Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid dispensing device that can improve the convenience of the worker. [Solution] The liquid dispensing device comprises a head having a nozzle surface from which multiple nozzles for dispensing liquid are open, a carriage that moves along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction while supporting the head, a cap that covers the nozzle surface, and a moving part that moves the cap along the vertical direction to a cap position where the cap covers the nozzle surface and a separated position where the cap is separated from the nozzle surface, and the moving part is operable by an operator from the front along the vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a recording device including a recording head that ejects liquid is disclosed. An example of such a liquid ejection device, the recording device, is provided with a cap that seals the nozzles of the recording head and a cap lifting / lowering unit that raises and lowers the cap. An example of the moving unit, the cap lifting / lowering unit, can move the cap between a raised position where the cap performs capping and a lowered position where the cap does not perform capping.

[0003] The cap lifting / lowering unit includes a horizontal shaft portion that extends in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, and a cam plate fixed to the horizontal shaft portion. With the cam plate in contact with the lower surface of the cap, when the horizontal shaft portion rotates, the cam plate can raise the cap.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in such a liquid ejection device, when an operator adjusts the moving unit, it is necessary to operate from the side of the device where the horizontal shaft portion extends. Therefore, it is necessary to secure a working space on the side of the device. Thus, it is desired to improve the convenience for the operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a head having a nozzle surface from which a plurality of nozzles for dispensing liquid are open, a carriage that moves along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction while supporting the head, a cap that covers the nozzle surface, and a moving part that moves the cap along the vertical direction to a cap position in which the cap covers the nozzle surface and a separated position in which the cap is separated from the nozzle surface, wherein the moving part can be operated by an operator from the front along the vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front view showing the media support section of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the media support section of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the rotating shaft and moving part of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the rotating shaft and moving part of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view showing the media support section of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] An embodiment of the liquid dispensing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z will be called the width direction X, and the direction intersecting the vertical direction Z and the width direction X will be called the front-rear direction Y. One of the width directions X will be called the first width direction X1, and the other of the width directions X will be called the second width direction X2. One of the front-rear directions Y will be called the front Y1, and the other of the front-rear directions Y will be called the rear Y2. The upper part of the vertical direction Z will be called the upper Z1, and the lower part of the vertical direction Z will be called the lower Z2. The width direction X corresponds to an example of the first direction, and the front-rear direction Y corresponds to an example of the second direction.

[0009] <Configuration of liquid dispensing device 11> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is configured to print on a medium by ejecting liquid onto the medium. The liquid may include, for example, ink. The liquid may be, for example, multiple colors. The liquid ejection device 11 may be an inkjet printer.

[0010] The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is configured to house various components that make up the liquid dispensing device 11. The housing 12 serves as the exterior of the liquid dispensing device 11. The housing 12 may be supported by legs (not shown).

[0011] The housing 12 has a front surface 12A. The front surface 12A is the surface at the front Y1 of the housing 12. The housing 12 has a top surface 12B. The top surface 12B is the surface at the top Z1 of the housing 12.

[0012] The housing 12 comprises a first side surface 12C and a second side surface 12D. The first side surface 12C is a surface of the housing 12 in the first width direction X1. The second side surface 12D is a surface of the housing 12 in the second width direction X2. The first side surface 12C and the second side surface 12D are surfaces that include the vertical direction Z and the front-to-back direction Y.

[0013] Thus, the liquid ejection device 11 can be arranged such that the first side surface 12C or the second side surface 12D contacts the wall. The liquid ejection device 11 is a device assuming access from the front surface 12A side. The liquid ejection device 11 may be arranged such that the back surface (not shown) contacts the wall. Here, "arranged to contact" includes arranging the liquid ejection device 11 with a space between the liquid ejection device 11 and the wall that does not allow an operator to enter.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 11 includes an operation panel 13. The operation panel 13 is provided on the top surface 12B. The operation panel 13 is provided on the front Y1 side of the top surface 12B. The operation panel 13 includes an operation unit that can be operated by a user. The operation panel 13 includes a display unit that displays various information. The operation panel 13 may be a touch panel provided on the display unit.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a discharge port 14 and a medium support portion 15. The discharge port 14 is an opening for discharging the medium after printing. The discharge port 14 is provided on the front surface 12A. The discharge port 14 is provided so as to extend in the width direction X.

[0016] The medium support portion 15 is provided on the front surface 12A. The medium support portion 15 may be configured to extend rearward Y2 from the front surface 12A. The medium support portion 15 may be configured to protrude forward Y1 from the front surface 12A. The medium support portion 15 is provided so as to extend in the width direction X.

[0017] The medium support portion 15 is configured to support the medium discharged from the discharge port 14. The medium discharged from the discharge port 14 is the medium on which liquid has been ejected. Thus, the medium support portion 15 is configured to support the medium on which liquid has been ejected.

[0018] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a cover 16. The cover 16 is detachably provided in front Y1 of the medium support portion 15. The cover 16 is provided at an end portion of the medium support portion 15 in the second width direction X2.

[0019] <Region of the liquid ejection device 11> As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a printing region 20 and a maintenance region 30. The printing region 20 is a region for performing printing on a medium. The maintenance region 30 is a region for maintaining the head 23, which will be described later.

[0020] The printing region 20 is provided at the center of the liquid ejection device 11. The maintenance region 30 is provided in the second width direction X2 from the center of the liquid ejection device 11. That is, the maintenance region 30 is provided in the second width direction X2 from the printing region 20.

[0021] <Configuration of the liquid ejection unit 21> The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection unit 21 and a support unit 22. The liquid ejection device 11 includes a conveyance unit (not shown). The conveyance unit is configured to convey a medium. The conveyance unit is configured to convey the medium forward in the Y1 direction in the printing region 20.

[0022] The liquid ejection unit 21 is configured to eject liquid onto a medium. The liquid ejection unit 21 is configured to eject liquid onto a region of the medium supported by the support unit 22 in the printing region 20. The liquid ejection unit 21 is configured to eject liquid onto the medium conveyed forward in the Y1 direction in the printing region 20.

[0023] The liquid ejection unit 21 includes a head 23, a carriage 24, and a carriage guide 25. That is, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a head 23, a carriage 24, and a carriage guide 25.

[0024] The head 23 is configured to eject liquid. The head 23 of the present embodiment ejects liquid downward in the Z2 direction. The head 23 is configured to be supported on the bottom surface of the carriage 24.

[0025] The head 23 includes a nozzle surface 23A. The nozzle surface 23A is a surface from which multiple nozzles (not shown) for discharging liquid are opened. The nozzle surface 23A is positioned on the bottom surface of the head 23 so as to face downward Z2. The head 23 is configured to discharge liquid from the multiple nozzles.

[0026] The carriage 24 is configured to support the head 23. The carriage 24 is supported by a carriage guide 25. The carriage guide 25 is configured to extend in the width direction X. The carriage guide 25 is configured to extend in the width direction X across the printing area 20 and the maintenance area 30. The carriage 24 is configured to reciprocate along the carriage guide 25 in the width direction X by a driving force from a carriage drive unit (not shown).

[0027] This configures the carriage 24 to move along the width direction X while supporting the head 23. The carriage 24 is configured to move along the width direction X in the printing area 20 and the maintenance area 30.

[0028] The carriage 24 moves back and forth along the width direction X in the printing area 20, passing a position opposite the medium supported by the support section 22. The head 23 is configured to eject liquid along the width direction X in the printing area 20. The head 23 prints an image onto the medium by ejecting the liquid onto the medium.

[0029] The support portion 22 is configured to support the medium. The support portion 22 is provided so as to extend in the width direction X within the printing area 20. The support portion 22 is configured to support the medium transported by the transport portion within the printing area 20. The support portion 22 is provided in the printing area 20 at a position opposite the head 23.

[0030] <Configuration of Maintenance Unit 31> The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a maintenance unit 31. The maintenance unit 31 is located in a maintenance area 30. The maintenance unit 31 is located in the maintenance area 30 at a position opposite the head 23. The maintenance unit 31 is configured to perform maintenance on the head 23.

[0031] The maintenance unit 31 includes a moisturizing cap 32, a flushing unit 33, a suction cap 34, a degassing unit 35, and a wiping unit 36. In the maintenance area 30, the moisturizing cap 32, flushing unit 33, suction cap 34, degassing unit 35, and wiping unit 36 ​​are arranged in that order toward the second width direction X2.

[0032] The moisturizing cap 32 is positioned in the maintenance area 30 opposite the head 23. The moisturizing cap 32 is located in the width direction X on the first width direction X1 side of the suction cap 34.

[0033] The moisturizing cap 32 forms a space that communicates with the nozzle by contacting the head 23. The moisturizing cap 32 caps the head 23 by making close contact with it. The moisturizing cap 32 moisturizes the nozzle by capping the head 23. In other words, the moisturizing cap 32 is a cap that moisturizes the head 23, for example, around multiple nozzles, by covering the nozzle surface 23A when facing the head 23.

[0034] The moisturizing cap 32 is movable along the vertical direction Z to a second cap position and a second separation position by the operation of the second moving part 52, which will be described later. The second cap position is the position in which the moisturizing cap 32 covers the nozzle surface 23A when the moisturizing cap 32 is facing the head 23. The second separation position is the position in which the moisturizing cap 32 is separated from the nozzle surface 23A when the moisturizing cap 32 is facing the head 23.

[0035] The flushing section 33 is located in the maintenance area 30, opposite the head 23. The flushing section 33 is located in the second width direction X2, which is outside the moisturizing cap 32 in the width direction X. The flushing section 33 is located in the first width direction X1, which is inside the suction cap 34 in the width direction X.

[0036] The flushing section 33 is configured to receive the liquid discharged from the head 23. The flushing section 33 may receive the liquid discharged from the head 23 under pressure. In other words, the flushing section 33 may receive the liquid discharged in conjunction with pressurized cleaning.

[0037] Pressurized cleaning involves pressurizing the liquid inside the head 23 to expel it. Pressurized cleaning is a maintenance method that forcibly expels liquid from the nozzle, thereby removing air bubbles, foreign matter, and other contaminants along with the liquid inside the head 23.

[0038] The flushing section 33 may receive the liquid that has been discharged. Drain discharge is the operation of discharging liquid from the nozzle in order to prevent clogging of the nozzle. Drain discharge is also called flushing. Through drain discharge, for example, a viscous liquid is discharged from the nozzle. The flushing section 33 receives the liquid discharged from the head 23 facing the flushing section 33.

[0039] The suction cap 34 is positioned in the maintenance area 30 opposite the head 23. The suction cap 34 is located in the width direction X on the second width direction X2 side of the humidifying cap 32. In Figure 2, the suction cap 34 is covered by a cap cover, but the cap cover is removed during actual use. This leaves the suction cap 34 open.

[0040] The suction cap 34 forms a space that communicates with the nozzle by contacting the head 23. The suction cap 34 caps the head 23 by making tight contact with it. With the nozzle surface 23A capped, the suction cap 34 draws liquid from the head 23 by suction from a suction pump (not shown). In other words, the suction cap 34 is a cap that draws liquid from the head 23 while covering the nozzle surface 23A in a position facing the head 23.

[0041] In this way, by creating negative pressure in the space formed by the contact between the suction cap 34 and the head 23, suction cleaning of the head 23 is performed. When suction cleaning is performed on a head 23 that is not filled with liquid, liquid can be filled into the head 23. When suction cleaning is performed on a head 23 that is filled with liquid, air bubbles, foreign matter, etc., can be discharged from inside the head 23. Thus, the suction cap 34 is configured to receive the liquid discharged from the head 23 during suction cleaning.

[0042] The suction cap 34 is movable along the vertical direction Z to a first cap position and a first separation position by the operation of the first moving part 51, which will be described later. The first cap position is the position in which the suction cap 34 covers the nozzle surface 23A when the suction cap 34 is facing the head 23. The first separation position is the position in which the suction cap 34 is separated from the nozzle surface 23A when the suction cap 34 is facing the head 23.

[0043] The degassing unit 35 is located in the maintenance area 30, facing the head 23. The degassing unit 35 is located in the width direction X, further to the second width direction X2 than the moisturizing cap 32 and the suction cap 34. The degassing unit 35 is configured to degas the head 23 or the flow path that supplies liquid to the head 23. The degassing unit 35 may also remove bubbles and other particles contained in the liquid from the head 23 or the flow path that supplies liquid to the head 23.

[0044] The wiping unit 36 ​​is configured to wipe liquid from the head 23. The wiping unit 36 ​​is configured to wipe the nozzle surface 23A at a position opposite the head 23. The wiping unit 36 ​​performs maintenance on the head 23 by wiping waste liquid from the nozzle surface 23A.

[0045] The wiping unit 36 ​​performs wiping to wipe the nozzle surface 23A. The wiping unit 36 ​​may be movable in the front-rear direction Y. The wiping unit 36 ​​may wipe the nozzle surface 23A by moving in the front-rear direction Y. The wiping unit 36 ​​is located in the width direction X on the second width direction X2 side of the moisturizing cap 32 and the suction cap 34.

[0046] <Cap position adjustment> Here, the position adjustment of the moisturizing cap 32 and the suction cap 34 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Hereafter, at least one of the moisturizing cap 32 and the suction cap 34 may be simply referred to as the cap. Position adjustment of the caps is the process of adjusting the position of the caps in the vertical Z direction, for example, when the power is off or when an error occurs.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, when the cover 16 is attached to the media support 15, the operating area 17 is not exposed. In other words, the cover 16 is configured to cover a part of the media support 15 when attached to it. As a result, the operating area 17 is covered.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the operator may manually adjust the position of the cap. In such cases, the cover 16 is removed from the media support section 15. This exposes the operating area 17. The operating area 17 is an area for adjusting the positions of the humidifying cap 32 and the suction cap 34.

[0049] The media support section 15 includes an operating area 17. The operating area 17 is provided on the front surface 15A of the media support section 15. The operating area 17 may have a recess formed in the front surface 15A of the media support section 15. The operating area 17 is accessible by an operator from the front surface 12A side.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the media support portion 15 is provided with one or more through holes 40. The through holes 40 are holes that penetrate the media support portion 15 in the front-rear direction Y. The through holes 40 are circular in shape, but are not limited to this. The through holes 40 are holes for adjusting the position of the cap. The through holes 40 are holes for inserting a tool to adjust the position of the cap. The tool may be, for example, a screwdriver.

[0051] The media support section 15 may include one or more through holes 40, such as a first through hole 41 and a second through hole 42. The first through hole 41 is for adjusting the position of the suction cap 34. The second through hole 42 is for adjusting the position of the moisturizing cap 32.

[0052] The insertion hole 40 is covered by the cover 16 when the cover 16 is attached to the media support part 15. The insertion hole 40 is exposed when the cover 16 is removed from the media support part 15.

[0053] The media support unit 15 is equipped with one or more operation display units 43. The operation display units 43 are provided on the front surface 15A of the media support unit 15. The operation display units 43 are provided at positions corresponding to the insertion holes 40. The operation display units 43 are visible to the operator from the front Y1 side of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0054] The operation display unit 43 indicates the operating direction for adjusting the position of the cap. The operation display unit 43 includes an upward image and a downward image. The upward image indicates the operating direction in which the cap rises. The downward image indicates the operating direction in which the cap falls. The upward image may be, for example, a positive image. The downward image may be, for example, a negative image.

[0055] The media support unit 15 may include one or more operation display units 43, such as a first operation display unit 44 and a second operation display unit 45. The first operation display unit 44 is provided at a position corresponding to the first insertion hole 41. The second operation display unit 45 is provided at a position corresponding to the second insertion hole 42.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the media support section 15 includes one or more guide tubes 46. The guide tubes 46 are provided on the rear surface 15B of the media support section 15. The guide tubes 46 are configured to extend from the rear surface 15B of the media support section 15 to the rear Y2. The inner diameter of the guide tubes 46 may decrease as they move towards the rear Y2. The guide tubes 46 are configured to communicate with the insertion hole 40 at the front end Y1. The guide tubes 46 are configured to guide a tool inserted from the front Y1 into the insertion hole 40 to the rear Y2.

[0057] The media support section 15 may include one or more guide tubes 46, such as a first guide tube 47 and a second guide tube 48. The first guide tube 47 is provided to communicate with the first insertion hole 41. The second guide tube 48 is provided to communicate with the second insertion hole 42.

[0058] As shown in Figure 7, the liquid dispensing device 11 comprises one or more moving parts 50, one or more operating shafts 60, and one or more power transmission parts 70. The moving part 50 is a mechanism for moving the cap along the vertical direction Z. More specifically, the moving part 50 moves the cap between the cap position and a separated position along the vertical direction Z.

[0059] The movable part 50 includes a drive gear 53. The drive gear 53 is a gear for raising and lowering the cap. The drive gear 53 is rotatable around a drive shaft 53A. The drive shaft 53A is provided so as to extend in the width direction X. The drive gear 53 may also be a gear that rotates a cam for raising and lowering the cap.

[0060] The moving part 50 includes gears 54 and 55. Gear 54 is axially mounted on the drive shaft 53A. Gear 54 is arranged to mesh with gear 55. Gear 55 is rotatable about the rotation shaft 55A. Gear 55 may be connected to a lifting drive source (not shown) for raising and lowering the cap. The lifting drive source may be a motor. In this way, as gear 55 rotates, the power of gear 55 is transmitted to the drive gear 53 via gear 54. This causes the cap to rise and fall.

[0061] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include one or more moving parts 50, such as a first moving part 51 and a second moving part 52. The first moving part 51 moves the suction cap 34 between a first cap position and a first separated position along the vertical direction Z. The second moving part 52 moves the humidifying cap 32 between a second cap position and a second separated position along the vertical direction Z.

[0062] The operating shaft 60 is located at the rear Y2 of the insertion hole 40. The operating shaft 60 is located at the rear Y2 of the guide cylinder 46. The operating shaft 60 is positioned to extend along the front-rear direction Y. The operating shaft 60 is rotatable about an axis along the front-rear direction Y. The operating shaft 60 is a mechanism for manually moving the cap along the vertical direction Z in response to operator input.

[0063] The operating shaft 60 comprises a shaft portion 63, a drive unit 64, a guide unit 65, and an operating gear 66. The shaft portion 63 is provided to extend along the front-rear direction Y. The drive unit 64, the guide unit 65, and the operating gear 66 are axially mounted to the shaft portion 63.

[0064] The drive unit 64 is located at the front end Y1 of the operating shaft 60. The drive unit 64 is located rear Y2 of the insertion hole 40. The drive unit 64 is located rear Y2 of the guide cylinder 46. The drive unit 64 may be, for example, a hole for inserting a tool. The drive unit 64 transmits the driving force from the tool to the operating shaft 60 when the tool is inserted.

[0065] The guide portion 65 is provided at the end of the operating shaft 60 at a forward Y1. The guide portion 65 is cylindrical in shape. The inner diameter of the guide portion 65 may decrease as it moves towards the rear Y2. The guide portion 65 is located at a rear Y2 of the insertion hole 40. The guide portion 65 is located at a rear Y2 of the guide cylinder 46.

[0066] The guide section 65 has an open end on the front Y1 side. The guide section 65 communicates with the drive section 64 at its rear Y2 side end. The guide section 65 guides the tool inserted through the insertion hole 40 and the guide cylinder 46 to the drive section 64.

[0067] The operating gear 66 is located on the rear Y2 side of the operating shaft 60. The operating gear 66 is axially mounted on the shaft portion 63. The operating gear 66 rotates in response to the driving force from the tool. The operating gear 66 is a gear for transmitting power to the power transmission unit 70.

[0068] In this way, the operating shaft 60 can be operated by an operator from the front Y1 by opening the cover 16, via the insertion hole 40, guide tube 46, guide unit 65, and drive unit 64. The liquid dispensing device 11 may include one or more operating shafts 60, such as a first operating shaft 61 and a second operating shaft 62. The first operating shaft 61 is a mechanism for manually moving the suction cap 34 along the vertical direction Z in response to operator operation. The second operating shaft 62 is a mechanism for manually moving the humidifying cap 32 along the vertical direction Z in response to operator operation.

[0069] The power transmission unit 70 is a mechanism for transmitting power from the operating shaft 60 to the moving unit 50. The power transmission unit 70 comprises gears 73 and 74 and a bevel gear 75. Gear 73 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 73A. The rotation shaft 73A is provided to extend in the front-rear direction Y. Gear 74 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 74A. The rotation shaft 74A is provided to extend in the front-rear direction Y. Gear 74 meshes with gear 73.

[0070] The bevel gear 75 is mounted on the rotating shaft 74A. The bevel gear 75 is rotatable around the rotating shaft 74A. The bevel gear 75 meshes with the gear 55. The bevel gear 75 transmits the power rotating around the rotating shaft 74A as power rotating around the rotating shaft 55A.

[0071] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include one or more power transmission units 70, such as a first power transmission unit 71 and a second power transmission unit 72. The first power transmission unit 71 is a mechanism for transmitting power from the first operating shaft 61 to the first moving unit 51. The second power transmission unit 72 is a mechanism for transmitting power from the second operating shaft 62 to the second moving unit 52.

[0072] The operating shaft 60 is movable in the longitudinal direction Y. The operating shaft 60 is movable between an initial position P1 shown in Figure 7 and a transmission position P2 shown in Figure 8. The initial position P1 is the position where the operating gear 66 does not mesh with the gear 73. The initial position P1 is the position where the operating gear 66 is positioned Y1 forward of the gear 73 in the longitudinal direction Y. The transmission position P2 is the position where the operating gear 66 meshes with the gear 73.

[0073] The operating shaft 60 is positioned at an initial position P1 by a biasing force from a biasing part (not shown). The operating shaft 60 moves from the initial position P1 to the transmission position P2 against the biasing force from the biasing part (not shown) by being pushed from the front Y1 to the rear Y2.

[0074] The operating shaft 60 may be positioned at the initial position P1 by contacting a first contact portion (not shown) due to a biasing force from a biasing portion (not shown). The operating shaft 60 may also be positioned at the transmission position P2 by being pushed from the front Y1 to the rear Y2, thereby contacting a second contact portion (not shown) against a biasing force from a biasing portion (not shown).

[0075] Thus, the operating shaft 60 can engage with the moving part 50 via the power transmission part 70. In other words, the moving part 50 can be operated by an operator from the front Y1. Specifically, the operating shaft 60 can engage with the moving part 50 by pushing it from the front Y1 to the rear Y2.

[0076] <Operation and Effects of the First Embodiment> The operation and effects of the first embodiment will now be described. (1-1) The movable part 50 moves the cap between the cap position and the separated position along the vertical direction Z. The movable part 50 can be operated from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. With this configuration, there is no need to secure a workspace to the side of the liquid dispensing device 11, and the operator can operate the movable part 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, the convenience of the operator can be improved.

[0077] (1-2) The operating shaft 60 extends along the front-rear direction Y, is operable by an operator from the front Y1, and is engageable with the movable part 50. With this configuration, even if the movable part 50 is positioned away from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11, the operator can operate the movable part 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11 by using the operating shaft 60 which extends along the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, the convenience of the operator can be improved.

[0078] (1-3) The operating shaft 60 can be operated by an operator by opening the cover 16 that covers a part of the media support section 15. With this configuration, by opening the cover 16, the operator can operate the movable section 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. In addition, by not opening the cover 16 when the movable section 50 is not being operated, the aesthetic design of the liquid dispensing device 11 can be improved and foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0079] (1-4) When the cover 16 is attached to the media support 15, the insertion hole 40 is covered by the cover 16. The operating shaft 60 can be operated by an operator from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11 through the insertion hole 40. With this configuration, by opening the cover 16, an operator can operate the movable part 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11 through the insertion hole 40. In addition, even when operating the movable part 50, although the insertion hole 40 is formed in the media support 15, the media support 15 can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0080] (1-5) The operating shaft 60 can engage with the movable part 50 by pushing it from the front Y1 to the rear Y2. With this configuration, by having the operator push the operating shaft 60 from the front Y1 to the rear Y2, the operator can operate the movable part 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. Furthermore, operator error can be suppressed. Therefore, operator convenience can be improved. In addition, when the movable part 50 is not being operated, the power load on the movable part 50 can be reduced.

[0081] (1-6) The liquid dispensing device 11 includes a first moving unit 51 that moves the suction cap 34 along the vertical direction Z to a first cap position and a first separated position, and a second moving unit 52 that moves the moisturizing cap 32 along the vertical direction Z to a second cap position and a second separated position. The first moving unit 51 and the second moving unit 52 can be operated by an operator from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. With this configuration, there is no need to secure a workspace to the side of the liquid dispensing device 11, and the operator can operate both the first moving unit 51 and the second moving unit 52 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, the convenience of the operator can be improved.

[0082] (1-7) The wiping unit 36 ​​is located in the width direction X on the second width direction X2 side of the cap. With this configuration, even when the wiping unit 36 ​​is located in the width direction X on the second width direction X2 side of the cap, the operator can operate the movable unit 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11. Therefore, the convenience of the operator can be improved.

[0083] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, redundant explanations of the same configuration as in the previously described embodiment will be omitted or simplified, and configurations that differ from those in the previously described embodiment will be described.

[0084] As shown in Figure 9, in the second embodiment, the liquid dispensing device 11 may be provided with one or more handles 49. The handles 49 are held in a state where they are inserted through the insertion holes 40. The handles 49 are operable by an operator. The handles 49 are rotatable while inserted through the insertion holes 40.

[0085] The handle 49 is provided to extend in the front-rear direction Y. The rear end of the handle 49 at rear Y2 is configured to engage with the operating shaft 60. More specifically, the rear end of the handle 49 at rear Y2 is configured to engage with the drive unit 64. The handle 49 may also be configured to engage with the drive unit 64 at rear Y2 via the insertion hole 40 and the guide tube 46. The handle 49 may be movable in the front-rear direction Y. In this way, the operating shaft 60 can be operated by the operator by rotating the handle 49. When the cover 16 is attached to the media support unit 15, the handle 49 is covered by the cover 16. The handle 49 may also be directly connected to the shaft unit 63.

[0086] The liquid dispensing device 11 may include one or more handles 49, such as a first handle 49A and a second handle 49B. The first handle 49A is a member for operating the first movable part 51 by rotating the first operating shaft 61. The second handle 49B is a member for operating the second movable part 52 by rotating the second operating shaft 62.

[0087] <Operation and Effects of the Second Embodiment> The operation and effects of the second embodiment will now be described. (2-1) The handle 49 is rotatable while inserted through the insertion hole 40. The operating shaft 60 can be operated by the operator by rotating the handle 49. When the cover 16 is attached to the media support part 15, the handle 49 is covered by the cover 16. With this configuration, by opening the cover 16, the operator can operate the movable part 50 from the front Y1 of the liquid dispensing device 11 using the handle 49 through the insertion hole 40. This allows the movable part 50 to be operated without using any tools other than the handle 49. Therefore, the convenience of the operator can be improved.

[0088] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0089] The cover 16 may be provided so as to be openable and closable while being supported by the media support portion 15. The cover 16 may be provided so as to be openable and closable by rotation relative to the media support portion 15. The cover 16 may be provided so as to be openable and closable by sliding relative to the media support portion 15 in a predetermined direction.

[0090] The operating area 17 is provided in the area of ​​the front surface 15A of the media support section 15 where the discharge port 14 is not provided in the width direction X, but it may also be provided in the area where the discharge port 14 is provided in the width direction X. The operating area 17 may also be provided in another area, such as the front surface 12A of the housing 12, instead of the media support section 15. Thus, the operating area 17 should be provided in an area accessible by the operator from the front surface 12A side.

[0091] The maintenance area 30 may be located in the first width direction X1 from the center of the liquid dispensing device 11. In other words, the maintenance area 30 may be located in the first width direction X1 from the printing area 20.

[0092] The moving part 50 may be equipped with a bevel gear 75, while the power transmission part 70 may not be equipped with a bevel gear 75. The moving part 50, the operating shaft 60, and the power transmission part 70 may be configured to rotate about the same direction. In this case, the moving part 50 and the power transmission part 70 may not be equipped with a bevel gear 75.

[0093] The lifting drive source may rotate either the drive shaft 53A or the rotation shafts 73A or 74A, instead of the rotation shaft 55A. The lifting drive source may rotate a rotation shaft other than the drive shaft 53A or the rotation shafts 55A, 73A, or 74A. The moving part 50 may be equipped with a lifting drive source.

[0094] The maintenance unit 31 may have a humidifying cap 32, a flushing unit 33, a suction cap 34, a degassing unit 35, and a wiping unit 36 ​​arranged in any order toward the second width direction X2 within the maintenance area 30. The maintenance unit 31 does not need to include any of the humidifying cap 32, the flushing unit 33, the suction cap 34, the degassing unit 35, and the wiping unit 36.

[0095] The medium may be paper, resin films or sheets, resin-metal composite films, laminate films, textiles, nonwoven fabrics, metal foils, metal films, ceramic sheets, and clothing.

[0096] The liquid can be any liquid that can be applied to the medium and used for printing. For example, inks include functional material particles consisting of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, and encompass various compositions such as water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0097] As used herein, the expression "at least one of" means one or more of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or both of the two options. As another example, as used herein, if there are three or more options, the expression "at least one of" means either one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0098] [Note] The following describes the technical concepts and their effects as understood from the embodiments and modifications described above. These technical concepts and their effects can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other.

[0099] [1] The liquid dispensing device comprises a head having a nozzle surface from which a plurality of nozzles for dispensing liquid are open, a carriage that moves along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction while supporting the head, a cap that covers the nozzle surface, and a moving part that moves the cap along the vertical direction to a cap position in which the cap covers the nozzle surface and a separated position in which the cap is separated from the nozzle surface, wherein the moving part is operable by an operator from the front along the vertical direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0100] This configuration eliminates the need to secure workspace to the side of the liquid dispensing device, allowing the operator to control the moving part from the front of the device. Therefore, it improves operator convenience.

[0101] [2] The liquid dispensing device may include an operating shaft extending along the second direction, the operating shaft being operable by an operator from the front and being able to engage with the movable part.

[0102] With this configuration, even if the movable part is positioned away from the front of the liquid dispensing device, the operator can operate the movable part from the front of the liquid dispensing device by using an operating shaft that extends along the second direction. Therefore, operator convenience can be improved.

[0103] [3] The liquid dispensing device comprises a medium support section that supports the medium from which the liquid has been dispensed from the head, and a cover that covers a part of the medium support section, and the operating shaft may be operated by an operator by opening the cover.

[0104] With this configuration, by opening the cover, the operator can operate the movable part from the front of the liquid dispensing device. In addition, by not opening the cover when the movable part is not being operated, the aesthetic design of the liquid dispensing device is improved, and the ingress of foreign matter into the inside of the liquid dispensing device can be suppressed.

[0105] [4] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the media support portion may have an insertion hole, the insertion hole may be covered by the cover, and the operating shaft may be operated by an operator from the front through the insertion hole.

[0106] With this configuration, by opening the cover, the operator can operate the movable part from the front of the liquid dispensing device through the insertion hole. In addition, even when operating the movable part, although the insertion hole is formed in the media support part, the media support part can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the liquid dispensing device.

[0107] [5] The liquid dispensing device may be provided with a handle that engages with the operating shaft, the media support portion having an insertion hole, the handle being rotatable while inserted through the insertion hole, the handle being covered by the cover, and the operating shaft being operable by rotating the handle.

[0108] With this configuration, by opening the cover, the operator can operate the movable part from the front of the liquid dispensing device using a handle through the insertion hole. This allows the movable part to be operated without using any tools other than the handle. Therefore, the operator's convenience can be improved. In addition, even when operating the movable part, although an insertion hole is formed in the media support part, the media support part can prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the liquid dispensing device.

[0109] [6] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the operating shaft may be able to engage with the movable part by pushing it from the front to the rear. With this configuration, the operator can control the moving part of the liquid dispensing device from the front by pushing the operating shaft from front to back. Therefore, operator convenience can be improved. In addition, when the moving part is not being operated, the power load on the moving part can be reduced.

[0110] [7] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the cap may be a suction cap that draws liquid from the head while covering the nozzle surface. This configuration can achieve the same effect as in [1].

[0111] [8] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the cap may be a moisturizing cap that moistens the head by covering the nozzle surface. This configuration can achieve the same effect as in [1].

[0112] [9] In the liquid dispensing device described above, the cap has a suction cap that sucks liquid from the head while covering the nozzle surface, and a moisturizing cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface, and the moving part has a first moving part that moves the suction cap along the vertical direction to a first cap position in which the suction cap covers the nozzle surface and a first separation position in which the suction cap is separated from the nozzle surface, and a second moving part that moves the moisturizing cap along the vertical direction to a second cap position in which the moisturizing cap covers the nozzle surface and a second separation position in which the moisturizing cap is separated from the nozzle surface, and the first moving part and the second moving part may be operated by an operator from the front.

[0113] This configuration eliminates the need to secure workspace to the side of the liquid dispensing device, allowing the operator to control both the first and second moving parts from the front of the device. Therefore, it improves operator convenience.

[0114]

[10] The liquid dispensing device includes a wiping section for wiping the nozzle surface, and the wiping section may be located outside the cap in the first direction. With this configuration, even if the wiping part is located outside the cap in the first direction, the operator can operate the part that moves the cap from the front of the liquid dispensing device. Therefore, the operator's convenience can be improved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 11…Liquid dispensing device, 12…Housing, 12A…Front, 12B…Top, 12C…First side, 12D…Second side, 13…Operation panel, 14…Discharge port, 15…Media support section, 15A…Front, 15B…Rear, 16…Cover, 17…Operation area, 20…Printing area, 21…Liquid dispensing section, 22…Support section, 23…Head, 23A…Nozzle surface, 24…Carriage, 25…Carriage guide, 30…Maintenance area, 31…Maintenance section, 32…Moisture cap, 33…Flushing section, 34…Suction cap, 35…Degassing section, 36…Wiping section, 40…Through hole, 41…First through hole, 42…Second through hole, 43…Operation display section, 44…First operation display section, 45…Second operation display section, 46…Guidance tube, 47… 48…First guide tube, 49…Second guide tube, 49…Handle, 49A…First handle, 49B…Second handle, 50…Moving part, 51…First moving part, 52…Second moving part, 53…Drive gear, 53A…Drive shaft, 54…Gear, 55…Gear, 55A…Rotation shaft, 60…Operating shaft, 61…First operating shaft, 62…Second operating shaft, 63…Shaft part, 64…Drive part, 65…Guiding part, 66… Operating gear, 70...power transmission unit, 71...first power transmission unit, 72...second power transmission unit, 73...gear, 73A...rotating shaft, 74...gear, 74A...rotating shaft, 75...bevel gear, P1...initial position, P2...transmission position, X...width direction, X1...first width direction, X2...second width direction, Y...front-back direction, Y1...forward, Y2...rear, Z...vertical direction, Z1...upward, Z2...downward.

Claims

1. A head having a nozzle surface from which multiple nozzles for dispensing liquid are open, With the head supported, a carriage moves along a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, A cap that covers the nozzle surface, A moving part moves the cap along the vertical direction between a cap position where the cap covers the nozzle surface and a separated position where the cap is separated from the nozzle surface. Equipped with, The movable part can be operated by an operator from the front along the vertical direction and the second direction intersecting the first direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

2. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, It comprises an operating shaft extending along the second direction, The operating shaft is operable by an operator from the front and is engageable with the movable part. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

3. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, A media support section that supports the medium from which the liquid has been discharged from the head, A cover that covers a part of the media support portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned operating shaft can be operated by an operator by opening the cover. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

4. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, The media support portion has an insertion hole, The insertion hole is covered by the cover. The operating shaft can be operated by an operator from the front through the insertion hole. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

5. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, It is equipped with a handle that engages with the aforementioned operating shaft, The media support portion has an insertion hole, The handle is rotatable while inserted through the insertion hole. The handle is covered by the cover. The aforementioned operating shaft can be operated by an operator by rotating the handle. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

6. In the liquid dispensing device according to claim 2, The operating shaft can be engaged with the movable part by pushing it from the front to the rear. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

7. In a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The cap is a suction cap that draws liquid from the head while covering the nozzle surface. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

8. In a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The cap is a moisturizing cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

9. In a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The aforementioned cap is A suction cap that sucks liquid from the head while covering the nozzle surface, It has a moisturizing cap that moisturizes the head by covering the nozzle surface, The aforementioned movable part is A first moving unit moves the suction cap along the vertical direction between a first cap position where the suction cap covers the nozzle surface and a first separated position where the suction cap is separated from the nozzle surface. The device has a second moving part that moves the moisturizing cap along the vertical direction to a second cap position where the moisturizing cap covers the nozzle surface and a second separated position where the moisturizing cap is separated from the nozzle surface. The first movable part and the second movable part can be operated by an operator from the front. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

10. In a liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The nozzle surface is equipped with a wiping section, The wiping portion is located outside the cap in the first direction. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.

Images