In other words, the separation plate 12E separates the media M into a single sheet, thereby preventing double feeding. The separation plate 12E constitutes part of the first feeding unit 41. After being separated into individual sheets, the medium M is changed in its conveying direction by the reversing roller 47 and conveyed toward the recording position of the ejection head 25. As shown in Fig. 8, the separation plate 12E constituting the first feeding section 41 partially overlaps with the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 of the waste liquid box 50B in the vertical direction Z. In this way, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A overlaps below the first feeding section 41.

[0052] By arranging the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 so that it overlaps below the separation plate 12E of the first feeding section 41, it is possible to reduce the depth size of the recording device 11 compared to a configuration in which the waste liquid absorption member 50A is arranged in a different location, provided that the capacity of the absorption member is the same.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, the recording device 11 has a second feed unit 42 including a feed tray 22 as an example of a placement unit on which the medium M is placed, a feed roller 45 that feeds the medium M placed on the feed tray 22 toward the recording position of the ejection head 25, and a hopper 22E that presses the medium M set in the feed tray 22 against the feed roller 45. The medium M pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the feed roller 45 by the hopper 22E is fed one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejection head 25 while being nipped between the rotating feed roller 45 and a retard roller 45A. At this time, the medium M does not pass through the reversing roller 47. A liquid supply tube 39 that supplies liquid from the liquid supply source 17 to the recording unit 23 is disposed diagonally above the discharge roller pair 49. The liquid supply tubes 39 are arranged in the width direction X in the state of a tube bundle 39B in which a plurality of tubes are bundled together, and are connected to the carriage 24 in a state that allows the carriage 24 to move in the scanning direction X.

[0054] The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below the second feeding section 42 so as to overlap it. Specifically, the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is arranged to overlap below the upper end of the hopper 22E of the second feeding section 42. This reduces the size of the recording device 11 in the depth direction. Furthermore, in the storage state of the feed tray 22 shown in FIG. 8, the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 may be arranged to overlap below the upper end of the moving mechanism 22D including the pair of guide portions 22C (see FIG. 6) that constitute the feed tray 22. This configuration also reduces the size of the recording device 11 in the depth direction.

[0055] The recording device 11 shown in FIG. 8 has a double-sided recording function that allows recording on both the first and second sides of the medium M. The recording device 11 includes a reversing roller 47 as an example of a reversing unit that switches back and transports the medium M upstream of the discharge head 25 in the transport direction Y after the first side has been recorded by the discharge head 25, and then reverses the medium M so that the second side faces the discharge head 25. Multiple driven rollers 47A are provided along the outer circumferential surface of the reversing roller 47. As described above, the reversing roller 47 is also used to curve and reverse the medium M along the transport path when sending the medium M from the first feeding unit 41 to the recording unit 23. The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below the reversing roller 47 in a state where it partially overlaps the reversing roller 47. Specifically, the second waste liquid absorbing member 56, which extends in the width direction X at the rear end of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A, is disposed below the reversing roller 47 in a state where it partially overlaps the reversing roller 47. By having the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 and the reversing roller 47 partially overlap in the vertical direction Z, it is possible to reduce the size of the recording device 11 in the depth direction.

[0056] 9 is a perspective view of the interior of the recording apparatus 11 as seen from the rear. As shown in FIG. 9, the waste liquid tube 64 extending from the maintenance device 60 is disposed so as to extend along the outer side surface of the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 inserted into the apparatus main body 12, and a connecting portion 66 fixed to the tip of the tube 64 is connected to a connecting portion 57 provided at the front end of the waste liquid box 50B. As a result, the liquid (waste liquid) received by the cap 61 is discharged through the waste liquid tube 64 to the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 by driving the suction pump 63. In this way, the waste liquid received by the cap 61 is absorbed through the waste liquid tube 64 into the waste liquid absorbing member 50A.

[0057] 9, a memory element 58 (substrate) is fixed to the front end of the waste liquid box 50B. When the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12, the memory element 58 is electrically connected to the device body 12. In addition, a scattering prevention wall 59 is formed near the coupled portion 57 at the front end of the waste liquid box 50B.

[0058] 9, the throwaway absorption member 70, which receives liquid such as ink that is discarded outside the side edges of the medium M during borderless recording, has one end on the home position HP side in the width direction X adjacent to the maintenance device 60 with a small gap between them. The throwaway absorption member 70 is configured to allow the transfer of waste liquid such as waste ink from the throwaway absorption member 70 toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The waste liquid absorption member 50A is positioned below the throwaway absorption member 70 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the transfer of waste liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A can be achieved by utilizing gravity.

[0059] In this embodiment, a delivery mechanism 80, which is an example of a delivery section that delivers waste liquid, is disposed between the throwaway absorption member 70 and the maintenance device 60, as shown in Fig. 10. The delivery mechanism 80 delivers waste liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A by utilizing gravity and capillary action. Therefore, the delivery mechanism 80 can deliver waste liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A without using a driving source such as a pump. Since the waste liquid on the side of the throwaway absorbing member 70 flows to the side of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A, there is no need to replace the throwaway absorbing member 70.

[0060] 10 and 11 show the structure of a transfer mechanism 80 that transfers waste liquid from the throwaway absorbent member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. The transfer mechanism 80 includes a first connecting absorbent member 81 and a second connecting absorbent member 82 connected at one end of the first connecting absorbent member 81. The first connecting absorbent member 81 is connected to one end of the throwaway absorbent member 70 that faces the maintenance device 60. The other end of the first connecting absorbent member 81, opposite the end that faces the throwaway absorbent member 70, is connected to the upper end of a second connecting absorbent member 82 that extends in the vertical direction Z. The first connecting absorbent member 81 is held in a nearly horizontal position by being held by a holding portion 81A. The holding portion 81A may be inclined downward toward the transfer mechanism 80, which facilitates the movement of waste liquid toward the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. The second connecting absorbent member 82 is held in a nearly vertical position by being supported by a holding portion 82A.

[0061] The lower end of the second connecting absorbent member 82 faces the waste liquid guide portion 83 across a space. The waste liquid guide portion 83 has a slope 83A that receives waste liquid dripping from the lower end of the second connecting absorbent member 82 and guides the received waste liquid to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. The slope 83A is a surface that slopes in a direction that decreases in height from a position facing the lower end of the second connecting absorbent member 82 toward the outside in the width direction X (to the left in FIG. 11). In this way, in this embodiment, waste liquid from the discarding absorbent member 70 side passes through the connecting absorbent members 81 and 82, flows down the slope 83A, and is delivered to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A side. Furthermore, the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82 faces the waste liquid guide portion 83 across a space, and furthermore, the waste liquid guide portion 83 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are arranged to overlap in the width direction X, so that even when the recording device 11 is positioned at an angle, the movement of waste liquid from the waste liquid absorption member 50A to the throw-away absorption member 70 can be prevented, and leakage of waste liquid from the throw-away absorption member 70 can be suppressed.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 12, the recording device 11 includes a blocking mechanism 85 as an example of a blocking section that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid between the throwaway absorbing member 70 and the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. Therefore, even if the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed from the apparatus main body 12 for replacement, the waste liquid delivered via the delivery mechanism 80 is prevented from leaking at the point where it is separated from the delivery mechanism 80.

[0063] 12, the maintenance device 60 includes a drive mechanism 63A that receives power from a conveyance motor (not shown). The drive mechanism 63A includes a group of gears and a group of cams that drive the maintenance device 60. As the gears of the drive mechanism 63A rotate, the suction pump 63, cap 61, wiper 62, carriage lock member 65, and other components (not shown), such as a valve mechanism, are driven.

[0064] The shutoff mechanism 85 shown in FIG. 12 is driven using power from the maintenance device 60. The drive mechanism 63A has a drive shaft 63B that outputs power to the shutoff mechanism 85. The shutoff mechanism 85 includes an intermittent gear 86 fixed to the tip of the drive shaft 63B of the drive mechanism 63A and a slide gear 87 that can intermittently mesh with the intermittent gear 86. In the normal state except when the waste liquid box 50B is being attached or detached, the slide gear 87 is positioned in the retracted position shown in FIG. 12, where it is retracted rearward, and the second connecting absorption member 82 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are able to transfer waste liquid. In other words, in the normal state, the shutoff mechanism 85 is switched to a state in which waste liquid can be transferred from the discard absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the transfer mechanism 80.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 13, the intermittent gear 86 has an intermittent portion 86A in a part of its circumference. When the intermittent gear 86 rotates counterclockwise (CCW) in Fig. 13 by the power from the drive shaft 63B and the intermittent portion 86A of the intermittent gear 86 engages with the engaging portion 87A of the slide gear 87, the slide gear 87 moves to the forward blocking position shown in Fig. 14. When the slide gear 87 is in the blocking position, it temporarily blocks the transfer of waste liquid from the discard absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A. As shown in FIG. 13, the slide gear 87 has a storage portion 87B, and a certain amount of waste liquid can be stored in a recess 87C of the storage portion 87B. When the slide gear 87 is in the shut-off position, the storage portion 87B is located between the second connecting absorption member 82 and the waste liquid guide portion 83, and waste liquid that drips or flows down from the lower end of the second connecting absorption member 82 is stored in the storage portion 87B. The volume of the storage portion 87B is set to a value that will prevent overflow even when the waste liquid transferred from the disposal absorption member 70 is stored therein during the estimated time required for replacing the waste liquid box 50B. In addition, the waste liquid stored in the storage portion 87B can be removed using an absorbent material (not shown) while it is ready for transfer, allowing the waste liquid to be stored again.

[0066] With this configuration, when replacing the waste liquid recovery unit 50, it is possible to prevent waste liquid from dripping downward from the second connecting absorption member 82 and contaminating the inside of the device main body 12. Furthermore, since the shutoff operation of the shutoff mechanism 85 is performed using the power of the existing drive source that drives the maintenance device 60, component costs can also be reduced.

[0067] It is desirable that the shutoff operation of the shutoff mechanism 85 be performed in conjunction with various operations of the maintenance device 60 when replacing the waste liquid recovery unit 50. Furthermore, instead of the slide gear type, the shutoff mechanism 85 may be a shutoff mechanism that uses a tube suction type in which the delivery mechanism 80 delivers waste liquid by the suction force of a tube, and that uses a choke mechanism to choke the tube to shut off the delivery of waste liquid.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 15 , the recording device 11 includes a main board 76 on which a control unit 100 for controlling the ejection head 25 is mounted as an electronic component. The main board 76, like the power supply unit 75, is located in the left storage space of the storage spaces on both sides of the transport area FA in the width direction X within the device body 12. Meanwhile, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is inserted into the bottom of the right storage space. The throwaway absorbing member 70 is located below the transport area FA together with the support portion 26. Therefore, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A and the main board 76 are positioned opposite each other with the throwaway absorbing member 70 sandwiched between them. In other words, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A and the main board 76 are positioned opposite each other in the width direction X across the transport area FA where the throwaway absorbing member 70 is located. Thus, the main board 76 is positioned at a relatively long distance from the waste liquid absorbing member 50A, a distance corresponding to the width of the throwaway absorbing member 70, which is slightly longer than the width of the transport area FA. Therefore, even if waste liquid leaks from the waste liquid recovery unit 50, there is an extremely low possibility that the waste liquid will come into contact with the main board 76. Note that the control unit 100 that controls the ejection head 25 may be provided on the carriage 24, and in this case, the electronic component may be something other than the control unit 100.

[0069] 15, the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed at the right end of the recording device 11, which is the side where the maintenance device 60 (see FIG. 6) is disposed, and the coupled part 57 that is coupled to the coupling part 66 that serves as a waste liquid discharge outlet from the maintenance device 60 is disposed on the front side of the recording device 11. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is attached and detached from the rear side of the recording device 11.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 15, an expanding absorbent member 90 is arranged inside the device main body 12, upstream in the conveying direction Y and behind the throwaway absorbent member 70. In the example shown in Fig. 15, two expanding absorbent members 90 are arranged: a first expanding absorbent member 90A and a second expanding absorbent member 90B. The first expanding absorbent member 90A and the second expanding absorbent member 90B are arranged side by side in the width direction X behind the throwaway absorbent member 70. The throwaway absorbent member 70 and the two expanding absorbent members 90 are connected via two connecting absorbent members 91 in a state that allows the flow of waste liquid. That is, the throwaway absorption member 70 is connected to the first expanding absorption member 90A via one connecting absorption member 91, and is connected to the second expanding absorption member 90B via the other connecting absorption member 91. By providing the expanding absorption member 90, the amount of waste liquid that can be absorbed by the absorption member per recording device is increased.

[0071] 15, the recording device 11 includes a throwaway absorption member 70 and an expanding absorption member 90 connected to enable the delivery of liquid. The throwaway absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are disposed opposite each other, with the expanding absorption member 90 sandwiched between them, at a position different from the delivery mechanism 80. More specifically, the throwaway absorption member 70 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 constituting the waste liquid absorption member 50A are disposed opposite each other, with the expanding absorption member 90 sandwiched between them, at a position different from the delivery mechanism 80. This increases the amount of waste liquid that can be absorbed per recording apparatus, reducing the frequency with which the waste liquid recovery unit 50 needs to be replaced.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 16, the throwaway absorption member 70 has a storage section 71, a lower-layer absorption member 72 stored in the storage section 71, and a surface-layer absorption member 73 that partially covers the area of ​​the support section 26 other than the multiple ribs 26A. The surface-layer absorption member 73 forms the surface layer of the throwaway absorption member 70. Liquid discharged from the nozzles of the ejection head 25 to the outside of the medium M lands on the surface-layer absorption member 73. Therefore, the liquid discharged from the ejection head 25 is first absorbed by the surface-layer absorption member 73. The base section 26C of the support section 26 that supports the ribs 26A has gaps in multiple locations. The surface-layer absorption member 73 has multiple connecting portions 73A extending diagonally downward. The multiple connecting portions 73A extend diagonally downward through multiple gaps in the base section 26C.

[0073] A connecting portion 73A extending diagonally downward from the surface absorbent member 73 contacts the lower absorbent member 72 that forms the lower layer of the disposable absorbent member 70. At least the lower absorbent member 72 of the disposable absorbent member 70 is supported on the bottom surface 71A of the storage section 71. The lower ends of the multiple connecting portions 73A are pressed against the upper surface of the lower absorbent member 72. Therefore, liquid discharged from the discharge head 25 into the disposable absorbent member 70 is first absorbed by the surface absorbent member 73, and then permeates from the surface absorbent member 73 through the connecting portion 73A into the lower absorbent member 72. This permeation of the liquid via the connecting portion 73A is achieved by the action of capillary action and gravity.

[0074] The bottom surface 71A of the storage section 71 that supports the throwaway absorption member 70 is inclined downward toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The gradient of this inclination is sufficient if the liquid flows toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Therefore, the waste liquid that moves from the top-layer absorption member 73 to the lower-layer absorption member 72 and accumulates in the lower-layer absorption member 72 flows along the bottom surface 71A in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 16, along an inclined path that slopes downward as it approaches the waste liquid absorption member 50A. In other words, the waste liquid that accumulates at the bottom of the throwaway absorption member 70 flows toward the transfer mechanism 80 along the slope of the bottom surface 71A. The waste liquid that flows along the bottom of the throwaway absorption member 70 and reaches the transfer mechanism 80 then flows to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the connecting absorption members 81 and 82 and the inclined surface 83A.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 16 , the transport roller pair 48 includes a drive roller 48A and multiple driven rollers 48B. The driven rollers 48B are biased by a coil spring 102 in a direction toward the drive roller 48A. The recording device 11 includes multiple presser members 101 that press the medium M downward toward the support unit 26 during transport. The tips of the multiple presser members 101 are positioned opposite the recessed areas 26B between the ribs 26A in the width direction X. The presser members 101 are supported rotatably around a pivot point (not shown) and are biased in the gravity direction −Z by a spring (not shown). The multiple presser members 101 press the surface of the medium M between the ribs 26A in the width direction X, forming a corrugated shape on the medium M that undulates in the width direction X. This corrugated shape applies tension to the medium M in the transport direction Y, suppressing curling of the leading and trailing ends of the medium M during recording.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 17 , the waste liquid box 50B containing the waste liquid absorption member 50A has a needle-shaped connecting portion 66 connected to the tip of a waste liquid tube 64 connected to the maintenance device 60, and a connectable connecting portion 57. The connecting portion 66 is fixed to the tip of the waste liquid tube 64 via a clamp member 67. The waste liquid box 50B has a scattering prevention wall 59 above the tip on the same side as the connectable portion 57. Waste liquid is transported from the suction pump 63 of the maintenance device 60 through the waste liquid tube 64 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A in the waste liquid box 50B. In addition, a connection terminal 69 supported by a connection frame 68 is located near the connecting portion 66 on the device main body 12 side. In addition, a memory element 58 connected to the connection terminal 69 is provided at a corner of the tip of the waste liquid box 50B.

[0077] Figure 18 shows the state in which the waste liquid box 50B has been pulled out slightly, and the connection between the waste liquid box 50B and the needle-shaped connecting part 66, as well as the electrical connection between the connection terminal 69 on the device main body 12 side and the memory element 58 provided at the corner of the tip of the waste liquid box 50B, have been released.

[0078] When the connection terminal 69 is disconnected from the storage element 58, bubbles of waste ink or other waste liquid may remain at the tip of the needle-shaped connecting portion 66 that is connected in a puncturing state to the connected portion of the waste liquid box 50B. If the bubbles burst, they may contaminate the inside of the recording device 11. Therefore, by providing a scattering prevention wall 59 above the tip of the waste liquid box 50B, contamination due to the bursting of bubbles is prevented.

[0079] 19, the scattering prevention wall 59 has a portion at the same position as the waste liquid absorption member 50A in the transport direction Y (depth direction) and overlaps with the waste liquid absorption member 50A in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the scattering prevention wall 59 also has the function of preventing the waste liquid absorption member 50A from coming off upward.

[0080] 19, the needle-shaped connecting portion 66 is connected to the connected portion 57 with a portion of its tip inserted into the waste liquid box 50B through the rubber seal 57A. The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is formed by stacking a plurality of (for example, three) first waste liquid absorbing members 54 in the vertical direction Z, with the tip 54B of the uppermost one of these members extending close to the connected portion 57 and the tips of the other two members being positioned further away from the connected portion 57 than the topmost one. Due to the stepped shape of the tips of these plurality of first waste liquid absorbing members 54, a space 54A is formed inside the end of the waste liquid box 50B on the connected portion 57 side.

[0081] 19, the tip 66A of the needle-shaped connecting portion 66 connected to the coupled portion 57 is in partial contact with the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. That is, the tip 66A of the needle-shaped connecting portion 66 connected to the coupled portion 57 of the waste liquid box 50B is in contact with a portion of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A to the extent that it does not block the waste liquid flow path 66B of the connecting portion 66. More specifically, a corner of the tip 54B of the uppermost one of the multiple first waste liquid absorbing members 54 constituting the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is in contact with the tip 66A of the coupled portion 66 in the coupled state. Because the aforementioned space 54A is formed, the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 is in near-point contact with the tip 54B of the first waste liquid absorbing member 54. This suppresses the generation of air bubbles in the waste liquid when attaching or detaching the waste liquid box 50B. If the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 is in contact with the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 while blocking the waste liquid flow path 66B, air bubbles may be generated by the waste liquid present between the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 and the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 as they separate when the waste liquid box 50B is removed. If these air bubbles burst, the waste liquid will splash and contaminate the inside of the recording device 11. In contrast, in this embodiment, the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 only partially contacts the waste liquid absorbing member 50A and does not come into contact in a manner that would block the waste liquid flow path 66B. Therefore, when the waste liquid box 50B is removed, air bubbles are less likely to be generated as the tip 66A of the connecting portion 66 separates from the first waste liquid absorbing member 54. This reduces contamination of the inside of the recording device 11 due to air bubbles bursting when the waste liquid box 50B is attached or detached.

[0082] 20, a leaf spring 28B, which is an example of a biasing member, is provided between the waste liquid box 50B inserted into the apparatus main body 12 and the waste liquid box cover 28, which is an example of a cover that covers the waste liquid box 50B, and biases the waste liquid box 50B in the insertion direction when the waste liquid box cover 28 is closed. That is, the leaf spring 28B is provided on the waste liquid box cover 28, and biases the waste liquid box 50B toward the front of the recording apparatus 11, that is, in the transport direction Y. With this structure, the waste liquid box cover 28 will remain rotated open unless the screw 28A of the waste liquid box cover 28 shown in FIG. 5 is tightened, so the user can easily recognize that the waste liquid box 50B has not been pushed in sufficiently and is only partially inserted.

[0083] 20 uses leaf spring 28B, but a torsion spring or compression spring may also be used. Furthermore, if it is detected that connection terminal 69 and memory element 58 are not connected during partial insertion, the maintenance device 60 may be prohibited from suctioning liquid, and an error message indicating the partial insertion state may be displayed on display unit 14 or the display of the host device. Furthermore, a sensor may be provided to detect movement of waste liquid box 50B or waste liquid box cover 28, and upon detecting the partial insertion state of waste liquid box 50B, the maintenance device 60 may be prohibited from suctioning liquid, and an error message indicating the partial insertion state may be displayed on display unit 14 or the display of the host device.

[0084] <Electrical configuration of the recording device> Next, the electrical configuration of the recording device 11 will be described. The recording device 11 is communicably connected to a host device (not shown). The control unit 100 controls recording based on recording data received from the host device. The host device may be, for example, any one of a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc.

[0085] The control unit 100 performs various controls, including recording control of the recording device 11. The control unit 100 includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software). The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. The control unit 100 is not limited to one that performs software processing. For example, the control unit 100 may include a dedicated hardware circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a portion of the processing that the control unit itself executes.

[0086] The control unit 100 is electrically connected to the discharge head 25, the feed motor, the transport motor, the carriage motor 36, etc. as an output system. The control unit 100 controls the discharge head 25, the feed motor, the transport motor, the carriage motor 36, etc. In addition, the control unit 100 is electrically connected to the medium detector, the linear encoder 37, the rotary encoder, etc. as an input system.

[0087] The control unit 100 controls the first feeding unit 41 or the second feeding unit 42 to feed the medium M from the cassette 20 or the feeding tray 22. The control unit 100 also controls the driving of the transport motor to control the transport of the medium M by the roller pairs 48, 49. The control unit 100 acquires the transport position of the medium M by counting the pulse edges of the pulse signal input from the rotary encoder using a counter (not shown), with the position of the medium M detected by the media detector set as the origin, for example.

[0088] The control unit 100 determines the position of the carriage 24 when it reaches the home position HP as the origin, and counts the number of pulse edges of the detection signal input from the linear encoder 37 using a counter (not shown) to obtain the carriage position, which is the position of the carriage 24 in the scanning direction X relative to the origin position of the carriage 24. The control unit 100 controls the carriage motor 36 based on the carriage position count, thereby controlling the speed and position of the carriage 24. Furthermore, the control unit 100 controls the ejection timing at which liquid is ejected from the nozzles of the ejection head 25 based on the recording data. As a result, the ejection head 25 records an image on the medium M based on the recording data.

[0089] When double-sided recording is instructed, the control unit 100 first drives the transport motor in the forward direction to drive the roller pair 48, 49 in the forward direction to transport the medium M in the transport direction Y when recording on the first side of the medium M. During this transport, the recording unit 23 records an image or the like on the first side of the medium M. After completing recording on the first side of the medium M, the control unit 100 drives the transport motor in the reverse direction to drive the roller pair 48, 49 in the reverse direction, thereby transporting the medium M in the reverse direction toward upstream in the transport direction Y. The reversely transported medium M is then reversed by the reversing roller 47 so that the second side, opposite the first side, becomes the recording surface to be recorded on, and the reversed medium M is then re-fed in the transport direction Y.

[0090] The control unit 100 measures or calculates the amount of liquid ejected and discharged from the ejection head 25 based on the recorded data and maintenance information, and updates the current amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by adding the measured or calculated amount of liquid to the value of the amount of waste liquid read from the memory element 58. The control unit 100 updates the latest amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by writing it to the memory element 58 periodically or irregularly. When the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid recovery unit 50 reaches the upper limit, the control unit 100 notifies the user by displaying a message on the display unit 14 or the display unit of the host device that it is time to replace the unit and recommends that it be replaced, and prompts the user to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0091] Next, the operation of the recording device 11 will be described. When the user selects the borderless recording mode and gives a command to start recording, the medium M is fed from the cassette 20 or the medium M placed on the feed tray 22 is fed. The fed medium M is transported to the recording area by the rotation of the roller pairs 48, 49. While the recording unit 23 is moving in the scanning direction X, recording on the medium M is performed by alternating between a recording operation in which the ejection head 25 ejects liquid toward the medium M to perform one scanning of recording, and a transport operation in which the roller pairs 48, 49 transport the medium M to the next recording position.

[0092] For example, in borderless recording mode, the ejection head 25, which moves in the scanning direction X together with the recording unit 23, ejects liquid also in areas extending beyond the side edges of the medium M in the width direction X. At this time, the liquid ejected from the ejection head 25 beyond the side edges of the medium M in the width direction X is discarded into a throw-away absorption member 70 that covers part of the surface of the support unit 26. The discarded liquid is absorbed as waste liquid into the throw-away absorption member 70 shown in Figures 1 and 6. More specifically, the discarded liquid is absorbed into a surface absorption member 73 that is arranged on the surface side of the throw-away absorption member 70. In this way, during recording, the liquid discharged from the ejection head 25 is absorbed by the disposal absorbing member 70 as waste liquid, and the waste liquid gradually accumulates in the disposal absorbing member 70.

[0093] During printing, the printing unit 23 periodically moves to the home position HP and performs flushing, in which liquid is ejected from all the nozzles of the ejection head 25 toward the cap 61 . The idle discharge prevents clogging of the nozzles of the discharge head 25 during recording. The liquid (waste liquid) that has accumulated in the cap 61 due to the idle discharge is collected into the waste liquid box 50B through the waste liquid tube 64 by driving the suction pump 63. The waste liquid sent through the waste liquid tube 64 is collected into the waste liquid box 50B via the connection between the connecting part 66 and the connected part 57, and is absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A held in the waste liquid box 50B.

[0094] Furthermore, when it is time for cleaning, the maintenance device 60 performs cleaning by forcibly discharging liquid from the nozzles of the ejection head 25. Cleaning prevents or clears clogging of the nozzles of the ejection head 25. More specifically, when the recording unit 23 is at the home position HP, it is in a capping state in which the cap 61 contacts the nozzle surface of the ejection head 25. When the suction pump 63 is driven in this capping state, a negative pressure is created in the closed space surrounded by the nozzle surface and the cap 61. As a result, liquid is forcibly discharged from the nozzles of the ejection head 25. The discharged liquid is received by the cap 61, and is collected from the cap 61 through the waste liquid tube 64 into the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by the negative pressure of the suction pump 63.

[0095] The coupling part 66 fixed to the tip of the waste liquid tube 64 is in a state where it can be coupled to the coupled part 57 of the waste liquid box 50B. The waste liquid sent through the waste liquid tube 64 is collected in the waste liquid box 50B. The waste liquid collected in the waste liquid box 50B is absorbed by the first waste liquid absorbing member 54. The waste liquid absorbed by the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 is transferred to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 by capillary action or the like.

[0096] Meanwhile, the liquid discarded in the throwaway absorption member 70 accumulates in the throwaway absorption member 70 as waste liquid. The waste liquid accumulated in the throwaway absorption member 70 moves in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 16 due to the slight slope of the bottom surface 71A. The waste liquid that moves to the end of the throwaway absorption member 70 flows to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the delivery mechanism 80 due to capillary action, gravity, and the like. Because the delivery mechanism 80 is in the non-blocking position (retracted position) shown in FIG. 12, the waste liquid that has flowed through the connecting absorption members 81 and 82 drips or flows down from the bottom end of the second connecting absorption member 82 and further flows down the slope 83A of the waste liquid guide portion 83, reaching the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The waste liquid that has reached the waste liquid absorption member 50A is then absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A.

[0097] In this way, when the amount of waste liquid absorbed by the throwaway absorption member 70 exceeds a certain level, it flows from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the delivery mechanism 80. Therefore, the throwaway absorption member 70 is maintained in a state where it can always absorb waste liquid without overflowing. The waste liquid absorbed by the throwaway absorption member 70 flows by gravity via the delivery mechanism 80 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A, which is located lower than the throwaway absorption member 70.

[0098] Furthermore, if the amount of waste liquid flowing from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the delivery mechanism 80 is small compared to the amount of waste liquid discarded into the throwaway absorption member 70, a small amount of excess waste liquid will accumulate in the throwaway absorption member 70. In this case, the waste liquid accumulated in the throwaway absorption member 70 temporarily flows to the expanding absorption member 90 (90A, 90B) via the connecting absorption member 91. This reduces the frequency of excess waste liquid accumulating, even if only temporarily, in the throwaway absorption member 70. After that, even after recording on the medium M is completed and liquid is no longer discarded into the throwaway absorption member 70, the delivery of waste liquid via the delivery mechanism 80 continues, so the amount of waste liquid accumulating in the throwaway absorption member 70 gradually decreases. As a result, the waste liquid that had temporarily flowed to the expanding absorbent member 90 returns to the throwaway absorbent member 70 via the connecting absorbent member 91, and if the amount of waste liquid that has accumulated in the throwaway absorbent member 70 is excessive due to this returned waste liquid, the waste liquid continues to flow from the throwaway absorbent member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A via the delivery mechanism 80. In this way, even if the amount of liquid discarded per unit time to the throwaway absorbent member 70 is large, the throwaway absorbent member 70 is maintained in a state where it can absorb liquid.

[0099] When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 in the recording device 11 becomes full of waste liquid discharged by recording, idle discharge, cleaning, etc., the user replaces the waste liquid recovery unit 50 with a new one.

[0100] The amount of waste liquid collected by the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is managed by the control unit 100. When the amount of waste liquid exceeds an upper limit, the control unit 100 displays a message on the display unit 14 or the display unit of the host computer, indicating that it is time to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50. When the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid recovery unit 50 exceeds the upper limit, the control unit 100 displays a message on the display unit 14 or the display unit of the host device, indicating that it is time to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50. Upon seeing this message, the user notifies the recording device 11 that the waste liquid recovery unit 50 needs to be replaced by operating the touch panel of the display unit 14 or the input unit of the host device.

[0101] When the control unit 100 receives an instruction to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50, it drives the transport motor to move the slide gear 87 from the retracted position to the blocking position. When the slide gear 87 is placed in the blocking position, the transfer path of the waste liquid via the transfer mechanism 80 is blocked.

[0102] 3, the user slides the feed tray 22 and the support guide member 27 upward to expose a portion of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 from the opening 12C at the bottom of the rear surface of the apparatus main body 12. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the user removes the screw 28A and opens the waste liquid box cover 28 from the closed position to the open position.

[0103] The user then pulls out the waste liquid recovery unit 50 toward the upstream side in the transport direction Y to remove it from the apparatus main body 12. Thereafter, a new waste liquid recovery unit 50 is pushed in while sliding it through the opening 12C in the transport direction Y (pushing direction). This pushing connects the coupling portion 66 to the coupled portion 57 of the waste liquid box 50B. In this way, the waste liquid box 50B is connected to the waste liquid tube 64. At this time, the connection terminal 69 is electrically connected to the memory element 58.

[0104] The updated value of the amount of waste liquid collected by the waste liquid collection unit 50 managed by the control unit 100 is written in the memory element 58. The control unit 100 measures the amount of liquid discharged from the nozzles of the discharge head 25 during idle discharge and the amount of liquid discharged from the nozzles during cleaning, and the amount of liquid recovered by the waste liquid recovery unit 50 . The measured amount of liquid is written to a memory element 58 provided in the waste liquid box 50B at a predetermined timing. Therefore, even if the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is replaced, the control unit 100 can obtain the amount of waste liquid recovered in the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by reading the data stored in the memory element 58.

[0105] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) A recording device 11, which is an example of a liquid ejection device, includes an ejection head 25 that ejects liquid onto a medium M, which is an example of a recording material, a support portion 26 that faces the ejection head 25 and supports the medium M from below, and a waste absorption member 70, which is an example of a first absorption member that absorbs, as waste liquid, liquid that is ejected from the ejection head 25 to the outside of the edge of the medium M supported by the support portion 26. The recording device 11 also includes a cap 61, which is an example of a waste liquid receiving portion that receives, as waste liquid, the liquid discharged from the ejection head 25, a waste liquid absorption member 50A, which is an example of a second absorption member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the cap 61, and a waste liquid box 50B, which is an example of a storage portion that holds the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The waste absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are connected so that waste liquid can be transferred from the waste absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A.

[0106] Therefore, the liquid (waste liquid) discharged from the ejection head 25 to the edge of the medium M supported by the support portion 26 is absorbed by the throw-away absorbing member 70. The waste liquid absorbed by the throw-away absorbing member 70 is transferred from the throw-away absorbing member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. When replacing the waste liquid absorbing member 50A, it is sufficient to replace the waste liquid box 50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member 50A, which is a part of the throw-away absorbing member 70 and the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. This makes it easy to replace the absorbing member, and prevents the recording device 11 or the operator's hands from being soiled by the waste liquid absorbed in the absorbing member during replacement. This makes it easy to replace the absorbing member, and prevents the hands of the operator from being soiled by the waste liquid in the absorbing member during replacement. Furthermore, since general users, not just service personnel, can replace the waste liquid absorbing member 50A themselves, the usability of the recording device is improved.

[0107] (2) The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is positioned lower than the throwaway absorbing member 70. Therefore, gravity can be used to transfer liquid from the throwaway absorbing member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. For example, even when the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is replaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large amount of waste liquid remains in the throwaway absorbing member 70 and is not collected. Furthermore, a pump and its drive unit for transferring liquid are not required, and even if a pump or the like is provided, it can be small. Therefore, liquid can be efficiently transferred from the throwaway absorbing member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A.

[0108] (3) The recording device 11 has a transfer mechanism 80 as an example of a transfer section that transfers liquid between the throw-away absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Therefore, even if the throw-away absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are separated from each other, the waste liquid can be transferred via the transfer mechanism 80. For example, because the waste liquid box 50B is shaped or positioned to be easily attached or detached from the device main body 12, the shape or position of the waste liquid absorption member 50A may be such that it is difficult for the waste liquid absorption member 50A to come into contact with the throw-away absorption member 70. In this case, if the transfer of liquid becomes difficult, the throw-away absorption member and the waste liquid absorption member 50A must be replaced separately. In this case, if only the waste liquid box 50B that holds the waste liquid absorption member 50A is replaced, a large amount of liquid will remain in the throw-away absorption member 70. In contrast, according to the present embodiment having the delivery mechanism 80, even if the waste liquid box 50B is shaped to be easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 12 or is positioned to be easily attached and detached, the liquid can be delivered from the throw-away absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A via the delivery mechanism 80. Therefore, for example, even if the waste liquid box 50B is replaced, it is easy to avoid a situation where a large amount of liquid remains in the throw-away absorption member 70. In other words, it is sufficient to replace the waste liquid box 50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member 50A.

[0109] (4) The recording device 11 may be provided with a blocking mechanism 85 that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid by the delivery mechanism 80 between the throw-away absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Therefore, when the waste liquid box 50B is replaced, the delivery of liquid by the delivery mechanism 80 from the throw-away absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A can be temporarily blocked by the blocking mechanism 85. Therefore, even if the waste liquid absorption member 50A is separated from the throw-away absorption member 70, the waste liquid transferred from the throw-away absorption member 70 can be prevented from leaking into the device main body 12, and the inside of the recording device 11 can be prevented from being contaminated with the waste liquid.

[0110] (5) The shutoff mechanism 85 is driven using the power of the maintenance device 60, and temporarily shuts off the transfer of liquid. Therefore, because the shutoff mechanism 85 is driven using the power of the maintenance device 60, the user does not need to manually switch the shutoff mechanism 85 between the shutoff and connect states. For example, the user can switch the shutoff mechanism 85 between the shutoff and connect states by operating an operation switch using the power of the maintenance device 60.

[0111] (6) The delivery mechanism 80 is configured to be able to deliver liquid when the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12. Therefore, when the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12, the delivery mechanism 80 can deliver liquid between the throwaway absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A. This improves the waste liquid absorption efficiency of the entire absorption member.

[0112] (7) The main board 76, on which electronic components are mounted, and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are disposed opposite each other with the disposable absorption member 70 sandwiched between them. That is, the main board 76 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are disposed opposite each other in the width direction X, sandwiching the transport area FA in which the disposable absorption member 70 is located. The main board 76 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A are disposed at positions separated by a distance equivalent to the width dimension of the disposable absorption member 70. Therefore, even if waste liquid leaks from the waste liquid absorption member 50A, it is unlikely that the leaked waste liquid will cross the transport area FA and reach the main board 76 and come into contact with it. For example, it is possible to prevent waste liquid leaking from the waste liquid absorption member 50A from coming into contact with the main board 76, thereby preventing electrical failure. Although the throw-away absorption member 70 is positioned closer to the main board 76 than the waste liquid absorption member 50A, the amount of liquid it absorbs is less than that of the waste liquid absorption member 50A, so even if waste liquid leaks from the throw-away absorption member 70, the waste liquid is less likely to come into contact with the main board 76.

[0113] (8) The recording device 11 is equipped with an expandable absorbent member 90 connected to the throwaway absorbent member 70 so that liquid can be transferred between them. The throwaway absorbent member 70 and the waste liquid absorbing member 50A are positioned opposite each other, with the expandable absorbent member 90 sandwiched between them, at a location different from the delivery mechanism 80. This increases the overall waste liquid absorption capacity of the absorbent member per recording device, reducing the frequency with which the waste liquid absorbing member 50A needs to be replaced. Furthermore, since the space between the throwaway absorbent member 70 and the waste liquid absorbing member 50A that is not occupied by the delivery mechanism 80 is utilized, it is easy to ensure a relatively large volume for the expandable absorbent member.

[0114] (9) The recording device 11 includes a liquid supply source 17 that supplies liquid to the ejection head 25 and a maintenance device 60 that forcibly discharges the liquid from the ejection head 25 into the cap 61 . The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below the maintenance device 60 or the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, the waste liquid that falls downward from the maintenance device 60 when cleaning the ejection head 25, or the waste liquid that falls when replacing the liquid supply source 17 or refilling the liquid supply source 17 with liquid, can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. This makes it possible to prevent contamination of the recording device 11 with waste liquid.

[0115] (10) The waste liquid absorbing member 50A has the function of absorbing liquid scattered from the maintenance device 60 or the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A can absorb the liquid scattered from the maintenance device 60 or the liquid supply source 17. This can prevent the waste liquid from contaminating the recording device 11.

[0116] (11) The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below and partially overlaps the first feeding unit 41, which feeds the media M stored in the cassette 20 located below the ejection head 25 one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejection head 25. This allows the size of the recording device 11 to be reduced.

[0117] (12) The waste liquid absorbing member 50A is disposed below and overlaps the second feeding unit 42, which feeds the medium M placed on the feeding tray 22, which is an example of a loading unit, toward the recording position of the ejection head 25. This allows the size of the recording device 11 to be reduced.

[0118] (13) The recording device 11 includes a reversing roller 47, an example of a reversing unit, that switches back and transports the medium M, after the first side has been recorded by the ejection head 25, upstream of the ejection head 25 in the transport direction Y, and reverses the medium M so that the second side, which is the side opposite the first side, can face the ejection head 25. The waste liquid absorption member 50A is disposed below the reversing roller 47 so as to partially overlap it. This allows the size of the recording device 11 to be reduced.

[0119] (14) The recording device 11 is equipped with a power supply unit 75 that supplies power to the ejection head 25. The waste liquid absorbing member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are disposed opposite each other, sandwiching the waste liquid absorbing member 70 therebetween. The waste liquid absorbing member 50A and the power supply unit 75 are components that occupy a large amount of storage space within the recording device 11. Therefore, by disposing the waste liquid absorbing member 50A and the power supply unit 75 separately on either side of the waste liquid absorbing member 70 within the recording device 11, the component layout of the entire recording device 11 can be optimized. This allows the recording device 11 to be made more compact.

[0120] (15) The bottom surface 71A of the storage section 71 that holds the disposable absorption member 70 is inclined downward toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Therefore, the slope of the bottom surface 71A of the storage section 71 makes it easier for the waste liquid absorbed by the disposable absorption member 70 to flow toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the bottom surface of the storage section is horizontal, it is easier for the waste liquid to be transferred from the disposable absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A.

[0121] (16) The waste liquid box 50B has a coupled part 57 that can be coupled to a coupling part 66 that is connected to the tip of a tube 64 that is connected to the maintenance device 60, and a scattering prevention wall 59 that is provided above the tip on the same side as the coupled part 57. Therefore, even if bubbles of waste liquid that have formed at the tip of the coupling part 66 burst when the waste liquid box 50B is attached or detached, the scattering prevention wall 59 can prevent the burst waste liquid from scattering.

[0122] (17) In the waste liquid box 50B, the tip of the connecting portion 66 connected to the coupled portion 57 is in partial contact with the waste liquid absorbing member 50A. Therefore, when the waste liquid box is attached or detached, the tip of the connecting portion is effective in suppressing the generation of bubbles in the waste liquid.

[0123] (18) The recording device 11 may include a waste liquid box cover 28 that covers the waste liquid box 50B inserted into the device body 12, and a leaf spring 28B that is an example of a biasing member that is provided between the waste liquid box 50B and the waste liquid box cover 28 and biases the waste liquid box 50B in the insertion direction when the waste liquid box cover 28 is closed. This prevents the waste liquid box from being partially inserted when being attached or detached.

[0124] (19) The waste liquid recovery unit 50, which is detachably inserted into the device body 12 of the recording device 11, which has a support portion 26, an ejection head 25, a throw-away absorption member 70, and a cap 61, includes a waste liquid absorption member 50A that absorbs waste liquid sent from the cap 61, and a waste liquid box 50B that holds the waste liquid absorption member 50A. When the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the device body 12, the waste liquid absorption member 50A is connected to the throw-away absorption member 70 so as to be able to absorb waste liquid from the cap 61, and is also connected to the throw-away absorption member 70 so as to be able to deliver waste liquid from the throw-away absorption member 70. On the other hand, when the waste liquid box 50B is removed from the device body 12, the waste liquid absorption member 50A is released from its connection to absorb waste liquid from the cap 61, and is also cut off from its connection to the throw-away absorption member 70 so as to block the path of waste liquid delivered from the throw-away absorption member 70. Therefore, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 can similarly obtain the effect (1) of the recording device 11.

[0125] (20) The waste liquid recovery method is a method for recovering waste liquid in a recording device 11 that includes a support portion 26, a discharge head 25, a waste absorption member 70 that absorbs liquid discharged outside the edge of a medium M, and a waste liquid absorption member 50A that absorbs waste liquid sent from a cap 61 that receives liquid discharged from the discharge head 25 as waste liquid. A waste liquid box 50B is detachably provided on the device body 12. The waste liquid recovery method includes the following: when the waste liquid box 50B is inserted into the apparatus body 12, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is connected to the waste liquid flow path so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid sent from the cap 61, and is connected to the throw-away absorbing member 70 so as to be able to deliver the waste liquid from the throw-away absorbing member 70; and when the waste liquid box 50B is removed from the apparatus body 12, the waste liquid absorbing member 50A is released from the waste liquid flow path of the cap 61, and is cut off from the throw-away absorbing member 70 in a state where the delivery of the waste liquid from the throw-away absorbing member 70 is blocked. This waste liquid recovery method provides the same effect as effect (1) of the recording apparatus 11 described above.

[0126] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 29. Components common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted, and only different components will be described. The same applies to the third and subsequent embodiments.

[0127] As shown in Figures 21 to 23, the recording device 11 is equipped with a discarding absorbing member 70 and an expanding absorbing member 90 as examples of a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head 25 (both see Figure 1) outside the end of the medium M supported by the support part 26 as waste liquid. The recording device 11 also includes a waste liquid absorbing member 50A as an example of a second absorbing member that absorbs waste liquid sent from a cap 61 that receives liquid discharged from the ejection head 25 as waste liquid.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the throwaway absorption member 70 is connected to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the expansion absorption member 90 at a location different from the delivery mechanism 80 so as to be able to deliver and receive liquid.

[0129] In the example shown in Figures 21 to 23, the recording device 11 is equipped with a first delivery mechanism 80 that transfers liquid from the throw-away absorption member 70 to the first waste liquid absorption member 54, and a second delivery mechanism 140 that transfers liquid from the throw-away absorption member 70 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 via the expanding absorption member 90. The first delivery mechanism 80 corresponds to the delivery mechanism 80 of the first embodiment.

[0130] The second delivery mechanism 140 connects the expanding absorbent member 90 and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 so that waste liquid can be delivered from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. The second delivery mechanism 140 has a delivery section 141 that delivers liquid between the expanding absorbent member 90 and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56.

[0131] This forms a first waste liquid path that transfers waste liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the first waste liquid absorption member 54 via the first delivery mechanism 80, and a second waste liquid path that transfers waste liquid from the expanded absorption member 90, which is formed by expanding the throwaway absorption member 70, to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 via the second delivery mechanism 140. The first waste liquid absorption member 54 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 are connected via the connection part 50C to allow the movement of waste liquid. Therefore, by connecting the first waste liquid path and the second waste liquid path, which start from the throwaway absorption member 70, at the connection part 50C, a circularly closed waste liquid path is formed.

[0132] For example, if an excessive amount of liquid is discarded from the ejection head 25 to the waste liquid absorbing member 70 during recording, the waste liquid can be discharged from the waste liquid absorbing member 70 to the waste liquid absorbing member 50A via two paths, the first waste liquid path and the second waste liquid path. This allows the liquid to be smoothly drained from the waste liquid absorbing member 70, making it difficult for excess liquid to accumulate in the waste liquid absorbing member 70. In this embodiment, the expanding absorbent member 90 constitutes an example of a first absorbent member. The second waste liquid absorbing member 56 corresponds to an example of a second absorbent member.

[0133] 23 depicts the first waste liquid collection unit 51 and the second waste liquid collection unit 52 as being separated, the first waste liquid absorbing member 54 and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 may be connected to each other so that liquid can move between them via an opening (not shown) formed on the side of the second waste liquid box unit 55 and the connecting unit 50C. Note that the connecting unit 50C may not be provided, and the first waste liquid collection unit 51 and the second waste liquid collection unit 52 may be separated. In other words, the first waste liquid collection unit 51 and the second waste liquid collection unit 52 may be inserted into the apparatus main body 12 separately.

[0134] 23, the second waste liquid collection section 52 of this embodiment has a greater height than the second waste liquid collection section 52 of the first embodiment. The upper end of the second waste liquid collection section 52 may be positioned slightly higher than the upper surface of the expandable absorbent member 90. The delivery section 141 of the second delivery mechanism 140 is provided on the expandable absorbent member 90 side. When the waste liquid collection unit 50 is moved in the insertion direction AD to be inserted into the device body 12, the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 is connected to the delivery section 141. When the waste liquid collection unit 50 is moved in the removal direction -AD, which is the direction opposite to the insertion direction AD, to be removed from the device body 12, the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 is released from the delivery section 141.

[0135] When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is inserted into the apparatus main body 12, the delivery section 141 is inclined downward in the direction in which liquid flows from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. In other words, because the delivery section 141 is inclined downward at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal, the waste liquid from the expanding absorbent member 90 flows over the delivery section 141 and is discharged into the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. In this way, in this embodiment, by inclining the delivery section 141 downward, the waste liquid from the expanding absorbent member 90 is moved to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 by gravity.

[0136] Incidentally, if the delivery section 141 remains tilted in the same direction as when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 was inserted when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 was removed from the apparatus main body 12, the following problem may occur. That is, if the delivery section 141 remains tilted in the same direction as when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 was inserted, the waste liquid that flows from the expansion absorption member 90 over the delivery section 141 may drip into the housing of the recording apparatus 11 or onto the installation surface, such as the desk or shelf on which the recording apparatus 11 is installed. In this case, the inside of the housing or the installation surface will be contaminated with the waste liquid.

[0137] Therefore, as shown in Figures 26 to 29, the recording device 11 of this embodiment may be provided with a blocking mechanism 160 that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid through the transfer section 141 between the expansion absorption member 90 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0138] <Configuration of the cutoff mechanism> Next, the configuration of the blocking mechanism 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. The cutoff mechanism 160, which temporarily cuts off the transfer of waste liquid, is a mechanism that switches one or both of the direction and the gradient of the inclination of the transfer section 141. The cutoff mechanism 160 is driven by the action of a cam mechanism 150 (see FIG. 24) that engages with the transfer section 141 and a spring 145 (see FIG. 25) that is an example of a biasing member that biases the transfer section 141. The cutoff mechanism 160 switches between a movement of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by the user in the insertion direction AD (first movement) and a movement of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by the user in the removal direction -AD (second movement) into a tilting operation in a rotation direction corresponding to the insertion / removal of the transfer section 141 via the cam mechanism 150.

[0139] The user inserts and removes the waste liquid recovery unit 50 by grasping the second waste liquid box 55, which is an example of a storage section. The first waste liquid recovery section 51 and the second waste liquid recovery section 52 may be configured to be separate and insertable, and in this case too, the user inserts and removes the second waste liquid recovery section 52 by grasping the second waste liquid box 55.

[0140] When the user inserts the waste liquid recovery unit 50 into the device body 12, the blocking mechanism 160 makes the delivery section 141 slope downward. On the other hand, when the user removes the waste liquid recovery unit 50 from the device body 12, the blocking mechanism 160 does not necessarily make the delivery section 141 slope upward. The slope of the delivery section 141 during removal may be a downward slope that is smaller than the downward slope during insertion, or it may be horizontal, or it may be an upward slope that rises from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0141] For example, when removing the second waste liquid box 55, simply by switching to a downward inclination that is smaller than the downward inclination of the delivery section 141 when inserted, dripping of waste liquid from the tip of the delivery section 141 can be suppressed.

[0142] Furthermore, when the second waste liquid box 55 is removed, if the gradient of the inclination of the delivery section 141 is made horizontal with an inclination angle of 0°, the flow of waste liquid due to its own weight on the delivery section 141 stops. In other words, by switching the delivery section 141 to a horizontal position, the flow of waste liquid from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 on the delivery section 141 stops.

[0143] Furthermore, if the transfer section 141 can be switched to an upward inclination, opposite to the downward inclination at the time of insertion, when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed, the direction of waste liquid flow on the transfer section 141 can be changed to the opposite direction from when it was inserted. Therefore, a flow of waste liquid occurs in the transfer section 141 in the direction returning toward the expandable absorbent member 90. In this way, switching the transfer section 141 to an upward inclination when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed can effectively prevent waste liquid from dripping from the tip of the transfer section 141 after removal. For this reason, FIGS. 26 to 29 show an example of the most effective "upward inclination" among the options for switching the inclination direction and gradient of the transfer section 141 when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed. Note that a shallow downward inclination or a horizontal inclination reduces the rotation area of ​​the transfer section 141, so an appropriate option may be selected depending on the availability of space around the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0144] 26 to 29 changes the inclination of the delivery section 141 from a downward inclination from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 (see FIG. 26) to an upward inclination from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 (see FIG. 29). When the delivery section 141 is in an upward inclination position when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed, dripping of waste liquid from the tip of the delivery section 141 is suppressed. In this embodiment, the delivery section 141 corresponds to an example of a cutoff section.

[0145] The blocking mechanism 160 shown in Figure 26 is a mechanism that switches the transfer section 141 between a downward inclination and an upward inclination. When the second waste liquid box section 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the transfer section 141 is in a first position, which is a position in which it is downwardly inclined from the expansive absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 25 and 29, when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed from the device body 12, the transfer section 141 is in a second position, which is a position in which it is upwardly inclined from the expansive absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56.

[0146] 26 to 29 is a mechanism that switches the direction of inclination of the delivery section 141 between a downward inclination and an upward inclination in response to the insertion or removal of the second waste liquid box section 55. To this end, the delivery section 141 is provided with a rotation shaft 144 (see FIG. 25) that rotatably supports the delivery section 141, and a switching mechanism that switches the direction of inclination of the delivery section 141 in response to the insertion or removal of the second waste liquid box section 55. This switching mechanism includes a spring 145 (see FIG. 25) as an example of a biasing member that biases the delivery portion 141 in a first rotation direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 26) that causes the delivery portion 141 to assume an upwardly inclined position, and a cam mechanism 150 that engages with the delivery portion 141 during the insertion process of the second waste liquid box 55, thereby rotating the delivery portion 141 in a second rotation direction (clockwise in FIG. 26), which is the direction opposite to the first rotation direction, against the biasing force of the spring 145. The cam mechanism 150 rotates the delivery portion 141 in the second rotation direction against the biasing force of the spring 145, thereby switching the delivery portion 141 from an upwardly inclined position to a downwardly inclined position.

[0147] Next, the cam mechanism 150 and the biasing structure of the delivery section 141 will be described in detail. <Cam mechanism> First, the detailed configuration of the cam mechanism 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 24 , the second waste liquid box 55 has an opening 55A, into which the delivery unit 141 is inserted, on its surface facing the insertion direction AD. The dimension of the opening 55A in the width direction X is slightly longer than the dimension of the portion of the delivery unit 141 inserted into the opening 55A in the width direction X. The cam mechanism 150 includes a pair of cam portions 151 protruding in the insertion direction AD near the opening 55A of the second waste liquid box 55, and cam follower surfaces 142A formed by the upper surfaces of the tip portions, in the removal direction −AD, of a pair of side portions 142S that the holder 142 has on both sides in the width direction X. The pair of cam portions 151 have cam surfaces 151A in portions that face the side portions 142S on both sides of the holder 142 as the holder 142 is inserted into the opening 55A. The cam surfaces 151A are formed as inclined surfaces that slope upward as they move downstream in the insertion direction AD. A cam follower surface 142A is formed on the side portion 142S at a position facing the cam surface 151 A. It should be noted that the cam surface 151A and the cam follower surface 142A do not have to be a pair, and may be only one.

[0149] During the insertion process in which the second waste liquid box 55 moves in the insertion direction AD, the cam surfaces 151A of the pair of cam portions 151 engage with the pair of cam follower surfaces 142A of the holder 142, and the upstream end (tip) of the holder 142 in the insertion direction AD is pushed downward. This causes the delivery portion 141 to assume a first position, which is a downwardly inclined position from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0150] During the removal process in which the second waste liquid box 55 moves in the removal direction -AD, the pair of cam portions 151 move away from the holding portion 142 in the removal direction -AD, causing the delivery portion 141 to rotate in the first rotation direction while the cam follower surface 142A is displaced upward along the cam surface 151A by the biasing force of the spring 145 (see FIG. 25). This rotation in the first rotation direction causes the delivery portion 141 to assume a second position in which it is inclined upward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56.

[0151] <Loading structure of the delivery section> Next, the biasing structure of the delivery section 141 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25, the blocking mechanism 160 includes a rotation shaft 144 that rotatably supports the holding portion 142, and a spring 145 that biases the holding portion 142 in a first rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 26). The blocking mechanism 160 also includes a restriction portion 94 (stopper) (see FIG. 26) that restricts further rotation of the holding portion 142 at an end position in the rotation direction biased by the biasing force of the spring 145.

[0152] The holder 142 is supported so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range around a pivot shaft 144. The holder 142 has a length sufficient to bridge the expansion absorbent member 90 and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 to allow the flow of waste liquid when the second waste liquid box 55 is fully inserted into the device body 12. The support 92 supporting the expansion absorbent member 90 has a recess 92A at a position corresponding to the downstream end (base end) of the delivery section 141 in the insertion direction AD. The delivery section 141 is connected to the expansion absorbent member 90 so that the liquid from the expansion absorbent member 90 can be delivered thereto by disposing its base end within the recess 92A. The holder 142 has a cross section cut perpendicular to its longitudinal direction that has a concave shape. The holder 142 has a bottom and a pair of side portions 142S extending upward on both sides of the bottom in the width direction X. The holder 142 holds the absorbent member 143 on its inner bottom surface 142B.

[0153] The axial direction of the rotation shaft 144 is oriented in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the insertion direction AD. 25 and 26 show an example in which the axial direction of the rotation shaft 144 is oriented in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) both the insertion direction AD and the vertical direction Z. The rotation shaft 144 supports the holding portion 142 so that it can rotate.

[0154] The delivery section 141 is biased in a direction from a downward inclination, which is the inclined posture when the second waste liquid box section 55 is inserted, to an upward inclination, which is the inclined posture when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed. That is, the delivery section 141 is biased in a first rotation direction by a biasing member. This biasing member may be a spring 145 shown in Figures 25 and 26, etc. The spring 145 may be a compression spring shown in Figure 25. Below the delivery section 141, a support member 93 is located, extending horizontally in the removal direction -AD from a support section 92 that supports the expansion absorption member 90. The spring 145 is interposed between the holding section 142 and the support member 93. Therefore, the delivery section 141 is biased by the spring 145 in the first rotation direction, from a downward inclination to an upward inclination. Here, the first rotation direction is a rotation direction in which the delivery portion 141 moves from a first position (see FIG. 26) in which the delivery portion 141 is inclined downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 to a second position (see FIGS. 28 and 29) in which the delivery portion 141 is inclined upward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. Note that the spring 145, which is an example of a biasing member, may be a torsion coil spring assembled around the rotation shaft 144 so as to be able to bias the delivery portion 141 in the first rotation direction.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 25, the delivery section 141 includes a holding section 142 and an absorbing member 143 held by the holding section 142. A groove 142C is formed in the inner bottom surface 142B of the holding section 142. The groove 142C extends along the longitudinal direction of the holding section 142. The longitudinal direction of the holding section 142 is the direction in which the delivered waste liquid flows. Specifically, the groove 142C extends along the longitudinal direction of the holding section 142, along a path that passes through the center of the width of the inner bottom surface 142B of the holding section 142. The groove 142C forms one of the flow paths for the delivered waste liquid. The delivery section 141 delivers the waste liquid by the flow of the waste liquid through the groove 142C and the penetration of the waste liquid into the absorbing member 143 due to capillary action. Alternatively, the groove 142C may be formed as a very thin flow path, and the waste liquid may be transferred along the groove 142C by permeation due to capillary action.

[0156] 26, the delivery part 141 at least partially overlaps with the second waste liquid box part 55 in the insertion direction AD when the second waste liquid box part 55 is inserted into the apparatus main body 12. That is, in the inserted state shown in Fig. 26, there is an overlap region OL where the delivery part 141 and the second waste liquid box part 55 overlap in the insertion direction AD.

[0157] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> Next, the operation of the recording device 11 of the second embodiment will be described. 26, when the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the device main body 12, the delivery section 141 engages with the cam section 151, thereby taking a first position in which the delivery section 141 is inclined downward from the expandable absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. This is because the tip of the delivery section 141 is pressed downward by the cam section 151. The downward inclination of the delivery section 141 causes the waste liquid to flow from the expandable absorbent member toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56.

[0158] As shown in Figure 27, when the second waste liquid box 55 is removed in the removal direction -AD from its inserted state, the transfer portion 141 rotates in the first rotation direction (counterclockwise in Figure 27) due to the biasing force of the spring 145 in that direction. In Figure 27, the transfer portion 141 is midway through its rotation and is in a horizontal position. As the removal progresses, the tip of the transfer portion 141 is displaced upward as the cam follower surface 142A is guided along the cam surface 151A. In this way, the transfer portion 141 rotates in the first rotation direction due to the biasing force of the spring 145.

[0159] 28, when the second waste liquid box 55 moves further in the removal direction -AD from the inserted state, the base end of the delivery portion 141 comes into contact with the regulating portion 94 (stopper), thereby restricting further rotation in the first rotation direction. In addition, the tip end of the delivery portion 141 comes off the cam portion 151. The delivery portion 141 takes a second position, which is inclined upward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. The delivery portion 141 is biased in the first rotation direction by the biasing force of the spring 145, and since its base end is in contact with the regulating portion 94, it is maintained in the second position.

[0160] 29, when the second waste liquid box 55 is completely removed from the inserted state, the delivery section 141 is maintained in the second position, which is inclined upward. In other words, this second position is a downward slope that descends from the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 toward the expansive absorbent member 90. The waste liquid on the delivery section 141 flows in a direction returning to the expansive absorbent member 90. As a result, the waste liquid is prevented from dripping from the tip of the delivery section 141. Therefore, even when the second waste liquid box 55 in the inserted state is removed from the device body 12, the waste liquid is prevented from dripping from the tip of the delivery section 141. As a result, the inside of the device body 12 or the installation surface can be prevented from being contaminated with the waste liquid.

[0161] When a new waste liquid collection unit 50 is inserted, the second delivery mechanism 140 causes the delivery portion 141 to rotate in the second rotation direction in the reverse order of the removal procedure. That is, when the user moves the second waste liquid box portion 55 shown in FIG. 29 in the insertion direction AD, the cam portion 151 engages with the tip of the delivery portion 141 (FIG. 28). Furthermore, when the second waste liquid box portion 55 is moved in the insertion direction AD, the cam follower surface 142A of the delivery portion 141 is guided by the cam surface 151A, causing the delivery portion 141 to rotate in the second rotation direction against the biasing force of the spring 145 (FIG. 27).

[0162] 26, when the insertion of the second waste liquid box 55 into the apparatus main body 12 is completed, the delivery section 141 slopes downward from the expanding absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56, and the tip of the delivery section 141 is inserted into the space 55B within the second waste liquid box 55. As a result, the delivery section 141 is positioned so as to partially overlap the second waste liquid box 55 in the insertion direction AD. This ensures that the waste liquid that has flowed from the expanding absorbent member 90 over the delivery section 141 is reliably delivered to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 within the second waste liquid box 55 without leaking outside the second waste liquid box 55.

[0163] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, in addition to the effects (1) to (20) of the first embodiment, the following effects are also obtained. (21) When the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the delivery section 141 is inclined downward from the expanding absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the device body 12, liquid can be delivered from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. In particular, in this embodiment, when the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the delivery section 141 is inclined downward from the expanding absorbent member 90 (an example of a first absorbent member) toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 (an example of a second absorbent member). The inclination of the delivery section 141 when the second waste liquid box 55 is removed from the device body 12 is different from the inserted state. This facilitates the replacement of the waste liquid absorbing member 50A and prevents surrounding components from being contaminated by waste liquid leaking from portions separated from the waste liquid absorbing member 50A during replacement.

[0164] (22) The inclination of the delivery section 141 when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed from the device body 12 is either a downward inclination that is smaller than the downward inclination from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 when the second waste liquid box section 55 is inserted into the device body 12, is horizontal, or is an upward inclination from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box section 55 is inserted into the device body 12, liquid can be delivered from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56, and when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed from the device body 12, dripping of liquid from the delivery section 141 can be prevented.

[0165] (23) A blocking mechanism 160 is provided as an example of a blocking section that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid by the transfer section 141 between the expanding absorbent member 90 and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. Therefore, when replacing the second waste liquid box section 55 that holds the second waste liquid absorbing member 56, if the blocking mechanism 160 temporarily blocks the transfer of liquid from the expanding absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56, even if the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 is separated from the expanding absorbent member 90, it is possible to prevent the inside of the device main body 12 from being contaminated by the liquid (waste liquid) transferred from the expanding absorbent member 90.

[0166] (24) The blocking mechanism 160 changes the inclination of the delivery section 141 from a downward inclination that descends from the expandable absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56 to an upward inclination that ascends from the expandable absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box section 55 is inserted into the device body 12, liquid can be delivered from the expandable absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56, and when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed from the device body 12, dripping of liquid from the delivery section 141 can be effectively suppressed or prevented.

[0167] (25) When the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the device body 12, the delivery section 141 at least partially overlaps with the second waste liquid box 55 in the insertion direction AD. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the device body 12, it is possible to prevent the liquid from leaking outside the second waste liquid box 55 when transferring the liquid from the expandable absorbent member 90 to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56.

[0168] (26) The device is provided with a cam mechanism 150 that engages with the delivery section 141 to change the tilt direction of the delivery section 141 during the process of inserting or removing the second waste liquid box section 55. Therefore, during the process of inserting or removing the second waste liquid box section 55, the tilt direction of the delivery section 141 can be changed with a simple configuration without a drive source.

[0169] (27) The delivery section 141 is biased in a direction from the inclination at the time of insertion of the second waste liquid box section 55 to the inclination at the time of removal of the second waste liquid box section 55. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box section 55 is removed, the delivery section 141 can be reliably changed to the inclination at the time of removal.

[0170] (28) Groove 142C is provided on inner bottom surface 142B of delivery section 141. This allows delivery of liquid by delivery section 141 to be smooth. (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 30. This third embodiment is an example in which the configuration of the delivery section 141 in the second embodiment is changed. The configuration other than the delivery section 141 is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[0171] As shown in Fig. 30, the holding portion 142 of the delivery section 141 may have a V-shaped cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 142. That is, the inner bottom surface of the holding portion 142 has a V-groove 142D with a V-shaped cross section. This V-groove 142D may be deeper upstream in the insertion direction AD, or the V-groove 142D may be formed midway along the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 142. Also, as shown in Fig. 30, the delivery section 141 does not need to include an absorbing member 143.

[0172] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 31. In this fourth embodiment, the second delivery mechanism is provided on the storage section side.

[0173] 31, the recording apparatus 11 includes a second delivery mechanism 170. A delivery section 171 is provided in the second waste liquid box section 55. The configuration other than the second delivery mechanism 170 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same components as those in the second embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0174] 31 , in the waste liquid recovery unit 50, the delivery part 171 is fixed in a state where it is inserted into the assembly hole 55C of the second waste liquid recovery part 52. The upstream end of the delivery part 171 in the insertion direction AD is inserted into the space 55B in the second waste liquid box part 55. The delivery part 171 is fixed to the second waste liquid recovery part 52 in a state where the delivery part 171 and the second waste liquid recovery part 52 partially overlap in their positions in the insertion direction AD. Therefore, even when the second waste liquid box part 55 is inserted into the apparatus main body 12, the delivery part 171 at least partially overlaps in their position in the insertion direction AD with the second waste liquid box part 55. Furthermore, the delivery section 171 is inclined downward from the downstream side to the upstream side in the insertion direction AD. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box 55 is inserted into the apparatus main body 12, the delivery section 171 is inclined downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56.

[0175] Furthermore, a guide portion 95 extends from the support portion 92 that supports the expandable absorbent member 90, sloping downward from the expandable absorbent member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. The guide portion 95 and the delivery portion 171 partially overlap in the insertion direction AD. Therefore, when the second waste liquid box portion 55 is inserted into the apparatus body 12, liquid from the expandable absorbent member 90 drips from the guide portion 95 onto the delivery portion 171, and the dripped liquid flows over the delivery portion 171 and is delivered to the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. Furthermore, during the insertion of the second waste liquid box portion 55, the lower surface of the delivery portion 171 is guided by multiple ribs 93A extending upward from the support member 93. The tip surfaces of the multiple ribs 93A are formed in an inclined shape that is positioned upward as it approaches the downstream side in the insertion direction AD, thereby forming a guide surface. A recess is located below the tip of the guide portion 95, recessed between one rib 93A of the support member 93 and the support portion 92. When the second waste liquid box portion 55 is detached from the device body 12, liquid dripping from the guide portion 95 is collected in the recess on the support member 93.

[0176] The delivery section 171 may also have a holding section 172 having a concave cross section in the longitudinal direction, and an absorbing member 173 held by the holding section 172. An upstream end 172A of the holding section 172 in the insertion direction AD is inserted into the space 55B in the second waste liquid box section 55. The absorbing member 173 has the same function as the absorbing member 143 of the second embodiment. The holding section 172 may have a groove on its inner bottom surface similar to the groove 142C of the second embodiment. The holding section 172 may also have a V-groove with a V-shaped cross section as in the third embodiment. In this case, the absorbing member 173 may be eliminated.

[0177] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Components common to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations will be omitted, and only different components will be described. The same applies to the third and subsequent embodiments.

[0178] 32, the recording apparatus 11 of the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the attachment and detachment direction of the waste liquid recovery unit 50. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is configured to be attachable and detachable from the side of the recording apparatus 11. In other words, the insertion direction of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 into the apparatus main body 12 is parallel to the width direction X.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 32 , the waste liquid box cover 110 is detached from the right side surface of the recording device 11, allowing the waste liquid recovery unit 50 to move to the right side of the recording device 11. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 includes a waste liquid absorption member 112 (an example of a second absorption member) and a waste liquid box 111 (an example of a storage section for holding the waste liquid absorption member 112). The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is configured as a single unit having substantially the same shape and size as the first waste liquid recovery section 51 in the first embodiment. Since the insertion direction is the width direction X, the coupling portion 57, memory element 58, and scattering prevention wall 59 are located on the side of the leading end in the insertion direction. The coupling portion 57 and memory element 58 of the waste liquid box 111 are connected to and separated from each other by moving the waste liquid recovery unit 50 in the width direction X. The waste liquid box cover 110 and the waste liquid box 111 are separate components, each of which is independently detachable from the opening 12C of the device body 12. The waste liquid box cover 110 and the waste liquid box 111 may be configured as a detachable integral part. With this configuration, the amount of pulling out operation required by the user to remove the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is small, making it easy to replace the waste liquid recovery unit 50.

[0180] 32 may be configured as a first waste liquid recovery section 51, and may be integrated with a second waste liquid recovery section 52. However, since the amount of pull-out operation of the waste liquid recovery unit 50 increases, the length of the second waste liquid recovery section 52 in the width direction X may be shorter than that of the first embodiment. Also, the second waste liquid recovery section 52 may be provided separately and configured to be detachable from the rear side of the recording device 11.

[0181] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 may be configured to be detachable from the front side of the recording apparatus 11. As shown in Figure 33, a waste liquid box cover 120 is provided on the front side of the recording apparatus 11. In the example of Figure 33, the waste liquid box cover 120 is located below the liquid supply source 17 in the apparatus main body 12. In other words, the waste liquid box cover 120 is located below the window 18 that indicates the liquid amount in the liquid supply source 17.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 34 , the waste liquid box cover 120 is rotatably provided, and the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is configured to be movable so as to be pulled forward from the front of the recording device 11. In other words, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is detachable from the front of the device body 12. The waste liquid box 121 is inserted upstream in the transport direction Y. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 has a waste liquid absorbing member 122 as an example of a second absorbing member and a waste liquid box 121 as an example of a storage section that holds the waste liquid absorbing member 122. The coupled portion 57 and the memory element 58 of the waste liquid box 121 are connected to or separated from each other at a rear position within the device body 12 by moving the waste liquid recovery unit 50 back and forth (in the depth direction) from the front of the recording device 11. In this way, the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is detachable from the front of the recording device 11, making it easy for the user to access the waste liquid recovery unit 50 when removing it.

[0183] In addition, since the display unit 14 with touch panel function is located near the top of the waste liquid box cover 120, when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is replaced and operation instructions are displayed to the user on the display unit 14, the operation instructions are nearby and easy for the user to see, which is an advantage.

[0184] Seventh embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 35 . This embodiment may be applied to a recording device 11 having a liquid supply source 17 mounted on the carriage 24. As shown in FIG. 35 , the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is configured to be detachable from the rear of the recording device 11, as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 35 , a liquid supply source 17 equipped with an ink tank that can be replenished with liquid such as ink is mounted on the upper part of the carriage 24 that carries the recording unit 23. The liquid supply source 17 is individually equipped with a cap cover 38 that covers the inlet. When the remaining liquid in the window 18 becomes low, the user opens the cap cover 38 and inserts the nozzle-shaped supply portion of the liquid bottle 125 into the inlet to refill the liquid such as ink into the liquid supply source 17, such as an ink tank. When the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 is inserted into the device main body 12, the waste liquid absorption member 50A is located below the carriage 24, which is in the liquid refill position when the user refills the liquid supply source 17. The liquid replenishment position may be the home position HP, but may be a position other than the home position HP as long as the waste liquid absorbing member 50A can be disposed below the liquid replenishment position.

[0185] With this configuration, even if waste liquid is accidentally spilled from the bottle onto the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 below when refilling the liquid supply source 17 with liquid such as ink above the carriage 24, the spilled liquid can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A. In other words, if the user accidentally spills liquid before or after refilling the liquid, the liquid can be absorbed by the carriage 24 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A of the replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50 below the liquid supply source 17. Therefore, a more reliable recording device 11 can be provided even when liquid is spilled during liquid refilling.

[0186] (Eighth embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 36. As shown in FIG. 36, a fan unit 130 equipped with a fan 131 may be provided above a replaceable waste liquid recovery unit 50. An air-cooled fan is disposed above a waste liquid absorption member 50A held in a waste liquid box 50B. The fan 131 is driven, for example, by power from a maintenance device 60. The fan 131 rotates using power from the maintenance device 60 to send air toward the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The waste liquid box 50B has an open top surface facing the fan 131, so that the air sent downward from the fan 131 hits the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The air hitting the waste liquid absorption member 50A promotes drying of the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorption member 50A. As a result, the apparent waste liquid capacity of the absorbent member is improved.

[0187] The drive timing of the fan 131 is synchronized with the drive of the maintenance device 60, but the fan 131 may be driven directly by the power of the transport motor instead of by the power from the maintenance device 60, or may be driven by the power of a feed motor or a dedicated power source. In this way, the drive timing of the fan 131 does not necessarily have to be synchronized with the drive of the maintenance device 60. Furthermore, the power of the fan 131 may be generated by converting part of the operating force of the user, such as when inserting or removing the cassette 20 or opening or closing the cover, into the rotational force of the fan 131, without using the driving force of a motor.

[0188] (Ninth embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 37. As shown in Fig. 37, a throwaway absorption member 70 as an example of a first absorption member, a delivery mechanism 80 as an example of a delivery section, a waste liquid absorption member 50A as an example of a second absorption member, and an expanding absorption member 90 may form a circular path through which liquid can be delivered.

[0189] The throwaway absorption member 70 may be connected to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the expanding absorption member 90 at a location different from the delivery mechanism 80 so as to be able to deliver and receive liquid. In the example of FIG. 37 , the recording device 11 includes a first delivery mechanism 80A that delivers liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the first waste liquid absorption member 54 of the waste liquid absorption member 50A, and a second delivery mechanism 80B that delivers liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 of the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the expanding absorption member 90. The first delivery mechanism 80A corresponds to the delivery mechanism 80 of the first embodiment, and the second delivery mechanism 80B basically has the same configuration as the delivery mechanism 80. That is, the second delivery mechanism 80B includes a first connecting absorption member 81, a second connecting absorption member 82, and a waste liquid guide portion 83 (see also FIGS. 10 and 11 ).

[0190] Furthermore, the second delivery mechanism 80B may also be provided with a blocking mechanism 85. That is, a blocking mechanism 85 may be provided that blocks the waste liquid being transferred from the expansion absorption member 90 to the second waste liquid absorption member 56 of the waste liquid absorption member 50A. The blocking mechanism 85 is controlled by the control unit 100, and is driven to block the waste liquid when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed.

[0191] 37, a first path is formed in which waste liquid flows from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A (first waste liquid absorption member 54) via the first delivery mechanism 80A, and a second path is formed in which waste liquid flows from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A (second waste liquid absorption member 56) via the connecting absorption member 91, the expanding absorption member 90, and the second delivery mechanism 80B. The first waste liquid absorption member 54 and the second waste liquid absorption member 56 are connected via the connecting portion 50C so that the waste liquid can be delivered. Therefore, in the configuration shown in FIG. 37, the delivery path for waste liquid is formed as a loop-shaped (annular) path.

[0192] Therefore, the waste liquid from the throwaway absorption member 70 is delivered to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the first delivery mechanism 80A, and the waste liquid delivered from the throwaway absorption member 70 to the expanding absorption member 90 is delivered to the waste liquid absorption member 50A via the second delivery mechanism 80B. This alleviates the situation where waste liquid is unevenly concentrated and accumulated in the throwaway absorption member 70 and the expanding absorption member 90, which are absorption members other than the replaceable waste liquid absorption member 50A, and improves the waste liquid absorption efficiency of all the absorption members per recording apparatus.

[0193] 37, the first delivery mechanism 80A may be omitted, or a third delivery mechanism having the same configuration as the delivery mechanism 80 may be provided between the second expansion absorbent member 90B and the second waste liquid absorbing member 56. In this way, the throw-away absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorbing member 50A may be connected at one or more locations via one or more delivery sections capable of delivering waste liquid. All of the delivery sections may be provided with a blocking section, or at least one of them may not have a blocking section.

[0194] The above embodiment can be modified as shown in the following modified examples. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the modified examples shown below can be appropriately combined to form further modified examples, or the modified examples shown below can be appropriately combined to form further modified examples.

[0195] The connection between the throwaway absorption member 70 and the waste liquid absorption member 50A is not limited to a connection via the delivery mechanism 80, but any connection that allows for the transfer of liquid will suffice. The connection may be, for example, "contact" that allows for the transfer of liquid by capillary action, or may be a connection that allows for the transfer of liquid via dripping even when the two are separated in a non-contact state. Furthermore, the connection may be an indirect connection via an intervening object such as a delivery member, which is an example of a delivery section, other than the delivery mechanism 80, or a connection via a flow path such as a groove, recess, gutter, or tube.

[0196] In the first and seventh embodiments, the second waste liquid recovery section 52 may be eliminated. In each embodiment, the blocking mechanism 85 may be eliminated. The waste liquid recovery unit 50 is replaced while recording is stopped, and the flow rate of the waste liquid transferred from the disposal absorption member 70 to the waste liquid absorption member 50A is often small. Therefore, if the time required for replacement is short and no waste liquid drips during that time, contamination of the waste liquid inside the apparatus main body 12 can be suppressed.

[0197] The first and second absorbent members may be positioned at the same height. For example, the bottom surface of the container that holds the first absorbent member may be inclined, and waste liquid from the first absorbent member may flow along the inclined surface to the second absorbent member by utilizing gravity.

[0198] The second absorbent member may be positioned higher than the first absorbent member. A pump may be used to pump waste liquid from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member. Furthermore, the waste liquid may be transferred to an upper position via a groove or porous member using capillary action.

[0199] The waste liquid recovery unit 50 does not need to include the waste liquid box 50B. For example, if the side and bottom surfaces of the waste liquid absorption member 50A are waterproofed or otherwise treated to prevent leakage of waste liquid, a storage section such as the waste liquid box 50B for holding the waste liquid absorption member 50A may not be necessary.

[0200] When the direction in which the delivery section extends is the insertion direction AD, the delivery section is configured to rotate by engaging with the cam mechanism due to relative movement with the cam in the insertion direction AD. However, when the delivery section is configured to extend in a direction intersecting the insertion direction AD, the delivery section may be configured to rotate by engaging with a cam mechanism that moves relatively in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the delivery section.

[0201] When the transfer section has a holding section, a groove may be formed on the inner bottom surface of the holding section. The spring 145, which is an example of the biasing member in the second and third embodiments, may be a tension spring. For example, it may be a tension spring that pulls the tip end of the holding portion 142 so as to bias it in the first rotation direction.

[0202] The biasing member in the second and third embodiments is not limited to the spring 145 as long as it can bias the holding portion 142 in the first rotation direction. The biasing member may be made of rubber, elastic synthetic resin, sponge (porous member), or the like.

[0203] The delivery mechanism 140 in the second and third embodiments may be configured without a biasing member. For example, the delivery unit 141 may be biased in the first rotation direction using gravity. For example, the weight of the base end portion of the delivery unit 141 may be made heavier than the weight of the tip end portion of the delivery unit 141 relative to the rotation fulcrum. In this case, for example, the arm length of the base end portion of the delivery unit 141 may be made longer than the arm length of the tip end portion of the delivery unit 141 relative to the rotation fulcrum, or a weight may be provided on the base end portion of the delivery unit 141 relative to the rotation fulcrum, making the base end portion heavier than the tip end portion. With this configuration, the delivery unit 141 can be biased in the first rotation direction without a biasing member such as the spring 145.

[0204] In the fourth embodiment, the transfer section 171 may be rotatably supported rather than fixed to the waste liquid recovery unit 50. Specifically, the transfer section extends in the insertion direction AD while being rotatably supported in the second waste liquid box 55, which is an example of a storage section. This transfer section includes a pivot shaft, a biasing member, a regulating member, and a cam mechanism, similar to the second transfer mechanism 140 of the second embodiment. The second transfer mechanism of this modified example differs from the second embodiment in that the pivot shaft, biasing member, and regulating member are provided on the second waste liquid box 55 side, and the cam mechanism is provided on the device main body 12 side. When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is inserted into the device main body 12, the transfer section 141 assumes a first position (see FIG. 24 ) in which it is inclined downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56. When the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed from the apparatus main body 12, the delivery section 141 of the second delivery mechanism 140 switches to a third position in which the delivery section 141 is inclined downward from the expansion absorption member 90 toward the second waste liquid absorption member 56 at a greater gradient than the first position. With this configuration, when the waste liquid recovery unit 50 is removed, waste liquid is less likely to drip from the delivery section 141 of the second delivery mechanism 140, and the extension of the delivery section 141 in the insertion direction AD is reduced, making the waste liquid recovery unit 50 more compact.

[0205] In the second and third embodiments, the blocking mechanism 160 (an example of a blocking unit) may be driven by the power of the maintenance device 60, which forcibly discharges liquid from the discharge head 25 into the cap 61 (an example of a waste liquid receiving unit). With this configuration, when the storage unit is inserted into the device body 12, the transfer units 141, 171 are inclined downward from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member. Therefore, the downwardly inclined transfer units 141, 171 can transfer liquid from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member by their own weight. Meanwhile, when the storage unit is removed from the device body 12, the power of the maintenance device 60 changes the transfer units 141, 171 from the downward inclination at the time of insertion to a different inclination (including horizontality). Therefore, even without a biasing member such as the spring 145, the power of the maintenance device 60 can be used to change the transfer units 141, 171 from a downward inclination that allows liquid transfer to a position that allows liquid transfer to be blocked. Therefore, when the storage unit is removed from the device main body, it is possible to prevent waste liquid from leaking from the separated portion on the device main body side. Note that the recording device 11 may be provided with a detection unit such as a sensor that detects the removal of the storage unit from the device main body 12, and the control unit 100 may be configured to drive the maintenance device 60 when it detects the removal (pulling) of the storage unit based on a detection signal from the detection unit. Also, the control unit 100 may be configured to drive the maintenance device 60 when the user operates the operation unit to notify the removal of the storage unit before or after removing the storage unit.

[0206] In the second and third embodiments, when the storage unit is inserted into the device body 12, the transfer sections 141, 171 may be changed, using the power of the maintenance device 60, from the orientation (including horizontal) at the time of removal (removal) to the downward inclination at the time of insertion. In other words, when the storage unit is inserted into the device body 12, the transfer sections 141, 171 may be changed, using the power of the maintenance device 60, from the inclination at the time of removal to a downward inclination that descends from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member. With this configuration, even without the cam mechanism 150, the transfer sections 141, 171 can be changed to a downward inclination when the storage unit is inserted into the device body 12 using the power of the maintenance device. Note that the recording device 11 may be provided with a detection unit such as a sensor that detects the insertion of the storage unit into the device body 12, and the control unit 100 may be configured to drive the maintenance device 60 when it detects the insertion of the storage unit based on a detection signal from the detection unit. Furthermore, the control unit 100 may be configured to drive the maintenance device 60 when the user operates the operation unit to notify the completion of insertion after inserting the container.

[0207] By adopting both of the above two modified examples, the driving of the blocking mechanism 160 when removing the storage unit from the device main body 12 and the changing of the transfer unit to a downward inclination when inserting the storage unit into the device main body 12 may both be performed by the power of the maintenance device 60. Here, the driving of the blocking mechanism 160 refers to the driving of changing the transfer units 141, 171 from a downward inclination to an inclination different from the downward inclination (including horizontal). Note that the driving source of the maintenance device 60 is not limited to the transport motor that is the driving source of the transport unit 40, but may be a dedicated motor.

[0208] In the second and third embodiments, the inclination (posture) of the transfer section 141, 171 when the storage unit is removed from the device body 12 may be different from the downward inclination of the transfer section 141, 171 when the storage unit is inserted into the device body 12. The inclination of the transfer section 141, 171 is not limited to a downward inclination that is smaller than the downward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member, a horizontal inclination, or an upward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member. In other words, the inclination of the transfer section when the storage unit is removed is not limited to an inclination that can suppress the transfer of liquid from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member compared to when the storage unit is inserted. The inclination of the transfer section 141, 171 may be, for example, a downward inclination that is steeper than the downward inclination of the transfer section 141, 171 when the storage unit is inserted. For example, a waste liquid receiving section that receives waste liquid leaking from the tip of the transfer section 141, 171 is provided in the device body 12. Furthermore, by making the transfer section have a downward inclination that is steeper than the downward inclination at the time of insertion, the tip of the transfer section can be moved from a position that is not directly above the waste liquid receiving section to a position that is directly above the waste liquid receiving section. According to this configuration, when the container is removed, the waste liquid dripping from the tip of the delivery section 141, 171 is received by the waste liquid receiving section, so that it is possible to prevent the waste liquid from contaminating surrounding components.

[0209] The transfer section may be configured with a holding section and a tube instead of the transfer section 141, 171 of the second and third embodiments. That is, the transfer flow path is configured with a tube, and the inclination of the holding section that supports the tube is changed. This allows the inclination of the tube to be changed between a downward inclination when the storage section is in the inserted state and an inclination (including horizontal) different from the inserted state when the storage section is in the removed state.

[0210] The insertion direction AD of the waste liquid box 50B, which is an example of a storage section, into the apparatus main body 12 may be the width direction X. In this case, the first delivery mechanism 80 may be configured to have tiltable delivery sections 141, 171 similar to those in the second and third embodiments.

[0211] The recording device 11 is not limited to a serial printer in which the recording unit 23 moves back and forth in the scanning direction X, but may be a lateral printer in which the recording unit 23 can move in two directions, the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, the recording device 11 may be a line printer equipped with a liquid ejection head that can eject liquid simultaneously across the entire width of the medium from a large number of nozzles arranged at a constant nozzle pitch across the entire width of the maximum width medium.

[0212] The recording device 11 may not be a multifunction device equipped with a reading unit, but may be a printer that has only the recording function out of the three functions of recording, copying, and scanning. The medium M is not limited to paper, but may be a flexible plastic film, fabric, nonwoven fabric, or a laminate including multiple layers of synthetic resin and metal.

[0213] The recording device 11 is not limited to a recording device that prints on a medium such as paper, but may also be a textile printing machine that prints on fabric. The liquid ejection device is not limited to a recording device 11 such as a printer. For example, it may be a device that ejects a liquid material in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid to form an electrical wiring pattern on a substrate, which is an example of a medium, or a device that manufactures pixels for various types of displays, such as liquid crystal, electroluminescence (EL), and surface emission. It may also be a liquid ejection device for three-dimensional modeling that ejects uncured resin liquid to form a three-dimensional object. Even these liquid ejection devices may be configured to include a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid ejected from a liquid ejection head without a maintenance device, and a second absorbing member that absorbs liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head during maintenance via a maintenance device, and the second absorbing member is detachable from the device body.

[0214] The technical concepts grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below together with their effects. (A) A liquid ejection device includes a ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording material, a support portion that faces the ejection head and supports the recording material from below, a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head toward the outside of the edge of the recording material supported by the support portion as waste liquid, a waste liquid receiving portion that receives liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, a second absorbing member that absorbs waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion, a storage portion that holds the second absorbing member, and a delivery portion that delivers liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, wherein when the storage portion is inserted into the device body, the delivery portion is inclined downward from the first absorbing member toward the second absorbing member, and the inclination of the delivery portion when the storage portion is removed from the device body is different from the inserted state. Note that the different inclination from the inserted state may include horizontal.

[0215] With this configuration, liquid discharged from the ejection head to the edge of the recording material supported by the support section is absorbed as waste liquid by the first absorbing member. The waste liquid absorbed by the first absorbing member is transferred from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member. It is sufficient to replace the container that holds the second absorbing member, which is a part of the first and second absorbing members. This not only makes the absorbing member replacement easy, but also prevents surrounding parts from being soiled by waste liquid leaking from the part separated from the absorbing member during replacement.

[0216] The connection between the first and second absorbent members is sufficient as long as it allows for the transfer of liquid, and may be "contact" that allows for the transfer of liquid by capillary action, or it may be connection if the members are separated in a non-contact state and the liquid can be transferred through droplets of liquid, and includes indirect connection via an intermediary such as a transfer member or transfer mechanism, and connection via a flow path such as a groove, recess, gutter, or tube through which the liquid flows.

[0217] (B) In the liquid discharge device, the second absorbent member may be positioned lower than the first absorbent member. With this configuration, the downwardly inclined transfer section from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member utilizes gravity to transfer the liquid. This allows for efficient transfer of the liquid from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member. For example, even when the second absorbent member is replaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large amount of waste liquid remains in the first absorbent member and is not collected. Furthermore, a pump and its drive unit for transferring the liquid are not required, and even if a pump or the like is provided, it can be small. This allows for efficient transfer of the liquid from the waste absorbent member to the waste liquid absorbing member.

[0218] (C) In the above liquid ejection device, the inclination of the transfer section when the storage section is removed from the device main body may be either a downward inclination that is smaller than the downward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, or horizontal, or an upward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member.

[0219] With this configuration, when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, liquid can be transferred from the first absorption member to the second absorption member, and when the storage section is removed from the device main body, liquid can be prevented from dripping from the transfer section.

[0220] (D) The liquid discharge device may further include a blocking section that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member by the transfer section. According to this configuration, when replacing the storage section that holds the second absorbent member, the transfer of liquid from the first absorbent member to the second liquid absorbent member is temporarily blocked by the blocking section, so that even if the second absorbent member is separated from the first absorbent member, the inside of the device body can be prevented from being contaminated by the liquid (waste liquid) transferred from the first absorbent member.

[0221] (E) In the above liquid ejection device, the blocking section may change the inclination of the transfer section from a downward inclination that descends from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member to an upward inclination that ascends from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member.

[0222] With this configuration, when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, liquid can be transferred from the first absorption member to the second absorption member, and when the storage section is removed from the device main body, dripping of liquid from the transfer section can be effectively suppressed or prevented.

[0223] (F) In the liquid ejection device, the delivery section may at least partially overlap the storage section in the insertion direction when the storage section is inserted into the device body.

[0224] According to this configuration, when the container is inserted into the device body, it is possible to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the container when the liquid is transferred from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member. (G) The liquid discharge device may further include a cam mechanism that engages with the delivery section to change the tilt direction of the delivery section during the insertion or removal process of the storage section.

[0225] According to this configuration, the tilt direction of the transfer section can be changed with a simple configuration without a drive source during the insertion or removal process of the storage section. (H) In the liquid ejection device, the delivery section may be biased in a direction from an inclination at the time of insertion of the container section to an inclination at the time of removal of the container section.

[0226] According to this configuration, when the storage section is removed, the delivery section can be reliably changed to the inclination for removal. (I) In the liquid ejection device, the inner bottom surface of the delivery section may have a groove.

[0227] According to this configuration, the delivery section can smoothly deliver the liquid. (J) The liquid ejection device may further include a maintenance device that forcibly discharges the liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section, and the blocking section may be driven by the power of the maintenance device.

[0228] According to this configuration, the breaker unit is driven using the power of the maintenance device, so the user does not need to manually switch the breaker unit between the open and closed states. For example, the user can switch the breaker unit between the open and closed states using the power of the maintenance device by operating an operation switch.

[0229] (K) In the above liquid ejection device, a maintenance device may be provided that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head into the waste liquid receiving section, and when the storage section is inserted into the device body, the power of the maintenance device may be used to change the transfer section from the different inclined position when in the detached state to a downward inclination that descends from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member.

[0230] According to this configuration, even without providing a mechanism such as a cam mechanism, the transfer section can be changed to a downward inclination when the storage section is inserted into the device main body by using the power of the maintenance device.

[0231] (L) In the liquid ejection device, the first absorbing member includes a portion that absorbs the liquid discarded from the ejection head as waste liquid, and an expanding absorbing member that is connected to the portion so that the liquid can be transferred therebetween; The transfer section may transfer liquid between the expansion absorbent member and the second absorbent member.

[0232] According to this configuration, the provision of the expanding absorbent member increases the overall waste liquid absorption capacity of the absorbent member per recording device, thereby reducing the frequency of replacing the second absorbent member. Furthermore, because the delivery section delivers liquid between the expanding absorbent member and the second absorbent member, it is possible to prevent the liquid that is discarded from the ejection head and delivered to the expanding absorbent member from accumulating in the expanding absorbent member.

[0233] (M) In the liquid ejection device, the delivery section may be configured to be able to deliver the liquid when the container section is inserted into the device body. With this configuration, when the storage unit is inserted into the device body, the transfer unit can transfer liquid between the first and second absorbent members, thereby improving the waste liquid absorption efficiency of the entire absorbent member.

[0234] (N) The liquid ejection device may further include a substrate on which electronic components are mounted, and the second absorption member and the substrate may be disposed opposite each other with the first absorption member interposed therebetween. With this configuration, even if liquid (waste liquid) such as ink leaks from the second absorbent member, the leaked waste liquid can be prevented from getting onto the substrate. Note that, since the first absorbent member absorbs a smaller amount of liquid than the second absorbent member, it is preferable that the second absorbent member be positioned farther from the substrate than the first absorbent member.

[0235] (O) The above liquid ejection device may include a liquid supply source that supplies liquid to the ejection head, and a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head into the waste liquid receiving section, and the second absorption member may be positioned below the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

[0236] With this configuration, the second absorbing member can absorb waste liquid that falls downward from the maintenance device when cleaning the ejection head, or when replacing the liquid supply source or refilling the liquid supply source, thereby preventing waste liquid from contaminating the liquid ejection device.

[0237] (P) The above liquid ejection device may further include a liquid supply source that supplies liquid to the ejection head, and a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head into the waste liquid receiving section, and the second absorbing member may have the function of absorbing liquid splashed from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

[0238] According to this configuration, the second absorbing member can absorb the liquid scattered from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source, thereby preventing waste liquid from contaminating the liquid ejection device. (Q) The above liquid ejection device may be provided with a cassette that stores the recording material at a position below the ejection head, and a first feeding section that feeds the recording material stored in the cassette one sheet at a time toward the recording position of the ejection head, and the second absorbing member may be positioned below the first feeding section so as to partially overlap it.

[0239] According to this configuration, the size of the liquid ejection device can be reduced. (R) The above liquid ejection device may be provided with a second feeding section that feeds the recording material toward the recording position of the ejection head without passing through an inversion section, and the second absorbing member may be arranged overlapping below the second feeding section.

[0240] According to this configuration, the size of the liquid ejection device can be reduced. (S) In the above liquid ejection device, a reversing section may be provided which switches back and transports the recording material, after the first side has been recorded by the ejection head, upstream of the ejection head in the transport direction, and turns the recording material so that a second side, which is the side opposite to the first side, can face the ejection head, and the second absorbing member may be positioned below the reversing section so as to partially overlap it.

[0241] According to this configuration, the size of the liquid ejection device can be reduced. (T) The liquid ejection device may further include a power supply unit that supplies power to the ejection head, and the second absorption member and the power supply unit may be disposed opposite each other with the first absorption member interposed therebetween.

[0242] With this configuration, since the second absorption member and the power supply unit are components that occupy a large amount of space inside the recording device, by disposing them separately on either side of the first absorption member inside the recording device, it is possible to optimize the component layout of the entire recording device, thereby realizing a more compact recording device.

[0243] (U) In the liquid discharge device, the bottom surface of the container that holds the first absorption member may be inclined downward in a direction toward the second absorption member. With this configuration, the slope of the bottom surface of the storage compartment makes it easier for the waste liquid absorbed by the first absorbent member to flow toward the second absorbent member, making it easier for the waste liquid to be transferred from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member compared to a configuration in which the bottom surface of the storage compartment is horizontal.

[0244] (V) In the above liquid ejection device, the storage section that stores the second absorbent member has a needle-shaped connecting portion connected to the tip of a tube that is connected to a maintenance device and a connectable portion that can be connected to the connecting portion, and the storage section may have a splash prevention wall above the tip on the same side as the connectable portion.

[0245] With this configuration, even if bubbles in the waste liquid generated at the tip of the needle-shaped connecting part burst when the waste liquid box is attached or detached, the scattering prevention wall can prevent the burst waste liquid from scattering. (W) In the liquid discharge device, the tip of the connecting portion connected to the connected portion may be in partial contact with the second absorbent member.

[0246] This configuration has the effect of suppressing the generation of bubbles in the waste liquid at the tip of the connecting portion when the waste liquid box is attached or detached. (X) The above liquid ejection device may be provided with a cover that covers the storage section inserted into the device body, and a biasing member that is provided between the storage section and the cover and biases the storage section in the insertion direction when the cover is closed.

[0247] This configuration can prevent the waste liquid box from being partially inserted when it is attached or detached. (Y) A waste liquid recovery unit is a waste liquid recovery unit that is detachably inserted into a device body of a liquid ejection device that includes a support section that supports a recording material, an ejection head that ejects liquid onto the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid that is discharged from the ejection head to the outside of an end of the recording material supported by the support section, and a waste liquid receiving section that receives liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, and the waste liquid recovery unit includes a second absorbing member that absorbs waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, a storage section that holds the second absorbing member, and the and a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member. When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to be able to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and the transfer section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member. When the storage section is removed from the device body, the second absorbent member is released from the connection that allows it to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and the inclination of the transfer section is different from when the storage section is inserted into the device body. Note that the different inclination from when it is inserted may include being horizontal. With this configuration, the same effects as those of the liquid ejection device described above can be obtained.

[0248] (Z) A waste liquid recovery method for recovering waste liquid in a liquid ejection device including a support section for supporting a recording material, an ejection head for ejecting liquid onto the recording material, a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discarded from the ejection head outside an edge of the recording material supported by the support section, a second absorbing member for absorbing the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, a storage section for holding the second absorbing member, and a delivery section for delivering liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, a portion detachably provided on the device body, and when the storage portion is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to a waste liquid flow path so as to absorb waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion, and the delivery portion is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member; and when the storage portion is removed from the device body, the second absorbent member is disconnected from the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving portion, and the delivery portion is changed to an inclination different from the downward inclination when the storage portion is inserted into the device body. Note that the inclination different from the inserted state may include being horizontal. This method can achieve the same effects as the liquid ejection device described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0249] 11...recording device as an example of a liquid ejection device, 12...device main body, 13...cover, 14...display unit, 15...power button, 17...liquid supply source, 18...window unit, 19...cassette cover, 20...cassette, 21...feed cover, 22...feed tray, 22A...main support member, 22B...sub-support member, 23...recording unit, 24...carriage, 25...ejection head, 26...support unit, 27...support guide member, 28...waste liquid box cover, 28A...screw, 28B...leaf spring as an example of a biasing member, 30...image reading device (scanner), 34...movement mechanism, 35...main frame, 35A...guide rail, 34A...timing belt, 36...carriage motor, 37...linear encoder, 39...liquid supply tube bundle, 39A...liquid supply tube, 40...conveying section, 41...first feeding section, 42...second feeding section, 44...pickup roller 44, 46...stacker, 48...pair of conveying rollers, 49...pair of discharge rollers, 50...waste liquid recovery unit, 50A...waste liquid absorption member as an example of second absorption member, 50B...waste liquid box as an example of storage section, 50C...connecting section, 51...first waste liquid recovery section, 52...second waste liquid recovery section, 53...first Storage section, 54...first waste liquid absorption member, 55...second waste liquid box section, 55A...opening, 55B...space, 55C...assembly hole, 56...second waste liquid absorption member constituting an example of the first absorption member, 57...connected section, 59...scatter prevention wall, 60...maintenance device, 61...cap as an example of a liquid receiving section, 62...wiper, 63...suction pump, 64...waste liquid tube as an example of a tube, 65...carriage lock member, 66...connecting section, 66A...tip, 66B...waste liquid flow path, 70...disposal absorption member as an example of the first absorption member, 71...storage section, 71A...bottom surface, 72...lower absorption member, 73...surface absorbent member, 73A...connection portion, 75...power supply unit, 76...main board as an example of a board, 80...delivery mechanism (first delivery mechanism) as an example of a delivery portion, 80A...first delivery mechanism as an example of a delivery portion, 80B...second delivery mechanism as an example of a delivery portion, 81...first connecting absorbent member, 81A...holding portion, 82...second connecting absorbent member, 82A...holding portion, 83...waste liquid guide portion, 83A...inclined surface, 85...blocking mechanism as an example of a blocking portion, 87...slide gear, 90...expanding absorbent member constituting an example of the first absorbent member, 90A...first expanding absorbent member,90B...second expansion absorption member, 91...connection absorption member, 92...support portion, 92A...recess, 93...bottom plate portion, 93A...guide portion, 94...regulating portion, 95...guide portion, 100...control portion constituting an example of an electronic component, 111...waste liquid box as an example of a storage portion, 112...waste liquid absorption member as an example of a second absorption member, 121...waste liquid box as an example of a storage portion, 122...waste liquid absorption member as an example of a second absorption member, 130...fan unit, 131...fan, 140...delivery mechanism, 141...delivery portion, 142...holding portion, 142A...cam follower surface, 142B... inner bottom surface, 142C... groove, 142D... V-groove, 142S... side portion, 143... absorbing member, 144... pivot shaft, 145... spring, 150... cam mechanism, 151... cam portion, 151A... cam surface, 160... blocking mechanism as an example of a blocking portion, 170... second delivery mechanism, 171... delivery portion, 172... holding portion, 173... absorbing member, OL... overlapping area, AD... insertion direction, -AD... removal direction, M... medium as an example of a recording material, HP... home position, AH... anti-home position, X... width direction X (scanning direction), Y... transport direction (depth direction), Z... vertical direction.

Claims

1. an ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording material; a support portion that is provided opposite the ejection head and supports the recording material from below; a first absorbing member that absorbs, as waste liquid, liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of the end of the recording material supported by the support portion; a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; and A liquid ejection device characterized in that, when the storage unit is inserted into the device main body, the transfer section slopes downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, and when the storage unit is removed from the device main body, the slope of the transfer section is different from the inserted state, and is either a downward slope that is smaller than the downward slope from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member when the storage unit is inserted into the device main body, is horizontal, or slopes upward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member.

2. an ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording material; a support portion that is provided opposite the ejection head and supports the recording material from below; a first absorbing member that absorbs, as waste liquid, liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of the end of the recording material supported by the support portion; a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section; and When the storage unit is inserted into the device body, the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, and when the storage unit is removed from the device body, the inclination of the delivery section is different from that in the inserted state, A liquid ejection device characterized in that, when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, the power of the maintenance device is used to change the transfer section from the different inclined position when it is in a removed state to a downward inclination that descends from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member.

3. an ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording material; a support portion that is provided opposite the ejection head and supports the recording material from below; a first absorbing member that absorbs, as waste liquid, liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of the end of the recording material supported by the support portion; a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; a blocking portion capable of temporarily blocking the delivery of liquid through the delivery portion between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member, When the storage unit is inserted into the device body, the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, and when the storage unit is removed from the device body, the inclination of the delivery section is different from that in the inserted state, A liquid ejection device characterized in that the blocking section changes the inclination of the transfer section from a downward inclination that descends from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member to an upward inclination that ascends from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member.

4. a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section; The liquid ejection device according to claim 3 , wherein the blocking unit is driven by the power of the maintenance device.

5. an ejection head that ejects liquid onto a recording material; a support portion that is provided opposite the ejection head and supports the recording material from below; a first absorbing member that absorbs, as waste liquid, liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of the end of the recording material supported by the support portion; a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; A waste liquid receiving portion for receiving waste liquid; and A liquid ejection device characterized in that, when the storage unit is inserted into the device main body, the transfer section slopes downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, and the slope of the transfer section when the storage unit is removed from the device main body is different from the inserted state, and is a downward slope that is steeper than the downward slope from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member when the storage unit is inserted into the device main body, and the slope is such that the tip of the transfer section is positioned above the waste liquid receiving section.

6. 6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbing member is positioned lower than the first absorbing member.

7. A liquid ejection device described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, the transfer section overlaps at least partially with the storage section in the insertion direction.

8. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cam mechanism that engages with the transfer section to change the inclination direction of the transfer section during the insertion or removal process of the storage section.

9. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the delivery section is biased in a direction from an inclination of the storage section when it is inserted to an inclination of the storage section when it is removed.

10. 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the inner bottom surface of the delivery section has a groove.

11. the first absorbing member includes a portion that absorbs the liquid discarded from the ejection head as waste liquid, and an expanding absorbing member that is connected to the portion so as to be able to transfer the liquid; 11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery section delivers the liquid between the expansion absorbent member and the second absorbent member.

12. 12. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the delivery section is configured to be able to deliver the liquid when the container section is inserted into the device body.

13. A substrate on which electronic components are mounted is provided, 13. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbing member and the substrate are disposed opposite each other with the first absorbing member sandwiched therebetween.

14. a liquid supply source that supplies liquid to the ejection head; a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section; 14. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbing member is disposed below the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

15. a liquid supply source that supplies liquid to the ejection head; a maintenance device that forcibly discharges liquid from the ejection head to the waste liquid receiving section; 15. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbing member has a function of absorbing liquid scattered from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

16. a cassette that accommodates the recording material and is located below the ejection head; a first feeding unit that feeds the recording material contained in the cassette one by one toward a recording position of the ejection head, The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the second absorbing member is disposed below the first feeding portion so as to partially overlap the first feeding portion.

17. a second feeding section that feeds the recording material toward a recording position of the ejection head without passing through a reversing section; The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the second absorbing member is disposed below the second feeding section so as to overlap the second absorbing member.

18. a reversing unit that switches back and conveys the recording material, after the recording on a first side thereof has been completed by the ejection head, to the upstream side of the ejection head in the conveying direction, and reverses the recording material so that a second side thereof, which is a side opposite to the first side thereof, can face the ejection head; 18. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbing member is disposed below the inverted portion so as to partially overlap the inverted portion.

19. a power supply unit for supplying power to the ejection head; 19. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the second absorbing member and the power supply unit are disposed opposite each other with the first absorbing member sandwiched therebetween.

20. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the bottom surface of the container that holds the first absorption member is inclined downward in a direction toward the second absorption member.

21. The housing portion has a coupling portion that can be coupled to a coupling portion connected to a tip end portion of a tube that is connected to a maintenance device; 21. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, further comprising a scattering prevention wall provided above the tip portion on the same side as the coupled portion.

22. The liquid ejection device according to claim 21, wherein a tip of the connecting portion connected to the connected portion is in partial contact with the second absorbing member.

23. a cover that covers the storage unit and is inserted into the device body; A liquid ejection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that it is provided with a biasing member that is provided between the storage portion and the cover and biases the storage portion in an insertion direction when the cover is closed.

24. A waste liquid recovery unit detachably inserted into a main body of a liquid ejection device, the waste liquid recovery unit comprising: a support section for supporting a recording material; an ejection head for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of an end of the recording material supported by the support section; and a waste liquid receiving section for receiving liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, The waste liquid recovery unit includes: a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; Equipped with When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to the waste liquid receiving section so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, A waste liquid recovery unit characterized in that, when the storage section is removed from the device main body, the second absorbent member is released from the connection that allows it to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and the inclination of the transfer section is different from when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, and is either a downward inclination that is smaller than the downward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, is horizontal, or is an upward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member.

25. a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discharged from the discharge head toward the outside of an end of the recording material supported by the support member; a waste liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid discharged from the discharge head as waste liquid; and a maintenance device for forcibly discharging the liquid from the discharge head into the waste liquid receiving portion, the waste liquid recovery unit being detachably inserted into a device body of a liquid discharge device, the waste liquid recovery unit comprising: a support portion for supporting a recording material; a discharge head for discharging liquid onto the recording material; a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discharged from the discharge head toward the outside of an end of the recording material supported by the support portion; a waste liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid discharged from the discharge head as waste liquid; The waste liquid recovery unit includes: a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; Equipped with When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to the waste liquid receiving section so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, When the storage unit is removed from the device body, the second absorption member is released from the connection capable of absorbing the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving unit, and the inclination of the delivery unit is different from that when the storage unit is inserted into the device body, A waste liquid recovery unit characterized in that, when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, the power of the maintenance device is used to change the transfer section from the different inclined position when it is in a detached state to a downward inclination that descends from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member.

26. A waste liquid recovery unit detachably inserted into a main body of a liquid ejection device, the waste liquid recovery unit comprising: a support section for supporting a recording material; an ejection head for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of an end of the recording material supported by the support section; and a waste liquid receiving section for receiving liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, The waste liquid recovery unit includes: a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; a blocking unit capable of temporarily blocking the delivery of liquid by the delivery unit; Equipped with When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to the waste liquid receiving section so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, When the storage unit is removed from the device body, the second absorption member is released from the connection capable of absorbing the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving unit, and the inclination of the delivery unit is different from that when the storage unit is inserted into the device body, The blocking section changes the inclination of the transfer section from a downward inclination from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member to an upward inclination from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member.

27. A waste liquid recovery unit detachably inserted into a main body of a liquid ejection device, the waste liquid recovery unit comprising: a support section for supporting a recording material; an ejection head for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discharged from the ejection head to the outside of an end of the recording material supported by the support section; a waste liquid receiving section for receiving the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; and a waste liquid receiving section for receiving the waste liquid, The waste liquid recovery unit includes: a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving portion; a storage section for holding the second absorbent member; a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbent member and the second absorbent member; Equipped with When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to the waste liquid receiving section so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member, A waste liquid recovery unit characterized in that, when the storage section is removed from the device main body, the second absorption member is released from the connection that allows it to absorb waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and the inclination of the transfer section is different from when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, and is a downward inclination that is greater than the downward inclination from the first absorption member toward the second absorption member when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, and the inclination is such that the tip of the transfer section is positioned above the waste liquid receiving section.

28. A waste liquid recovery method for recovering waste liquid in a liquid ejection device comprising: a support section for supporting a recording material; an ejection head for ejecting liquid onto the recording material; a first absorbing member for absorbing liquid discarded from the ejection head outside an end of the recording material supported by the support section; a second absorbing member for absorbing the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; a container section for holding the second absorbing member; and a delivery section for delivering liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, The storage section is provided detachably with respect to the device body, When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to a waste liquid flow path so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member; When the storage unit is removed from the device main body, the second absorbent member is disconnected from the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving unit, and the transfer unit is changed from the downward inclination it had when the storage unit was inserted into the device main body to a different inclination from the downward inclination that is smaller than the downward inclination, or to a horizontal inclination, or to an upward inclination from the first absorbent member to the second absorbent member.

29. a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head outside an edge of the recording material supported by the support member; a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving portion that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid; a container that holds the second absorbing member; a transfer portion that transfers liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member; and a maintenance device that forcibly discharges the liquid from the ejection head into the waste liquid receiving portion, The storage section is provided detachably with respect to the device body, When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to a waste liquid flow path so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member; when the storage unit is removed from the device body, the second absorption member is disconnected from the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving unit, and the delivery unit is changed from a downward inclination when the storage unit is inserted into the device body to an inclination different from the downward inclination, A waste liquid recovery method characterized by including, when the storage section is inserted into the device main body, using the power of the maintenance device to change the transfer section from the different inclined position when it is in a detached state to a downward inclination that descends from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member.

30. a liquid ejection device that includes a support section that supports a recording material, an ejection head that ejects liquid onto the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head outside an edge of the recording material supported by the support section, a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, a storage section that holds the second absorbing member, a transfer section that transfers liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, and a blocking section that can temporarily block the transfer of liquid by the transfer section between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, The storage section is provided detachably with respect to the device body, When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to a waste liquid flow path so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member; When the storage unit is removed from the device body, the second absorption member is disconnected from the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving unit, and the delivery unit is changed from a downward inclination when the storage unit is inserted into the device body to an inclination different from the downward inclination. a blocking section that changes the inclination of the transfer section from a downward inclination that descends from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member to an upward inclination that ascends from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member.

31. a liquid ejection device that includes a support section that supports a recording material, an ejection head that ejects liquid onto the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs liquid discarded from the ejection head outside an edge of the recording material supported by the support section, a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid discharged from the ejection head as waste liquid, a storage section that holds the second absorbing member, a delivery section that delivers liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, and a waste liquid receiving section that receives the waste liquid, The storage section is provided detachably with respect to the device body, When the storage section is inserted into the device body, the second absorbent member is connected to a waste liquid flow path so as to be able to absorb the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, and the delivery section is inclined downward from the first absorbent member toward the second absorbent member; when the storage section is removed from the device main body, the second absorption member is disconnected from the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving section, and the transfer section is changed from the downward slope it had when the storage section was inserted into the device main body to a slope that is different from and has a steeper gradient than the downward slope, and in which the tip of the transfer section is positioned above the waste liquid receiving section.

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