Liquid ejection device

Abstract

To solve the problem in increase in size of a liquid discharge device when a maintenance part is provided in a printing part that moves while holding a liquid discharge part.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device 100 comprises: a base part 101; a liquid discharge part 10 movably provided in the base part 101; a medium support part 31 which is provided in the base part 101, and supports a printing medium M in a printing area PA where the liquid discharge part 10 performs printing; and a maintenance part MP arranged in an area at a +X-direction side in the printing area PA in an X-axis direction, of the base part 101. The maintenance part MP has a moisturizing part 70 that can form a closed space where a nozzle N opens, a cleaning part 60 that can forcibly eject ink from the nozzle N, and a wiping body 51 that can wipe a nozzle surface 11 on which the nozzle N is provided. The moisturizing part 70, the cleaning part 60, and the wiping body 51 are arranged side by side in a Y-axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer which is an example of a liquid ejection device including a printer head that performs printing by ejecting ink from a nozzle onto a medium placed on a vacuum table provided on a main body frame. The printer head is an example of a liquid ejection unit, the main body frame is an example of a base unit, the vacuum table is an example of a medium support unit, and the ink is an example of a liquid. Further, it is disclosed that the inkjet printer performs printing by moving a printing unit that holds the printer head movably in a scanning direction in a depth direction intersecting the scanning direction with respect to a medium placed on the vacuum table. Further, it is disclosed that the printing unit is provided with a suction unit capable of performing cleaning for forcibly discharging ink from the nozzle and a wiping unit capable of wiping a nozzle surface provided with the nozzle, arranged side by side in the scanning direction. The suction unit is an example of a cleaning unit, and the wiping unit is an example of a wiping unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when a maintenance unit for performing maintenance of a printer head such as the suction unit and the wiping unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided in a moving printing unit, there is a risk that the inkjet printer may be enlarged.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The liquid ejection device includes a base portion, a liquid ejection portion provided on the base portion and movable in the depth direction of the base portion and in a scanning direction intersecting the depth direction, the liquid ejection portion performing printing by ejecting liquid onto a medium from a nozzle, a medium support portion provided on the base portion, the medium support portion supporting the medium in a printing area where the liquid ejection portion performs the printing, and a maintenance portion provided on the base portion, the maintenance portion being disposed on one side outside the printing area in the scanning direction. The maintenance portion has a moisturizing portion capable of forming a closed space in which the nozzle opens, a cleaning portion capable of performing cleaning for forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle, and a wiping body capable of wiping a nozzle surface on which the nozzle is provided. The moisturizing portion, the cleaning portion, and the wiping body are arranged side by side in the depth direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on embodiments. In each figure, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In this specification, "the same" and "identical" not only refer to being completely the same, but also include cases where they are the same considering measurement errors, cases where they are the same considering manufacturing variations of members, and cases where they are the same within a range that does not impair the function. Therefore, for example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that considering measurement errors and manufacturing variations of members, the dimensional difference between the two is within ±10% of one dimension, more preferably within ±5% of one dimension, and particularly preferably within ±3% of one dimension.

[0008] Also, in each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are defined as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is denoted as "+", the negative direction is denoted as "-", and the positive and negative signs are used together in the direction notation. The direction in which the arrow in each figure points is described as the + direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is described as the - direction.

[0009] Also, the Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, with the +Z direction being vertically downward and the -Z direction being vertically upward. Also, the plane including the X-axis and Y-axis is referred to as the X-Y plane, the plane including the X-axis and Z-axis is referred to as the X-Z plane, and the plane including the Y-axis and Z-axis is referred to as the Y-Z plane. Also, the X-Y plane is a horizontal plane. Further, for the three spatial axes of X, Y, and Z without limiting the positive and negative directions, they are described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0010] 1. Embodiment 1 In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 100 is configured as an inkjet printer and ejects ink onto a printing medium M to form an image. The printing medium M is an example of a medium. Ink is an example of a liquid. The printing medium M is not limited to paper and may be a plastic film, a plate material, a hard panel, or cardboard, etc., or may be a piece of clothing such as cloth or a T-shirt.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid ejection unit 10, an ink supply unit 20, a medium support mechanism 30, a ejection unit movement mechanism 40, a maintenance unit MP, and a control unit 300 in a rectangular box-shaped housing formed by a flat base portion 101 and an exterior member 102.

[0012] The liquid ejection unit 10 has a nozzle surface 11 provided with a plurality of nozzle rows 12 that eject ink in the +Z direction. The liquid ejection unit 10 is mounted on a carriage 15 described later with the nozzle surface 11 in a posture along the X-Y plane. The Z-axis direction along the +Z direction is an example of the normal direction of the nozzle surface 11. The nozzle row 12 is formed by arranging a plurality of nozzles N in the Y-axis direction. In the printing area PA, the liquid ejection unit 10 drives and controls an ejection element (not shown) to eject ink in the +Z direction from the plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12 onto the printing medium M for printing. In this embodiment, the plurality of nozzle rows 12 include a nozzle row 12a, a nozzle row 12b, a nozzle row 12c, and a nozzle row 12d.

[0013] The inks to be ejected are, for example, a total of four colors of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow inks, and each ink is ejected from nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. Note that not limited to the above four colors, inks of any color such as light cyan, light magenta, and white may be ejected. The liquid ejection unit 10 is mounted on the carriage 15 of the ejection unit moving mechanism 40 and moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction as the carriage 15 moves.

[0014] The ink supply unit 20 supplies ink to the liquid ejection unit 10. The ink supply unit 20 includes a liquid container 21, a supply flow path 22, and a liquid container mounting portion 29 on which the liquid container 21 can be mounted. The liquid container mounting portion 29 is an example of the second mounting portion. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the liquid container mounting portion 29 is attached to the base portion 101. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid container mounting portion 29 is provided in a region on the -X direction side of the printing area PA in the X-axis direction and in a region on the +Y direction side from the center of the base portion 101 in the Y-axis direction.

[0015] The liquid container mounting portion 29 is provided so that the liquid container 21 can be detachably attached from the front surface 103 of the exterior member 102 on the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the region on the -X direction side of the printing area PA is an example of the other side outside the printing area PA in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is an example of the depth direction of the base portion 101. In the present embodiment, the depth direction is the +Y direction and the -Y direction. Also, the +Y direction side is an example of the front side of the base portion 101, and the -Y direction side is an example of the back side of the base portion 101.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the plurality of liquid containers 21 include a liquid container 21a that stores black ink, a liquid container 21b that stores cyan ink, a liquid container 21c that stores magenta ink, and a liquid container 21d that stores yellow ink.

[0017] The liquid containers 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d of the present embodiment are mounted side by side in the X-axis direction with respect to the liquid container mounting portion 29, but may be mounted side by side in the Z-axis direction with respect to the liquid container mounting portion 29. Further, although the liquid container 21 of the present embodiment is a replaceable cartridge-type tank, it may be a refillable-type tank including an injection portion into which ink can be injected and a storage chamber for storing the ink injected from the injection portion. In this case, the ink supply unit 20 includes the liquid container 21.

[0018] The supply flow path 22 connects the liquid container 21 and the liquid discharge portion 10 so that the ink stored in the liquid container 21 flows toward the liquid discharge portion 10. The supply flow path 22 connects the liquid container 21 mounted on the liquid container mounting portion 29 and the liquid discharge portion 10 provided on the carriage 15. The supply flow path 22 of the present embodiment is configured by, for example, a flexible resin tube.

[0019] The medium support mechanism 30 supports the printing medium M in the printing area PA where the liquid discharge portion 10 performs printing on the printing medium M. The medium support mechanism 30 has a medium support portion 31 that supports the printing medium M. The medium support portion 31 has a medium support surface 32 that supports the printing medium M and a pair of sliding portions 33L and 33R provided at intervals in the X-axis direction.

[0020] The medium support mechanism 30 supports the medium support portion 31 so as to be movable between the printing position shown in FIG. 2 and the set position shown in FIG. 1. The set position is a position where the printing medium M can be set on the medium support portion 31. The printing position is the position when the liquid discharge portion 10 performs printing on the printing medium M supported by the medium support portion 31. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the range of the medium support surface 32 of the medium support portion 31 at the printing position when the liquid discharge device 100 is viewed from the -Z direction is the printing area PA. In FIG. 2, the printing area PA is the range indicated by the dot pattern. The set position is in the +Y direction with respect to the printing position and is located on the +Y direction side of the front surface 103 of the exterior member 102. In FIG. 1, the medium support portion 31 at the printing position is shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0021] The medium support mechanism 30 includes a pair of guide rails 34L and 34R that guide the sliding portions 33L and 33R of the medium support portion 31 to be slidable in the Y-axis direction, a conveyor belt 35 to which the sliding portion 33R is fixed, a conveyance motor 36, and a pulley 37. The guide rails 34L and 34R are attached to the base portion 101. Therefore, the medium support portion 31 is movably attached to the base portion 101. The conveyor belt 35 is wound between the conveyance motor 36 and the pulley 37. When the conveyance motor 36 is driven and controlled, the conveyor belt 35 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction.

[0022] When the conveyance motor 36 is driven and controlled, the medium support portion 31 to which the sliding portion 33R is fixed to the conveyor belt 35 also reciprocates in the Y-axis direction. Further, thereby, the medium support portion 31 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction between the printing position where the medium support surface 32 is located in the printing area PA and the set position.

[0023] In addition to the above-described carriage 15, the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 includes a carriage support portion 41, a conveyor belt 42, a moving motor 43, and a pulley 44. The carriage support portion 41 has a pair of sliding portions 45L and 45R provided at intervals in the X-axis direction. Further, the carriage 15 mounts the liquid discharge unit 10 in a state where the nozzle surface 11 is along the X-Y plane and ink can be discharged from the nozzle N in the +Z direction. The carriage 15 is attached to the conveyor belt 42. The conveyor belt 42 is wound between the moving motor 43 and the pulley 44.

[0024] Further, the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 includes a pair of guide shafts 46L and 46R that guide the sliding portions 45L and 45R of the carriage support portion 41 to be slidable in the Y-axis direction, a conveyor belt 47, a moving motor 48, and a pulley 49. The sliding portion 45R of the carriage support portion 41 is attached to the conveyor belt 47. The conveyor belt 47 is wound between the moving motor 48 and the pulley 49.

[0025] When the moving motor 43 is driven and controlled, the conveyor belt 42 reciprocates in the X-axis direction. When the moving motor 43 is driven and controlled, the carriage 15 attached to the conveyor belt 42 and the liquid discharge unit 10 mounted on the carriage 15 also reciprocate in the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction is an example of the scanning direction. In the present embodiment, the scanning direction is the +X direction and the -X direction.

[0026] When the moving motor 48 is driven and controlled, the conveyor belt 47 reciprocates in the Y-axis direction. When the moving motor 48 is driven and controlled, the carriage support portion 41 to which the sliding portion 45R is attached to the conveyor belt 47 also reciprocates in the Y-axis direction. When the moving motor 48 is driven and controlled, the carriage 15 attached to the carriage support portion 41 via the conveyor belt 42 and the liquid discharge unit 10 mounted on the carriage 15 also reciprocate in the Y-axis direction.

[0027] Therefore, when the moving motor 43 and the moving motor 48 are driven and controlled, the liquid discharge unit 10 reciprocates in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Further, thereby, the liquid discharge unit 10 is movably provided on the base portion 101 on the -Z direction side of the printing area PA, the area on the -X direction side of the printing area PA in the X-axis direction, the area on the +X direction side of the printing area PA in the X-axis direction, the area on the -Y direction side of the printing area PA in the Y-axis direction, and the area on the +Y direction side of the printing area PA in the Y-axis direction.

[0028] When the liquid discharge device 100 performs printing by discharging ink from the nozzles N onto the printing medium M, with the medium support portion 31 that supports the printing medium M in the printing position, by driving the discharge unit moving mechanism 40, as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid discharge unit 10 is moved to a position facing the printing medium M where any of the nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12 is located in the printing area PA. Then, the liquid discharge device 100 performs printing by causing the liquid discharge unit 10 to reciprocate in the X-axis direction and moving the liquid discharge unit 10 in the +Y direction while discharging ink from the nozzles N onto the printing medium M from the liquid discharge unit 10.

[0029] The maintenance unit MP performs maintenance on the liquid discharge unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the maintenance unit MP is provided in a region of the base unit 101 that is on the +X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction. The region on the +X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction is an example of one side outside the printing region PA in the X-axis direction. The maintenance unit MP includes a wiping unit 50, a cleaning unit 60, a moisturizing unit 70, a liquid receiving unit 80, and a waste liquid storage unit 90.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 10, the wiping unit 50, the cleaning unit 60, and the moisturizing unit 70 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the wiping unit 50, the cleaning unit 60, and the moisturizing unit 70 are arranged in the order of the moisturizing unit 70, the cleaning unit 60, and the wiping unit 50 from the -Y direction side to the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the waste liquid storage unit 90 includes a waste liquid storage body 91 and a waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99. The waste liquid storage body 91 can store the ink discharged from the liquid discharge unit 10 as waste liquid. As shown in FIG. 10, the waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99 is attached to the base unit 101. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99 is provided at a position that is on the +X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction and on the +Y direction side of the center of the base unit 101 in the Y-axis direction. The waste liquid storage body 91 is detachably provided from the front surface 103 of the exterior member 102 on the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction of the waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99. Further, when viewed from the direction along the Z-axis direction, at least a part of the waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99 is provided at a position overlapping with the wiping body 51 of the wiping unit 50 described later. The waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99 is an example of a first mounting unit. The waste liquid storage body mounting unit 99 is connected to the mounted waste liquid storage body 91, and includes a discharge unit 97 that discharges ink as waste liquid to the waste liquid storage body 91.

[0032] The liquid receiving portion 80 receives the ink discharged as waste liquid from the liquid discharging portion 10. The liquid receiving portion 80 of the present embodiment is provided in a region of the base portion 101 on the +X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction. Note that the liquid receiving portion 80 may be provided in at least one of the regions on the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction of the base portion 101. For example, the liquid receiving portion 80 may be provided in a region of the base portion 101 on the -X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, the liquid receiving portion 80 may be provided in the regions on the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction of the base portion 101.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid receiving portion 80 of the present embodiment is provided at a position adjacent to the medium support portion 31 that is on the +X direction side of the printing region PA and is located at the printing position in the X-axis direction. Further, the liquid receiving portion 80 is provided at a position between the wiping body 51, the cleaning portion 60, and the moisturizing portion 70 included in the maintenance portion MP and the printing region PA in the X-axis direction of the base portion 101.

[0034] Further, at least a part of the liquid receiving portion 80 is located on the -Z direction side of the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 in the waste liquid receiving portion 90. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, when the liquid receiving portion 80 is viewed from a direction along the vertical direction which is the Z-axis direction, at least a part of the liquid receiving portion 80 is provided at a position overlapping the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 in the waste liquid receiving portion 90.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, 11, and 12, the liquid receiving portion 80 includes a liquid receiving part 81 and a liquid receiving case 85. The liquid receiving part 81 is detachably provided on the -Z direction side of the liquid receiving case 85. The liquid receiving part 81 includes a holding member 82, a liquid receiving member 83, and a pressing member 84.

[0036] The holding member 82 has a through hole that penetrates in the Z-axis direction, and holds the liquid receiving member 83 so as to cover the opening on the -Z direction side of the through hole. The liquid receiving member 83 is formed of an absorber that can hold ink and through which the ink can pass in the +Z direction. The liquid receiving member 83 is formed of, for example, a non-woven fabric that can absorb ink. The pressing member 84 is provided on the -Z direction side of the liquid receiving member 83 and fixes the liquid receiving member 83 to the holding member 82.

[0037] The pressing member 84 is provided with a plurality of through holes so that the liquid receiving member 83 can receive the ink discharged from the liquid discharge portion 10. As a result, the end on the -Y direction side within the range where the liquid receiving portion 80 can receive the ink discharged from the liquid discharge portion 10 is located on the -Y direction side of the printing area PA. Also, the end on the +Y direction side within the range where the liquid receiving portion 80 can receive the ink discharged from the liquid discharge portion 10 is located on the +Y direction side of the printing area PA. In other words, the liquid receiving portion 80 is provided in the Y-axis direction over the Y-axis direction of the printing area PA.

[0038] Note that the dimension in the X-axis direction within the range where the liquid receiving portion 80 can receive the ink discharged from the liquid discharge portion 10 is preferably set larger than the dimension between the nozzle row 12a and the nozzle row 12d in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 2, but it may also be smaller than the dimension between the nozzle row 12a and the nozzle row 12d in the X-axis direction.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 12, the liquid receiving case 85 is provided with a liquid receiving chamber 89 that can receive the ink discharged from the liquid discharge portion 10. The liquid receiving chamber 89 is provided with an inflow portion 86 through which ink flows into the liquid receiving chamber 89 via a first waste liquid tube 68 described later, and an outflow portion 87 through which ink flows out of the liquid receiving chamber 89 via a second waste liquid tube 69 described later. The inflow portion 86 is on the +Y direction side of the outflow portion 87 in the Y-axis direction and is provided near the end on the +Y direction side of the liquid receiving chamber 89. The outflow portion 87 is on the +Z direction side of the inflow portion 86 in the Z-axis direction and is provided at the inner bottom portion that is the end on the +Z direction side of the liquid receiving chamber 89.

[0040] In the liquid receiving case 85, in the Y-axis direction, a bottom wall 88 is provided in a region between the inner bottom portion of the liquid receiving chamber 89 and the inflow portion 86. The bottom wall 88 defines a part of the outer contour of the liquid receiving case 85 and a part of the bottom surface of the liquid receiving chamber 89. The bottom wall 88 is inclined so as to be in the +Z direction as it goes from the +Y direction side (the side of the inflow portion 86 in the Y-axis direction) to the -Y direction side (the side of the inner bottom portion). Also, the bottom wall 88 is located on the +Z direction side of the inflow portion 86 and on the -Z direction side of the outflow portion 87.

[0041] In other words, the bottom surface of the liquid receiving portion 80 has a bottom wall 88 that is inclined downward from the +Y direction side to the -Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. Also, at least a part of the bottom wall 88 is located on the -Z direction side of the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 in the waste liquid receiving portion 90. Further, when the liquid receiving portion 80 is viewed from a direction along the Z-axis direction in FIGS. 2 and 11, at least a part of the bottom wall 88 is provided at a position overlapping the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 in the waste liquid receiving portion 90. The bottom wall 88 is an example of an inclined portion.

[0042] When the liquid discharge device 100 performs flushing by discharging ink as waste liquid from the nozzles N of the liquid discharge portion 10 toward the liquid receiving portion 81 of the liquid receiving portion 80, the discharge portion moving mechanism 40 is driven to move the liquid discharge portion 10 to a position where any one of the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d that performs flushing faces the liquid receiving portion 81. In FIG. 5, the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d face the liquid receiving portion 81. Then, the liquid discharge device 100 performs flushing by discharging ink from the nozzles N of the liquid discharge portion 10.

[0043] The wiping portion 50 is provided on the base portion 101 so as to be able to wipe the nozzle surface 11 where the nozzles N of the liquid discharge portion 10 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the wiping portion 50 includes a wiping body 51, a wiping body mounting portion 59, a wiping portion driving mechanism 57, and a wiping portion motor 58. The wiping portion 50 is fixed to the base portion 101 via a maintenance frame 151. The wiping portion 50 is provided on the -Z direction side of the waste liquid receiving portion 90.

[0044] The wiping body mounting portion 59 is provided on the +X direction side of the liquid receiving portion 80 in the X-axis direction. The wiping body mounting portion 59 is provided at a position on the +Y direction side from the center of the base portion 101 in the Y-axis direction. The wiping body 51 is detachably provided from the front surface 103 of the exterior member 102 on the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the wiping body 51 is composed of a belt-like member 52, a pay-out shaft 53, a take-up shaft 54, a pressing member 55, and a case 56. The pay-out shaft 53, the take-up shaft 54, and the pressing member 55 are rotatably provided in the case 56. The take-up shaft 54 is provided on the +Y direction side of the pay-out shaft 53. The pressing member 55 is located between the pay-out shaft 53 and the take-up shaft 54 in the Y-axis direction, and is located on the -Z direction side of the pay-out shaft 53 and the take-up shaft 54 in the Z-axis direction.

[0046] The belt-like member 52 is formed of a sheet-like absorbing member capable of absorbing liquid. The dimension of the belt-like member 52 in the X-axis direction is preferably set larger than the dimension of the nozzle surface 11 in the X-axis direction as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but may be smaller than the dimension of the nozzle surface 11 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the belt-like member 52 is housed in the case 56 so as to be pushed in the -Z direction by the pressing member 55 while being unwound from the pay-out shaft 53 and wound around the take-up shaft 54. In the present embodiment, with the belt-like member 52 in contact with the nozzle surface 11 of the liquid discharge portion 10, the liquid discharge portion 10 moves in the Y-axis direction with respect to the wiping portion 50, whereby the nozzle surface 11 is wiped.

[0047] The wiping unit drive mechanism 57 moves the wiping body mounting portion 59 and the wiping body 51 mounted on the wiping body mounting portion 59 between the wipeable position and the separated position by driving and controlling the wiping unit motor 58. As shown in FIG. 13, the wipeable position is a position where the strip-shaped member 52 exposed in the -Z direction from the case 56 can contact the nozzle surface 11, and the separated position is a position where the strip-shaped member 52 shown in FIG. 14 does not contact the nozzle surface 11. Further, the wiping unit drive mechanism 57 winds up the strip-shaped member 52 unwound from the unwinding shaft 53 and used for wiping the nozzle surface 11 onto the winding shaft 54 by driving and controlling the wiping unit motor 58.

[0048] When the liquid discharge device 100 wipes the nozzle surface 11 by the wiping unit 50, it moves the wiping body 51 to the wipeable position by driving the wiping unit drive mechanism 57. Then, the liquid discharge device 100 drives the discharge unit movement mechanism 40 to move the liquid discharge unit 10 to a position on the -Y direction side of the strip-shaped member 52 as shown in FIG. 7. Further, the liquid discharge device 100 moves the liquid discharge unit 10 in the +Y direction to bring the nozzle surface 11 into contact with the strip-shaped member 52 at the wipeable position as shown in FIG. 13. Further, the liquid discharge device 100 wipes the nozzle surface 11 by the wiping unit 50 by moving the liquid discharge unit 10 in the +Y direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 13.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid discharge device 100 moves the nozzle surface 11 of the liquid discharge unit 10 to the wiping end position on the +Y direction side of the strip-shaped member 52 to finish wiping the nozzle surface 11. After wiping the nozzle surface 11, for example, it is assumed that the liquid discharge unit 10 is moved in the -Y direction from the wiping end position shown in FIG. 8 toward the standby position shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the liquid discharge device 100 drives the wiping unit drive mechanism 57 to move the wiping body mounting portion 59 and the wiping body 51 mounted on the wiping body mounting portion 59 from the wipeable position to the separated position as indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 14. Then, the liquid discharge device 100 drives the discharge unit movement mechanism 40 to move the liquid discharge unit 10 in the -Y direction and pass through the -Z direction side directly above the wiping unit 50.

[0050] The cleaning unit 60 is provided on the base unit 101 so as to be capable of performing cleaning for forcibly discharging ink from the nozzles N of the liquid discharge unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the cleaning unit 60 includes a suction cap 61, a suction cap holding unit 62, a cleaning unit drive mechanism 63, a cleaning unit motor 64, and a suction pump 65. The suction pump 65 is an example of a suction unit. The cleaning unit 60 is fixed to the base unit 101 via a maintenance frame 151.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, when the suction cap 61 is at a position facing the nozzle row 12d located on the +X direction side among the nozzle rows 12 of the liquid discharge unit 10, the suction cap 61 is provided in a region on the +X direction side with respect to the printing region PA so that the nozzle surface 11 does not face the printing region PA. As a result, the dimension between the suction cap 61 and the printing region PA in the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the nozzle surface 11 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the suction cap 61 has a recess 66 that can form a closed space in which a plurality of nozzles N open by contacting the nozzle surface 11 of the liquid discharge unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the suction cap 61 is held by the suction cap holding unit 62.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 2, 10 to 12, the suction cap 61 communicates with a waste liquid container 91 that stores ink as waste liquid via a first waste liquid tube 68, a liquid receiving unit 80, and a second waste liquid tube 69. The first waste liquid tube 68 connects the discharge part 67 of the suction cap 61 and the inflow part 86 of the liquid receiving unit 80. The second waste liquid tube 69 connects the outflow part 87 of the liquid receiving unit 80 and the discharge part 97 of the waste liquid container mounting part 99. The first waste liquid tube 68 is an example of a first waste liquid flow path, and the second waste liquid tube 69 is an example of a second waste liquid flow path.

[0053] The cleaning unit drive mechanism 63 drives and controls the cleaning unit motor 64 to move the suction cap holding unit 62 in the Z-axis direction. The suction cap 61 moves in the Z-axis direction between a non-capping position where it does not contact the nozzle surface 11 and a suctionable position where it contacts the nozzle surface 11 as the suction cap holding unit 62 moves in the Z-axis direction. Further, the cleaning unit drive mechanism 63 drives and controls the cleaning unit motor 64 to cause the suction pump 65 to perform a suction operation.

[0054] The suction pump 65 of the present embodiment is a tube pump in which a roller rotates about a shaft center while pressing and crushing the first waste liquid tube 68 and the second waste liquid tube 69, and has a first suction portion 65A and a second suction portion 65B. The first suction portion 65A is provided in the first waste liquid tube 68 so as to be able to suck the closed space formed by the suction cap 61. The second suction portion 65B is provided in the second waste liquid tube 69 so as to be able to suck the inside of the liquid receiving chamber 89 of the liquid receiving portion 80. The first suction portion 65A and the second suction portion 65B are provided side by side in the X-axis direction. In FIG. 11, the configuration of the cleaning unit 60 is conceptually shown in order to show the flow of ink from the suction cap 61 to the waste liquid container 91.

[0055] When the liquid discharge device 100 performs cleaning by the cleaning unit 60, the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 is driven with the suction cap 61 in the non-capping position to move the liquid discharge unit 10 to a position where any one of the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d faces the suction cap 61. In FIG. 6, the liquid discharge unit 10 is positioned where the nozzle row 12d faces the suction cap 61.

[0056] Then, by driving the cleaning unit drive mechanism 63, as shown in FIG. 11, the suction cap 61 moves from the non-capping position to the suctionable position, and a closed space in which a plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12d open is formed. Further, by driving the cleaning unit drive mechanism 63, the first suction portion 65A and the second suction portion 65B of the suction pump 65 rotate as indicated by the white arrows, and the suction pump 65 performs a suction operation.

[0057] When the suction pump 65 performs a suction operation, the first suction portion 65A sucks the closed space, and ink is discharged from the plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle row 12d into the closed space. The ink discharged into the closed space flows into the liquid receiving chamber 89 of the liquid receiving portion 80 via the first waste liquid tube 68 and the inflow portion 86 of the liquid receiving portion 80 as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 11 and 12. The ink that has flowed into the liquid receiving chamber 89 flows toward the inner bottom of the liquid receiving chamber 89 along the inclined bottom surface of the liquid receiving chamber 89 defined by the bottom wall 88 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 12. At this time, the ink discharged as waste liquid from the liquid discharge portion 10 and adhering to the inclined bottom surface of the liquid receiving chamber 89 via the liquid receiving portion 81 also flows toward the inner bottom of the liquid receiving chamber 89 together with the ink flowing in from the inflow portion 86.

[0058] Further, when the suction pump 65 performs a suction operation, the second suction portion 65B sucks the inside of the liquid receiving chamber 89, and the ink in the liquid receiving chamber 89 flows into the waste liquid container 91 via the inner bottom of the liquid receiving chamber 89, the outflow portion 87, the second waste liquid tube 69, and the discharge portion 97 of the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 11 and 12 and is stored as waste liquid.

[0059] The moisture retention portion 70 is provided on the base portion 101 so as to be able to form a closed space in which the nozzles N of the liquid discharge portion 10 open. As shown in FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the moisture retention portion 70 includes a moisture retention cap 71, a moisture retention cap holding portion 72, a moisture retention cap lifting mechanism 73, and a moisture retention portion motor 74. The moisture retention portion 70 is fixed to the base portion 101 via a maintenance frame 151. The moisture retention portion 70 is provided on the -Y direction side of the printing area PA in the Y-axis direction.

[0060] The moisture retention cap 71 in this embodiment includes a moisture retention cap 71a corresponding to the nozzle row 12a, a moisture retention cap 71b corresponding to the nozzle row 12b, a moisture retention cap 71c corresponding to the nozzle row 12c, and a moisture retention cap 71d corresponding to the nozzle row 12d. As shown in FIG. 9, each of the moisture retention caps 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d has a recess 76 that can form a closed space in which a plurality of nozzles N open by contacting the nozzle surface 11 of the liquid discharge unit 10.

[0061] The moisture retention cap holding unit 72 holds the moisture retention caps 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d. The moisture retention cap elevating mechanism 73 drives and controls the moisture retention cap motor 74 to move the moisture retention cap holding unit 72 in the Z-axis direction. The moisture retention cap 71 moves in the Z-axis direction between a non-capping position where it does not contact the nozzle surface 11 and a capping position where it contacts the nozzle surface 11 as the moisture retention cap holding unit 72 moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0062] The moisture retention caps 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d located at the capping position form a closed space in which the nozzles N constituting the corresponding nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d open by contacting the nozzle surface 11 of the liquid discharge unit 10. In this way, the moisture retention cap 71 forming a closed space in which the nozzle N opens is called standby capping. By standby capping, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of moisture from the ink in the liquid discharge unit 10 through the nozzle N.

[0063] The moisture retention caps 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d are provided on the -Y direction side of the printing area PA in the Y-axis direction. Note that the moisture retention cap 71 may be configured to collectively surround and cap all the nozzles N constituting the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d.

[0064] When the printing operation by the liquid ejection unit 10 is not performed during non-printing, the liquid ejection apparatus 100 performs standby capping by the moisture retention unit 70. In this case, with the moisture retention caps 71 in the non-capping positions, the liquid ejection unit 10 is moved to a position where the nozzle arrays 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d face the moisture retention caps 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d as shown in FIG. 3 by driving the ejection unit moving mechanism 40.

[0065] Then, by driving the moisture retention cap elevating / lowering mechanism 73, the moisture retention caps 71 move from the non-capping positions to the capping positions, and four closed spaces in which a plurality of nozzles N constituting each of the nozzle arrays 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d open are formed. The standby positions of the carriage 15 and the liquid ejection unit 10 during non-printing are positions where standby capping is performed. In other words, during non-printing, the carriage 15 and the liquid ejection unit 10 are positioned at standby positions where the moisture retention caps 71 of the moisture retention unit 70 can form closed spaces in which the nozzles N open.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 310 and a storage unit 320. The CPU 310 can execute various programs stored in the storage unit 320, and can perform, for example, various determinations and various commands. The storage unit 320 stores various programs such as a program for maintaining the liquid ejection unit 10 and various tables. The control unit 300 controls the entire liquid ejection apparatus 100.

[0067] For example, when performing printing on the print medium M, the control unit 300 controls the medium support mechanism 30 to move the medium support unit 31 on which the print medium M is set from the set position to the printing position, and arranges the print medium M in the printing area PA. Next, the control unit 300 controls the moisture retention unit 70 to move the moisture retention cap 71 from the capping position to the non-capping position and release the standby capping.

[0068] Next, the control unit 300 controls the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 to move the liquid discharge unit 10 from the standby position to a position where any of the nozzles N faces the printing medium M. Then, the control unit 300 controls the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 to repeatedly reciprocate the liquid discharge unit 10 in the X-axis direction and move the liquid discharge unit 10 in the +Y direction, while causing the liquid discharge unit 10 to discharge ink from the nozzles N onto the printing medium M to perform printing. Further, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed during printing, the control unit 300 controls the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 to move the liquid discharge unit 10 to a position facing the liquid receiving portion 81 of the liquid receiving unit 80, and performs flushing by discharging ink from the nozzles N of the liquid discharge unit 10.

[0069] Also, when performing maintenance on the liquid discharge unit 10, the control unit 300 controls the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 to move the liquid discharge unit 10 to a position where any of the nozzle rows 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d faces the suction cap 61 in a state where the suction cap 61 is in the non-capping position. Then, the control unit 300 controls the cleaning unit driving mechanism 63 to move the suction cap 61 to the suction-enabled position and cause the suction pump 65 to perform a suction operation. Then, the control unit 300 controls the cleaning unit driving mechanism 63 to move the suction cap 61 from the suction-enabled position to the non-capping position.

[0070] Next, the control unit 300 controls the wiping unit driving mechanism 57 to move the wiper 51 to the wipable position. Then, the control unit 300 controls the discharge unit moving mechanism 40 to move the liquid discharge unit 10 to a position on the -Y direction side of the belt-like member 52. Further, the control unit 300 moves the liquid discharge unit 10 in the +Y direction to wipe the nozzle surface 11 by the wiping unit 50.

[0071] Next, the control unit 300 controls the ejection unit moving mechanism 40 to move the liquid ejection unit 10 to a position facing the liquid receiving unit 81 of the liquid receiving unit 80, and performs flushing to eject ink from the nozzle N of the liquid ejection unit 10. When the maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 10 is completed, the control unit 300 controls the ejection unit moving mechanism 40 to move the liquid ejection unit 10 to the standby position. Then, the control unit 300 controls the moisture retention cap elevating mechanism 73 to move the moisture retention cap 71 from the non-capping position to the capping position, and performs standby capping by the moisture retention unit 70.

[0072] As described above, according to the liquid ejection device 100 according to Embodiment 1, the following effects can be obtained.

[0073] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a base unit 101, a liquid ejection unit 10 provided on the base unit 101 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction of the base unit 101, and the liquid ejection unit 10 ejects ink from the nozzle N onto the printing medium M to perform printing. A medium support unit 31 provided on the base unit 101, the medium support unit 31 supporting the printing medium M in the printing area PA where the liquid ejection unit 10 performs printing, and a maintenance unit MP provided on the base unit 101, the maintenance unit MP being disposed in a region on the +X direction side of the printing area PA in the X-axis direction. And the maintenance unit MP has a moisture retention unit 70 capable of forming a closed space where the nozzle N opens, a cleaning unit 60 capable of performing cleaning to forcibly discharge ink from the nozzle N, and a wiping body 51 capable of wiping the nozzle surface 11 provided with the nozzle N. The moisture retention unit 70, the cleaning unit 60, and the wiping body 51 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. According to this, the liquid ejection device 100 is not likely to be enlarged.

[0074] The maintenance unit MP is arranged in the order of the moisturizing unit 70, the cleaning unit 60, and the wiping member 51 from the -Y direction side to the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. According to this, it is possible to shorten the time from the standby capping state by the moisturizing unit 70 to the start of cleaning by the cleaning unit 60. Also, it is possible to shorten the time from the end of cleaning by the cleaning unit 60 to the start of wiping by the wiping member 51.

[0075] When not printing, the liquid ejection unit 10 is positioned at a position where the moisturizing unit 70 can form a closed space. According to this, it is possible to suppress the evaporation of moisture from the nozzles N when not printing.

[0076] The moisturizing unit 70 is arranged on the -Y direction side in the Y-axis direction rather than the printing area PA. According to this, even when the moisturizing unit 70 is arranged in addition to the cleaning unit 60 and the wiping member 51 in the liquid ejection device 100, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size in the scanning direction in the liquid ejection device 100.

[0077] The wiping member 51 is detachable from the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. According to this, it is possible to improve the replaceability of the wiping member 51.

[0078] The liquid ejection device 100 further includes a waste liquid container mounting portion 99 where a waste liquid container 91 capable of accommodating the waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection unit 10 is detachable from the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. When viewed from the direction along the Z-axis direction, at least a part of the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 overlaps with the wiping member 51. According to this, it is possible to improve the replaceability of the waste liquid container 91 and suppress an increase in the size in the scanning direction and the depth direction in the liquid ejection device 100.

[0079] The liquid ejection device 100 further includes a liquid container mounting portion 29 to which a liquid container 21 that stores ink supplied to the liquid ejection portion 10 is detachably attached from the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction, and the liquid container mounting portion 29 is disposed in a region on the -X direction side of the printing region PA in the X-axis direction. According to this, the replaceability of the liquid container 21 can be improved, and an increase in the size of the liquid ejection device 100 in the vertical direction and the depth direction can be suppressed.

[0080] The liquid ejection device 100 according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure is basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to make partial configuration changes, omissions, etc. within a range not departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Further, the above-described embodiment and other embodiments described below can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where there is no technical contradiction. Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the moisturizing portion 70 may not be disposed on the +X direction side of the liquid receiving portion 80 in the X-axis direction. In this case, for example, the moisturizing cap 71 of the moisturizing portion 70 may be disposed at a position on the +X direction side of the printing region PA and overlapping the liquid receiving portion 80 in the X-axis direction.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the moisturizing portion 70 may not be disposed on the -Y direction side of the printing region PA in the Y-axis direction. For example, at least a part of the moisturizing portion 70 may be disposed at a position overlapping the printing region PA in the Y-axis direction.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the maintenance portion MP may not be disposed in the order of the moisturizing portion 70, the cleaning portion 60, and the wiping portion 50 from the -Y direction side to the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. For example, the maintenance portion MP may be disposed in the order of the cleaning portion 60, the moisturizing portion 70, and the wiping portion 50 from the -Y direction side to the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction.

[0084] In the above embodiment, if the wiping member 51 can wipe the nozzle surface 11 of the liquid ejection unit 10, it does not necessarily need to include the strip-shaped member 52. For example, the wiping member 51 may include a strip-shaped elastomer member as a wiping member in a posture with the Y-axis direction as the thickness direction.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the wiping member 51 does not necessarily need to be detachable from the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. For example, the wiping member 51 may be provided to be detachable from the -Z direction side or the +X direction side. In these cases, for example, the maintenance unit MP may be arranged in the order of the moisturizing unit 70, the wiping unit 50, and the cleaning unit 60 from the -Y direction side to the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the maintenance unit MP may be arranged in the order of the cleaning unit 60, the wiping unit 50, and the moisturizing unit 70 from the -Y direction side to the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction. Further, in these cases, when viewed from the direction along the Z-axis direction, the wiping member 51 does not necessarily need to be located at a position overlapping with the waste liquid container mounting portion 99.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the wiping member 51 does not necessarily need to be detachable. In this case, the wiping member mounting portion 59 does not necessarily need to be provided.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the waste liquid container 91 does not necessarily need to be detachable. In this case, the waste liquid container mounting portion 99 does not necessarily need to be provided.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the suction cap 61 of the cleaning unit 60 may include a suction cap 61a (not shown) corresponding to the nozzle row 12a, a suction cap 61b (not shown) corresponding to the nozzle row 12b, a suction cap 61c (not shown) corresponding to the nozzle row 12c, and a suction cap 61d (not shown) corresponding to the nozzle row 12d. In this case, each of the suction caps 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d has a recess 66. Also, the suction caps 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d are held by the suction cap holding portion 62. Further, in this case, the flushing performed during the maintenance of the liquid ejection unit 10 may be performed toward the suction caps 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 10... Liquid ejection unit, 11... Nozzle surface, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d... Nozzle rows, 15... Carriage, 20... Ink supply unit, 21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d... Liquid containers, 22... Supply flow path, 29... Liquid container mounting part, 30... Medium support mechanism, 31... Medium support part, 32... Medium support surface, 33L, 33R... Sliding parts, 34L, 34R... Guide rails, 35... Conveyor belt, 36... Conveyor motor, 37... Pulley, 40... Ejection unit movement mechanism, 41... Carriage support part, 42... Conveyor belt, 43... Movement motor, 44... Pulley, 45L, 45R... Sliding parts, 46L, 46R... Guide shafts, 47... Conveyor belt, 48... Movement motor, 49... Pulley, 50... Wiping part, 51... Wiping body, 52... Belt-like member, 53... Unwinding shaft, 54... Take-up shaft, 55... Pressing member, 56... Case, 57... Wiping part drive mechanism, 58... Wiping part motor, 59... Wiping body mounting part, 60... Cleaning part, 61... Suction cap, 62... Suction cap holding part, 63... Cleaning part drive mechanism, 64... Cleaning part motor, 65... Suction pump, 65A... First suction part, 65B... Second suction part, 66... Recess, 67... Discharge part, 68... First waste liquid tube, 69... Second waste liquid tube, 70... Humidifying part, 71, 71a, 71b, 71c, 71d... Humidifying caps, 72... Humidifying cap holding part, 73... Humidifying cap lifting mechanism, 74... Humidifying part motor, 76... Recess, 80... Liquid receiving part, 81... Liquid receiving part, 82... Holding member, 83... Liquid receiving member, 84... Pressing member, 85... Liquid receiving case, 86... Inflow part, 87... Outflow part, 88... Bottom wall, 89... Liquid receiving chamber, 90... Waste liquid storage part, 91... Waste liquid container, 97... Discharge part, 99... Waste liquid container mounting part, 100... Liquid ejection device, 101... Base part, 102... Exterior member, 103... Front surface, 151... Maintenance frame, 300... Control unit, 310... CPU, 320... Memory part, M... Printing medium, MP... Maintenance part, PA... Printing area.

Claims

1. A base portion, A liquid discharge unit provided on the base portion so as to be movable in the depth direction of the base portion and in a scanning direction intersecting the depth direction, the liquid discharge unit performing printing by discharging liquid onto a medium from a nozzle, A medium support portion provided on the base portion, the medium support portion supporting the medium in a printing area where the liquid discharge unit performs the printing, A maintenance portion provided on the base portion, the maintenance portion being disposed on one side outside the printing area in the scanning direction, comprising: The maintenance portion, A moisturizing portion capable of forming a closed space in which the nozzle opens, A cleaning portion capable of performing cleaning for forcibly discharging the liquid from the nozzle, A wiping body capable of wiping a nozzle surface on which the nozzle is provided, Having, The moisturizing portion, the cleaning portion, and the wiping body are arranged side by side in the depth direction, A liquid discharge apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The maintenance portion is arranged in the order of the moisturizing portion, the cleaning portion, and the wiping body from the back side to the front side in the depth direction, The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. When not printing, the liquid discharge unit is positioned at a position where the moisturizing portion can form the closed space, The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The moisturizing portion is arranged on the back side in the depth direction with respect to the printing area in the depth direction, The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the above.

5. The wiping body is detachable from the front side in the depth direction, The liquid discharge apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. A waste liquid container capable of storing waste liquid discharged from the liquid discharge unit further includes a first mounting portion that is detachable from the front side in the depth direction, When viewed from a direction along the vertical direction, at least a part of the first mounting portion overlaps the wiping body, The liquid discharge apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. A liquid container that stores the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge unit further includes a second mounting portion that is detachable from the front side in the depth direction, The second mounting portion is disposed on the other side outside the printing area in the scanning direction, The liquid discharge apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the above.

Images