JP2008006634A - Liquid injection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid injection apparatus improved in assemblability and long term reliability of a waste liquid recovery container. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid injection apparatus is provided with: a recording head 16 for injecting ink from nozzles; a cleaning mechanism 60 for forcibly discharging ink by giving a negative pressure to the nozzles of the recording head 16; and an ink recovery unit 20 for recovering the ink discharged in the cleaning mechanism 60. The ink recovery unit 20 has an introduction space 27 being the closed space which the ink discharged in the cleaning mechanism 60 is introduced to and is substantially separated from the outside so as to reduce transpiration of the ink, wherein a tubelar body 30 connected to a tube member 62 inserted therethrough is communicated with the introduction space 27, a first tapered section 32 extending toward the opening lid of the tubelar body 30 is formed at least in the inner periphery near the front end of the tubelar body 30, and the ring member 31 which is press-fitted in the first tapered section 32 to connect the tube member 62 to the tubelar body 30 is inserted and fitted in the tube member 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus represented by, for example, an ink jet printer.

  Conventionally, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as “printer”) is known as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a target. In this printer, in order to reduce ink ejection defects, cleaning is performed as appropriate to eject thickened ink from nozzles that eject ink. In this cleaning, the nozzle forming surface on which the nozzle is formed is sealed with a cap (sealing means) through the cap inner space, and then the cap inner space that is airtight between the nozzle forming surface and the cap is removed by a suction pump. By sucking into a negative pressure, the ink having increased viscosity in the nozzle is discharged using this negative pressure.

  In such cleaning, the ink ejected from the nozzle is collected by the collection container after being sucked by the suction pump. The collection container contains an ink absorbing material (liquid absorbing material) inside, and the ink discharged from the suction pump (hereinafter referred to as “discharged ink”) is the ink absorbing material in the collecting container. To be absorbed. The recovery container volatilizes a part of the ink solvent in the recovered discharged ink from the opening of the recovery container, thereby reducing the capacity of the discharged ink and improving the recovery efficiency.

  In recent years, in such printers, pigment ink and high-density ink have been used in order to improve the storability and coloring of the printed image. In general, the ink components of such inks volatilize or are absorbed by the ink absorbing material, whereby the ink components (for example, pigments) aggregate and solidify. For this reason, when pigment ink or high-concentration ink is discharged into the collection container, solidified ink components, that is, ink residues, accumulate in the collection container (particularly near the discharge port from which the discharged ink is discharged). It becomes.

  Accordingly, a collection container described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed to promote the diffusion of discharged ink. In the collection container of Patent Document 1, the discharged ink discharged from the discharge port flows and diffuses along the inclined bottom surface, and the diffused discharged ink is absorbed by the ink absorbing material.

  By the way, since the entire upper part of the collection container of Patent Document 1 is an opening, when the discharged ink is discharged from the discharge port into the collection container, the ink solvent is collected before the discharged ink is diffused. Volatilization may occur from the opening of the container. As a result, the ink components of the discharged ink solidify in the vicinity of the discharge port in the collection container, and ink residues that inhibit the diffusion or flow of the discharged ink accumulate here, and the collection capacity of the discharged ink in the collection container There was a risk of lowering.

For this reason, in order to prevent solidification of the pigment ink or the high-density ink, it is conceivable to make the collection space itself a closed space that prevents evaporation of the ink solvent or to provide a closed space in the collection container. In such a case, the discharged ink is less likely to volatilize, and it is considered that the above-described problem of ink residue accumulation is solved.
JP 2004-34361 A

  However, if the collection space itself is a closed space or a closed space is provided in the collection container, it may be difficult to connect the tube for introducing the waste ink from the suction pump to the collection container. That is, in order to secure a closed space in the recovery tank, it is necessary to press-fit the tube into the connection part so that there is no gap in the connection part of the tube, but press fitting a soft tube into the connection part There is a problem that the assemblability is extremely poor and the work is difficult to perform. In particular, in the shipping inspection of the apparatus, it is necessary to pull out the tube once from the collection container and reconnect it. In addition, when there is a distance between the closed space for discharging the waste ink and the exterior including the suction pump, it is difficult to connect the tubes further, and thus it is necessary to provide a joint outside the exterior. In such a structure, when clogging occurs due to the accumulation of ink residue near the tip opening of the tube, if pressure is generated in the tube due to the movement of the suction pump, the tube tends to come out of the joint with that pressure. This is not preferable in terms of long-term reliability.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus that improves the assemblability and long-term reliability of a waste liquid collection container.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from a nozzle, and a liquid ejecting device that forcibly ejects liquid by applying a negative pressure to the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head. And a liquid recovery means for recovering the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge means, wherein the liquid recovery means is introduced with the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge means and is substantially separated from the outside to A tubular body having an introduction space, which is a closed space for reducing transpiration, is provided so as to communicate with the introduction space. The tubular member is press-fitted into the distal end portion of the tubular body. The gist is that an annular connecting member for connecting the tube member to the tubular body is inserted.

  According to the present invention, the introduction space is a closed space in which the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge means is introduced and is substantially separated from the outside to reduce liquid transpiration. Volatilization of the discharged liquid is suppressed by the cover member, and the amount of liquid residue deposited near the discharge port is reduced. For this reason, it is prevented that the discharge of the liquid from the discharge port is hindered by the deposit of the liquid residue, and the liquid can be collected smoothly. Moreover, the tube member can be connected to the tubular body by inserting the tube member into which the connecting member is inserted from the distal end portion of the tubular body and press-fitting the connecting member into the distal end portion of the tubular body in this state. In this way, the tube member itself is not press-fitted into the connection portion, but the tube is inserted into the tubular body and the connection member is press-fitted into the distal end portion of the tubular body, so that the assemblability is greatly improved. In the shipping inspection of the apparatus, the operation of pulling out the tube member once and reconnecting it can be easily performed. Further, since the connecting member is press-fitted into the tubular body and the tube member is connected, there is no gap between the connecting member and the tubular body, so that liquid evaporation from this portion is prevented and liquid residue is deposited. It is possible to prevent liquid from being obstructed from being discharged from the discharge port by an object and to smoothly collect the liquid.

  In the present invention, when an expanded portion whose inner diameter expands toward the opening edge is formed on at least the inner peripheral surface in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the tubular body, the connection member is pressed into the distal end portion of the tubular body. It is easy and reliable, and the tube member can be securely connected, and the gap between the connecting portions can be reliably eliminated.

  In the present invention, when the outer peripheral surface of the connecting member is formed with a tapered portion whose outer diameter becomes narrower toward the distal end portion that is pushed into the tubular body, The press-fitting of the connecting member is easily and reliably performed, the tube member is securely connected, and the gap between the connecting portions can be reliably eliminated.

In the present invention, on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting member, when at least the connecting member is press-fitted into the expanded portion, when a close contact protrusion is formed that closely contacts the outer peripheral surface of the tube member,
Since there is no gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tube member and the inner surface of the connecting member, liquid evaporation from this portion is prevented, and liquid discharge from the discharge port is hindered by liquid residue deposits. This prevents the liquid from being collected smoothly.

In the present invention, when the tubular body protrudes at least to the vicinity where the liquid discharge means exists,
A conventional joint is not required, and even if the tube is closed for some reason in the vicinity of the opening at the tip of the tube and pressure is generated in the tube, the pressure can be simply increased by trying to expand the connecting member. There is no force that tends to escape, and long-term reliability is excellent.

In the present invention, the liquid recovery means includes a recovery container and a liquid absorber that is filled in the recovery container and absorbs the liquid, and the liquid absorber includes the introduction space in the recovery container. When a cover member that is formed as a non-existing space is arranged, a tubular body is provided on the cover member, and its tip protrudes to the outside of the collection container.
Since the distal end portion of the tubular body protrudes to the outside of the collection container, the tube member can be connected and detached from the outside of the collection container, and the connection work is extremely easy. In particular, it is advantageous in shipping inspection or the like in which the tube member must be removed and reconnected. In addition, since the introduction space is formed as a space where the liquid absorber does not exist by the cover member, the evaporation of the liquid is surely prevented and the liquid discharge due to the deposit of the liquid residue is prevented. The liquid is quickly absorbed and held in the liquid absorbent material.

In the present invention, the liquid absorber is laminated with a first liquid absorber having a relatively high liquid holding capacity disposed on the upper side and a second liquid absorber having a relatively high liquid diffusing capacity disposed on the lower side. When the cover member is disposed between the first liquid absorber and the second liquid absorber,
Since the volatilization of the liquid discharged from the discharge port onto the second liquid absorber is suppressed by the cover member, the amount of liquid residue deposited in the vicinity of the discharge port is reduced. For this reason, when the liquid discharged from the discharge port penetrates into the second liquid absorber, the first liquid becomes difficult to be inhibited by the deposit of liquid residue, and the liquid quickly diffuses into the second liquid absorber. Since it is absorbed and held by the absorber, the liquid discharged from the discharge port can be collected smoothly.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the liquid ejecting apparatus of the invention is embodied in an ink jet printer will be described with reference to FIGS. Unless otherwise specified, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction in the following description are the same as the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction based on the ink jet printer shown in FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ink jet printer 10 as a liquid ejecting apparatus.

  The ink jet printer 10 includes a main body case 11 having a bottomed substantially long rectangular box shape covering the entire apparatus. Between the left and right side walls of the main body case 11, a rod-shaped guide member 12 is installed so as to extend in the left-right direction.

  A carriage 13 is inserted into and supported by the guide member 12 so as to be movable in the left-right direction along the guide member 12. The carriage 13 is connected to a carriage motor 15 via a timing belt 14, and is moved in the left-right direction along the guide member 12 by driving the carriage motor 15.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ink jet printer 10.

  A recording head 16 as a liquid ejecting head is mounted below the carriage 13. The lower surface of the recording head 16 is a nozzle forming surface 16a, and a plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink as liquid are provided on the nozzle forming surface 16a. An ink cartridge 17 as a liquid storage unit is detachably mounted on the carriage 13 above the recording head 16. In the ink cartridge 17, a plurality of colors of ink as liquids are accommodated so as to be supplied to the recording head 16.

  A platen 18 extending in the left-right direction is provided below the carriage 13. The platen 18 is a support base that supports the recording paper P as a target, and a paper feed mechanism (not shown) is provided on the upper surface thereof. This paper feed mechanism feeds (moves) the recording paper P forward by driving a paper feed motor 19 provided in the main body case 11.

  When the carriage 13 is reciprocated along the guide member 12 and a piezoelectric element (not shown) provided in the recording head 16 is driven based on the print data, each ink from each nozzle on the nozzle forming surface 16a is driven. Are jetted to the recording paper P fed forward, and printing is performed on the recording paper P.

  A non-printing area (home position) in which printing is not performed is provided at the right end portion of the main body case 11. In this non-printing area, a negative pressure is applied to the nozzles of the recording head 16 and forced. In addition, a cleaning mechanism 60 is provided as liquid discharging means for discharging the liquid. The cleaning mechanism 60 includes a cap 61 as a capping unit, a discharge tube 62 as a tube member, and a suction pump 63.

  The cap 61 has a substantially square box shape with an upper surface opened, and is configured to reciprocate in the vertical direction by the driving force of a lifting motor (not shown) provided in a non-printing area. A suction hole 61 a is formed in the inner bottom wall of the cap 61 so as to penetrate the inner bottom wall in the vertical direction. A substantially rectangular frame-shaped portion 61b made of a flexible material is provided on the upper end portion of the cap 61. When the cap 61 is moved upward in a state where the recording head 16 has moved to the non-printing area, the upper end of the frame portion 61b comes into contact with the nozzle forming surface 16a of the recording head 16, and the cap 61 is thereby brought into contact. Thus, each nozzle is covered and capped through the space in the cap which is a substantially sealed space.

  One end of the discharge tube 62 is connected to the suction hole 61a, and the other end is connected to an ink recovery device 20 described later. The discharge tube 62 has a discharge port 62a at the other end of the discharge tube 62. The discharge tube 62 extends to the vicinity of the center of an introduction space 27, which will be described later. The ink discharged by the cleaning mechanism 60 through the discharge tube 62 is recovered. The apparatus 20 collects it.

  A suction pump 63 is provided at an intermediate portion of the discharge tube 62. Then, by driving the suction pump 63 with the cap 61 sealing the nozzle forming surface 16a, each thickened ink in the recording head 16 is sucked and discharged from each nozzle to the space inside the cap 61. The recording head 16 is cleaned from the internal space 61 through the discharge tube 62 and introduced into the ink collecting device 20.

  On the bottom surface of the main body case 11 on the lower side of the platen 18, an ink recovery device 20 as a liquid recovery means is provided.

  The ink recovery device 20 includes a recovery container 21 having a bottomed substantially rectangular box shape having a container opening 21a on the upper side, and a liquid absorber that is filled in the recovery container 21 and absorbs ink as a liquid. Ink absorbers 23 and 24 are provided.

  Here, the ink recovery device 20 has an introduction space 27 that is a closed space in which the ink discharged by the cleaning mechanism 60 is introduced and is substantially separated from the outside to reduce evaporation of the ink, and the discharge tube 62. A tubular body 30 to be inserted and connected is provided to communicate with the introduction space 27.

  A cover member 25 that forms the introduction space 27 as a space in which the ink absorbers 23 and 24 do not exist is disposed inside the collection container 21, and a tubular body 30 is provided on the cover member 25, and the tip thereof The part protrudes to the outside of the collection container 21.

  More specifically, the collection container 21 includes a first ink absorber 23 as a first liquid absorber having a relatively high liquid holding capacity as a liquid absorber, and a first liquid absorber having a relatively high liquid diffusion capacity. A second ink absorber 24 as a two-liquid absorber is accommodated. The first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24 are stored in a stacked state so that the first ink absorber 23 is disposed on the upper side and the second ink absorber 24 is disposed on the lower side. Has been.

  In this example, the second ink absorber 24 is disposed on the bottom surface in the collection container 21, and the first ink absorber is thicker than the second ink absorber 24 on the second ink absorber 24. 23 are stacked. In this example, both the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24 are made of porous members.

  A concave portion 23a is formed on the lower surface of the first ink absorber 23 in a portion slightly to the right of the central portion in the left-right direction. The recess 23a accommodates a cover member 25 of a resin molded product formed so as to have a box shape whose outer shape corresponds to the inside of the recess 23a and opens downward.

  3A and 3B are cross-sectional views showing the cover member 25 and its peripheral structure. FIG. 3A shows a state in which the discharge tube 62 is inserted into the tubular body 30, and FIG. 3B shows a ring as a connecting member in the tubular body 30. The member 31 is press-fitted and the discharge tube 62 is connected.

  In the state where the cover member 25 is provided with a side wall extending obliquely downward from the peripheral edge of the inclined top plate and disposed between the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24, The lower end 25 c of the side wall is in contact with the upper surface of the second ink absorber 24.

  The cover member 25 has an outward flange portion 28 as an enlarged contact portion extending outwardly from the lower end 25 c of the side wall of the cover member 25 along the upper surface of the second ink absorber 24. It is provided over the circumference. In this manner, the cover member 25 is disposed between the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24.

  On the side wall of the cover member 25, a tubular body 30 that opens to an introduction space 27 that is an internal space of the cover member 25 is formed to protrude. The tubular body 30 is inserted through the through hole 22 formed in the right side wall of the collection container 21, and the distal end portion of the tubular body 30 projects to the vicinity where the cleaning mechanism 60 exists.

  The tubular body 30 is formed in a downwardly inclined shape from the tip opening to the opening to the introduction space 27. The discharge tube 62 may always be inclined downward from the suction pump 63 to the discharge port 62a. Thereby, when the discharge tube 62 is inserted into the tubular body 30 and the ink flows into the discharge tube 62, the ink smoothly flows toward the introduction space 27 without stagnation, and after the discharge is finished, Not much ink remains in the discharge tube 62 or the tubular body 30. Further, the ink does not flow back through the discharge tube 62.

  On the other hand, the through hole 22 of the collection container 21 is also formed with an inclination angle similar to the downward inclination of the tubular body 30. Then, in a state where the tubular body 30 is inserted into the through hole 22 of the recovery container 21, the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 30 is sealed by a seal member (not shown). Ink does not leak out from the side. In addition, even if it is not sealed, the ink in the collection container 21 can be prevented from leaking outside by not bringing the through hole 22 and the first ink absorber 23 into contact with each other. Further, since the tubular body 30 and the discharge tube 62 are inclined downward, the ink does not travel outside them and leak out to the outside.

  A first taper portion 32 is formed on the inner peripheral surface in the vicinity of at least the tip of the tubular body 30 (that is, on the side of the suction pump 63 into which the discharge tube 62 is inserted) as an expanding portion that expands toward the opening edge. ing. A ring member 31 that connects the discharge tube 62 to the tubular body 30 by being press-fitted into the first tapered portion 32 is fitted into the discharge tube 62.

  4A and 4B are diagrams showing the ring member 31, wherein FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view and FIG. 4B is a plan view. (C) (D) is a top view of the 2nd example and the 3rd example.

  The ring member 31 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose inner peripheral surface is substantially in close contact with the outer periphery of the discharge tube 62, and a second tapered portion 33 as a tapered portion along the first tapered portion 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface. Is formed. Due to the second tapered portion 33, the ring member 31 is gradually thinner on the side to be inserted into the tubular body 30. Further, at least when the second taper portion 33 of the ring member 31 is press-fitted into the first taper portion 32, the inner surface of the ring member 31 presses and adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the discharge tube 62. A protrusion 34 is formed.

  Further, a flange-shaped gripping portion 35 is formed on the base side of the ring member 31 so that the leading end side of the tapered portion can be inserted into the tubular body 30 by gripping the gripping portion 35.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, in this example, the ring member 31 has an integrally formed ring shape, but is not limited thereto.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, for example, it can be divided into a plurality of parts in the longitudinal direction (the one shown is divided into two parts). Reference numeral 37 denotes positioning protrusions 37 and 38 provided so that the annular shape can be maintained when the two pieces are put together. Even if it is divided in this way, the discharge tube 62 is connected to the tubular body 30 by exhibiting an annular shape in a state where a plurality of pieces are combined, and pushing the second tapered portion 33 into the first tapered portion 32. be able to. In this example, there is no need to push the discharge tube 62 into the ring member 31 and insert it, and it is only necessary to combine pieces divided on the outer periphery of the discharge tube 62, so that workability is further improved.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (D), it is possible to form a divided shape connected by a thin hinge 36 instead of dividing into two completely. Also in this example, it is not necessary to push the discharge tube 62 into the ring member 31 and insert it, and the pieces divided on the outer periphery of the discharge tube 62 may be combined, and the two pieces are integrated by the thin hinge portion 36. Therefore, workability is further improved.

  When connecting the discharge tube 62 to the tubular body 30 of the cover member 25, first, the discharge tube 62 is pushed into and inserted into the ring member 31. At this time, the contact protrusion 34 of the ring member 31 slightly pushes the outer peripheral surface of the discharge tube 62, and there is no gap between the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the discharge tube 62. The discharge port 62 a side of the discharge tube 62 protrudes from the tip of the ring member 31 so that the discharge port 62 a slightly protrudes into the introduction space 27 when the ring member 31 is pushed into the opening of the tubular body 30. Keep it.

  Next, the discharge tube 62 is inserted from the distal end of the tubular body 30 from the distal end on the discharge port 62a side, the constricted distal end of the ring member 31 is pushed into the distal end opening of the tubular body 30, and the second tapered portion 32 is inserted into the second tapered portion 32. The discharge tube 62 is connected to the tubular body 30 by press-fitting the tapered portion 33. At this time, the ring member 31 is slightly compressed from the outside by the first taper 32, and the discharge tube 62 is fixed.

When the discharge tube 62 is removed, the grip portion 35 of the ring member 31 is grasped with fingers, the ring member 31 is pulled out from the tubular body 30, and then the discharge tube 62 is pulled out from the tubular body 30.

  In the present embodiment, polypropylene having a high ink volatilization suppressing effect is used as the material of the cover member 25, but a material other than polypropylene may be used as long as the material has a high ink volatilization suppressing effect. Good.

  As described above, the first ink absorber 23 is made of a material having a relatively high ink holding capacity in comparison with the second ink absorber 24, and the second ink absorber 24 includes the first ink absorber 24. Compared with the ink absorber 23, it is made of a material having a relatively high ink diffusion capability. For example, if the density of the first ink absorber 23 is larger than that of the second ink absorber 24, or if the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24 are fibrous, the first ink absorber The fiber diameter of 23 may be larger than that of the second ink absorber 24. Alternatively, the first ink absorber 23 may be a combination of felt material and pulp material, and the second ink absorber 24 may be a porous member.

  The second ink absorber 24 is impregnated with an antifoaming liquid. The antifoaming liquid is a liquid composed of an antifoaming agent, an antiseptic, an alkali adjusting agent, and a moisturizing agent, and eliminates bubbles contained in the discharged ink discharged from the discharge port 62a.

  As the antifoaming agent, for example, polyether-modified silicone as a silicone surfactant can be used. The preservative suppresses the denaturation of the ink absorbed by the second ink absorber 24. For example, a thiazoline compound can be used. The alkali adjuster is for redispersing the ink components, and triethanolamine is used in this embodiment. The humectant suppresses drying of various components of the ink and the antifoaming liquid, and glycerin is used in this embodiment.

  The mass ratio of the various components constituting the defoaming liquid and the various components constituting the defoaming liquid may moisturize the discharged ink discharged from the discharge port 62a and eliminate the bubbles contained in the discharged ink. If possible, the present invention is not limited to this and may be changed as appropriate.

  With the above configuration, when the recording head 16 is cleaned, each thickened ink in the recording head 16 covers from the nozzle (not shown) from the discharge port 62a through the cap inner space and the discharge tube 62, respectively. The ink is discharged onto the second ink absorber 24 in the member 25. At this time, since the cover member 25 is made of polypropylene having an ink volatilization suppressing effect, the discharged discharged ink permeates the second ink absorber 24 without volatilizing.

  Here, if a long time elapses, a part of the solvent component of the discharged ink discharged onto the second ink absorber 24 volatilizes, but even if volatilized, the introduction space 27 of the cover member 25 is filled. The humidity in the introduction space 27 becomes high.

  Further, since the distance from the introduction space 27 of the cover member 25 to the first ink absorber 23 through the second ink absorber 24 is increased by the flange portion 28 by the width of the flange portion 28, the flange portion Since 28 is suitably sandwiched between the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24, the sealing property of the introduction space 27 is improved. Thereby, the circulation of the gas inside and outside the introduction space 27 via the second ink absorber 24 is effectively suppressed, and the sealing property of the introduction space 27 is further improved.

  For this reason, since the introduction space 27 is kept at high humidity for a long time, the discharged ink discharged onto the second ink absorber 24 is difficult to dry, and is difficult to accumulate and solidify. As a result, the discharged ink is smoothly absorbed in the second ink absorber 24 without being disturbed by the deposit of discharged ink. The discharged ink absorbed in the second ink absorber 24 is diffused in the second ink absorber 24, and bubbles contained therein are eliminated by the antifoaming liquid. In addition, since the discharged ink absorbed in the second ink absorber 24 is moisturized by the antifoaming liquid, it is difficult to dry and solidify in the second ink absorber 24.

  The discharged ink diffused in the second ink absorber 24 is absorbed and held by the first ink absorber 23, and then gradually from the upper surface of the first ink absorber 23 through the container opening 21a. Volatilized outside.

  According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, the introduction space 27 is a closed space in which the ink discharged by the cleaning mechanism 60 is introduced and substantially separated from the outside to reduce ink transpiration, so that the discharge space is discharged near the discharge port 62a of the discharge tube 62. The volatilization of the ink that has been performed is suppressed by the cover member 25, and the amount of ink residue deposited in the vicinity of the discharge port 62a is reduced. For this reason, it is prevented that the discharge of the ink from the discharge port 62a is inhibited by the deposit of the liquid residue, and the ink can be collected smoothly. In addition, the discharge tube 62 into which the ring member 31 is inserted is inserted from the distal end portion of the tubular body 30, and the ring member 31 is press-fitted into the first taper portion 32 of the tubular body 30 in this state, whereby the discharge tube 62 is tubular. It can be connected to the body 30. In this way, the discharge tube 62 itself is not press-fitted into the connection portion, but the discharge tube 62 is inserted into the tubular body 30 and the ring member 31 is press-fitted into the first taper portion 32, so that the assemblability is greatly improved. . In the shipping inspection of the apparatus, the operation of pulling out the discharge tube 62 and reconnecting it can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the ring member 31 is press-fitted into the first taper portion 32 of the tubular body 30 and the discharge tube 62 is connected, there is no gap between the ring member 31 and the tubular body 30, so Ink transpiration is prevented, and it is possible to prevent ink from being discharged from the discharge port 62a due to deposits of ink residues, and the ink can be collected smoothly.

  Further, since the first taper portion 32 whose inner diameter increases toward the opening edge is formed at least on the inner peripheral surface in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the tubular body 30, the ring member 31 is press-fitted into the distal end portion of the tubular body 30. The discharge tube 62 is securely connected and the gap between the connecting portions can be reliably eliminated.

  Further, the outer peripheral surface of the ring member 31 is formed with a second taper portion 33 whose outer diameter becomes narrower toward the distal end portion that is pushed into the tubular body 30, so that the distal end portion of the tubular body 30 is formed. The press-fitting of the ring member 31 can be performed easily and reliably, the discharge tube 62 is securely connected, and the gap between the connecting portions can be reliably eliminated.

  Further, since the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 31 is formed with a close-contact projection that closely contacts the outer peripheral surface of the discharge tube 62 when the ring member 31 is press-fitted into the first tapered portion 32, the discharge tube Since there is no gap between the outer peripheral surface of 62 and the inner surface of the ring member 31, the evaporation of ink from this portion is prevented, and the discharge of ink from the discharge port 62a is hindered by the deposit of ink residue. Is prevented and the ink can be collected smoothly.

  In addition, since the tubular body 30 protrudes at least to the vicinity where the cleaning mechanism 60 exists, a conventional joint is not necessary, and for some reason near the distal end opening of the discharge tube 62. Even if the clogging occurs and pressure is generated in the discharge tube 62, the pressure does not cause a force to pull out the discharge tube 62 just by pushing the ring member 31, and long-term reliability is achieved. Are better.

  The ink collection device 20 includes a collection container 21 and ink absorbers 23 and 24 that are filled in the collection container 21 and absorb ink, and the collection container 21 includes the introduction space. Cover member 25 that forms 27 as a space where ink absorbers 23 and 24 do not exist is disposed, and tubular body 30 is provided on the cover member 25, and its distal end protrudes to the outside of collection container 21. Since the discharge tube 62 can be connected and detached from the outside of the collection container 21, the connection work is extremely easy. In particular, it is advantageous in shipping inspection or the like in which the discharge tube 62 must be removed and reconnected. Moreover, since the introduction space 27 is formed by the cover member 25 as a space where the ink absorbers 23 and 24 do not exist, the ink is surely prevented from evaporating, and the ink discharge is prevented from being hindered by the deposit of ink residue. At the same time, the ink in the introduction space 27 is quickly absorbed and held by the ink absorbers 23 and 24.

  Further, the ink absorbers 23 and 24 are arranged such that the first ink absorber 23 having a relatively high ink holding capability is disposed on the upper side, and the second ink absorber 24 having a relatively high ink diffusion capability is disposed on the lower side. Since the cover member 25 is disposed between the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24, the cover member 25 is disposed on the second ink absorber 24 through the discharge port 62a. Since volatilization is suppressed by the cover member 25, the amount of ink residue deposited in the vicinity of the discharge port 62a is reduced. For this reason, when the ink discharged from the discharge port 62a penetrates into the second ink absorber 24, it is less likely to be hindered by the deposit of ink residue, and after the ink quickly diffuses into the second ink absorber 24. Since the ink is absorbed and held by the first ink absorber 23, the ink discharged from the discharge port 62a can be collected smoothly.

  Further, since a part of the ink absorbed by the first ink absorber 23 is configured to volatilize through the container opening 21 a provided in the recovery container 21, after being diffused into the second ink absorber 24. Since a part of the ink absorbed and held by the first ink absorber 23 is volatilized, the absorption and holding ability of the first ink absorber 23 can be maintained for a long period of time, and the amount of collected ink is greatly increased. be able to.

  Further, since the cover member 25 has a box shape opened to the lower side and the lower end thereof is in contact with the second ink absorber 24, the humidity of the internal space of the cover member 25 is kept high. Therefore, the accumulation amount of ink residue in the vicinity of the discharge port 62a is effectively reduced. For this reason, the ink discharged from the discharge port 62a quickly permeates and diffuses into the second ink absorber 24.

  In addition, since the cover member 25 includes the flange portion 28 as an enlarged contact portion that enlarges the contact area with the second liquid absorber at the lower end thereof, by providing the enlarged contact portion, Since a decrease in humidity in the introduction space 27 of the cover member 25 is suppressed, accumulation of liquid residue in the vicinity of the discharge port 62a can be suppressed for a long time.

  Further, since the enlarged contact portion is a flange portion 28 that extends outward from the lower end of the cover member 25 along the upper surface of the second ink absorber 24, the flange portion that is a part of the cover member 25. Since 28 functions as an enlarged contact portion, it is possible to suppress a decrease in humidity in the introduction space 27 of the cover member 25 without increasing the number of components.

  In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.

  Although the tubular body 30 is provided with the first taper portion 32 and the ring member 31 is provided with the second taper portion 33, the tubular body 30 is provided with the first taper portion 32 and the outer periphery of the ring member 31 is formed in a straight shape. Or the 2nd taper part 33 may be provided in the ring member 31, and the inner periphery of the tubular body 31 may be formed in straight shape.

  Further, the first tapered portion 32 may not be formed in a tapered shape as long as the inner diameter of the tubular body 30 is widened so as to expand toward the distal end side. Further, the second taper portion 33 may not be formed in a tapered shape as long as the outer shape of the ring member 31 is tapered so that the tip in the pushing direction becomes smaller.

  You may make it provide the protrusion as a some protrusion part extended below in the position near the outer end in the lower surface of the said flange part 28. As shown in FIG. By doing so, the cover member 25 has the tip of each projection penetrating the second ink absorber 24 on the inner bottom surface of the collection container 21 by the weight of the cover member 25 and the weight of the first ink absorber 23. It is pressed downward so as to come into contact.

  As a result, the second ink absorber 24 is compressed by each protrusion of the cover member 25, and the pores in the second ink absorber 24 at the compressed portion are crushed and become smaller. The amount of ink retained in the portion where the body 24 is compressed can be increased to reduce the gas flow. For this reason, the sealing property of the introduction space 27 of the cover member 25 can be further improved, and the humidity reduction of the introduction space 27 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, you may change each protrusion in the said cover member 25 into the protruding item | line extended over the flange part 28 whole.

  Further, the flange portion 28 of the cover member 25 may be omitted, the thickness of the side wall of the cover member 25 may be the same as the width of the flange portion 28, and the side wall itself may be an enlarged contact portion. The flange portion 28 of the cover member 25 may be an inward flange portion extending inwardly along the upper surface of the second ink absorber 24 from the lower end 25c of the side wall. The cover member 25 may not be a box-shaped resin molded product. That is, the cover member may be made of, for example, a shape-retaining resin film as long as the introduction space 27 having a certain volume can be secured between the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24. . Further, the flange portion 28 of the cover member 25 may be formed of a member different from the cover member 25.

  Further, the first ink absorber 23 on the upper side of the top plate corresponding to the top plate of the cover member 25 may be omitted. That is, a hole having the same shape as the top plate may be formed in the first ink absorber 23 above the top plate of the cover member 25 so that the top plate is exposed.

  The second ink absorber 24 may not be impregnated with an antifoaming liquid, and at least one of the first ink absorber 23 and the second ink absorber 24 may be a plurality of layers.

  FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the second ink absorber 24 is not provided, and a groove 40 is formed on the lower surface of the first ink absorber 23 facing the bottom surface of the recovery container 21 so that the ink flows and expands to the bottom surface of the recovery container 21. . Further, the case member 25 does not have the flange portion 28, and the case member 25 is directly placed on the bottom surface of the collection container 21. A communication portion 41 that connects the groove 40 of the first ink absorber 24 and the introduction space 27 is formed at the lower end edge of the case member 25. Other than that is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part.

  In this example, when the ink of the recording head 16 is discharged by the cleaning mechanism 60, the ink is introduced into the introduction space 27 from the discharge port 62 a of the discharge tube 62, flows in the groove 40 through the communication portion 41, and is collected. It spreads on the bottom of 21. The ink is absorbed by the first ink absorber 23 and gradually volatilizes from the opening 21a on the upper surface. Other than that, it is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment, and there exists the same effect.

  FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, in the ink collection device 20, a tubular body 30 protrudes from the collection container 21 itself, and a discharge tube 62 is connected to the tubular body 30 by a ring member 31. In this example, the internal space of the collection container 21 is formed in an introduction space 27 that is a closed space in which ink discharged by the cleaning mechanism 60 is introduced and substantially separated from the outside to reduce ink evaporation. Other than that is the same as that of the said 1st Embodiment, and there exists the same effect.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied as the ink jet printer 10. However, for example, the liquid ejecting apparatus may be a liquid ejecting apparatus used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display or pixel formation such as an organic EL display. .

1 is a perspective view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment. Sectional drawing of the said printer. Sectional drawing which shows the periphery structure of the cover member of the said printer. The figure which shows a ring member. Sectional drawing which shows the 2nd example of an ink collection | recovery apparatus. The side view which shows the 3rd example of an ink collection | recovery apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inkjet printer, 11 Main body case, 12 Guide member, 13 Carriage, 14 Timing belt, 15 Carriage motor, 16 Recording head, 16a Nozzle formation surface, 17 Ink cartridge, 18 Platen, 19 Paper feed motor, 20 Ink collection device, 21 collection container, 21a container opening, 22 through-hole, 23 first ink absorber, 23a recess, 24 second ink absorber, 25 cover member, 25c lower end of side wall in cover member, 28 flange, 27 introduction space, 30 Tubular body, 31 Ring member, 32 First taper part, 33 Second taper part, 34 Adhering protrusion, 35 Gripping part, 36 Thin hinge part, 37 Positioning protrusion, 38 Positioning recessed part, 40 Groove, 41 Communication part, 60 Cleaning mechanism, 61 Cap, 61 a suction hole, 61b frame-like part, 62 discharge tube, 62a discharge port, 63 suction pump

Claims (6)

A liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid from the nozzle, a liquid ejecting means for forcibly ejecting the liquid by applying a negative pressure to the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head, and a liquid for collecting the liquid ejected by the liquid ejecting means A recovery means,
The liquid recovery means has an introduction space which is a closed space where the liquid discharged by the liquid discharge means is introduced and is substantially separated from the outside to reduce liquid transpiration, and a tube member is inserted and connected thereto. A tubular body is provided so as to communicate with the introduction space, and an annular connecting member for connecting the tube member to the tubular body by being press-fitted into the distal end portion of the tubular body is fitted into the tube member. A liquid ejecting apparatus.   2. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least an inner peripheral surface in the vicinity of the distal end of the tubular body is formed with an expanded portion whose inner diameter expands toward an opening edge.   3. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the connection member is formed with a tapered portion whose outer diameter becomes narrower toward a distal end portion that is pushed into the tubular body.   The contact protrusion which adheres to the outer peripheral surface of a tube member at least when the said connection member is press-fit in the expansion part at least in the inner peripheral surface of the said connection member is formed in any one of Claims 1-3. The liquid ejecting apparatus described.   5. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a tip portion of the tubular body protrudes to a vicinity where the liquid discharging unit is present.   The liquid recovery means includes a recovery container and a liquid absorber that is filled in the recovery container and absorbs the liquid, and the introduction space is defined as a space in which no liquid absorber exists in the recovery container. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cover member to be formed is disposed, a tubular body is provided on the cover member, and a tip portion of the cover member protrudes to the outside of the collection container.

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