Liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

There is a possibility that the ink and the reaction liquid stored in the waste liquid tank are not cured and liquid remains in the waste liquid tank.SOLUTION: The liquid discharge apparatus 1 includes a discharge unit 10 that discharges ink and a reaction liquid that cures the ink, a waste liquid tube 56 that collects the ink discharged from the discharge unit 10 in maintenance of the discharge unit 10, a waste liquid tube 57 that collects the reaction liquid discharged from the discharge unit 10 in maintenance of the discharge unit 10, a waste liquid tank 80 that stores the ink collected by the waste liquid tube 56 and the reaction liquid collected by the waste liquid tube 57, and a mixing unit 70 that mixes the ink in the waste liquid tank 80 and the reaction liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device equipped with a recording head that receives ink and a reaction liquid separately from a detachable tank means and can eject waste ink and waste reaction liquid separately. The tank means is provided with a recovery chamber that recovers the waste ink and the waste reaction liquid, an inlet port that allows the waste ink to flow into the recovery chamber, and an inlet port that allows the waste reaction liquid to flow into the recovery chamber. The inlet port that allows the waste ink to flow into the recovery chamber and the inlet port that allows the waste reaction liquid to flow into the recovery chamber are remotely isolated from each other and are located in an upper region of the tank means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-320918 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the tank means of Patent Document 1, the waste ink and waste reaction liquid recovered in the recovery chamber do not solidify, and there is a risk that liquid will remain in the recovery chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The liquid ejection device includes an ejection unit that ejects a first liquid and a second liquid that hardens the first liquid, a first recovery flow path that recovers the first liquid discharged from the ejection unit during maintenance of the ejection unit, a second recovery flow path that recovers the second liquid discharged from the ejection unit during maintenance of the ejection unit, a waste liquid tank that stores the first liquid recovered by the first recovery flow path and the second liquid recovered by the second recovery flow path, and a mixing unit that mixes the first liquid and the second liquid in the waste liquid tank. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of a mounting portion to which a waste liquid tank according to an embodiment is mounted. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a waste liquid tank according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a waste liquid tank according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a waste liquid tank according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a waste liquid tank according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mounting portion and its surroundings according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the periphery of a mounting portion to which a waste liquid tank according to another embodiment is mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure will be described below based on embodiments. In each drawing, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted. When used in this specification, the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" do not necessarily mean that something is completely the same.

[0008] For example, in this specification, when the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are used, it is intended to include cases where the same is true in consideration of measurement error. Also, for example, in this specification, when the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are used, it is intended to include cases where the same is true in consideration of manufacturing variations of components.

[0009] In this specification, the terms "same," "identical," and "simultaneous" are intended to include cases where the same is true to the extent that the functionality is not impaired. For example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that, taking into account measurement errors and manufacturing variations of components, the difference in the dimensions of both is within ±5% of one dimension, and more preferably within ±3%.

[0010] In each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes that are orthogonal to one another. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is indicated by "+" and the negative direction by "-", and both positive and negative signs are used to indicate the direction, with the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure being the + direction and the direction opposite the arrow being the - direction.

[0011] The Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates the vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates the vertically downward direction. The plane containing the X-axis and Y-axis is described as the XY plane, the plane containing the X-axis and Z-axis as the XZ plane, and the plane containing the Y-axis and Z-axis as the YZ plane. The XY plane is a horizontal plane. The three spatial axes of X, Y, and Z, which are not limited to positive and negative directions, will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0012] The X-axis direction is the horizontal direction along the installation surface, which is a horizontal plane on which the liquid ejection device 1 is installed. The X-axis direction is the width direction of the paper P transported in the liquid ejection device 1. The Y-axis direction is the horizontal direction along the installation surface on which the liquid ejection device 1 is installed. The Y-axis direction is the transport direction of the paper P transported in the liquid ejection device 1.

[0013] The Z-axis direction is the normal direction to the installation surface on which the liquid ejection device 1 is installed, and is the height direction of the liquid ejection device 1. In the following explanation, the +Z direction may be referred to as the "vertical upward direction" and the -Z direction as the "vertical downward direction." For convenience of illustration, the sizes of the various components may differ from the actual sizes.

[0014] <Embodiment> The following describes a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 1 is configured as an inkjet printer, and ejects ink onto paper P to form an image.

[0015] The paper P is an example of a medium, and the ink is an example of a liquid, which is an example of a first liquid. Note that the liquid ejection device 1 may eject ink onto any type of medium, such as a resin film or fabric, instead of the paper P.

[0016] 1, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a device main body 2, an ejection unit 10, an ink supply unit 20, a transport mechanism 30, a movement mechanism 40, a maintenance unit 50, and a control unit 90. The ejection unit 10, the ink supply unit 20, the transport mechanism 30, the movement mechanism 40, the maintenance unit 50, and the control unit 90 are provided in the device main body 2.

[0017] The ejection unit 10 has a nozzle surface 11 on which a plurality of nozzle rows 12 that eject ink are provided. The nozzle rows 12 are formed by arranging a plurality of nozzles N in the Y-axis direction. The ejection unit 10 ejects ink in the -Z direction from the plurality of nozzles N that make up the nozzle row 12 to form an image on the paper P. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzle rows 12 include nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e.

[0018] The inks ejected by the ejection unit 10 are, for example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, a total of four colors. The ejection unit 10 ejects each ink from nozzle row 12a, nozzle row 12b, nozzle row 12c, and nozzle row 12d. The ejection unit 10 is not limited to the four colors mentioned above, and may eject ink of any color, such as light cyan, light magenta, or white.

[0019] The ejection unit 10 ejects a reaction liquid that hardens the ink from the nozzle row 12e. The ink and the reaction liquid are hardened by mixing. For example, when the ejection unit 10 ejects the reaction liquid onto the paper P onto which the ink has been ejected, the hardening of the ink ejected onto the paper P is promoted. The reaction liquid is an example of a liquid and an example of a second liquid.

[0020] The discharge unit 10 is mounted on a carriage 42 (described later) of the movement mechanism 40, and moves back and forth in the main scanning direction together with the movement of the carriage 42. In this embodiment, the main scanning direction is the +X direction and the −X direction.

[0021] The ink supply unit 20 supplies ink to the ejection unit 10. The ink supply unit 20 includes a liquid supply source 21, a supply flow path 24, and a pressure adjustment mechanism 25.

[0022] The liquid supply source 21 of this embodiment includes an injection portion 22 into which ink can be injected, and a storage chamber 23 that stores the ink injected from the injection portion 22. The liquid supply source 21 of this embodiment is a refillable tank, but may also be a replaceable cartridge type tank.

[0023] The ink supply unit 20 includes a plurality of liquid supply sources 21. In this embodiment, the plurality of liquid supply sources 21 include liquid supply sources 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e. The liquid supply sources 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e contain black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, yellow ink, and a reaction liquid, respectively.

[0024] The ink contained in the liquid supply source 21 is supplied to the ejection portion 10 via a supply flow path 24 and a pressure adjustment mechanism 25 to which the supply flow path 24 is connected. A plurality of supply flow paths 24 and pressure adjustment mechanisms 25 are provided so that the ink or reaction liquid contained in each of the liquid supply sources 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, and 21e can be supplied to each of the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e.

[0025] The pressure adjustment mechanism 25 connects the supply flow path 24 and the ejection unit 10. The pressure adjustment mechanism 25 adjusts the pressure of the ink supplied to the ejection unit 10 to a predetermined negative pressure. The pressure adjustment mechanism 25 of this embodiment is provided on the carriage 42. Therefore, the supply flow path 24 of this embodiment is configured, for example, by a flexible tube.

[0026] The transport mechanism 30 transports the paper P in the sub-scanning direction. The sub-scanning direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, and in this embodiment, is the +Y direction and the -Y direction. The transport mechanism 30 includes a transport rod 34 having three transport rollers 32, and a transport mechanism drive unit 36 ​​that drives the transport rod 34 to rotate.

[0027] When the transport mechanism drive unit 36 ​​is driven, the transport rod 34 and the plurality of transport rollers 32 rotate, and the paper P is transported in the -Y direction. The number of transport rollers 32 is not limited to three and may be any number. The liquid ejection device 1 may be provided with a plurality of transport mechanisms 30.

[0028] The movement mechanism 40 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned carriage 42, a conveyor belt 44, a pulley 46, a pulley 47, and a movement mechanism drive unit 48. The carriage 42 carries the ejection unit 10 and the pressure adjustment mechanism 25 in a state where they can eject ink. The carriage 42 is attached to the conveyor belt 44.

[0029] The conveyor belt 44 is wound around a pulley 46 and a pulley 47. The movement mechanism drive unit 48 is driven to rotate the pulley 47. The movement mechanism drive unit 48 is controlled to rotate the pulley 47, causing the conveyor belt 44 to move back and forth in the main scanning direction. As a result, the carriage 42 attached to the conveyor belt 44 also moves back and forth in the main scanning direction.

[0030] The maintenance unit 50 performs maintenance of the discharge unit 10. The maintenance unit 50 has a wiper 51, a wiper drive unit 52, caps 53 and 54, a cap drive unit 55, waste liquid tubes 56 and 57, a pump 58, a pump drive unit 59, an attachment unit 60, a mixing unit 70, and a waste liquid tank 80.

[0031] The wiper 51 performs maintenance of the ejection unit 10 by wiping the nozzle surface 11 of the ejection unit 10. When the wiper drive unit 52 is driven, the wiper 51 moves in the Z-axis direction between a standby position where it does not come into contact with the nozzle surface 11 and a wiping position where it can come into contact with the nozzle surface 11.

[0032] With the wiper 51 in the wiping position, the ejection section 10 moves vertically above the wiper 51 in the X-axis direction as the carriage 42 moves, thereby wiping the nozzle surface 11.

[0033] The liquid ejection device 1 performs maintenance on the ejection unit 10 by discharging ink or reaction liquid from the nozzles N of the ejection unit 10. The caps 53 and 54 come into contact with the nozzle surface 11 of the ejection unit 10 to form a cap space in which the nozzles N are open.

[0034] The caps 53 and 54 move in the Z-axis direction when the cap driving unit 55 is driven. The caps 53 and 54 move in the Z-axis direction between a non-capping position where they do not contact the nozzle surface 11 and a capping position where they contact the nozzle surface 11.

[0035] At the capping position, the cap 53 forms a cap space in which the nozzles N constituting the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are open. At the capping position, the cap 54 forms a cap space in which the nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12e are open.

[0036] The cap 53 communicates with an outlet 62 of the mounting part 60 via a waste liquid tube 56. The cap 54 communicates with an outlet 63 of the mounting part 60 via a waste liquid tube 57. The waste liquid tubes 56 and 57 are provided with a pump 58 that applies negative pressure to the cap space formed by the caps 53 and 54.

[0037] When the pump driving unit 59 is driven, a negative pressure is applied by the pump 58 to the cap space formed by the caps 53 and 54. As a result, ink is discharged from the nozzles N constituting the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d of the ejection unit 10 to the cap 53, and reaction liquid is discharged from the nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12e to the cap 54.

[0038] When negative pressure is applied to the cap space for a predetermined period of time, the cap driving unit 55 is driven to move the caps 53 and 54 from the capping position to the uncapping position. Subsequently, the pump driving unit 59 is driven to continue the operation of the pump 58.

[0039] As a result, the ink discharged as waste liquid into the cap 53 flows through the waste liquid tube 56 toward the outlet portion 62. The reaction liquid discharged as waste liquid into the cap 54 flows through the waste liquid tube 57 toward the outlet portion 63.

[0040] 1 and 2, a waste liquid tank 80 is detachably disposed in the storage section 61 of the mounting section 60. The storage section 61 opens in the -Y direction. The waste liquid tank 80 is attached to the storage section 61 of the mounting section 60 from the -Y direction side of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0041] The above-mentioned outlet portions 62, 63 are provided on the upper wall of the mounting portion 60, which defines the +Z direction side of the storage portion 61. The outlet portion 62 is located on the +Y direction side of the outlet portion 63. The waste liquid tube 56 is connected to the outlet 64 (see FIG. 7) of the outlet portion 62. The waste liquid tube 57 is connected to the outlet 65 (see FIG. 7) of the outlet portion 63.

[0042] The outlet 64 and the outlet 65 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the inner diameters of the waste liquid tubes 56 and 57 are the same. In this embodiment, the length of the waste liquid tube 56 is shorter than the length of the waste liquid tube 57.

[0043] The waste liquid tank 80 is attached to the storage section 61 of the attachment section 60 so as to be able to store the ink recovered via the waste liquid tube 56 and the reaction liquid recovered via the waste liquid tube 57. The waste liquid tube 56 is an example of a first recovery flow path that recovers ink as waste liquid. The waste liquid tube 57 is an example of a second recovery flow path that recovers reaction liquid as waste liquid.

[0044] A groove 66 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the side wall of the mounting part 60 that defines the +X direction side of the storage part 61. The groove 66 extends along the Z axis direction. A protrusion 722 of a rotor 72 of the mixer 70, which will be described later, is inserted into the groove 66.

[0045] 3 to 7, the waste liquid tank 80 is made up of a holder 81, a waste liquid reservoir 82, and a lid 83. As shown in FIGS.

[0046] The recess 84 is open in the +Z direction of the holder 81 and can hold the waste liquid reservoir 82 and the lid 83. The recess 84 has a rectangular inner bottom surface that faces in the -Z direction, and four inner side surfaces. The inner bottom surface of the recess 84 is aligned with the XY plane.

[0047] The handle 85 is provided on the -Y side of the recess 84 so that the operator can grasp it when attaching or detaching the waste liquid tank 80 to or from the mounting part 60. The handle 85 is formed by cutting out the lower end, which is the end on the -Z side, of the front wall that defines the outer casing of the holder 81 on the -Y side.

[0048] The waste liquid reservoir 82 is attached to the holder 81 so as to be able to store the ink and reaction liquid collected as waste liquid. The waste liquid reservoir 82 is attached to the holder 81 from the +Z direction side of the holder 81.

[0049] The waste liquid reservoir 82 has a reservoir portion 86 and a knob portion 87. When the waste liquid reservoir 82 is attached to the holder 81, the reservoir portion 86 is housed in a recess 84 of the holder 81 so as to be able to store the ink and reaction liquid recovered as waste liquid.

[0050] When stored in recess 84, storage portion 86 conforms to the shape of recess 84. Storage portion 86 may have a box shape. When stored in recess 84, the inner bottom surface, which is the surface on the -Z direction side of storage portion 86, conforms to the XY plane.

[0051] When the waste liquid reservoir 82 is attached to the holder 81, the reservoir 86 opens upward, which is the +Z direction of the waste liquid tank 80.

[0052] The knob 87 has a thin plate shape extending from the edge of the opening of the storage portion 86. When the waste liquid storage body 82 is attached to the holder 81, the knob 87 extends in the −Y direction from the upper end, which is the end of the storage portion 86 on the +Z direction side.

[0053] When waste liquid reservoir 82 is attached to holder 81, knob 87 is located on the +Z direction side of holder 81. The operator can remove waste liquid reservoir 82 from holder 81 by pinching knob 87 and pulling it up in the +Z direction.

[0054] There are no restrictions on the material that constitutes the waste liquid reservoir 82 as long as it can store ink and reaction liquid in the storage section 86, but the material that constitutes the waste liquid reservoir 82 in this embodiment is flexible. Examples of flexible materials that can be used include film-like rubber and resin materials.

[0055] In this embodiment, a flexible resin material is used as the material for forming the waste liquid reservoir 82. Examples of flexible resin materials that can be used include film-like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, and the like.

[0056] 4 and 5, lid 83 covers the opening of storage section 86 in waste liquid storage body 82. When waste liquid storage body 82 is attached to holder 81, lid 83 covering the opening of storage section 86 forms the top surface, which is the surface on the +Z direction side of waste liquid tank 80.

[0057] 5 and 6, the lid 83 has a rectangular plate shape. There are no restrictions on the material that constitutes the lid 83 as long as it can cover the opening of the storage section 86, but the lid 83 of this embodiment is made of a material that can absorb liquids including ink and reaction liquid, that is, a so-called absorber.

[0058] Examples of materials that can absorb liquid include porous materials made from resin materials such as polyurethane in a sponge-like form, nonwoven fabrics made from resin materials such as polypropylene and polyester bonded together to form a cloth-like material, and materials made from pieces of paper pressed together to form a plate shape.

[0059] 7 , when the waste liquid tank 80 is attached to the storage portion 61 of the attachment portion 60, inflow holes 88 and 89 are provided in the lid 83 at positions vertically below the outflow ports 64 and 65. The inflow hole 88 is a through-hole provided in the lid 83 at a position vertically below the outflow port 64. The inflow hole 89 is a through-hole provided in the lid 83 at a position vertically below the outflow port 65.

[0060] Inflow hole 88 is located in the Y-axis direction between the center of lid 83 and the +Y-direction end of lid 83, closer to the +Y-direction end of lid 83. Inflow hole 89 is located in the Y-axis direction between the center of lid 83 and the -Y-direction end of lid 83, closer to the -Y-direction end of lid 83.

[0061] During maintenance of the ejection part 10, ink discharged from the ejection part 10 flows out in the -Z direction from the outlet 64 via the waste liquid tube 56. The ink flowing out from the outlet 64 passes through the inlet hole 88 of the lid 83 and is stored in the storage part 86 of the waste liquid storage body 82.

[0062] The outlet 64 is an example of a first outlet that is connected to the waste liquid tube 56 and allows ink to flow into the inlet hole 88. The inlet hole 88 is an example of a first inlet that is provided on the top surface of the waste liquid tank 80 and through which ink flows in via the waste liquid tube 56 and the outlet 64.

[0063] The reaction liquid discharged from the discharge part 10 during maintenance of the discharge part 10 flows out in the −Z direction from the outlet 65 via the waste liquid tube 57. The reaction liquid flowing out from the outlet 65 passes through the inlet hole 89 of the lid 83 and is stored in the storage part 86 of the waste liquid storage body 82.

[0064] The outlet 65 is an example of a second outlet that is connected to the waste liquid tube 57 and allows the reaction liquid to flow into the inlet hole 89. The inlet hole 89 is an example of a second inlet that is provided on the top surface of the waste liquid tank 80 and allows the reaction liquid to flow in via the waste liquid tube 57 and the outlet 65.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 6, the inflow holes 88 and 89 have a circular shape. The inflow holes 88 and 89 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is an example of the direction in which the inflow holes 88 and 89 are arranged side by side. The inflow holes 88 and 89 are provided at the centers in the X-axis direction of the lid 83 and the storage portion 86, which are indicated by the dashed dotted line in Fig. 6.

[0066] 7, the diameter of inflow hole 88 is larger than the diameter of the opening that opens in the -Z direction of outflow port 64. The diameter of inflow hole 89 is larger than the diameter of the opening that opens in the -Z direction of outflow port 65.

[0067] The mixing unit 70 mixes the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80. The mixing unit 70 mixes the ink and the reaction liquid stored in the storage portion 86 of the waste liquid storage body 82 of the waste liquid tank 80 by shaking the waste liquid tank 80 placed in the storage portion 61 of the mounting portion 60.

[0068] In this embodiment, the mixer 70 shakes the waste liquid tank 80 by moving the waste liquid tank 80 back and forth in the Y-axis direction indicated by the outline arrows in Figures 1, 2, and 7. In other words, the mixer 70 moves the waste liquid tank 80 back and forth in the Y-axis direction in which the inlet holes 88 and 89 are aligned.

[0069] 1 and 2, the mixing unit 70 has a base unit 71, a rotor 72, and a rotor drive mechanism 73. The base unit 71 is fixed to the device main body 2. The base unit 71 rotatably supports the rotor 72. The base unit 71 supports the mounting unit 60 so that the mounting unit 60 can slide in the Y-axis direction indicated by the outline arrow.

[0070] Rotating body 72 has a rotating shaft 721 and a protrusion 722. Rotating shaft 721 is supported by base portion 71 so as to be rotatable about axis A72 indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2. One of two pulleys 731 of rotating body drive mechanism 73 is provided at the end of rotating shaft 721 in the +X direction. Protrusion 722 protrudes from the end of rotating shaft 721 in the -X direction.

[0071] Protrusion 722 protrudes in the -X direction from the -X end of rotation shaft 721. Rotation shaft 721 has a cylindrical shape with an axis A72 aligned along the X-axis direction. Protrusion 722 is provided at a position radially away from axis A72 of rotation shaft 721.

[0072] Therefore, when the rotor 72 rotates around the axis A72, the position of the protrusion 722 in the Y-axis direction changes. The protrusion 722 is inserted into the groove 66 provided in the accommodation portion 61 of the mounting portion 60 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] The rotating body drive mechanism 73 is a mechanism for rotating the rotating body 72 around the axis A72 by using the power of the cap drive unit 55. The rotating body drive mechanism 73 of this embodiment has two pulleys 731 and a belt 732.

[0074] The other of the two pulleys 731 (see FIG. 1) is provided in the cap driving unit 55. The cap driving unit 55 includes a switching mechanism that switches the mode of transmission of the driving force between a cap driving mode, a rotating body driving mode, and an interlocking mode.

[0075] In the cap drive mode, the cap drive unit 55 is driven to move the caps 53 and 54 in the Z-axis direction. In the rotator drive mode, the cap drive unit 55 is driven to rotate the rotator 72 around the axis A72. In the interlock mode, the cap drive unit 55 is driven to move the caps 53 and 54 and rotate the rotator 72.

[0076] The belt 732 is an endless belt that is wound around the two pulleys 731. When the cap driving unit 55 is driven to rotate the other of the pulleys 731, the belt 732 rotates.

[0077] As a result, rotation of one of the pulleys 731 causes the rotating body 72 to rotate around the axis A72. Following the movement of the protrusion 722 caused by the rotation of the rotating body 72 around the axis A72, the waste liquid tank 80 housed in the mounting portion 60 and the housing portion 61 moves back and forth along the Y-axis direction indicated by the outline arrow.

[0078] The shaking of the waste liquid tank 80 promotes mixing of the ink and the reaction liquid stored in the storage section 86 of the waste liquid reservoir 82. Accordingly, hardening of the liquid stored in the storage section 86 of the waste liquid reservoir 82 is promoted.

[0079] Although not shown, the control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 90 also includes a storage unit including a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Various programs for controlling the liquid ejection device 1 are stored in the storage unit.

[0080] The control unit 90 may include one or more processors that execute various processes according to a program, one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination thereof. The application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) executes at least some of the various processes.

[0081] The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes anything that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0082] 1 is shown conceptually, and is actually configured by a circuit board provided at a predetermined position in the liquid ejection device 1. The control device 90 is electrically connected to each part of the liquid ejection device 1, and controls the operation of each part in an integrated manner.

[0083] For example, the control unit 90 controls the transport mechanism drive unit 36 ​​of the transport mechanism 30 to transport the paper P toward the discharge unit 10. The control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism drive unit 48 of the movement mechanism 40 and the discharge unit 10 to move the carriage 42 and the discharge unit 10 in the X-axis direction while discharging ink and reaction liquid onto the paper P to form an image.

[0084] For example, the control unit 90 controls the wiper driving unit 52 of the maintenance unit 50 and the movement mechanism driving unit 48 of the movement mechanism 40 to cause the wiper 51 to wipe the nozzle surface 11. In this way, maintenance of the ejection unit 10 is performed by wiping the nozzle surface 11.

[0085] For example, the control unit 90 controls the movement mechanism driving unit 48 of the movement mechanism 40 and the cap driving unit 55 of the maintenance unit 50 to form a cap space with the caps 53 and 54.

[0086] The control unit 90 drives the pump driving unit 59 to apply negative pressure to the cap space formed by the caps 53 and 54 using the pump 58. The application of negative pressure to the cap space causes the ink and reaction liquid to be discharged from the ejection unit 10 into the caps 53 and 54.

[0087] The ink and reaction liquid discharged into the caps 53 and 54 are stored in the storage section 86 of the waste liquid storage body 82 via the waste liquid tubes 56 and 57, the outlets 64 and 65 of the mounting section 60, and the inlet holes 88 and 89 of the lid 83 of the waste liquid tank 80. This allows maintenance of the ejection section 10 by discharging the ink and reaction liquid.

[0088] During the operation of the maintenance unit 50 to perform maintenance on the discharge unit 10, the control unit 90 controls the cap driving unit 55 to cause the mixing unit 70 to shake the mounting unit 60 and the waste liquid tank 80.

[0089] This mixes the ink and the reaction liquid stored in the storage section 86 of the waste liquid storage body 82. The operation of shaking the waste liquid tank 80 by the mixing section 70 may be continued for the period during which the maintenance section 50 is performing the maintenance operation of the discharge section 10.

[0090] In this case, the control unit 90 sets the switching mechanism of the cap driving unit 55 to the rotator driving mode and the interlocking mode, thereby continuing the operation of shaking the waste liquid tank 80 by driving the cap driving unit 55.

[0091] Alternatively, the operation of shaking the waste liquid tank 80 by the mixer 70 may be performed for a predetermined period while the maintenance unit 50 is performing the maintenance operation of the discharge unit 10 .

[0092] For example, the control unit 90 may set the switching mechanism of the cap driving unit 55 to a linked mode, thereby causing the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80 in conjunction with the timing at which the caps 53, 54 move between the uncapping position and the capping position.

[0093] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may set the switching mechanism of the cap driving unit 55 to a rotor driving mode, thereby causing the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80 in conjunction with the timing at which the caps 53, 54 move from the capping position to the uncapping position.

[0094] Alternatively, the control unit 90 may set the switching mechanism of the cap driving unit 55 to a rotor driving mode, thereby causing the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80 in conjunction with the timing at which the pump 58 is operating.

[0095] As described above, the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0096] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a discharge unit 10 that discharges ink and a reaction liquid that hardens the ink. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a waste liquid tube 56 that collects ink discharged from the discharge unit 10 during maintenance of the discharge unit 10. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a waste liquid tube 57 that collects reaction liquid discharged from the discharge unit 10 during maintenance of the discharge unit 10. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a waste liquid tank 80 that stores the ink collected by the waste liquid tube 56 and the reaction liquid collected by the waste liquid tube 57. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a mixing unit 70 that mixes the ink and reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0097] According to this, by mixing the ink and the reaction liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 80 by the mixer 70, it is easy to promote hardening of the liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 80. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of flowable liquid remaining in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0098] The mixing unit 70 mixes the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by shaking the waste liquid tank 80. By shaking the waste liquid tank 80, the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 can be mixed effectively.

[0099] The mixing unit 70 shakes the waste liquid tank 80 during the operation of performing maintenance on the discharge unit 10. This allows the liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 80 to be cured effectively and uniformly.

[0100] The waste liquid tank 80 has, on the top surface thereof, an inlet hole 88 through which ink flows in via the waste liquid tube 56, and an inlet hole 89 through which reaction liquid flows in via the waste liquid tube 57. The mixer 70 moves the waste liquid tank 80 back and forth in the Y-axis direction in which the inlet hole 88 and the inlet hole 89 are aligned.

[0101] This allows the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 to be mixed more effectively, which facilitates the hardening of the liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0102] The liquid ejection device 1 is connected to the waste liquid tube 56 and includes an outlet 64 for allowing ink to flow into an inlet hole 88 , the diameter of which is larger than the opening diameter of the outlet 64 .

[0103] This makes it possible to prevent ink from adhering to the top surface where the inlet holes 88 are provided, even when bubbly ink flows out from the outlet 64, thereby preventing unintended mixing of the ink and the reaction liquid.

[0104] The liquid discharge device 1 is connected to the waste liquid tube 57 and includes an outlet 65 for allowing the reaction liquid to flow into an inlet 89 , the diameter of which is larger than the opening diameter of the outlet 65 .

[0105] This prevents the reaction liquid from adhering to the top surface where the inlet hole 89 is provided, even when, for example, foamy reaction liquid flows out from the outlet 65, thereby preventing unintended mixing of ink and reaction liquid.

[0106] The waste liquid tank 80 has a storage section 86 in which ink and reaction liquid are stored, and a lid 83 that forms the top surface of the waste liquid tank 80 and covers the opening of the storage section 86 that opens upward, and the lid 83 is made of an absorbent material.

[0107] According to this, since the lid 83 of the waste liquid tank 80 is made of an absorbent material, leakage of liquid from the waste liquid tank 80 can be suppressed.

[0108] The liquid discharge device 1 includes an attachment portion 60 to which the waste liquid tank 80 can be detachably attached. This allows the waste liquid tank 80 to be replaced.

[0109] The waste liquid tank 80 has a waste liquid reservoir 82 that stores ink and reaction liquid, and a holder 81 to which the waste liquid reservoir 82 can be attached or detached. This allows the waste liquid reservoir 82 to be detached from the waste liquid tank 80, thereby reducing the amount of waste.

[0110] Waste liquid reservoir 82 is made of a flexible material. This allows waste liquid reservoir 82 to be made smaller when discarded, for example, and therefore the volume of waste can be reduced.

[0111] The liquid ejection device 1 according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure is basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit parts of the configuration without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The above embodiment and other embodiments described below can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility. Other embodiments will be described below.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the mixer 70 does not need to use the power of the cap driver 55 to shake the waste liquid tank 80. For example, the mixer 70 may use the power of the movement mechanism driver 48 of the movement mechanism 40 to shake the waste liquid tank 80.

[0113] In this embodiment, for example, the other of the two pulleys 731 of the rotating body drive mechanism 73 may be provided in the moving mechanism drive unit 48. In this embodiment, the moving mechanism drive unit 48 may include a switching mechanism that switches the mode of transmission of the driving force between the moving mechanism drive mode, the rotating body drive mode, and the interlocking mode.

[0114] In the movement mechanism drive mode, the movement mechanism drive unit 48 is driven to move the carriage 42 and the discharge unit 10 in the X-axis direction. In the rotation body drive mode, the movement mechanism drive unit 48 is driven to rotate the rotation body 72 around the axis A72. In the interlock mode, the movement mechanism drive unit 48 is driven to move the carriage 42 and the discharge unit 10 and rotate the rotation body 72.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the mixing unit 70 does not need to use the power of the cap driving unit 55 to shake the waste liquid tank 80. For example, the mixing unit 70 may use the power of the pump driving unit 59 of the maintenance unit 50 to shake the waste liquid tank 80.

[0116] In this embodiment, for example, the other of the two pulleys 731 of the rotor drive mechanism 73 may be provided in the pump drive unit 59. In this embodiment, the pump drive unit 59 may include a switching mechanism that switches the mode of transmission of the drive force between the pump drive mode, the rotor drive mode, and the linked mode.

[0117] In the pump drive mode, the pump drive unit 59 is driven to operate the pump 58. In the rotor drive mode, the pump drive unit 59 is driven to rotate the rotor 72 about the axis A72. In the interlock mode, the pump drive unit 59 is driven to operate the pump 58 and rotate the rotor 72.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the mixer 70 does not need to use the power of the cap drive unit 55 to shake the waste liquid tank 80. For example, in this case, the mixer 70 may include an actuator such as a motor that drives the rotor drive mechanism 73.

[0119] In this embodiment, the actuator is controlled by the control unit 90 to drive the rotor drive mechanism 73. As a result, the rotor 72 rotates around the axis A72, causing the attachment unit 60 and the waste liquid tank 80 housed in the housing unit 61 to move back and forth along the Y-axis direction.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the rotor drive mechanism 73 of the mixer 70 does not have to rotate the rotor 72 by transmitting the power of the actuator via two pulleys 731 and a belt 732. For example, the rotor 72 may be rotated around the axis A72 by transmitting the power of the actuator via a gear train composed of multiple gears.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the mixing unit 70 does not have to mix the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by moving the waste liquid tank 80 back and forth in the Y-axis direction. The mixing unit 70 may mix the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by shaking the waste liquid tank 80 in a direction that includes a directional component different from the Y-axis direction.

[0122] 8, the mounting portion 60 may be provided to be swingable about an axis A60 along the X-axis direction relative to the base portion 71. In this embodiment, the groove 66 of the mounting portion 60 into which the protrusion 722 is inserted extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the rotor drive mechanism 73 is driven and the rotor 72 rotates around the axis A72, the mounting unit 60 and the waste liquid tank 80 swing in the direction indicated by the outline arrow around the axis A60. That is, in this embodiment, the mixing unit 70 swings the waste liquid tank 80 in a direction including the Z-axis direction, thereby mixing the ink and reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0124] In the above embodiment, the inner bottom surface of the recess 84 of the holder 81 may be inclined with respect to the XY plane. For example, the inner bottom surface of the recess 84 may be inclined in a direction such that the end on the −Y direction side of the inner bottom surface is located in the −Z direction relative to the end on the +Y direction side of the inner bottom surface. In this case, the inner bottom surface of the storage section 86 of the waste liquid storage body 82 housed in the recess 84 may be inclined in a direction such that the end on the −Y direction side of the inner bottom surface is located in the −Z direction relative to the end on the +Y direction side of the inner bottom surface, following the inner bottom surface of the recess 84.

[0125] In the above embodiment, the length of the waste liquid tube 56 does not have to be shorter than the length of the waste liquid tube 57. For example, the length of the waste liquid tube 56 may be the same as the length of the waste liquid tube 57. Alternatively, the length of the waste liquid tube 56 may be longer than the length of the waste liquid tube 57.

[0126] When the length of the waste liquid tube 56 is shorter than the length of the waste liquid tube 57, the operation of the pump 58 causes the timing at which the reaction liquid flows out of the outlet 65 to be later than the timing at which the ink flows out of the outlet 64. In this case, the ink flows in first, and then the reaction liquid flows into the storage section 86 which has expanded toward the inner bottom surface side.

[0127] When the length of the waste liquid tube 56 is the same as the length of the waste liquid tube 57, the timing at which the reaction liquid flows out from the outlet 65 tends to be the same as the timing at which the ink flows out from the outlet 64 when the pump 58 is operating.

[0128] If the length of the waste liquid tube 56 is longer than the length of the waste liquid tube 57, the operation of the pump 58 causes the timing at which the ink flows out of the outlet 64 to be delayed relative to the timing at which the reaction liquid flows out of the outlet 65. In this case, the reaction liquid flows in first, and then the ink flows into the storage section 86 which has expanded toward the inner bottom surface side.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the outlet 64 of the mounting portion 60 and the inlet hole 88 of the lid 83, and the outlet 65 of the mounting portion 60 and the inlet hole 89 of the lid 83 do not have to be arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction.

[0130] For example, the outlet 64 of the mounting unit 60 and the inlet hole 88 of the lid 83 may be positioned at different positions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction from the outlet 65 of the mounting unit 60 and the inlet hole 89 of the lid 83. Alternatively, the outlet 64 of the mounting unit 60 and the inlet hole 88 of the lid 83 and the outlet 65 of the mounting unit 60 and the inlet hole 89 of the lid 83 may be arranged side by side along the X-axis direction.

[0131] In the above embodiment, during the operation of the maintenance unit 50 performing maintenance on the discharge unit 10, the control unit 90 may not cause the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80. For example, after the operation of the maintenance unit 50 performing maintenance on the discharge unit 10, the control unit 90 may cause the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80.

[0132] In the above embodiment, during the operation of the maintenance unit 50 performing maintenance on the discharge unit 10, the control unit 90 does not need to cause the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80. For example, during the movement of the discharge unit 10 by the movement mechanism 40, the control unit 90 may cause the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80.

[0133] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the control unit 90 shakes the waste liquid tank 80 by the mixing unit 70 when the ejection unit 10 is not ejecting ink or reaction liquid from the nozzles N onto the paper P.

[0134] For example, suppose the control unit 90 moves the ejection unit 10 in the X-axis direction while ejecting ink and reaction liquid to form an image on a sheet of paper P. In this case, when the ejection unit 10 is positioned outside the sheet of paper P in the X-axis direction, the control unit 90 may cause the mixing unit 70 to shake the waste liquid tank 80. The liquid ejection device 1 according to this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0135] The discharge unit 10 is movable, and the mixer 70 shakes the waste liquid tank 80 while the discharge unit 10 is moving. By shaking the waste liquid tank 80, the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 can be mixed more frequently. This facilitates the hardening of the liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the mixing unit 70 does not have to mix the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by shaking the waste liquid tank 80 housed in the mounting unit 60 and the storage unit 61. For example, the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 may be mixed by shaking the waste liquid tank 80 housed movably relative to the storage unit 61 of the mounting unit 60 fixed to the base unit 71.

[0137] In this case, the groove 66 into which the protrusion 722 of the rotor 72 is inserted in the above embodiment may be provided in the holder 81 of the waste liquid tank 80. In this embodiment, when the rotor drive mechanism 73 is driven and the rotor 72 rotates around the axis A72, the waste liquid tank 80 vibrates. In this embodiment, the mixing unit 70 vibrates the waste liquid tank 80 in the storage unit 61 of the mounting unit 60 fixed to the base unit 71, thereby mixing the ink and reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the mixing unit 70 does not have to mix the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by shaking the waste liquid tank 80. For example, the mixing unit 70 may mix the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by deforming the storage section 86 of the waste liquid tank 80 in which the ink and the reaction liquid are stored.

[0139] In this case, for example, the protrusion 722 of the rotor 72 in the above embodiment is disposed at a position that pushes up the inner bottom surface of the storage section 86 in the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the rotor 72 is disposed in a direction such that the axis A72 is aligned with the Z-axis direction.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the rotor drive mechanism 73 is driven and the rotor 72 rotates around the axis A72, the position at which the protrusion 722 pushes up the inner bottom surface of the storage section 86 moves. This causes the flexible storage section 86 to deform, facilitating mixing of the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the mixing unit 70 does not have to mix the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by shaking the waste liquid tank 80. For example, the mixing unit 70 may promote mixing of the ink and the reaction liquid in the waste liquid tank 80 by displacing a stirrer disposed in the waste liquid tank 80 in which the ink and the reaction liquid are stored.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the waste liquid tank 80 does not have to include the waste liquid reservoir 82. In this case, the waste liquid tank 80 may store the ink and the reaction liquid in the recess 84 of the holder 81. In this embodiment, the lid 83 covers the opening of the recess 84 in the holder 81. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1...liquid ejection device, 2...device main body, 10...ejection section, 11...nozzle surface, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e...nozzle array, 20...ink supply section, 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, 21e...liquid supply source, 22...injection section, 23...storage chamber, 24...supply flow path, 25...pressure adjustment mechanism, 30...transport mechanism, 32...transport roller, 34...transport rod, 36...transport mechanism drive section, 40...movement mechanism, 42...carriage, 44...transport belt, 46, 47...pulley, 48...movement mechanism drive section, 50...maintenance section, 51...wiper, 52...wiper drive section, 53 ,54...cap, 55...cap drive unit, 56, 57...waste liquid tube, 58...pump, 59...pump drive unit, 60...mounting unit, 61...storage unit, 62, 63...discharge unit, 64, 65...outlet, 66...groove, 70...mixing unit, 71...base unit, 72...rotating body, 73...rotating body drive mechanism, 80...waste liquid tank, 81...holder, 82...waste liquid storage body, 83...lid, 84...recess, 85...handle unit, 86...storage unit, 87...grip unit, 88, 89...inlet hole, 90...control unit, 721...rotating shaft, 722...protrusion, 731...pulley, 732...belt, A60...shaft center, A72...shaft center, P...paper.

Claims

1. a discharge unit that discharges a first liquid and a second liquid that hardens the first liquid; a first recovery passage that recovers the first liquid discharged from the discharge portion during maintenance of the discharge portion; a second recovery passage that recovers the second liquid discharged from the discharge portion during maintenance of the discharge portion; a waste liquid tank that stores the first liquid recovered by the first recovery passageway and the second liquid recovered by the second recovery passageway; a mixing unit that mixes the first liquid and the second liquid in the waste liquid tank; A liquid ejection device comprising:

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , the mixing unit mixes the first liquid and the second liquid in the waste liquid tank by shaking the waste liquid tank. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, the mixing unit shakes the waste liquid tank during an operation of performing maintenance on the discharge unit; A liquid ejection device characterized by:

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, The discharge portion is movable, The mixing unit shakes the waste liquid tank while the discharge unit moves. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, The waste liquid tank has a top surface on which: a first inlet hole into which the first liquid flows via the first recovery channel; a second inlet hole into which the second liquid flows via the second recovery passage; and the mixing unit reciprocates the waste liquid tank in a direction along an arrangement direction in which the first inlet and the second inlet are arranged. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5 , a first outlet connected to the first recovery passage and allowing the first liquid to flow into the first inlet; The diameter of the first inlet hole is larger than the opening diameter of the first outlet. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

7. 7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, a second outlet connected to the second recovery passage and allowing the second liquid to flow into the second inlet; The diameter of the second inlet hole is larger than the opening diameter of the second outlet. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

8. 6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, The waste liquid tank is a storage section in which the first liquid and the second liquid are stored; a lid that forms a top surface of the waste liquid tank and covers an opening of the storage portion that opens upward; and The lid is made of an absorbent material. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , The waste liquid tank has a detachable mounting part. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

10. 10. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, The waste liquid tank is a waste liquid reservoir that stores the first liquid and the second liquid; a holder to which the waste liquid reservoir can be detached; having A liquid ejection device characterized by:

11. The liquid ejection device according to claim 10, The waste liquid reservoir is made of a flexible material. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

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