JP2016150557A - Recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording apparatus with a detection sensor capable of suppressing erroneous dissolution of a waste liquid detection state, and reducing a fear that the waste liquid leaks into the apparatus.SOLUTION: A recording apparatus comprises: a recording head for discharging liquid toward a medium to be recorded; a waste liquid receiving part for receiving the liquid to be discharged from the recording head as waste liquid; a waste liquid absorber for absorbing the waste liquid to be transmitted from the waste liquid receiving part; a waste liquid absorber accommodation part having a plurality of sidewalls surrounding the circumference of the waste liquid absorber, and for accommodating the waste liquid absorber; and a reflection sensor for detecting the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber at a predetermined liquid level in the waste liquid absorber via a light transmitting part provided at least at a part of the sidewalls. The reflection sensor is provided at the sidewalls.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium.
In the present application, the recording apparatus includes types such as a serial printer that performs recording while the recording head moves in a predetermined direction, a line printer that does not move the recording head, a copier that includes these printer functions, and a facsimile. .

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ink jet printers that perform recording by ejecting ink from a nozzle opening of a recording head toward a recording medium have been widely used in recording apparatuses. In this ink jet printer, in order to prevent the ink from drying in the nozzle that discharges the ink, a maintenance operation for forcibly discharging or sucking the ink from the nozzle is periodically performed.

  In some cases, a waste liquid recovery device for storing waste ink is provided in the ink jet printer in order to absorb and hold the waste ink discharged or sucked by the maintenance operation (see Patent Document 1).

JP2013-71286A

  The waste liquid recovery apparatus includes a waste liquid recovery unit and a waste liquid amount detection sensor for detecting the amount of waste liquid recovered in the waste liquid recovery unit. The waste liquid recovery unit includes a waste liquid foam that absorbs the waste liquid and a waste liquid case that accommodates the waste liquid foam. The waste liquid amount detection sensor includes a substrate and a pair of detection electrodes formed on the substrate at an interval. The substrate is inserted between the inner wall surface of the waste liquid case and the waste liquid foam, and the detection electrode is in contact with the waste liquid foam.

  When the amount of waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid foam increases and the amount of waste liquid absorption exceeds a certain amount, the waste liquid comes into contact with the pair of detection electrodes. As a result, a short circuit occurs between the pair of detection electrodes, and a detection signal is generated. That is, the waste liquid amount detection sensor detects whether or not the amount of waste liquid absorbed in the waste liquid foam exceeds a certain amount.

  By the way, in this waste liquid recovery apparatus, when the amount of waste liquid absorbed in the waste liquid foam exceeds a certain amount, a short circuit occurs between the detection electrodes, and an error occurs when the detection signal is generated. However, after an error occurs, for example, printing may be continued with an inkjet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) tilted for some reason. As a result, when the printer is tilted, the liquid level of the waste liquid absorbed in the waste liquid foam in the waste liquid foam is tilted, and the short-circuit state between the pair of detection electrodes is temporarily eliminated. As a result, the detection signal is not detected, and the error state is eliminated. As a result, when the printer continues to be used while the printer is tilted, and the printer is tilted after the printer is used, the waste liquid overflows from the waste liquid collection unit beyond the waste liquid absorption capacity of the waste liquid foam. There is a fear.

  In addition, when the amount of waste liquid absorbed in the waste liquid foam during printing by the printer exceeds a certain amount and a short circuit occurs between the detection electrodes, and an error occurs due to the detection signal, the printer is turned off. The printer may be turned on with the printer tilted for some reason. As a result, the liquid level of the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid foam in the waste liquid foam is inclined in the waste liquid foam, and the short-circuit state between the pair of detection electrodes is temporarily eliminated. The detection signal may not be detected, and the error state may be resolved. Even in this case, when the inclination of the printer is corrected, the waste liquid may exceed the waste liquid absorption capacity of the waste liquid foam and may overflow from the waste liquid recovery unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus including a detection sensor that suppresses erroneous elimination of a waste liquid detection state and can reduce the risk of the waste liquid leaking into the apparatus. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a recording head that discharges liquid toward a recording medium, and a waste liquid receiving unit that receives the liquid discharged from the recording head as waste liquid. A waste liquid absorber that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiver, a plurality of side walls that surround the waste liquid absorber, and a waste liquid absorber storage part that stores the waste liquid absorber, at least of the side walls And a reflection sensor that detects the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber at a predetermined liquid level in the waste liquid absorber through a light transmitting portion provided in a part.

  According to this aspect, since the reflection sensor detects the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber at a predetermined liquid level in the waste liquid absorber via the light transmitting portion provided on at least a part of the side wall. The following effects can be obtained. That is, after the detection of the waste liquid by the reflection sensor, it is possible to suppress the cancellation of the detection state due to the liquid level of the waste liquid falling below the predetermined liquid level.

  Specifically, an error occurs in the recording apparatus after the reflection sensor detects that the waste liquid has reached the predetermined liquid level. Thereafter, the waste liquid may fall below the predetermined liquid level due to the inclination of the apparatus main body for some reason. However, because the waste liquid adheres to the portion of the predetermined liquid level in the waste liquid absorber, the detection state of the reflection sensor, that is, the error state, is maintained by coloring the waste liquid absorber. As a result, it is possible to suppress the detection state of the reflection sensor from being erroneously canceled, that is, the error state being canceled when the apparatus main body is tilted and the waste liquid falls below the predetermined liquid level.

  Further, since the reflection sensor detects the waste liquid through the light transmitting part, it is not necessary to make a hole in the side wall, and the possibility that the waste liquid leaks into the apparatus from the waste liquid absorber housing part can be suppressed. .

  The recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the reflection sensor is provided on the side wall.

  According to this aspect, since the reflection sensor is provided on the side wall, the detection distance in the reflection sensor is shortened because the distance from the waste liquid absorber housed in the waste liquid absorber housing portion is reduced. The waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber can be detected more reliably.

  The recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the reflection sensor is farthest from the supply position of the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiver in the waste liquid absorber in the waste liquid absorber. The waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber is detected at a certain position.

  According to this aspect, the reflection sensor detects the waste liquid at a position farthest from the waste liquid supply position in the waste liquid absorber. That is, after the waste liquid is gradually absorbed from the waste liquid supply position to the detection position in the waste liquid absorber, the reflection sensor detects the waste liquid in the waste liquid absorber. Therefore, the absorption capacity in the waste liquid absorber can be used without waste.

  In the recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the predetermined liquid level is located below an upper limit in a height direction of the waste liquid absorber. And

  According to this aspect, the predetermined liquid level is located below the upper limit in the height direction of the waste liquid absorber. Therefore, even after the reflection sensor detects the predetermined liquid level, the waste liquid absorber has an absorption capacity for absorbing the waste liquid. That is, since the waste liquid is not absorbed by the waste liquid absorber beyond the total waste liquid absorption capacity of the waste liquid absorber, the waste liquid can be prevented from overflowing from the waste liquid absorber.

  In the recording apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the waste liquid supply position of the waste liquid receiver from the waste liquid receiver is formed as a recess in the waste liquid absorber. Features.

  According to this aspect, since the waste liquid supply position from the waste liquid receiving portion is formed as a recess in the waste liquid absorber, the waste liquid is supplied to a place recessed in one step on the upper surface of the waste liquid absorber. Is absorbed into the waste liquid absorber from the bottom. That is, since the waste liquid is not directly supplied to the upper surface of the waste liquid absorber, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the waste liquid flows out from the upper surface when the waste liquid is supplied to the upper surface and the recording apparatus is tilted.

  In the recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the waste liquid absorber housing portion is partitioned into a first housing section and a second housing section by a partition plate. A first waste liquid absorber is stored in the first storage section, a second waste liquid absorber is stored in the second storage section, and the waste liquid is stored in the first waste liquid absorber. At least a part of the second waste liquid absorber is in contact with the first waste liquid absorber at a communication port provided in the partition plate, and the reflection sensor is configured to reduce the waste liquid in the second waste liquid absorber. The liquid level is detected.

  According to this aspect, the partition plate partitions the first storage section and the second storage section, the first storage section stores the first waste liquid absorber, and the second storage section includes the first storage section. Contains a second waste liquid absorber, the waste liquid is supplied to the first waste liquid absorber, and at least a part of the second waste liquid absorber is provided in the communication port provided in the partition plate. 1 is in contact with the waste liquid absorber.

  That is, since the first waste liquid absorber and the second waste liquid absorber are partitioned by the partition plate, the waste liquid absorbed by the first waste liquid absorber is only passed through the communication port. It flows into the second waste liquid absorber. That is, since the permeation path from the first waste liquid absorber to the detection position in the second waste liquid absorber is limited to the path through the communication port, the waste liquid is supplied from the waste liquid supply position. The permeation path distance to the detection position in the second waste liquid absorber can be increased. As a result, the certainty of using up the absorption capacity of the waste liquid absorber can be enhanced.

  In addition, the movement of the waste liquid supplied to the first waste liquid absorber in the first waste liquid absorber and the second waste liquid absorber is caused by the movement of the first waste liquid absorber and the second waste liquid at the communication port. Is allowed only at the contact portion with the waste liquid absorber. As a result, even if the recording apparatus is tilted, the waste liquid moves only at the contact portion via the communication port, so that the change in the liquid level of the waste liquid at the second waste liquid absorber can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the recording apparatus is tilted, the reflection sensor can detect the level of the waste liquid more accurately in the second waste liquid absorber.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the reflection sensor detects the liquid level of the waste liquid at a position above the communication port in the height direction of the waste liquid absorber housing. It is characterized by doing.

  According to this aspect, the reflection sensor detects the liquid level of the waste liquid at a position above the communication port in the height direction of the waste liquid absorber housing portion. Here, the waste liquid gradually permeates from the lower part to the upper part of the second waste liquid absorber and is absorbed by the second waste liquid absorber. Thereby, the liquid level of the waste liquid in the second waste liquid absorber gradually rises from the lower part to the upper part of the second waste liquid absorber. When the liquid level of the waste liquid reaches the predetermined liquid level in the height direction of the second waste liquid absorber, the reflection sensor detects the liquid level. Therefore, when the reflection sensor detects the waste liquid at the predetermined liquid level, the waste liquid is absorbed by the waste liquid absorber positioned below the predetermined liquid level. Thereby, the volume of the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber can be accurately grasped.

  The recording apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the waste liquid is generated during a maintenance operation of the recording head.

1 is an external perspective view of a printer according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a paper conveyance path of the printer according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to the invention. The perspective view of the state which removed the outer periphery of the circumference | surroundings of an ink absorber accommodating part. The perspective view which shows a waste liquid receiving part and a waste liquid absorber accommodating part. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the cross section of the waste-liquid absorber accommodating part in AA cross section in FIG. 5, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the cross section of the waste-liquid absorber accommodating part in BB cross section in FIG. The perspective view of the waste-liquid absorber accommodating part of the state to which the 1st waste-liquid absorber and the 2nd waste-liquid absorber were attached. (A) is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the 1st waste liquid absorber and the 2nd waste liquid absorber from the waste liquid absorber accommodating part, (B) is a 2nd waste liquid absorption in a waste liquid absorber accommodating part. The perspective view which shows the state which attached the body. The perspective view which shows the example of a change of the position of the reflective sensor attached to a waste-liquid absorber accommodating part.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same structure in each Example, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and it demonstrates only in the first Example, The description of the structure is abbreviate | omitted in a subsequent Example.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a paper conveyance path of the printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the printer according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the outer casing around the ink absorber housing portion is removed, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the waste liquid receiving portion and the waste liquid absorber housing portion.

  6A is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the waste liquid absorber housing part in the AA cross section in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a cross section of the waste liquid absorber housing part in the BB cross section in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the waste liquid absorber housing portion in a state where the first waste liquid absorber and the second waste liquid absorber are attached, and FIG. 8A is a waste liquid absorber. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the 1st waste liquid absorber and the 2nd waste liquid absorber from the accommodating part, and FIG. 8 (B) is the state which attached the 2nd waste liquid absorber to the waste liquid absorber accommodating part. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of changing the position of the reflection sensor attached to the waste liquid absorber housing.

In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X direction (device width direction) is the scanning direction of the recording head, the Y direction is the depth direction of the recording device and the paper transport direction, and the Z direction is the distance between the recording head and the paper. The direction in which the distance (gap) changes, that is, the device height direction is shown. In each figure, the -Y direction is the front side of the apparatus, and the + Y direction side is the back side of the apparatus.
■■■ Example ■■■■
<<< About printer overview >>>
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, components of an ink jet printer 10 (hereinafter referred to as “printer 10”) as an example of a recording apparatus will be described. The printer 10 includes an apparatus main body 12 and an image reading device 14.

  The apparatus main body 12 includes a housing 16 that forms an appearance, a medium accommodating portion 18 that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 12 on the front surface of the housing, and a panel portion 20 that is provided on the front surface of the housing 16. As shown in FIG. 2, on the front side of the medium accommodating portion 18 (on the −Y-axis direction side in FIG. 2), the medium accommodating portion 18 is closed (see FIG. 1) and opened (see FIG. 2). A cover 22 that can rotate between the two is attached. Further, the image reading device 14 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 12 and is configured as a so-called scanner that sets and reads a medium on a mounting surface (not shown).

  The panel unit 20 includes a power button for operating the printer 10, a print setting button, a display panel, and the like, and is configured as an operation unit that operates the printer 10. The panel unit 20 is configured to be rotatable forward of the apparatus with respect to the housing 16 by driving means (not shown) (see FIG. 2). Although not shown, the driving means includes a driving source and a mechanism such as a gear that transmits a driving force from the driving source to the panel unit 20.

<<< About the paper transport path >>>
Referring to FIG. 2, a two-dot chain line denoted by a reference symbol P indicates a conveyance path of the paper P from the medium storage unit 18 to the discharge tray 24. A medium accommodating portion 18 is provided on the most upstream side of the conveyance path of the paper P. The medium storage unit 18 includes a lower tray 26 that stores the paper P as a “recording medium” and an upper tray 28 that is positioned above the lower tray 26 and that stores the paper P. .

  The upper tray 28 is driven to the back side in the apparatus depth direction (+ Y-axis direction in FIG. 2) by a drive mechanism (not shown), and from the end position, that is, the feedable position (see FIG. 2) and the end position in the apparatus depth direction. It is configured to be movable between a retracted position (not shown) displaced by a predetermined amount toward the front side of the apparatus. The paper P is an example of a recording medium stored in the lower tray 26 and the upper tray 28. Further, the paper P in the present embodiment includes media having different sizes such as A4 size, B5 size, photographic paper, and postcard.

  The apparatus main body 12 is provided with a pickup roller 30, a feeding roller 32, a transport roller 34, a carriage 36, and a discharge roller 38 along the paper transport path. The pickup roller 30 is positioned above the trays 26 and 28 and is configured to be swingable in a direction in which the pickup roller 30 contacts and separates from the paper P stored in the trays 26 and 28. The pickup roller 30 rotates in contact with the uppermost sheet P stored in the lower tray 26 or the upper tray 28 to remove the uppermost sheet P from the lower tray 26 or the upper tray 28. Send to the paper transport path.

  A feed roller 32 is provided on the downstream side of the pickup roller 30 on the paper transport path. A plurality of feed driven rollers 40 are provided around the feed roller 32. The paper P sent out from the medium storage unit 18 by the pickup roller 30 is nipped by the feed roller 32 and the plurality of feed driven rollers 40 and is transported to the downstream side of the paper transport path.

  Further, a conveyance roller 34 driven by a drive motor (not shown) and a conveyance driven roller 42 that is driven to rotate while being pressed against the conveyance roller are provided on the downstream side of the paper conveyance path of the feeding roller 32. The paper P sent by the feeding roller 32 is nipped by the transport roller 34 and the transport driven roller 42 and transported downstream of the paper transport path.

  A carriage 36 is provided on the downstream side of the transport roller 34. A recording head 44 is provided at the bottom of the carriage 36. The recording head 44 performs recording on the paper P by ejecting ink as “liquid” toward the recording surface of the paper P under the control of the control unit 54 described later. Below the carriage 36, a platen 46 that faces the recording head 44 and supports the paper P is provided. The carriage 36 is driven to reciprocate in the apparatus width direction (X-axis direction) in FIG. 2 by a drive motor (not shown).

  The platen 46 supports the paper P and defines the distance, that is, the gap between the platen 46 and the recording head 44. On the downstream side of the platen 46, there are provided a discharge roller 38 that feeds the recorded paper P, and a discharge driven roller 48 that rotates in contact with the discharge roller. The discharge roller 38 is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown).

  The paper P on which recording has been performed by the recording head 44 is nipped between the discharge roller 38 and the discharge driven roller 48 and is sent downstream in the transport direction. Then, the paper P is discharged to a discharge tray 24 provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 12 (+ Y-axis direction side in FIG. 2).

  Note that the discharge tray 24 is accommodated in the apparatus main body 12 by a discharge tray driving means (not shown) (see a two-dot chain line portion in FIG. 2) and a position protruding from the apparatus main body 12 to the front side in the apparatus depth direction ( (See the solid line portion in FIG. 2).

  Further, when recording is performed on both sides of the paper P in the printer 10, after the recording is performed on the first surface of the paper P by the recording head 44, the paper P is moved backward by the transport roller 34 and the discharge roller 38. When recording is performed on the first surface, the side that was the trailing edge of the sheet becomes the leading edge and is returned to the upstream side of the conveying roller 34. Further, the paper P is sent to the reverse path 50 by the reverse operation of the transport roller 34. The paper P sent into the reversing path 50 is nipped by the feeding roller 32 and the reversing roller 52 and returned to the paper transport path again.

  The paper P returned to the paper transport path is sent again by the feeding roller 32 to the transport roller 34 on the downstream side of the paper transport path. At this time, the first surface and the second surface of the paper P are curved and reversed, and the second surface faces the recording head 44. The paper P is sent to a position facing the recording head 44 below the recording head 44 by the transport roller 34. The paper P on which the second surface has been recorded by the recording head 44 is discharged to the discharge tray 24 by the discharge roller 38.

<<< About the control unit >>>
The apparatus main body 12 includes a control unit 54 (see FIG. 3) as an electric circuit composed of a plurality of electronic components. In response to an input command from the panel unit 20, the control unit 54 includes an image reading device 14, a medium storage unit 18, a driving unit (not shown) for the panel unit 20, a pickup roller 30, a feeding roller 32, a conveying roller 34, Necessary for execution of recording and image reading of the printer 10 such as feeding, transporting, discharging, recording operation, document reading operation and the like of the paper P in the carriage 36, the discharge roller 38, the recording head 44 and the discharge tray driving means (not shown). The operation of the panel unit 20 and the discharge tray 24 is controlled.

  Further, instead of an input command from the panel unit 20, an operation required for executing recording and image reading of the printer 10 such as a document reading operation may be controlled by an instruction from the outside (PC or the like). The control unit 54 controls the movement of the carriage 36 in the scanning direction (X-axis direction in FIG. 2) and the ejection of ink from the recording head 44.

<<< About Waste Ink Collection Device and Waste Ink Absorber Housing >>>
Next, the configurations of the waste ink collection device 56 and the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the waste ink collection device 56 and the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 are provided on the right end side of the printer 10 (the −X axis direction side in FIG. 4). This position corresponds to the home position of the carriage 36. Specifically, the carriage 36 is configured to reciprocate in the width direction of the printer 10 in FIG. In the movement region of the carriage 36 in the width direction of the printer 10, the end on the −X axis direction side in FIG. 4 is set as the home position, and is set as the origin position for detecting the position of the carriage 36.

  In this embodiment, the waste ink collection device 56 includes a cap unit 60 and a pump 62 as a “waste liquid receiving portion” as shown in FIG. The cap means 60 and the pump 62 are connected by a waste ink tube (not shown).

  The cap means 60 faces the recording head 44 when the carriage 36 is positioned at the home position, and is pressed against a nozzle formation surface (not shown) of the recording head 44 to seal the nozzle formation surface and to supply ink. Drying can be prevented. Further, the cap unit 60 is configured to be able to take a sealed state pressed against the recording head 44 and a separated state separated from the recording head 44.

  In addition, when the cap unit 60 is sealed with respect to the recording head 44, when the pump 62 is driven, the cap unit 60 is connected to the cap unit 60 via a waste ink tube (not shown) that connects the cap unit 60 and the pump 62. Create negative pressure. By this negative pressure, ink is sucked from the nozzles of the recording head 44, and clogging of the nozzles and mixing of bubbles can be eliminated.

  Further, a flushing operation is performed at a fixed timing during execution of a recording operation in the printer 10. This flushing operation is an operation in which the carriage 36 is temporarily moved to the home position, and ink is ejected toward the cap unit 60 to be discarded. In this embodiment, the ink suction operation and the flushing operation by the cap means 60 are an example of the maintenance operation of the recording head 44.

  Waste ink as “waste liquid” generated in the cap means 60 is sucked by a pump 62 through a waste ink tube (not shown). The sucked waste ink passes through a waste ink tube 64 extending from the pump 62 and is supplied to the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58.

  Here, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 will be described. The waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 is formed in a box shape having an upper opening (see FIG. 8A). Specifically, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 has a plurality of side walls 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D surrounding a waste ink absorber 70 described later. In this embodiment, a partition plate 66 is provided in the box-shaped waste ink absorber housing 58. The partition plate 66 partitions the waste ink absorber housing portion 58 into a first housing section 58a and a second housing section 58b.

  In the present embodiment, the partition plate 66 extends in the height direction of the waste ink absorber housing portion 58. Further, a part of the partition plate 66 is cut out around the bottom surface 58 c of the waste ink absorber housing portion 58 in the height direction of the waste ink absorber housing portion 58. A portion cut out of the partition plate 66 forms a communication portion 68 as a “communication port” for communicating the first accommodation section 58a and the second accommodation section 58b.

  A waste ink absorber 70 as a “waste liquid absorber” is accommodated in the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, the waste ink absorber 70 includes a first waste ink absorber 72 as a “first waste liquid absorber” and a second waste ink absorber 74 as a “second waste liquid absorber”. I have. The first waste ink absorber 72 is stored in the first storage section 58a, and the second waste ink absorber 74 is stored in the second storage section 58b (see FIG. 7).

  In the present embodiment, the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second waste ink absorber 74 are made of nonwoven fabric as an example.

  Further, the first waste ink absorber 72 is provided with a recess 76 (see FIGS. 5 and 6B). In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B, in the first waste ink absorber 72, one end portion 64a of the waste ink tube 64 extending from the pump 62 is disposed above the recess 76.

  The waste ink supplied from the pump 62 is supplied from one end 64 a of the waste ink tube 64 to the recess 76 of the first waste ink absorber 72. Then, the waste ink is absorbed by the first waste ink absorber 72 from the bottom surface 76a of the recess 76 (see FIG. 6B). Therefore, the waste ink absorbed from the bottom surface 76 a of the recess 76 penetrates from the bottom surface 76 a toward the bottom portion 72 a of the first waste ink absorber 72. The waste ink is gradually stored in the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 from the bottom portion 72a of the first waste ink absorber 72 toward the upper surface 72b of the first waste ink absorber 72.

  In the present embodiment, the one end portion 64 a of the waste ink tube 64 is disposed below the upper surface 72 b in the height direction of the first waste ink absorber 72. By arranging in this way, it is possible to prevent the waste ink supplied from the one end portion 64a from leaking out of the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 beyond the upper surface 72b.

  Further, in this embodiment, the waste ink supply position from the waste ink collection device 56 in the waste ink absorber 70 is formed as the concave portion 76, so that the waste ink is in a place depressed on the upper surface of the waste ink absorber 70. Supplied and absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70 from the bottom surface 76 a of the recess 76. That is, since the waste ink is not directly supplied to the upper surface of the waste ink absorber 70, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the waste ink flows out from the upper surface when the waste ink is supplied to the upper surface and the printer 10 is tilted.

  Here, referring to FIG. 6A, the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second waste ink absorber 74 are in contact with each other at the communication portion 68. Therefore, the waste ink absorbed by the first waste ink absorber 72 is also absorbed by the second waste ink absorber 74 that is in contact with the first waste ink absorber 72 via the communication portion 68. That is, in this embodiment, the waste ink absorbed by the first waste ink absorber 72 is transferred from the first waste ink absorber 72 to the second only through the communication portion 68 provided at the bottom of the partition plate 66. It can penetrate toward the waste ink absorber 74.

  Accordingly, when the liquid level of the waste ink absorbed by the first waste ink absorber 72 rises from the bottom 72a of the first waste ink absorber 72 toward the upper surface 72b of the first waste ink absorber 72, the first The second waste ink absorber 74 in contact with the first waste ink absorber 72 was also absorbed by the second waste ink absorber 74 from the bottom 74a of the second waste ink absorber 74 toward the upper surface 74b. The level of waste ink rises.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the region facing the second waste ink absorber 74 on the side wall 59A, the second waste ink absorber 74 is at a position corresponding to the predetermined liquid level L1 of the waste ink. Is provided with a translucent portion 78. In this embodiment, the translucent part 78 is formed on the side wall 59A with a transparent material so as to transmit light. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a partition plate 66 is provided between the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second waste ink absorber 74. Therefore, the path from the bottom surface 76a of the recess 76 to which waste ink is supplied cannot be the shortest distance, and the distance of the path can be increased because the communication section 68 is interposed.

<< About the reflection sensor >>>>
In the present embodiment, a reflection sensor 80 is provided on the side wall 59A. The reflection sensor 80 in the present embodiment is configured as an optical sensor including an irradiation unit (not shown) that emits light toward a detection target and a light receiving unit (not shown) that receives light reflected by the detection target. ing. In the present embodiment, the reflection sensor 80 is disposed at a position where the irradiation light from the reflection sensor 80 and the reflection light from the detection target can pass through the light transmitting portion 78 of the side wall 59A. Further, the detection signal in the reflection sensor 80 is transmitted from the reflection sensor 80 toward the control unit 54. In each figure (FIGS. 4 to 8B), the cable extending from the reflection sensor 80 toward the control unit 54 is not shown.

  Here, the predetermined liquid level L1 is set to the distance from the bottom 74a of the second waste ink absorber 74 to the detection position of the second waste ink absorber 74 of the reflection sensor 80.

  In addition, after the waste ink reaches the predetermined liquid level L1 in the second waste ink absorber 74, the printer 10 is inclined for some reason, and the waste ink is absorbed from the second waste ink absorber 74 by the first waste ink. The liquid level of the waste ink in the second waste ink absorber 74 may be lowered by moving to the body 72. In this case, the waste ink is attached to the sponge at the peripheral portion of the predetermined liquid level L1 in the sponge-like second waste ink absorber 74. The reflection sensor 80 detects waste ink adhering to the sponge around the predetermined liquid level L1. Thereby, the detection state in the reflection sensor 80 can be maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the reflection sensor 80 causes the waste ink absorbed by the second waste ink absorber 74 to pass through the translucent portion 78 provided on at least a part of the side wall 59A. Since the detection is performed at the predetermined liquid level L1, the following effects are obtained. That is, after the waste ink is detected by the reflection sensor 80, the detection state of the reflection sensor 80 due to the liquid level of the waste ink falling below the predetermined liquid level L1 can be suppressed.

  Specifically, an error occurs in the printer 10 after the reflection sensor 80 detects that the waste ink has reached the predetermined liquid level L1. Thereafter, the waste ink may fall below the predetermined liquid level L1 due to the printer 10 tilting for some reason. However, because the waste ink adheres to the portion of the predetermined liquid level L1 in the second waste ink absorber 74, the second waste ink absorber 74 is colored and the detection state of the reflection sensor 80, That is, the error state is maintained. As a result, it is possible to suppress the detection state of the reflection sensor 80 from being erroneously canceled, that is, the error state being canceled when the printer 10 is tilted and the waste ink falls below the predetermined liquid level L1.

  Further, since the reflection sensor 80 detects waste ink by reflection of light through the translucent portion 78, it is not necessary to make a hole in the side wall 59, and waste ink is discharged from the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 into the printer 10. The risk of leakage can be suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, since the reflection sensor 80 is provided on the side wall 59A, the distance from the second waste ink absorber 74 accommodated in the waste ink absorber accommodation portion 58 becomes short. The detection distance is shortened, and the waste ink absorbed by the second waste ink absorber 74 can be detected more reliably.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined liquid level L1 is set so as to be positioned below the upper surface 74b of the second waste ink absorber 74. Specifically, it is set to be smaller than the distance L2 from the bottom 74a to the upper surface 74b of the second waste ink absorber 74. Thus, by setting the detection position of the reflection sensor 80 in the height direction of the second waste ink absorber 74, the second waste ink absorber 74 has a predetermined position when the reflection sensor 80 detects waste liquid. An absorption capacity for absorbing the waste liquid remains above the liquid level L1. This absorption capacity corresponds to the height L2-L1 in the volume of the second waste ink absorber 74.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined liquid level L1 is positioned below the upper surface 74b in the height direction of the second waste ink absorber 74. Therefore, even after the reflection sensor 80 detects the predetermined liquid level L1, the waste ink absorber 70 has an absorption capacity for absorbing the waste ink. That is, since the waste ink is not absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70 beyond the total waste ink absorption capacity of the waste ink absorber 70, the waste ink can be prevented from overflowing from the waste ink absorber.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined liquid level L1 is set above the position where the communication portion 68 is provided in the height direction of the second waste ink absorber 74. Referring to FIG. 7, the position where waste ink is detected by the reflection sensor 80 is one end of the waste ink tube 64 positioned above the recess 76 of the first waste ink absorber 72 in the XY plane in FIG. 7. The farthest from 64a.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the reflection sensor 80 detects the waste ink at a position farthest from the waste ink supply position in the waste ink absorber 70, so that the waste ink is gradually absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70. The reflection sensor 80 detects waste ink in the waste ink absorber 70. Therefore, the absorption capacity of the waste ink absorber 70 can be used without waste.

  The reflection sensor 80 detects the liquid level of the waste ink at a position above the communication portion 68 in the height direction of the waste ink absorber housing portion 58. Here, the liquid level of the waste ink in the second waste ink absorber 74 changes as the waste ink permeates from the bottom to the top of the second waste ink absorber 74. Therefore, when the reflection sensor 80 detects the waste ink at the predetermined liquid level L1, the waste ink is absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70 located below the predetermined liquid level L1. Thereby, the capacity of the waste ink absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70 can be accurately grasped.

  In the present embodiment, the partition plate 66 partitions the first storage section 58a and the second storage section 58b, and the first storage section 58a stores the first waste ink absorber 72. The second waste ink absorber 74 is housed in the second housing section 58b. Waste ink is supplied to the first waste ink absorber 72, and at least part of the second waste ink absorber 74 is in contact with the first waste ink absorber 72 at a communication portion 68 provided in the partition plate 66. ing.

  That is, since the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second waste ink absorber 74 are partitioned by the partition plate 66, the ink absorbed by the first waste ink absorber 72 passes through the communication portion 68. Only flows into the second waste ink absorber 74. That is, the permeation path from the first waste ink absorber 72 of the waste ink to the predetermined liquid level L1 in the second waste ink absorber 74 is limited to the path through the communication portion 68, so that the waste ink The distance of the permeation path from the supply position to the predetermined liquid level L1 in the second waste ink absorber 74 can be increased. As a result, the certainty of using up the absorption capacity of the waste ink absorber 70 can be enhanced.

  That is, the movement of the waste ink supplied to the first waste ink absorber 72 in the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second waste ink absorber 74 is caused by the first waste ink absorber 72 in the communication unit 68. And the second waste ink absorber 74 are allowed only at the contact portion. As a result, even if the printer 10 is tilted, the waste ink moves only at the contact portion via the communication portion 68, so that the change in the liquid level of the waste ink in the second waste ink absorber 74 can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the printer 10 is tilted, the reflection sensor 80 can detect the level of waste ink more accurately at the second waste ink absorber 74.

<<< an example of modification of the embodiment >>>
A modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This modification is different from the embodiment in that the position where the reflection sensor 80 is arranged in the height direction of the second waste ink absorber 74 is changed.

  In FIG. 9, the detection level of the waste ink in the reflection sensor 80 is set to a distance L3 from the bottom 74a of the second waste ink absorber 74. That is, the predetermined liquid level in this modification example is the liquid level L3. That is, the detection position (liquid level) of the reflection sensor 80 in the height direction of the second waste ink absorber 74 is arbitrarily set with the distance L2 from the bottom 74a to the top surface 74b of the second waste ink absorber 74 as an upper limit. can do. Thereby, in a state where the waste ink is detected by the reflection sensor 80, the residual ink absorption capacity in the waste ink absorber 70 according to the detection position of the reflection sensor 80 can be set.

<<<< Other Modifications of Examples >>>>
(1) In the present embodiment, the translucent portion 78 is provided in a part of the side wall 59. However, instead of this configuration, the side wall 59A or all the side walls 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D are formed of a transparent material. May be.
(2) In this embodiment, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 is configured to be supplied with waste ink from the waste ink collecting device 56, but instead of this configuration, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 is replaced with the platen 46. It is good also as a structure arrange | positioned below. With this configuration, waste ink that is ejected toward the paper P supported by the platen 46 and discarded, or ink mist adhering to the platen 46 is positioned below the platen 46 via the platen 46. It is good also as a structure absorbed in the absorber accommodating part 58. FIG.
(3) Further, in the present embodiment, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 is formed in a box shape having an upper opening and accommodates the waste ink absorber 70. Instead of this configuration, the waste ink absorber is replaced with this configuration. The container 58 may be formed in a sealed cartridge shape, the waste ink absorber 70 may be stored in the cartridge, and the waste ink tube 64 may be connected to a part of the cartridge to supply the waste ink from the pump 62. .
(4) Further, in this embodiment, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 is divided into the first accommodating section 58a and the second accommodating section 58b by the partition plate 66, and the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second accommodating section 58b are separated. The waste ink absorber 74 is accommodated. However, instead of this configuration, the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 may be accommodated without partitioning the partition plate 66.
(5) In this embodiment, the waste ink absorber 70 (the first waste ink absorber 72 and the second waste ink absorber 74) is composed of a non-woven fabric, but instead of this configuration, the waste ink absorber 70 is replaced with a non-woven fabric. You may comprise with a porous absorber, the foam by a melamine resin, a sponge material, the material which has liquid absorption performance, etc.

  To summarize the above description, the printer 10 in this embodiment includes a recording head 44 that discharges ink toward the paper P, a cap unit 60 that receives ink discharged as waste ink from the recording head 44, and a cap unit 60. A waste ink absorber 70 for absorbing the waste ink to be sent and a plurality of side walls 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D surrounding the waste ink absorber 70 and containing the waste ink absorber 70 are accommodated. The reflection sensor 80 detects waste ink absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70 at a predetermined liquid level L1 in the waste ink absorber 70 via the portion 58 and the translucent portion 78 provided on at least a part of the side wall 59A. And.

  The reflection sensor 80 is provided on the side wall 59A. The reflection sensor 80 detects waste ink absorbed by the waste ink absorber 70 at a position farthest in the waste ink absorber 70 from the waste ink supply position from the cap unit 60 in the waste ink absorber 70.

  The predetermined liquid level L1 is located below the upper limit in the height direction of the waste ink absorber 70, that is, below the upper surface of the waste ink absorber 70. In the waste ink absorber 70, the waste ink supply position from the cap unit 60 is formed as a recess 76.

  The waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 is partitioned into a first accommodation compartment 58a and a second accommodation compartment 58b by a partition plate 66, and the first waste ink absorber 72 is accommodated in the first accommodation compartment 58a. The second waste ink absorber 74 is housed in the second housing section 58b. Waste ink is supplied to the first waste ink absorber 72. At least a part of the second waste ink absorber 74 is in contact with the first waste ink absorber 72 at a communication portion 68 provided in the partition plate 66. The reflection sensor 80 detects the level of waste ink in the second waste ink absorber 74.

  The reflection sensor 80 detects the liquid level of the waste ink at a position above the communication portion 68 in the height direction of the waste ink absorber housing portion 58. Waste ink is generated during the maintenance operation of the recording head 44.

In the present embodiment, the reflection sensor 80 and the waste ink absorber accommodating portion 58 according to the present invention are applied to an ink jet printer as an example of a recording apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to other liquid ejecting apparatuses in general.
Here, the liquid ejecting apparatus uses an ink jet recording head, and is not limited to a recording apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and a facsimile machine that discharges ink from the recording head to perform recording on a recording medium. And a device for ejecting a liquid corresponding to the application from a liquid ejecting head corresponding to the ink jet recording head to an ejected medium corresponding to the recording medium, and attaching the liquid to the ejected medium.

  In addition to the recording head, as a liquid ejecting head, a color material ejecting head used for manufacturing a color filter such as a liquid crystal display, and an electrode material (conductive paste) used for forming an electrode such as an organic EL display or a surface emitting display (FED) Examples thereof include an ejection head, a bioorganic matter ejection head used for biochip production, and a sample ejection head as a precision pipette.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

10 printer, 12 device body, 14 image reading device, 16 housing,
18 Medium storage unit, 20 Panel unit, 22 Cover, 24 Ejection tray,
26 Lower tray, 28 Upper tray, 30 Pickup roller,
32 Feed roller, 34 Transport roller, 36 Carriage, 38 Discharge roller,
40 Feeding driven roller, 42 Conveying driven roller, 44 Recording head, 46 Platen,
48 discharge driven roller, 50 reversing path, 52 reversing roller, 54 control unit,
56 waste ink collection device, 58 waste ink absorber housing portion, 58a first housing section,
58b second receiving compartment, 58c, 76a bottom surface,
59, 59A, 59B, 59C, 59D side wall, 60 cap means, 62 pump,
64 waste ink tube, 64a one end, 66 partition plate, 68 communicating part,
70 waste ink absorber, 72 first waste ink absorber, 72a, 74a bottom,
72b, 74b upper surface, 74 second waste ink absorber, 76 concave portion, 78 translucent portion,
80 Reflection sensor, L1, L3 Liquid level, L2 distance, P paper

Claims (8)

A recording head for discharging liquid toward a recording medium;
A waste liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid discharged as waste liquid from the recording head;
A waste liquid absorber that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiver;
A plurality of side walls surrounding the waste liquid absorber, and a waste liquid absorber housing portion for housing the waste liquid absorber;
A reflective sensor for detecting the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorber at a predetermined liquid level in the waste liquid absorber via a light transmitting portion provided on at least a part of the side wall;
A recording apparatus comprising: The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflection sensor is provided on the side wall.
A recording apparatus. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reflection sensor includes the waste liquid absorber at a position farthest from the supply position of the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiver in the waste liquid absorber. Detecting the waste liquid absorbed by
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined liquid level is located below an upper limit in a height direction of the waste liquid absorber.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a supply position of the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving portion is formed as a recess in the waste liquid absorber.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the waste liquid absorber housing portion is partitioned into a first housing section and a second housing section by a partition plate, A first waste liquid absorber is stored in the storage section, a second waste liquid absorber is stored in the second storage section,
The waste liquid is supplied to the first waste liquid absorber,
At least a part of the second waste liquid absorber is in contact with the first waste liquid absorber at a communication port provided in the partition plate,
The reflection sensor detects a level of the waste liquid in the second waste liquid absorber;
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the reflection sensor detects a liquid level of the waste liquid at a position above the communication port in a height direction of the waste liquid absorber housing portion.
A recording apparatus. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the waste liquid is generated during a maintenance operation of the recording head.
A recording apparatus.

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