Liquid ejection device

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device configured so that a liquid flowing part can be easily detached.SOLUTION: The liquid discharge device comprises: a liquid discharge head 29 that discharges liquid; a liquid flowing part 40, connected to the liquid discharge head 29, which can flow liquid; and a frame 32 in which the liquid discharge head 29 and the liquid flowing part 40 are stored. In the frame 32 is formed a passable opening HL through which the liquid flowing part 40 can be passed. In the liquid flowing part 40, a portion projecting from a projection plane SP of the passable opening HL is configured to be deformable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is an inkjet device which is an example of a liquid ejection device that ejects and records liquid onto a medium from a line head which is an example of a liquid ejection head. The inkjet device includes a discharge tray from which the recorded medium is discharged, and a liquid flow section for supplying liquid to the line head. The liquid flow section has a deformable tube in a part thereof. The tube connects a liquid container that stores liquid and the line head, and supplies liquid to the line head.

[0003] The discharge tray is provided so as to be openable and closable. The line head can be accessed from the outside and removed by opening the discharge tray.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the line head can be removed by removing the tube from the line head, but the entire liquid flow section including the removed tube cannot be removed. That is, Patent Document 1 does not consider removing the entire liquid flow section from the liquid ejection device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The liquid ejection device that solves the above problems includes a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, a liquid flow section that is connected to the liquid ejection head and through which the liquid can flow, and a frame that houses the liquid ejection head and the liquid flow section. A through-opening through which the liquid flow section can pass is formed in the frame, and a portion of the liquid flow section that protrudes from the projection plane of the through-opening is configured to be deformable.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the liquid ejection device will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejection device is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper for printing.

[0009] [Regarding the Configuration of the Liquid Ejection Device 11] In the drawings, it is assumed that the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and the Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 may include a housing 12, a medium storage unit 14 capable of storing a medium 13, and a feeding unit 15 for feeding the medium 13. The liquid ejection device 11 may further include a conveying unit 17 for conveying the medium 13 along a conveying path 16 indicated by a dashed line in the drawing, and a stacker 18 for receiving the medium 13. The conveying path 16 is a path connecting the medium storage unit 14 and the stacker 18.

[0011] The medium storage unit 14 can store a plurality of media 13 in a stacked state. The liquid ejection device 11 may include a plurality of medium storage units 14 and the same number of feeding units 15 as the medium storage units 14. The feeding unit 15 may include a feeding roller 23 for feeding the medium 13 stored in the medium storage unit 14, and a separating unit 24 for separating the media 13 one by one. The feeding unit 15 sends out the medium 13 stored in the medium storage unit 14 to the conveying path 16.

[0012] The conveying unit 17 may include a conveying roller 26, an endless conveying belt 27, and a pair of pulleys 28 around which the conveying belt 27 is wound. The conveying unit 17 may include a plurality of conveying rollers 26. The conveying roller 26 rotates while sandwiching the medium 13 to convey the medium 13.

[0013] The conveying belt 27 has a conveying surface 27a for conveying the medium 13. The conveying surface 27a is a flat surface that supports the medium 13 by, for example, electrostatic adsorption on the outer peripheral surface of the conveying belt 27. The conveying belt 27 may be provided such that the conveying surface 27a is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. In the present embodiment, the direction along the conveying surface 27a and in which the medium 13 is conveyed is referred to as the conveying direction Dc. The conveying belt 27 conveys the medium 13 in the conveying direction Dc by circulating while supporting the medium 13 on the conveying surface 27a.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid ejection head 29 that ejects liquid. The liquid ejection head 29 of the present embodiment has a nozzle surface 29a in which nozzles 30 for ejecting liquid are open. The nozzle surface 29a is constituted by a nozzle plate in which the nozzles 30 are open. The liquid ejection head 29 ejects liquid from the nozzles 30 and prints on a medium 13 supported by a conveyance belt 27. The liquid ejection head 29 of the present embodiment is a line type capable of ejecting liquid across the width direction of the medium 13. The liquid ejection head 29 is attached so that the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head 29 coincides with the depth direction Y.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid flow part 40 through which liquid can flow, and a frame 32 that houses the liquid ejection head 29 and the liquid flow part 40. The frame 32 has a first surface 32a in which a passage opening HL through which the liquid flow part 40 can pass is formed. The first surface 32a is located in front of the liquid ejection head 29 in the depth direction Y and is a surface along the X-axis and the Z-axis. The passage opening HL penetrates the frame 32 in the depth direction Y.

[0016] The liquid flow part 40 is connected to the liquid ejection head 29. The liquid flow part 40 of the present embodiment has a connection part 41 that is detachably connected to the liquid ejection head 29. The liquid flow part 40 may include a mounting part 43 to which a liquid container 35 that houses liquid is detachably attached, a needle part 46 provided in the mounting part 43, a base 45 that supports the needle part 46, and a supply flow path 47 that connects the needle part 46 and the connection part 41. The liquid container 35 attached to the mounting part 43 can supply liquid by being inserted into the needle part 46.

[0017] The mounting part 43 may be capable of mounting a plurality of liquid containers 35. When a plurality of liquid containers 35 can be mounted on the mounting part 43, the liquid flow part 40 includes the same number of needle parts 46 and supply channels 47 as the number of liquid containers 35 that can be mounted. The connection part 41 may be such that one connection part 41 collectively connects a plurality of supply channels 47 to the liquid discharge head 29. The liquid flow part 40 may include the same number of connection parts 41 as the number of supply channels 47. Even when the liquid discharge device 11 includes a plurality of needle parts 46, supply channels 47, and connection parts 41 respectively, the configurations of the needle parts 46, supply channels 47, and connection parts 41 are the same. Therefore, in FIG. 1, one supply channel 47 and connection part 41 are illustrated and described, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0018] At least a part of the supply channel 47 may be deformable. That is, the liquid flow part 40 may have a deformable deformation channel 42. The deformation channel 42 may be constituted by, for example, a flexible tube, or may be configured to be deformable by a bellows or the like.

[0019] A part of the mounting part 43 and the supply channel 47 of the liquid flow part 40 is located behind the passage opening HL in the depth direction Y. Therefore, when an operator views the passage opening HL from a position in front of the frame 32, the operator can see through a part of the liquid flow part 40 through the passage opening HL.

[0020] The liquid discharge device 11 may include a tray 50. The tray 50 is provided directly below the liquid flow part 40. The mounting part 43 may be provided on the tray 50 so as to fit inside the tray 50 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction is a direction along the horizontal plane. The width direction X and the depth direction Y are examples of the horizontal direction. The mounting part 43 has dimensions in the width direction X and the depth direction Y that are smaller than the dimensions of the tray 50.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting part 43 may have a holding part 44 capable of holding the deformation channel 42. The holding part 44 of the present embodiment can hold the deformation channel 42 when the liquid container 35 is removed from the mounting part 43. The holding part 44 of the present embodiment is the upper surface of the mounting part 43.

[0022] The liquid ejection device 11 may include a maintenance unit 55 that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head 29, a waste liquid discharge unit 61 that discharges the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head 29 as waste liquid, and a waste liquid flow path 62 that connects the maintenance unit 55 and the waste liquid discharge unit 61. The waste liquid flow path 62 may have a dividing portion 63 that can divide the waste liquid flow path 62, a downstream flow path 64 that connects the dividing portion 63 and the waste liquid discharge unit 61, and an upstream flow path 65 that connects the maintenance unit 55 and the dividing portion 63. A waste liquid container 60 is detachably connected to the waste liquid discharge unit 61. The waste liquid container 60 stores the waste liquid discharged from the waste liquid discharge unit 61. The waste liquid discharge unit 61 and the dividing portion 63 may be provided on the tray 50 so as to be accommodated inside the tray 50 in the horizontal direction.

[0023] The maintenance unit 55 may include one or more caps 51 and a suction pump P that can suck the inside of the cap 51. The cap 51 is movable between a standby position shown in FIG. 1 away from the liquid ejection head 29 and a capping position (not shown). The cap 51 located at the capping position contacts the liquid ejection head 29 to form a closed space surrounding the nozzle 30. Capping is also referred to as the cap 51 forming a closed space.

[0024] Maintenance of the liquid ejection head 29 includes suction cleaning. Suction cleaning is a maintenance operation that discharges the liquid from the nozzle 30 by applying a negative pressure to the liquid inside the liquid ejection head 29. The maintenance unit 55 drives the suction pump P with the cap 51 capping the liquid ejection head 29 to perform suction cleaning. The liquid discharged by the suction cleaning is discharged from the waste liquid discharge unit 61 through the waste liquid flow path 62 and is stored as waste liquid in the waste liquid container 60 connected to the waste liquid discharge unit 61.

[0025] The dividing portion 63 divides the waste liquid flow path 62 into an upstream flow path 65 and a downstream flow path 64. The dividing portion 63 may be provided on the tray 50 so as to be accommodated inside the tray 50 in the horizontal direction.

[0026] The upstream flow path 65 and the downstream flow path 64 are provided at different positions in the depth direction Y. The dividing portion 63 connects the upstream flow path 65 and the downstream flow path 64. The upstream flow path 65 is provided behind the downstream flow path 64 in the depth direction Y. Therefore, the upstream flow path 65 is provided deeper than the downstream flow path 64 when viewed from outside the passage opening HL. In other words, the downstream flow path 64 is provided between the upstream flow path 65 and the passage opening HL.

[0027] [Regarding the frame 32] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the details of the frame 32 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 32 has, for example, a first frame body 71 to a sixth frame body 76. The first frame body 71 to the sixth frame body 76 may each be a sheet metal that has been bent. The first frame body 71 and the third frame body 73 are provided at intervals in the depth direction Y. The first frame body 71 is located in front of the third frame body 73. The second frame body 72 and the fourth frame body 74 to the sixth frame body 76 are provided between the first frame body 71 and the third frame body 73 in the depth direction Y and are fixed to the first frame body 71 and the third frame body 73.

[0028] The first frame body 71 has a front wall 71f having a first surface 32a, a first upper wall 71u and a first side wall 71s bent with respect to the front wall 71f. The second frame body 72 has a second side wall 72s and a second upper wall 72u bent with respect to the second side wall 72s. The third frame body 73 has a rear wall 73r, a third upper wall 73u and a third side wall 73s bent with respect to the rear wall 73r. The fourth frame body 74 has a fourth upper wall 74u. The sixth frame body 76 has a fourth side wall (not shown). The fifth frame body 75 has a fifth side wall 75s.

[0029] In the following description, the plane obtained by projecting the passage opening HL in the depth direction Y with respect to the third frame body 73 is referred to as the projection plane SP of the passage opening HL, or simply the projection plane SP. Specifically, the projection plane SP can be formed on the rear wall 73r of the third frame body 73. The rear wall 73r of the present embodiment is parallel to the front wall 71f.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1, when the projection plane SP is viewed in the depth direction Y through the through-opening HL from the front of the frame 32, the projection plane SP coincides with the through-opening HL. A part of the liquid flow portion 40 is provided within the projection plane SP. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a part of the mounting portion 43, the needle portion 46, the base 45, and the supply channel 47 is provided within the projection plane SP, and a part of the supply channel 47 and the connection portion 41 are provided outside the projection plane SP. The liquid ejection head 29 is disposed outside the projection plane SP. The tray 50 may be provided within the projection plane SP. The downstream channel 64 and the waste liquid discharge portion 61 may be provided within the projection plane SP.

[0031] The liquid container 35 and the waste liquid container 60 may be provided within the projection plane SP. When the liquid container 35 and the waste liquid container 60 are provided within the projection plane SP, the liquid container 35 and the waste liquid container 60 can be exchanged through the through-opening HL. In other words, the liquid flow portion 40 can be taken out through the through-opening HL for exchanging at least one of the liquid container 35 and the waste liquid container 60.

[0032] A portion of the liquid flow portion 40 that protrudes from the projection plane SP of the through-opening HL is configured to be deformable. In the present embodiment, by deforming the deformation channel 42, the portion that protrudes from the projection plane SP can be moved within the projection plane SP.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the frame 32 may have a first access surface AS1. The first access surface AS1 is composed of a first upper wall 71u to a fourth upper wall 74u. The first access surface AS1 may be provided with a first access opening AHL1 shown in Fig. 4 that is accessible to the connection portion 41 and the holding portion 44.

[0034] The first access opening AHL1 of the present embodiment is a portion from the first upper wall 71u to the third upper wall 73u in the depth direction Y and a portion from the second upper surface wall 72u to the fourth upper wall 74u in the width direction X. In other words, the first access opening AHL1 is a portion surrounded by the first frame body 71 to the fourth frame body 74 when the frame 32 is viewed from above.

[0035] The operator can access the connection part 41 from above the first access opening AHL1. Specifically, the operator can access the connection part 41 from the first access opening AHL1 and attach / detach the connection part 41 to / from the liquid ejection head 29. When the connection part 41 is removed from the liquid ejection head 29, the liquid flow part 40 becomes a disconnected state separated from the liquid ejection head 29. When the connection part 41 is connected to the liquid ejection head 29, it becomes a connected state where liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection head 29.

[0036] The liquid ejection head 29 is configured to be able to pass through, for example, the first access opening AHL1. Specifically, the dimensions of the liquid ejection head 29 in the depth direction Y and the width direction X may be shorter than the dimensions of the first access opening AHL1. When passing the liquid ejection head 29 through the first access opening AHL1 in an inclined posture, the dimensions in the depth direction Y and the width direction X in the inclined posture may be shorter than the dimensions of the first access opening AHL1.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 32 may have a second access surface AS2. The second access surface AS2 is composed of the first side wall 71s to the third side wall 73s and the fifth side wall 75s. A second access opening AHL2 that can access the dividing part 63 may be provided in the second access surface AS2. The second access opening AHL2 of the present embodiment is a portion from the first side wall 71s to the third side wall 73s in the depth direction Y and a portion from the second side wall 72s to the fifth side wall 75s in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the second access opening AHL2 is a portion surrounded by the first frame body 71 to the third frame body 73 and the fifth frame body 75 when the frame 32 is viewed from the side.

[0038] The operation of the present embodiment will be described. When removing the liquid flow unit 40, the operator first removes the liquid container 35 attached to the attachment portion 43 from the passage opening HL. The operator accesses the connection portion 41 from the first access opening AHL1 and removes the connection portion 41 from the liquid discharge head 29. The first access opening AHL1 can access not only the connection portion 41 but also the holding portion 44. Therefore, the operator holds the removed connection portion 41 by the holding portion 44.

[0039] A supply flow path 47 having a deformed flow path 42 is connected to the connection portion 41. The holding portion 44 is located within the projection plane SP. Therefore, when the connection portion 41 moves to the holding portion 44, the deformed flow path 42 deforms, and the supply flow path 47 moves within the projection plane SP following the connection portion 41. That is, the portion of the liquid flow unit 40 protruding from the projection plane SP moves into the projection plane SP.

[0040] The operator accesses the separation portion 63 from the second access opening AHL2 and removes the separation portion 63 to separate the waste liquid flow path 62 into an upstream flow path 65 and a downstream flow path 64. The separation portion 63 may be removed prior to the connection portion 41. By removing the connection portion 41 and the separation portion 63, the liquid flow unit 40, the waste liquid discharge portion 61, and the downstream flow path 64 can be taken out from the passage opening HL. The liquid flow unit 40, the waste liquid discharge portion 61, and the downstream flow path 64 pass through the passage opening HL by moving in the removal direction opposite to the depth direction Y and are taken out from the liquid discharge device 11.

[0041] When removing the liquid flow unit 40, the waste liquid container 60 may be removed together. That is, by removing the waste liquid container 60 while it is attached to the waste liquid discharge portion 61, even if the liquid in the downstream flow path 64 leaks from the waste liquid discharge portion 61, the leaked liquid can be received by the waste liquid container 60.

[0042] When removing the liquid flow unit 40, the tray 50 may be removed together. That is, when the tray 50 is moved together, even if liquid leaks from the needle portion 46, the connection portion 41, the holding portion 44, the downstream flow path 64, the waste liquid discharge portion 61, etc., the leaked liquid can be received by the tray 50.

[0043] When attaching the liquid flow section 40, the downstream flow path 64, and the waste liquid discharge section 61, perform the procedure in the opposite order from when detaching them. After the liquid flow section 40, the waste liquid discharge section 61, and the downstream flow path 64 are pushed into the depth direction Y from the passage opening HL, the dividing section 63 and the connecting section 41 are connected.

[0044] The effects of the present embodiment will be described. (1) The portion of the liquid flow section 40 that protrudes from the projection plane SP of the passage opening HL is configured to be deformable. Therefore, for example, an operator can deform the liquid flow section 40 and move the portion that protrudes from the projection plane SP into the projection plane SP. By fitting within the projection plane SP, the liquid flow section 40 can pass through the passage opening HL. Accordingly, the operator can easily remove the entire liquid flow section 40 from the passage opening HL and can easily remove the entire liquid flow section 40 from the liquid ejection device 11.

[0045] (2) Since the liquid ejection head 29 is disposed outside the projection plane SP, the liquid ejection head 29 cannot pass through the passage opening HL. However, since the liquid flow section 40 has the connecting section 41, by detaching the connecting section 41 from the liquid ejection head 29, the connection with the liquid ejection head 29 can be easily released. Accordingly, the operator can easily remove the liquid flow section 40 from the passage opening HL by deforming the deformed flow path 42 and housing the connecting section 41 within the projection plane SP.

[0046] (3) The frame 32 has a first access surface AS1 provided with the first access opening AHL1. The operator can access the connecting section 41 from the first access opening AHL1. Accordingly, the attachment and detachment of the connecting section 41 to and from the liquid ejection head 29 can be easily performed.

[0047] (4) The liquid ejection head 29 is configured to be able to pass through the first access opening AHL1. Accordingly, the operator can easily remove the liquid ejection head 29 from the first access opening AHL1.

[0048] (5) The mounting part 43 has a holding part 44. The holding part 44 can hold the deformable deformation flow path 42. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier to take out the liquid flow part 40 from the passage opening HL.

[0049] (6) The waste liquid flow path 62 is provided with a dividing part 63. The dividing part 63 can divide the flow path connected to the maintenance part 55 and the downstream flow path 64 connected to the waste liquid discharge part 61. Since the downstream flow path 64 is provided in the projection plane SP, in addition to the liquid flow part 40, the downstream flow path 64 can be taken out from the passage opening HL.

[0050] (7) The waste liquid flow path 62 has an upstream flow path 65 connecting the maintenance part 55 and the dividing part 63. That is, the dividing part 63 can divide the waste liquid flow path 62 into the upstream flow path 65 and the downstream flow path 64. The downstream flow path 64 is provided between the upstream flow path 65 and the passage opening HL. Therefore, when taking out the downstream flow path 64 from the passage opening HL, it is possible to make it difficult for the upstream flow path 65 to interfere with the downstream flow path 64.

[0051] (8) The frame 32 has a second access surface AS2 provided with a second access opening AHL2. Therefore, the operator can access the dividing part 63 from the second access opening AHL2 and can easily divide the waste liquid flow path 62.

[0052] (9) Since the tray 50 is provided in the projection plane SP, it can be taken out from the passage opening HL. The mounting part 43 fits inside the tray 50 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, even if, for example, liquid leaks from the liquid container 35 mounted on the mounting part 43, the tray 50 can receive the leaked liquid.

[0053] (10) The mounting part 43, the dividing part 63, and the waste liquid discharge part 61 are located inside the tray 50 in the horizontal direction. Therefore, even if, for example, liquid leakage occurs in the mounting part 43, the dividing part 63, and the waste liquid storage part, the tray 50 can receive the leaked liquid.

[0054] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range. · The housing 12 may be provided with a cover (not shown) that can be opened and closed. The cover may cover the passage opening HL when in the closed position and expose the passage opening HL when in the open position. The housing 12 may be provided with a plurality of covers. Each cover may cover the first access opening AHL1 and the second access opening AHL2. The liquid discharge device 11 may cause the stacker 18 to function as a cover that covers the first access opening AHL1. That is, the liquid discharge device 11 may be provided with an openable and closable stacker 18, and the first access opening AHL1 may be exposed by moving the stacker 18 to the open position.

[0055] · The liquid flow section 40 may have a storage section for storing liquid. The liquid flow section 40 may have a recovery flow path for recovering the liquid in the liquid discharge head 29 to the storage section. The upstream end of the recovery flow path may be connected to the liquid discharge head 29, and the downstream end may be connected to the storage section or the supply flow path 47. The liquid flow section 40 may circulate the liquid by recovering the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head 29 through the supply flow path 47 through the recovery flow path. That is, the liquid flow section 40 may have a circulation flow path constituted by the supply flow path 47 and the recovery flow path. Even in this case, both the supply flow path 47 and the recovery flow path may be detachably connected to the liquid discharge head 29 via the connection section 41. Further, at least a part of both the supply flow path 47 and the recovery flow path may be deformable.

[0056] · The liquid discharge device 11 may have a rail (not shown) for guiding the movement of the liquid flow section 40. By providing the rail, the movement of the liquid flow section 40 can be stabilized when the liquid flow section 40 is taken out from the passage opening HL and when it is attached to the passage opening HL. The liquid discharge device 11 may be provided with a rail for guiding the movement of at least one of the liquid container 35, the waste liquid container 60, and the tray 50.

[0057] · The liquid ejection device 11 may include a maintenance unit 55 that performs pressure cleaning as maintenance of the liquid ejection head 29. Pressure cleaning is maintenance that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid ejection head 29 and discharges it from the nozzles 30. The liquid ejection device 11 may include a maintenance unit 55 that performs flushing as maintenance of the liquid ejection head 29. Flushing is maintenance that ejects liquid from the nozzles. The maintenance unit 55 may include a liquid receiving unit that receives the liquid discharged by pressure cleaning and flushing. Also, in this case, the suction pump P may be used to discharge the liquid discharged into the cap 51.

[0058] · The second frame body 72 and the fifth frame body 75 may be integrated. When the second frame body 72 and the fifth frame body 75 are realized by one member, the second access opening AHL2 is an opening provided in the member. Also, another frame body may be provided between the second frame body 72 and the fifth frame body 75. In this case, of the opening between the second frame body 72 and another frame body and the opening between another frame body and the fifth frame body 75, the opening provided at a position accessible to the dividing portion 63 becomes the second access opening AHL2.

[0059] · The tray 50 may be provided at least partially outside the projection plane SP. That is, the tray 50 may not need to be removed from the passage opening HL. For example, the tray 50 may be configured to be able to pass through the second access opening AHL2.

[0060] · When removing the liquid flow portion 40, the waste liquid flow path 62 and the waste liquid discharge portion 61 may be left in the liquid ejection device 11. In this case, the dividing portion 63 may not need to be removed, and the second access opening AHL2 may not need to be provided.

[0061] · The upstream flow path 65 and the downstream flow path 64 may be provided side by side in the vertical direction Z. That is, in the depth direction Y, if there is no upstream flow path 65 between the passage opening HL and the downstream flow path 64, the downstream flow path 64 can be taken out from the passage opening HL without interfering with the upstream flow path 65.

[0062] · If it is within the projection plane SP, the holding part 44 may be provided at a position different from the mounting part 43. The holding part 44 may be provided with the liquid container 35. The liquid flow part 40 may be taken out from the passage opening HL with the liquid container 35 mounted thereon.

[0063] · The liquid ejection head 29 may be configured not to pass through the first access opening AHL1. For example, the liquid ejection head 29 may be configured to be able to pass through the passage opening HL, the second access opening AHL2, or other openings. The connection part 41 may be accessible from the passage opening HL, the second access opening AHL2, or other openings. The liquid ejection device 11 may not be provided with the first access opening AHL1.

[0064] · The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or discharges liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid discharged as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device shall include those having a granular shape, a teardrop shape, or a trailing filamentous shape. The liquid here may be any material that can be discharged from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be in a state when the substance is in a liquid phase, and includes highly viscous or low-viscosity liquid bodies, sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, molten metals, and other fluid bodies. The liquid includes not only liquids as a state of matter, but also those in which particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of the liquid include ink, liquid crystal, etc. as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink shall include general aqueous inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. Specific examples of the liquid ejection device include, for example, a device that discharges a liquid containing materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, color filters, etc. in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects a biological organism used in the manufacture of a biochip, a device that ejects a liquid serving as a sample used as a precision pipette, a printing device, a microdispenser, etc. The liquid ejection device may be a device that precisely ejects lubricating oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, or a device that discharges a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens, an optical lens, etc. used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may be a device that discharges an etching liquid such as an acid or an alkali to etch a substrate or the like.

[0065] The following describes the technical idea grasped from the above-described embodiments and modification examples and its operational effects. (A) The liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, a liquid flow section that is connected to the liquid ejection head and through which the liquid can flow, and a frame that houses the liquid ejection head and the liquid flow section. A passage opening through which the liquid flow section can pass is formed in the frame, and a portion of the liquid flow section that protrudes from the projection plane of the passage opening is configured to be deformable.

[0066] According to this configuration, a portion of the liquid flow section that protrudes from the projection plane of the passage opening is configured to be deformable. Therefore, for example, an operator can deform the liquid flow section and move the portion that protrudes from the projection plane into the projection plane. By fitting within the projection plane, the liquid flow section can pass through the passage opening. Thus, the operator can easily remove the entire liquid flow section from the passage opening and can easily remove the entire liquid flow section from the liquid ejection device.

[0067] (B) In the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection head may be disposed outside the projection plane, and the liquid flow section may include a connection section detachably connected to the liquid ejection head and a deformable deformation flow path.

[0068] According to this configuration, since the liquid ejection head is disposed outside the projection plane, the liquid ejection head cannot pass through the passage opening. However, since the liquid flow section has a connection section, the connection with the liquid ejection head can be easily released by removing the connection section from the liquid ejection head. Thus, the operator can easily remove the liquid flow section from the passage opening by deforming the deformation flow path and housing the connection section within the projection plane.

[0069] (C) In the liquid ejection device, the frame may include a first surface provided with the passage opening and a first access surface provided with a first access opening through which the connection section can be accessed.

[0070] According to this configuration, the frame has a first access surface provided with a first access opening. An operator can access the connection part through the first access opening. Therefore, the attachment and detachment of the connection part to and from the liquid ejection head can be easily performed.

[0071] (D) In the liquid ejection device, the liquid ejection head may be configured to be able to pass through the first access opening. According to this configuration, the liquid ejection head is configured to be able to pass through the first access opening. Therefore, an operator can easily take out the liquid ejection head from the first access opening.

[0072] (E) In the liquid ejection device, the liquid flow part has a mounting part to which a liquid container for storing the liquid is detachably mounted. The mounting part is provided in the projection plane and has a holding part capable of holding the deformed flow path. The holding part may be capable of holding the deformed flow path when the liquid container is removed from the mounting part.

[0073] According to this configuration, the mounting part has a holding part. The holding part can hold the deformable deformed flow path. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate taking out the liquid flow part from the through-opening.

[0074] (F) The liquid ejection device includes a maintenance part for performing maintenance on the liquid ejection head, a waste liquid discharge part for discharging the liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head as waste liquid during the maintenance, and a waste liquid flow path connecting the maintenance part and the waste liquid discharge part. The waste liquid flow path has a dividing part capable of dividing the waste liquid flow path, and a downstream flow path connecting the dividing part and the waste liquid discharge part. The downstream flow path may be provided in the projection plane.

[0075] According to this configuration, the waste liquid flow path includes a dividing part. The dividing part can divide the flow path connected to the maintenance part and the downstream flow path connected to the waste liquid discharge part. Since the downstream flow path is provided in the projection plane, in addition to the liquid flow part, the downstream flow path can be taken out from the through-opening.

[0076] (G) In the liquid ejection device, the waste liquid flow path may have an upstream flow path connecting the maintenance section and the dividing section, and the downstream flow path may be provided between the upstream flow path and the passage opening.

[0077] According to this configuration, the waste liquid flow path has an upstream flow path connecting the maintenance section and the dividing section. That is, the dividing section can divide the waste liquid flow path into an upstream flow path and a downstream flow path. The downstream flow path is provided between the upstream flow path and the passage opening. Therefore, when taking out the downstream flow path from the passage opening, it is possible to make it difficult for the upstream flow path to interfere with the downstream flow path.

[0078] (H) In the liquid ejection device, the frame may have a second access surface provided with a second access opening through which the dividing section can be accessed. According to this configuration, the frame has a second access surface provided with a second access opening. Therefore, an operator can access the dividing section through the second access opening, and can easily divide the waste liquid flow path.

[0079] (I) The liquid ejection device includes a tray provided in the projection plane, and the mounting portion may be accommodated inside the tray in the horizontal direction. According to this configuration, since the tray is provided in the projection plane, it can be taken out from the passage opening. The mounting portion is accommodated inside the tray in the horizontal direction. Therefore, for example, even if liquid leaks from the liquid container mounted on the mounting portion, the tray can receive the leaked liquid.

[0080] (J) The liquid ejection device includes a tray provided in the projection plane, the liquid flow portion has a mounting portion on which a liquid container for accommodating the liquid is detachably mounted, and the mounting portion, the dividing section, and the waste liquid discharge section may be accommodated inside the tray in the horizontal direction.

[0081] According to this configuration, the mounting portion, the dividing portion, and the waste liquid discharge portion are located inside the tray in the horizontal direction. Therefore, for example, even if liquid leakage occurs in the mounting portion, the dividing portion, and the waste liquid storage portion, the tray can receive the leaked liquid.

Explanation of Signs

[0082] 11…Liquid ejection device, 12…Housing, 13…Medium, 14…Medium storage portion, 15…Feeding portion, 16…Conveying path, 17…Conveying portion, 18…Stacker, 23…Feeding roller, 24…Separation portion, 26…Conveying roller, 27…Conveying belt, 27a…Conveying surface, 28…Pulley, 29…Liquid ejection head, 29a…Nozzle surface, 30…Nozzle, 32…Frame, 32a…First surface, 35…Liquid container, 40…Liquid flow portion, 41…Connection portion, 42…Deformed flow path, 43…Mounting portion, 44…Holding portion, 45…Base, 46…Needle portion, 47…Supply flow path, 50…Tray, 51…Cap, 55…Maintenance portion, 60…Waste liquid container, 61…Waste liquid discharge portion, 62…Waste liquid flow path, 63…Dividing portion, 64…Downstream flow path, 65…Upstream flow path, 71…First frame body, 71f…Front wall, 71s…First side wall, 71u…First upper wall, 72…Second frame body, 72s…Second side wall, 72u…Second upper wall, 73…Third frame body, 73r…Rear wall, 73s…Third side wall, 73u…Third upper wall, 74…Fourth frame body, 74u…Fourth upper wall, 75…Fifth frame body, 75s…Fifth side wall, 76…Sixth frame body, AHL1…First access opening, AHL2…Second access opening, AS1…First access surface, AS2…Second access surface, Dc…Conveying direction, HL…Passage opening, P…Suction pump, SP…Projection surface, X…Width direction, Y…Depth direction, Z…Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection head that ejects liquid; a liquid flow section connected to the liquid ejection head and capable of causing the liquid to flow; a frame that houses the liquid ejection head and the liquid flow unit; a maintenance unit that performs maintenance on the liquid ejection head; The liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head during the maintenance is discharged as waste liquid. A waste liquid discharge section for discharging the waste liquid; a waste liquid flow path connecting the maintenance unit and the waste liquid discharge unit, The frame is The first wall, a second wall provided at a distance from the first wall in a depth direction; a third wall provided between the first wall and the second wall; and a fourth wall provided at an interval from the third wall in a width direction intersecting with the depth direction; Has The first wall is formed with a passage opening through which the liquid flow portion can pass, The liquid ejection head is attached with the depth direction being the longitudinal direction, The passage opening is provided at a position not overlapping with the passage opening when viewed from the direction. A first portion that is a part of the liquid flow portion overlaps with the passage opening when viewed from the depth direction. Located at the position, The liquid flow portion is provided at a position not overlapping with the passage opening when viewed from the depth direction. The second portion is configured to be deformable, The waste liquid flow path is A separation part capable of separating the waste liquid flow path; A downstream flow path connecting the dividing portion and the waste liquid discharge portion, The downstream flow path is provided in the first portion. A liquid ejection device comprising:

2. The second portion of the liquid-flow section A connection part detachably connected to the liquid ejection head, and a deformable deformation flow path, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The frame has an upper wall, The upper wall has a first access surface provided with a first access opening accessible to the connection part having, The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The liquid ejection head is configured to be able to pass through the first access opening, The liquid ejection device according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The liquid flow part has a mounting part on which a liquid container for storing the liquid is detachably mounted and, The mounting part is provided in the first part and has a holding part capable of holding the deformation flow path having, The holding part can hold the deformation flow path when the liquid container is removed from the mounting part capable of, The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that.

6. The waste liquid flow path has an upstream flow path connecting the maintenance part and the dividing part, The downstream flow path is provided between the upstream flow path and the passage opening, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

7. The third wall has a second access surface provided with a second access opening accessible to the dividing part having, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or claim 6, characterized in that.

8. It includes a tray provided in the first part, The mounting part is accommodated inside the tray in the horizontal direction, The liquid ejection device according to claim 5, characterized in that.

9. It includes a tray provided in the first part, The liquid flow part has a mounting part on which a liquid container for storing the liquid is detachably mounted and The mounting part, the dividing part, and the waste liquid discharge part are inside the tray in the horizontal direction and are accommodated therein, The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

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