JP2016175279A - Liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the possibility that a liquid drips down on a medium conveyance area 19 when a liquid supply channel 9a is removed from a line head 14.SOLUTION: A liquid jet device includes: a medium conveyance area 19; a line head 14 which jets a liquid to a medium M which is conveyed in the medium conveyance area 19; and a liquid supply channel 9a which is connected to the line head 14 to supply the liquid to the line head 14. The liquid supply channel 9a is provided in such a manner that the line head 14 is positioned between the channel and the medium conveyance area 19 in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus including a line head.

In a liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet printer provided with a line head, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, a flexible tube is used as a flow path from a liquid supply source such as a liquid container or ink. There is a structure in which the liquid is supplied to the line head via a path pipe.
In some cases, the line head is connected to an electronic circuit board or the like whose position is fixed by a flexible flat cable (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “FFC”).

The line head is long in the direction intersecting the medium transport direction. On the nozzle forming surface of the line head, a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid are provided over almost the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The flexible tube constitutes all or part of the liquid supply flow path from the liquid supply source by connecting a tube-side connection portion to a joint provided in the line head. The liquid supplied from the joint is supplied to each nozzle through a plurality of flow paths provided in the line head.
Also, the line head moves up and down relative to the support surface that supports the medium so that the distance between the medium and the nozzle forming surface can be adjusted according to the difference in the thickness of the medium or according to the curl of the medium. A possible structure is adopted. Further, there is a structure in which the line head is moved to a maintenance position positioned below, and in this structure, the moving distance in the vertical direction is larger than the moving distance for adjusting the distance from the medium.

When the line head moves up and down as described above, the joint and the flexible tube connected to the joint also move up and down together. The FFC also moves up and down together.
Due to this up-and-down movement, stress is applied to the flexible tube, and liquid leakage may occur from the joint portion. When the position of the flexible tube is fixed in the vicinity of the line head by the fixing portion on the apparatus main body side, the stress is particularly easily applied.
Further, the FFC may be twisted due to the vertical movement of the line head. Moreover, stress is applied to the FFC due to the up-and-down movement of the line head, and there is a possibility that the FFC may be disconnected from the connection portion with the line head or may be disconnected.
Further, the liquid supplied from the joint into the line head is sent to each nozzle through the plurality of flow paths, and each nozzle is provided over the entire longitudinal direction of the long line head. Therefore, the lengths of the flow paths from the joint to the nozzles tend to vary. If the variation in the flow path length is large, the supply pressure from the liquid supply source may vary, which may cause variations in the weight of the droplets ejected from each nozzle.
Moreover, when it is the structure which removes a flexible tube from the joint of a line head in the case of a maintenance etc., a liquid may droop with the removal. Since there is a medium conveyance area below the line head, the dripping liquid may fall into the medium conveyance area.

JP, 2014-111388, A JP 2011-062851 A JP 2009-113212 A

In each of the above-mentioned patent documents, there is no description or suggestion of a problem that the liquid drips in the lower medium conveyance region when the liquid supply channel such as a flexible tube is removed from the line head.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of liquid dripping in a medium conveyance region when removing a liquid supply channel from a line head.

  In order to achieve the above object, a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a medium transport area, a line head that ejects liquid onto a medium transported in the medium transport area, and the line head connected to the line head. A liquid supply flow path for supplying the liquid to the line head, and the liquid supply flow path is disposed so that the line head is positioned between the medium transport area in the vertical direction. And

  According to this aspect, the liquid supply flow path is disposed so that the line head is positioned between the liquid supply flow path and the medium conveyance region in the vertical direction. That is, since the line head is present below the liquid supply channel, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid will drip into the medium conveyance region even if the liquid leaks from the liquid supply channel.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the connection portion connected to the line head of the liquid supply channel is located on an upper surface of the line head, and the liquid supply flow The path has an extending portion that extends from the position of the connecting portion through the upper surface of the line head in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the medium, and is the extended portion, the upper surface of the line head The portion outside of is located outside the medium conveyance area.

  According to this aspect, when the liquid supply flow path is removed from the line head, the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is removed from the joint of the line head, and further, the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward while By moving along the upper surface, even when the liquid drips from the connection portion, the line head is located above the medium conveyance area, so that the possibility of the liquid falling directly to the medium conveyance area is reduced. be able to. Then, when the connecting portion of the line head is lifted to reach the outer area that is off the upper surface of the line head, the position is outside the range of the medium conveyance area. Therefore, since there is no medium conveyance area directly below the connection portion, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid will fall directly into the medium conveyance area.

In a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the liquid supply flow path includes a plurality of flow paths, and the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward. In this case, the connecting portion is provided with a support mechanism for supporting movement along the upper surface of the line head.
Here, “support” by the support mechanism means that when the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward, the connection portion is guided so as to move along the upper surface of the line head. , A guide provided by an arrow, a mark provided at the target position of the movement destination, a holding unit, a display serving as a mark of other movement destination, and the like.

  According to this aspect, when the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward, the connection portion can be easily moved along the upper surface of the line head supported by the support mechanism.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the support mechanism is provided on the line head and is located on both sides along the extended portion of the liquid supply flow path. It is a restricting portion having a restricting surface along the lifting direction when the connecting portion of the liquid supply channel is lifted upward along the upper surface of the line head.

According to this aspect, the restricting surface of the restricting portion is along the lifting direction when the connecting portion of the liquid supply channel is lifted upward along the upper surface of the line head. Therefore, when the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward, the connection portion can be guided or supported so as to move along the upper surface of the line head.
Further, since the position of the plurality of channels in the extended portion on the upper surface of the line head is regulated by the regulation surface of the regulation unit, the liquid supply channel suppresses variations in the plurality of channels. Can do.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the support mechanism is on a direction line that moves along the upper surface of the line head by lifting the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path upward. It is a target display that is provided at a position and indicates the position of the movement destination.

  According to this aspect, the target display indicating the position of the movement destination is provided at the position on the direction line in which the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward and moves along the upper surface of the line head. The display can guide or support the connection as it moves along the top surface of the line head as the connection of the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the liquid supply flow path is removed from the line head. A holding portion that holds the connection portion upward is provided outside the range.

According to this aspect, since the holding portion that holds the connecting portion upward with the liquid supply flow channel removed from the line head is provided, the liquid supply flow channel in the removed state does not get in the way during maintenance, Maintainability is improved.
In addition, since the holding unit is located outside the range of the medium conveyance region, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid drips from the liquid supply channel held in the holding unit to the medium conveyance region.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the line head is attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and the holding portion is disengaged from an attachment / detachment path of the line head. It is provided in.

  According to this aspect, since the holding unit is provided at a position that is out of the line head attachment / detachment path, the liquid supply is performed in a state in which the holding unit does not get in the way during maintenance such as repair or replacement of the line head. It is possible to hold the flow path.

The liquid ejecting apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, comprising a liquid container that contains the liquid supplied to the line head, and held by the holding unit. The position of the connecting portion in is in a position above the center position of the liquid outlet of the liquid storage portion.
According to this aspect, it is possible to prevent the liquid from dripping from the connection portion of the removed liquid supply channel.

The liquid ejecting apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the line head is provided with a joint to which the connecting portion of the liquid supply flow path is connected. It is characterized by having a liquid reservoir part that accumulates liquid at a portion where the liquid is accumulated and stops downward flow.
Here, “stopping outflow” in “accumulating the liquid and stopping the downward flow” is not limited to the structure for stopping the liquid from completely flowing out in the specification of the present application. It is used in the meaning including the structure which can suppress.

According to this aspect, even when the liquid leaks when the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is removed from the joint of the line head, the liquid reservoir can stop the liquid from flowing out downward. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the liquid dripping in the medium conveyance area.
Here, since the line head is larger in size and longer in shape than the serial type liquid discharge head that reciprocates in the liquid discharge region, it can be said that it is easy to secure a place for providing the liquid reservoir for temporarily storing the liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an external appearance of an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention, where FIG. The principal part perspective view showing the part of a line head, a flexible tube, and a liquid container based on embodiment of a liquid ejecting apparatus same as the above. The principal part top view same as the above. The principal part front view same as the above. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the liquid ejecting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view (from above) of the line head according to the embodiment. The disassembled perspective view of the line head which concerns on the embodiment (from the downward direction). The top view which looked at the line head concerning the embodiment from the medium side. Explanatory drawing of the flow path of the line head which concerns on the same embodiment. The side view and top view of the flow-path structure of the line head which concern on the embodiment. VII-VII sectional view taken on the line in FIG. Explanatory drawing of the relationship between the flow-path structure of the line head which concerns on the embodiment, and the supply pipe | tube of an ink and air. The block diagram which paid its attention to the flow path of one system ink among the flow path control parts of the line head which concerns on the embodiment. The principal part top view showing the part of a line head and FFC which concerns on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. The principal part side view same as the above. The principal part perspective view showing the part of a line head, a flexible tube, and FFC based on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. The same perspective view showing the state where the flexible tube was removed from the state of FIG. The perspective view showing the state which removed FFC from the state of FIG. FIG. 15 is a schematic side view illustrating the positional relationship between the line head illustrated in FIG. 14 and the medium conveyance path. The perspective view from the front showing the state which opened the medium receiving surface of the medium discharge part based on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. (A) is the same perspective view showing the state which removed a part of medium conveyance path from the state of FIG. 20, (B) is the same perspective view seen from the upper direction from (A). (A) The same perspective view showing the state which removed the flexible tube from the state of FIG. 21 (A), and was hold | maintained at the holding | maintenance part, (B) is the same perspective view seen from the upper direction from (A). FIG. 22A is a perspective view showing the state of FIG. 22A or a state in which the line head is removed, and FIG. The perspective view showing the part of a line head and a flexible tube based on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. The perspective view showing the state just before removing a flexible tube and holding | maintaining to a holding part based on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing portions of a line head and a flexible tube according to the embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The perspective view which opened the back cover of the liquid ejecting apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and made the state which can access a sub tank (from back). FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the sub tank illustrated in FIG. 27. AA line sectional view in FIG. The perspective view which opened the back cover and made it accessible to the wiping unit based on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. 1 (from back). The top view (A) of the wiping unit of the embodiment, the AA sectional view (B) in this top view (A), the front view (C), and the principal part expanded sectional view (D). The top view (A) of the wiping unit of the embodiment, the AA sectional view (B) in this top view (A), the front view (C), and the principal part expanded sectional view (D). The principal part expansion disassembled sectional view which removed the wiping member from the wiping unit of the embodiment. The principal part enlarged front view which removed the wiping member from the wiping unit of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a positional relationship among a line head, a wiping member, and a conveyance path according to the embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. The schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of a line head and the wiping member based on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a line head and a wiping member according to the embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, in which (A) is a state in which a cap member is separated and a support portion is in a support position; B) is a sealed state by the cap member, and the support portion is in the retracted state. The perspective view about the left side which concerns on embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus represented to FIG. The perspective view showing the state which removed the cover of the left side surface from the state of FIG. The perspective view showing the state which removed the discharge unit from the state of FIG. The principal part expansion perspective view of FIG. The same perspective view showing the state which removed the end of the 1st tube from the relay flow path from the state of FIG. The front view which represented the state of FIG. 42 by notching a part. The same perspective view showing the state where the cap unit was removed from the state of FIG. The principal part expansion perspective view of FIG. The perspective view showing the state which removed the cap member from the state of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the XYZ coordinate system shown in each figure, the X direction represents the apparatus width direction (the entire width direction of the medium), the Y direction represents the medium transport direction, and the Z direction represents the apparatus height direction. In order to facilitate understanding of the explanation, the front side, rear side, left side, and right side directions of the apparatus are also shown in some drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall external perspective view of an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention.
The liquid ejecting apparatus is an ink jet printer 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a printer 1) that is one of recording apparatuses. The printer 1 includes a scanner unit 2 at the top and is configured as a multifunction machine. In the present invention, the scanner unit 2 may not be provided.
The printer 1 includes a plurality of medium storage cassettes 4 for storing a sheet M such as plain paper or photographic paper as an example of “medium” in the lower part of the apparatus body 3 (FIG. 5; hereinafter referred to as “medium M” in some cases). And a recording execution unit 6 having a line head 14 (FIG. 2) therein is provided above the medium accommodating cassette 4. Each medium accommodating cassette 4 is detachable from the front side of the apparatus main body 3.

  A discharge tray 7 is provided between the recording execution unit 6 and the scanner unit 2 and on a part of the top surface of the recording execution unit 6 to discharge the paper M recorded by the line head 14. . In FIG. 1, reference numeral 8 denotes an outlet through which the paper M is discharged toward the discharge tray 7. The discharge tray 7 is configured to be openable and closable so that the internal line head 14 can be lifted upward. The structure for taking out the line head 14 will be described later.

(A) ◆◆ How to deal with the problem that the flexible tube suffers when the line head moves up and down ◆◆
An embodiment of coping with the problem that the flexible tube 9 suffers when the line head 14 moves up and down will be described below.
The present embodiment will be described mainly using FIGS. 2 to 13 and 19.

(A-1) Embodiment 1
(A-1-1) Configuration As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, in this embodiment, the flexible tube 9 includes four first flexible tubes that supply liquid ink to the line head 14. The tube 9a and the two 2nd flexible tubes 9b which supply the air which is gas to the line head 14 are provided. The number of the tubes is not limited to these.
The proximal end side of the first flexible tube 9a is connected to the liquid container 18 side that is the liquid supply source. 2 to 4, reference numeral 30 denotes a liquid container holder, and the liquid container 18 is attached to the liquid container holder 30. The liquid container 18 is an ink cartridge, an ink pack, or the like. The proximal end side of the second flexible tube 9b is connected to a pump 16 (FIG. 5) serving as an air supply source.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the printer 1 includes a line head 14 that is long along a first direction F <b> 1 (same as the X direction), and a first flexible that supplies ink to the line head 14. And a sex tube 9a.
The line head 14 includes a plurality of nozzles N (see also FIG. 8) positioned along the first direction F1, a first joint 10 connected to the first flexible tube 9a, a first joint 10, and a plurality of joints. And a plurality of flow paths 11 forming a flow path between the nozzle N and the nozzle N. Furthermore, the line head 14 moves up and down by a lifting mechanism (not shown) in a second direction F2 (same as the Z direction) orthogonal to the first direction F1.

The first flexible tube 9 a includes a first connection portion 13 that is connected to the first joint 10. Further, the first flexible tube 9a is configured so that the first connecting portion 13 is connected to the first joint 10 from the first connecting portion 13 to one side (+ X side) in the first direction F1. The first extending portion 15 is provided that extends along the direction F1 of 1 and is not extended on the other side (−X side) and is movable as the line head 14 is moved up and down.
The “plurality of flow paths” will be described in detail in the description of the structure of the line head based on FIGS.

The first joint 10 is disposed in a central portion 17b of each of the regions 17a, 17b, and 17c obtained by dividing the line head into three equal parts in the first direction F1.
Here, “the first joint 10 is disposed in the central portion 17b when the line head 14 is equally divided into three in the first direction F1” means “the central portion 17b when it is equally divided”. One joint 10 is provided at the central portion of the long line head 14 in the longitudinal direction (first direction F1), not at the end portion, but the range of the central portion in the longitudinal direction is defined. It is. The range of the “central portion 17b” is determined in relation to the problem of reducing the “supply pressure variation” based on the “flow path length variation”. Therefore, “three equal parts” do not need to be exactly three equal parts.
Simply, in the line head 14 having a structure in which the nozzle N is provided over the entire length of the line head 14, a region obtained by dividing the entire length of the line head 14 from end to end into three equal parts. The central portion of the region may be (FIG. 3).
Alternatively, the first direction F1 of a plurality of flow paths 11 provided between the first joint 10 and the plurality of nozzles N (flow paths PI1 (FIG. 9) provided in a flow path structure G1 described later). The center part of the area | region which divided the end into three equally as a whole from the edge of the formation range in (2) may be sufficient.

  In the present embodiment, the line head 14 is an area of the nozzle N formed in the first direction F1, which is a direction intersecting the moving direction FM, which is the transport direction of the medium M on which liquid such as ink is ejected. The entire medium transport area 19 (FIG. 3) in the first direction F1 of the medium M is provided so as to be covered. Note that the area of the nozzle N in the first direction F1 of the line head 14 may not be able to cover the entire first direction F1 of all the media M to which the liquid ejecting apparatus corresponds.

In the present embodiment, in the line head 14, the first joint 10 is located on the upper surface 5 in the ascending / descending direction (second direction F2).
Further, the first flexible tube 9a has four first tubes 9a (C), two arranged in such a manner that their positions in the second direction F2 (Z direction) overlap each other, that is, are positioned substantially in a horizontal plane. No. tube 9a (M), No. 3 tube 9a (Y) and No. 4 tube 9a (K) are included. The first tube 9a (C) corresponds to the ink color cyan, the second tube 9a (M) corresponds to magenta, the third tube 9a (Y) corresponds to yellow, and the fourth tube 9a (K) corresponds to black.
The first joint 10 is connected to the first joint 10C connected to the first tube 9a (C), the second joint 10M connected to the second tube 9a (M), and the third tube 9a (Y). And a fourth joint 10K connected to the fourth tube 9a (M) (see also FIG. 26 described later).
The number of tubes is not limited to four. The number of tubes depends on the type of printer.

  In addition, each tube is not limited to the above-described tube that supplies ink of different colors (CMYK). For example, a tube that supplies ink of the same type (color), a tube that supplies ink, and a tube that collects ink It may be. Further, when the liquid ejecting apparatus is an apparatus other than a printer, it goes without saying that the liquid passing through the tube is not ink but liquid for the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the plurality of flow paths 11 are connected to the first flow path 11 </ b> C that communicates with the first joint 10 </ b> C and has a plurality of branch points along the first direction F <b> 1. A second flow path 11M having a plurality of branch points along the first direction F1 in communication with the joint 10M, and a third flow having a plurality of branch points along the first direction F1 in communication with the third joint 10Y. A path 11Y and a fourth channel 11K that communicates with the fourth joint 10K and has a plurality of branch points along the first direction F1 are included.
The first tube 9a (C), the second tube 9a (M), the third tube 9a (Y), and the fourth tube 9a (K) are orthogonal to the first direction F1 and the second direction F2, respectively. The third flow path 11C, the second flow path 11M, the third flow path 11Y, and the fourth flow path 11K are arranged in the same order along the third direction F3.

  Here, the “plurality of branch points” are points where a flow path is branched in order to provide a plurality of outlets with respect to one supply port in one flow path. That is, a branch point is provided corresponding to the number of outlets. The “plurality of branch points” will be described in more detail in the description of the structure of the line head based on FIGS. 5 to 13 described later.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIG. 26 described later, in the present embodiment, the first joint 10 is the first joint 10C, the second joint 10M, the third joint 10Y, and the fourth joint 10K. Each joint is arranged along the third direction F3 (Y direction). In other words, the direction in which the plurality of joints 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K of the first joint 10 are arranged is parallel to the third direction F3 (Y direction).

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIG. 26 described later, in this embodiment, the first extending portion 15 of the first flexible tube 9a is separated from the line head 14 in the first direction F1. The fulcrum part 34 when moving up and down with the line head 14 is provided at the position. This fulcrum part 34 is provided with each fulcrum 34C, 34M, 34Y, 34K for the first tube 9a (C), second tube 9a (M), third tube 9a (Y) and fourth tube 9a (K). including. And each fulcrum 34C, 34M, 34Y, 34K is arrange | positioned along the 3rd direction F3 similarly to each joint 10C, 10M, 10Y, 10K of the 1st joint 10. FIG.
Here, the fulcrum part 34 is composed of an end part 36 of a support part 35 that supports the second flexible tube 9a routed in the apparatus main body 3 from the lower side. The configuration is not limited to the portion 36.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a second flexible tube 9 b that supplies air, which is a gas, to the line head 14. A second joint 27 connected to the flexible tube 9b is provided.
The second flexible tube 9 b includes a second connection portion 28 that is connected to the second joint 27. Further, in a state where the second connection portion 28 is connected to the second joint 27, the second connection portion 28 extends from the second connection portion 28 to one side (+ X side) in the first direction F1 along the first direction F1. The second extended portion 29 is provided so as not to extend on the other side (−X side) but to move as the line head 14 moves up and down.
The second joint 27 is arranged on the other side (−X side) in the first direction F1 than the first joint 10.
The flow path and role of the air sent by the second flexible tube 9b in the line head 14 will be described in detail in the description of the structure of the line head based on FIGS. 5 to 13 described later.

In the present embodiment, the second joint 27 is positioned on the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 in the ascending / descending direction (second direction F2).
The four first flexible tubes 9a and the two second flexible tubes 9b overlap with each other in the second direction F2 (Z direction), that is, are positioned in a substantially horizontal plane. Has been placed.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the second joint 27, the first joint 27A1 and the second joint 27A2 are arranged along the third direction F3 (Y direction). In other words, the direction in which the plurality of joints 27A1 and 27A2 of the second joint 27 are arranged is parallel to the third direction F3 (Y direction).
Further, in the present embodiment, the second extending portion 29 of the second flexible tube 9b is a fulcrum portion 34 that moves up and down together with the line head 14 at a position separated from the line head 14 in the first direction F1. Have The fulcrum portion 34 is common to the fulcrum portion 34 for the first extending portion 15 and includes fulcrums 34A1 and 34A2 for the tubes of the first tube 9b (A1) and the second tube 9b (A2). And each fulcrum 34A1, 34A2 is arrange | positioned along the 3rd direction F3 similarly to each joint 27A1, 27A2 of the 2nd joint 27. As shown in FIG.

(A-1-2) Effect (1) According to the above-described embodiment, the first flexible tube 9 a is connected to the first joint portion 13 connected to the first joint 10 of the line head 14 from the line head 14. It extends along the first direction F1 to one side (+ X side) in the first direction F1, which is the longitudinal direction, and does not extend to the other side (−X side). The 1st extension part 15 which can move with it is provided. Thus, since the first extending portion 15 extends along the line head 14 from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the long line head 14 to the central portion 17b, the first extending portion 15 is provided. The portion 15 can flexibly cope with the lifting and lowering operation of the line head 14.
Thereby, the stress added to the 1st flexible tube 9a connected to this line head 14 with the raising / lowering of this line head 14 can be absorbed by the said 1st extension part 15, and can be reduced.

  In addition, the first joint 10 is disposed in the central portion 17b when the line head 14 is divided into three equal parts in the first direction F1 that is the longitudinal direction of the line head 14, so that the first joint 10 becomes a liquid supply port. The variation in the flow path length from the joint 10 to the nozzle N can be reduced as compared with the structure in which the first joint is disposed at the end portion in the longitudinal direction. The variation in the supply pressure of the liquid can be reduced.

(2) According to the present embodiment, the first flexible tube 9a includes the first tube 9a (C), the second tube 9a (M), the third tube 9a (Y), and the fourth tube forming a plurality of tubes. The tubes 9a (K) are arranged so that their positions in the second direction F2 (Z direction) overlap each other. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the size in the second direction F2 (the height direction of the apparatus) with respect to other arrangements stacked in the second direction F2.

(3) According to the present embodiment, the first tube 9a (C), the second tube 9a (M), the third tube 9a (Y), and the fourth tube 9a (K) have the first direction F1 and the first tube Are arranged in the same order as the first channel 11C, the second channel 11M, the third channel 11Y, and the fourth channel 11K along a third direction F3 (Y direction) orthogonal to each of the two directions F2. It is out. As a result, the communication structure between the plurality of joints (10C, 10M, 10Y, 10K) and the plurality of flow paths (11C, 11M, 11Y, 11K) can be simplified. Can be miniaturized.
In addition, when the first tube 9a (C), the second tube 9a (M), the third tube 9a (Y), and the fourth tube 9a (K) are made into flow paths that are visible from the outside by using a transparent member. The connection positions of the plurality of tubes (9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y), 9a (K)) can be easily understood, and erroneous connection can be reduced.

(4) According to the present embodiment, since the plurality of joints 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K of the first joint 10 are disposed along the third direction F3, they are disposed in a direction intersecting with the third direction F3. Compared to the structure, the flow length of the liquid supplied from the first tube 9a (C), the second tube 9a (M), the third tube 9a (Y) and the fourth tube 9a (K) can be easily aligned. .

(5) Further, according to the present embodiment, the fulcrum portion 34 includes the fulcrums 34C, 34M, 34Y, and 34K for the plurality of tubes 9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y), and 9a (K). The first joint 10 is disposed along the third direction F3, and the joints 10C, 10M, 10Y, and 10K are disposed along the third direction F3. Thereby, the 1st extension part 15 is the length of each of the several tubes 9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y), and 9a (K) located between the 1st coupling 10 and the fulcrum part 34. Are almost the same. Further, the plurality of tubes 9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y), and 9a (K) are arranged so that their positions in the second direction F2 overlap each other.
When the first extending portion 15 swings around the fulcrum 34 by the up and down movement of the line head 14, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the lengths of the plurality of tubes are substantially the same. And the swinging posture of each of the plurality of tubes 9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y), and “the plurality of tubes overlap each other in the second direction”. It becomes almost the same at 9a (K). As a result, the stress based on the swing can be received almost equally in each of the plurality of tubes 9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y) and 9a (K), and thus based on the swing. Stress can be effectively absorbed and reduced without bias.
In other words, if the stress applied to each of the tubes 9a (C), 9a (M), 9a (Y) and 9a (K) is not uniform based on the swing, a large stress is applied. However, according to the present embodiment, such a possibility is small.

(6) According to the present embodiment, also in the second flexible tube 9 b, the second extending portion 29 is located at the position of the second joint 27 from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the long line head 14. Is extended along the line head 14. Thereby, like the 1st flexible tube 9a, the 2nd extension part 29 can respond flexibly to the raising / lowering operation | movement of the line head 14. FIG. Therefore, the stress applied to the second flexible tube 9b connected to the line head 14 as the line head 14 moves up and down can be absorbed by the second extending portion 15 and reduced.
Moreover, since the 2nd coupling 27 is arrange | positioned rather than the 1st coupling 10 in the said other side (-X side) in the 1st direction F1, the structure of a coupling is not complicated.

(7) According to the present embodiment, the first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b overlap each other in the second direction F2 (Z direction), that is, are positioned in a substantially horizontal plane. Is arranged. Thereby, size reduction in the 2nd direction F2 can be achieved compared with the other structure from which the position in the 2nd direction F2 differs.

Further, the fulcrums 34A1 and 34A2 of the fulcrum part 34 are arranged along the third direction F3, like the joints 27A1 and 27A2 of the second joint 27.
Therefore, when the second extending portion 29 swings around the fulcrum 34 by the up-and-down movement of the line head 14, the swinging posture is substantially the same for each of the plurality of tubes 9b (A1) and second tube 9b (A2). Be the same. As a result, the stress based on the swing can be received almost equally in each of the plurality of tubes 9b (A1) and 9b (A2), so that the stress based on the swing can be effectively absorbed without any bias. Can be reduced.

(A-1-3) Description of Line Head Structure The structure of the line head 14 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a partial configuration diagram of the printer 1 according to the embodiment of the invention. The printer 1 is a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects ink, which is an example of liquid, onto a printing medium (ejecting target) M such as printing paper, and includes a control device 100, a transport mechanism 12, and a line head (hereinafter, “liquid ejecting head”). 14) and a pump 16 are provided. A liquid container 18 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “liquid container (ink cartridge)”) 18 that stores a plurality of colors of ink I is attached to the printer 1. In the present embodiment, four colors of ink I of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (B) are stored in the liquid container 18.

The control device 100 comprehensively controls each element of the printer 1. The transport mechanism 12 transports the print medium M in the Y direction under the control of the control device 100. The pump 16 is an air supply device that supplies two systems of air A (A1, A2) to the liquid jet head 14 via the second flexible tube 9b under the control of the control device 100. The air A1 and the air A2 are gases used for controlling the flow path inside the liquid jet head 14. The pump 16 of this embodiment can pressurize each of the air A1 and the air A2 independently of each other.
The liquid ejecting head 14 ejects the ink I supplied from the liquid container 18 onto the print medium M under the control of the control device 100. The liquid jet head 14 according to the present embodiment is a line head that is long in the X direction intersecting the Y direction. A direction perpendicular to the XY plane (a plane parallel to the surface of the print medium M) is hereinafter referred to as a Z direction. The ejection direction of the ink I by the liquid ejecting head 14 corresponds to the −Z direction.

  6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the liquid ejecting head 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the liquid ejecting head 14 of the present embodiment includes a flow path structure G1, a flow path control unit G2, and a liquid ejecting unit G3. Schematically, a flow path controller G2 is installed between the flow path structure G1 and the liquid ejecting section G3. That is, the channel structure G1, the channel controller G2, and the liquid ejecting unit G3 overlap each other when viewed from the Z direction. The liquid ejecting unit G3 is a structure in which six liquid ejecting units U3 are accommodated and supported in the housing 142.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view of a surface facing the print medium M in the liquid ejecting unit G3. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the six liquid ejecting units U3 are arranged along the X direction. Each liquid ejecting unit U3 includes a plurality (six in the example of the present embodiment) of ejecting heads 70 arranged along the X direction. Each ejection head unit 70 includes a head chip that ejects ink I from a plurality of nozzles N. The plurality of nozzles N of one ejection head unit 70 are arranged in two rows along the W direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction and the Y direction. Four systems (four colors) of ink I are supplied in parallel to each ejection head unit 70 of the liquid ejection unit U3. The plurality of nozzles N of one ejection head unit 70 are divided into four groups, and different inks I are ejected for each group.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the liquid ejecting head 14 focusing on the flow path of the fluid (ink I and air A). As understood from FIG. 9, four systems of ink I are supplied from the liquid container 18 and two systems of air A (A1, A2) are supplied from the pump 16 to the flow path structure G1. The flow path structure G1 distributes each of the four systems of ink I and each of the two systems of air A into six systems corresponding to different liquid ejecting units U3. That is, the distribution number (6) of one system of ink I by the flow path structure G1 exceeds the number of ink I types K (K = 4).

  6 and 7 is an element that controls the flow path (for example, opening and closing of the flow path and pressure in the flow path) of the liquid ejecting head 14, and corresponds to different liquid ejecting units U3. Each flow path control unit U2 is configured. As illustrated in FIG. 9, four inks I and two airs A are supplied in parallel to the six flow path control units U2 by distribution in the flow path structure G1. Each flow path control unit U2 controls opening / closing and pressure of the flow paths of the four systems of ink I distributed by the flow path structure G1 to each liquid ejecting unit U3 according to the two systems of air A.

After distribution in the flow path structure G1, four systems of ink I are supplied in parallel to the six liquid ejection units U3 via the flow path control units U2. Each liquid ejecting unit U3 includes a liquid distributor 60. The liquid distribution unit 60 distributes each of the four systems of ink I supplied from the upstream flow path control unit U2 to six systems corresponding to different ejection head units 70. That is, the four systems of ink I after being distributed by the liquid distribution unit 60 are supplied in parallel to each of the six ejection head units 70. Each ejection head unit 70 ejects each of the four systems of ink I from different nozzles N.
Specific examples of the elements (the flow channel structure G1, the flow channel control unit G2, and the liquid ejection unit G3) of the liquid jet head 14 outlined above will be described in detail below.

<Flow channel structure G1>
10 is a side view and a plan view of the flow path structure G1, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. As illustrated in the side view of FIG. 10, the flow path structure G1 of this embodiment includes a substrate 20, a plurality of sealing portions 25 (25a, 25b, 25c), and a plurality of sealing portions 26 (26a, 26b). Is a flat plate-like structure. In addition, illustration of each sealing part 25 and each sealing part 26 was abbreviate | omitted for convenience in the top view of FIG.

  The substrate 20 of the present embodiment is a flat plate material that is long in the X direction, and includes a first surface 21 and a second surface 22 that are parallel to the XY plane. In FIG. 10, a plan view of the first surface 21 and a plan view of the second surface 22 are shown together. The first surface 21 is the surface (upper surface) opposite to the flow path control unit G2 and the liquid ejecting unit G3, and the second surface 22 is the surface opposite to the first surface 21 (flow channel control unit G2). Opposite surface). The substrate 20 of the present embodiment is formed of a thermoplastic resin material (for example, polypropylene).

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first surface 21 of the substrate 20 includes a region 31a, a region 31b, and a region 31c. Four supply ports SI1 corresponding to the ink I of each system are formed between the region 31a and the region 31b on the first surface 21, and between the region 31b and the region 31c on the first surface 21. Are formed with two supply ports SA1 corresponding to the air A of each system.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the connection state of the flow path structure G1. As illustrated in FIG. 12, each of the four supply ports SI1 has a connection portion (joint) 381 (a portion where the first joint 10 in FIG. 3 is provided) installed on the first surface 21. The ends of the supply pipes TI1 of the respective inks I made of the first flexible tube 9a are connected. Each supply pipe TI1 extends along the X direction on the surface of the region 31a, and the end opposite to the supply port SI1 is connected to the liquid container 18.
On the other hand, each of the two supply ports SA1 includes a second flexible tube 9b via a connection portion 382 (a portion where the second joint 27 in FIG. 3 is provided) provided on the first surface 21. The ends of the supply pipes TA1 for each air A (A1, A2) are connected. Each supply pipe TA1 extends in the X direction on the surface of the region 31b and the region 31a, and the end opposite to the supply port SA1 is connected to the pump 16.
In the above configuration, the four systems of ink I (C, M, Y, K) stored in the liquid container 18 are supplied in parallel to the four supply ports SI1 through the supply pipes TI1, and are supplied from the pump 16. The two systems of air A (A1, A2) sent out are supplied in parallel to the two supply ports SA1 via each supply pipe TA1.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, four grooves 341 a corresponding to each ink I are formed in the region 31 a of the first surface 21 of the substrate 20. Similarly, four groove portions 341b are formed in the region 31b, and four groove portions 341c are formed in the region 31c. The groove portion 341a and the groove portion 341b are located on opposite sides of the supply port SI1 in plan view (that is, when viewed from the Z direction perpendicular to the substrate 20).
In addition, two grooves 342 a corresponding to each air A are formed in the region 31 a of the first surface 21 of the substrate 20. Similarly, two grooves 342b are formed in the region 31b, and two grooves 342c are formed in the region 31c. The groove part 342b and the groove part 342c are located on opposite sides of the supply port SA1 in plan view.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, in each region 31 (31 a, 31 b, 31 c) of the first surface 21, the ink I is formed on both sides of the two groove portions 342 (342 a, 342 b, 342 c) corresponding to the air A. Corresponding grooves 341 (341a, 341b, 341c) are located.

  Each groove part 341 (341a, 341b, 341c) and each groove part 342 (342a, 342b, 342c) are roughly grooves (front-side groove parts) formed to extend in the X direction. Specifically, in the present embodiment, each groove portion 341 corresponding to the ink I extends substantially linearly along the X direction, and each groove portion 342 corresponding to the air A is an attachment hole formed in the substrate 20. It is formed in a bent shape so as to bypass 23. Each mounting hole 23 is a through-hole used for fixing the substrate 20, and specifically, a screw hole into which a screw (not shown) for fixing the flow path structure G1 to the flow path control unit G2 is inserted. is there.

  As illustrated in the side view of FIG. 10, separate sealing portions 25 (25 a, 25 b, 25 c) are installed in each region 31 (31 a, 31 b, 31 c) of the first surface 21. Specifically, the sealing portion 25a is installed in the region 31a, the sealing portion 25b is installed in the region 31b, and the sealing portion 25c is installed in the region 31c. Each sealing portion 25 is a film-like member (film thickness of about 0.1 mm) attached to the first surface 21 of the substrate 20, and each groove portion 341 and each groove portion 342 formed on the first surface 21. Is sealed (closed) to form a flow path.

  On the other hand, the second surface 22 of the substrate 20 includes a region 32a and a region 32b, as illustrated in FIG. The region 32a is a region that overlaps the region of the gap between the region 31a and the region 31b of the first surface 21 (that is, the region where the four supply ports SI1 are formed) in plan view, and the region 32b is the first surface 21. This is an area that overlaps the area of the gap between the area 31b and the area 31c (that is, the area where the two supply ports SA1 are formed) in plan view.

  In the region 32a of the second surface 22, four groove portions 351a corresponding to each ink I and two groove portions 352a corresponding to each air A are formed. Similarly, four grooves 351b and two grooves 352b are formed in the region 32b. Each groove portion 351 (351a, 351b) and each groove portion 352 (352a, 352b) are grooves (back side groove portions) formed on the second surface 22. In the region 32b, the four groove portions 351b are located outside the two groove portions 352b, while in the region 32a, the groove portions 352a are located in the gap between the pair of groove portions 351a.

  In FIG. 10, the boundary of each liquid ejecting unit U3 is indicated by a broken line. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second surface 22 has four outlets DI1 corresponding to each ink I and two outlets DA1 corresponding to each air A, and six liquid ejecting units U3. (Each of the six flow path control units U2). Each of the outlets DI1 and each of the outlets DA1 is a tubular portion protruding from the second surface 22 in the Z direction.

  Six outflow ports DI1 corresponding to any one system of ink I are substantially equally spaced so as to overlap each of the grooves 341 (341a, 341b, 341c) corresponding to the ink I in the first surface 21 in plan view. As shown in FIG. 11, the substrate 20 communicates with each groove portion 341 through a through hole H penetrating the substrate 20 in the Z direction. Similarly, the six outlets DA1 corresponding to any one system of air A overlap with the grooves 342 (342a, 342b, 342c) corresponding to the air A in the first surface 21 in plan view. They are arranged along the X direction at substantially equal intervals, and communicate with the grooves 342 through the through holes H of the substrate 20.

As illustrated in the side view of FIG. 10, separate sealing portions 26 (26 a, 26 b) are installed in each region 32 (32 a, 32 b) of the second surface 22. Specifically, the sealing portion 26a is installed in the region 32a, and the sealing portion 26b is installed in the region 32b. Each sealing part 26 is a film-like member (film thickness of about 0.1 mm) adhered to the second surface 22, and similarly to the sealing part 25 on the first surface 21 side, the second surface 22. The flow path is configured by sealing the respective groove portions 351 (351a, 351b) and the respective groove portions 352 (352a, 352b) formed in FIG.
As illustrated above, in the present embodiment, since the film-like sealing portion 25 and the sealing portion 26 are installed on the substrate 20, for example, a plate material having a predetermined plate thickness is attached to the substrate 20. There is an advantage that the dimension (thickness) in the Z direction of the flow path structure G1 can be reduced as compared with the configuration forming the path.
Moreover, in this embodiment, since the some sealing part 25 is installed in the 1st surface 21, compared with the structure which coat | covers the whole 1st surface 21 with the single sealing part 25, the sealing part 25 of FIG. There is an advantage that the installation is easy (defects in sealing of the grooves can be reduced). The same applies to the sealing portion 26.

Each sealing part 25 and each sealing part 26 of the present embodiment has a surface layer formed of a material common to the substrate 20 (a thermoplastic resin material such as polypropylene), and the surface of the surface layer is heated on the substrate 20. By being pressed, it is welded to the substrate 20. Therefore, there exists an advantage that installation of each sealing part 25 and each sealing part 26 is easy. For example, the sealing part 25 and the sealing part 26 are suitably configured by stacking PET and polypropylene.
Moreover, in this embodiment, each sealing part 25 and each sealing part 26 are formed separately from each other. Therefore, there is an advantage that the sealing portion 25 and the sealing portion 26 can be easily installed as compared with a configuration in which the sealing portion 25 and the sealing portion 26 are integrally formed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the groove portion 351 a of the second surface 22 communicates with the supply port SI 1 of the first surface 21 through the through hole H of the substrate 20. In addition, each groove portion 351 (351a, 351b) on the second surface 22 communicates with each groove portion 341 on the first surface 21 via the through hole H of the substrate 20. Specifically, as understood from FIG. 10, the groove portion 351a communicates with the groove portion 341a and the groove portion 341b, and the groove portion 351b communicates with the groove portion 341b and the groove portion 341c. That is, the groove part 341a, the groove part 341b, and the groove part 341c of the first surface 21 communicate with each other via the groove part 351a and the groove part 351b of the second surface 22.
As understood from the above description, the six outlets DI1 of the second surface 22 from any one supply port SI1 via the grooves 351 of the second surface 22 and the grooves 341 of the first surface 21. 9 is formed for each of the four systems of ink. That is, the flow path PI1 is a flow path that distributes one system of ink I supplied to the supply port SI1 to the six outlets DI1.

On the other hand, each groove 352b of the second surface 22 in FIG. 10 communicates with the supply port SA1 of the first surface 21 through the through hole H of the substrate 20. Further, each groove portion 352 (352a, 352b) on the second surface 22 communicates with each groove portion 342 on the first surface 21 through the through hole H of the substrate 20. Specifically, the groove part 352a communicates with the groove part 342a and the groove part 342b, and the groove part 352b communicates with the groove part 342b and the groove part 342c. That is, the groove part 342a, the groove part 342b, and the groove part 342c of the first surface 21 communicate with each other via the groove part 352a and the groove part 352b of the second surface 22.
As understood from the above description, the six outlets DA1 of the second surface 22 from any one supply port SA1 through the groove portions 352 of the second surface 22 and the groove portions 342 of the first surface 21. 9 is formed for each of the two systems of air A. That is, the flow path PA1 is a flow path that distributes one system of air A (A1, A2) supplied to the supply port SA1 to the six outlets DA1.
The flow path PA1 of the present embodiment is bent in the XY plane so as to bypass the attachment hole 23. When the flow path PI1 for supplying ink I is bent in the same manner, an increase in flow path resistance becomes a problem. However, since the fluid flowing through the flow path PA1 is air A, it is caused by the bending of the flow path PA1. The increased flow resistance does not become a particular problem.

As described above, the flow path structure G1 of the present embodiment includes the flow paths (PI1, PA1) from the supply ports (SI1, SA1) to the plurality of outlets (DI1, DA1), the ink I, the air A, and the like. Are formed for each of a plurality of fluids. As understood from FIG. 10, in this embodiment, two four flow paths PI1 for distributing the ink I are located on both sides of the two flow paths PA1 for distributing the air A.
The configuration of the flow path structure G1 according to the present embodiment is as described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, each supply port (SI1, SA1) is formed on the first surface 21 of the substrate 20, and each outlet (DI1, DI2) is formed on the second surface 22 of the substrate 20. Therefore, the size of the flow path structure G1 as viewed from the Z direction is reduced as compared with other configurations in which a supply port and an outlet are formed on the side surface of the substrate and pipes are connected. Therefore, the liquid ejecting head 14 can be reduced in size.

<Flow path control unit G2>
As illustrated in FIG. 6, four supply ports SI2 and two supply ports SA2 are formed on the surface of each flow path control unit U2 of the flow path control unit G2 facing the flow path structure G1. The In a state where the flow path structure G1 and each flow path control unit U2 are fixed to each other, the outlet DI1 of the flow path structure G1 is inserted into the supply port SI2 of the flow path control unit U2, and the flow path structure G1 The outlet DA1 is inserted into the supply port SA2 of the flow path control unit U2. Therefore, as can be understood from FIG. 9, the ink I of each system is supplied to each supply port SI2 of the flow path control unit U2 from each outlet DI1 of the flow path structure G1, and each flow path control unit U2 Air A of each system is supplied from the outlet DA1 of the flow path structure G1 to the supply port SA2.
As illustrated above, in the present embodiment, the outlet DI1 of the flow channel structure G1 and the supply port SI2 of each flow channel control unit U2 are directly connected. For example, the outlet DI1 and the supply port SI2 Compared with a configuration in which the pipes are connected by piping, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, prevent liquid leakage, and the like.

  On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 7, four outflow ports DI2 are formed on the surface of each flow path control unit U2 facing the liquid ejecting portion G3. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the flow path control unit U2 includes four lines of flow paths PI2 extending from the supply ports SI2 to the outlets DI2. Each of the four systems of ink I supplied to each flow path control unit U2 after being distributed by the flow path structure G1 passes through each flow path PI2 from the four outlets DI2 in parallel to the subsequent liquid jet unit U3. Supplied.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the flow path control unit U2, a negative pressure generating section 42, a flow path opening / closing section 44, and a pressure adjusting section 46 are installed for each of the four systems of flow paths PI2. Further, the flow path control unit U2 of the present embodiment uses the flow path PA2_1 for distributing the air A1 supplied to the supply port SA2 to four systems corresponding to each flow path PI2, and the air A2 supplied to the supply port SA2. A flow path PA2_2 distributed to the four systems corresponding to each flow path PI2 is included. The air A1 distributed in the flow path PA2_1 is supplied in parallel to the four flow path opening / closing sections 44 of the flow path control unit U2, and the air A2 distributed in the flow path PA2_2 is set to the four pressures of the flow path control unit U2. It is supplied to the adjustment unit 46 in parallel.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram paying attention to the flow path PI2 of any one system of ink I in the flow path control unit U2. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the negative pressure generator 42 is installed on the flow path PI2 and maintains the inside of the flow path PI2 at a predetermined negative pressure. Specifically, in the normal state, the flow path PI2 is closed, and flows autonomously when the negative pressure in the flow path PI2 reaches a predetermined value due to the ejection (consumption) of the ink I by the liquid ejecting unit U3. A pressure control valve that opens the path PI2 and introduces the ink I is preferably employed as the negative pressure generating section 42.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the channel opening / closing unit 44 is installed on the downstream side of the negative pressure generating unit 42 in the channel PI 2, and the pressure adjusting unit 46 is installed on the downstream side of the channel opening / closing unit 44. That is, the channel opening / closing part 44 is located between the negative pressure generating part 42 and the pressure adjusting part 46 on the channel PI2.

  The flow path opening / closing section 44 is a mechanism (choke valve) that controls the opening / closing (closing / opening) of the flow path PI2 in accordance with the air A1 supplied through the flow path PA2_1. The flow path opening / closing portion 44 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes a flexible member 442 interposed between the flow path PI2 of ink I and the flow path PA2_1 of air A1, and biases the flexible member 442 toward the flow path PA2_1. And an elastic body 444. In the normal state (depressurized state) where the air A1 in the flow path PA2_1 is not pressurized, the flow path PI2 is opened, and when the air A1 is pressurized by the pump 16, as shown by the broken line in FIG. The flexible member 442 is deformed against the urging by the 444, and the flow path PI2 is closed.

  13 is a mechanism that adjusts the pressure in the flow path PI2 (volume of the flow path PI2), and is, for example, a negative pressure release valve that releases the negative pressure in the flow path PI2. Specifically, the pressure adjusting unit 46 in FIG. 13 attaches a flexible member 462 interposed between the flow path PI2 of the ink I and the flow path PA2_2 of the air A2, and the flexible member 462 to the flow path PA2_2 side. And an elastic body 464 for energizing. In a normal state, when the air A2 in the flow path PA2_2 is set to atmospheric pressure (atmospheric release) and the air A2 is pressurized by the pump 16, it opposes the urging by the elastic body 464 as shown by the broken line in FIG. As the flexible member 462 is deformed to the flow path PI2 side (the volume of the flow path PI2 decreases), the pressure of the flow path PI2 increases to the extent that the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generator 42 is released.

For example, when cleaning the liquid ejecting unit U3 (ejection head unit 70), the negative pressure in the flow path of the ink I is released and the ink I is ejected from each nozzle N. However, in a state where the negative pressure generating unit 42 is effective, the release of the negative pressure by the pressure adjusting unit 46 can be inhibited. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the ink I is not sufficiently discharged from each nozzle N and that bubbles may enter from each nozzle N. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the air pressure A1 in the flow path PA2_1 is closed by the flow path opening / closing section 44 by pressurizing the air A1 in the flow path PA2_1, and then the pressure adjustment section 46 flows by pressurizing the air A2 in the flow path PA2_2. Release the negative pressure on the road PI.
According to the above operation, the negative pressure generating unit 42 and the pressure adjusting unit 46 are isolated from each other by the blockage of the flow channel PI2 by the flow channel opening / closing unit 44 (that is, the application of the negative pressure by the negative pressure generating unit 42 is invalid). In this state, the release of the negative pressure by the pressure adjusting unit 46 is executed, so that there is an advantage that the negative pressure in the flow channel on the downstream side of the flow channel opening / closing unit 44 can be effectively released.

  As understood from the above description, the negative pressure generating unit 42, the flow channel opening / closing unit 44, and the pressure adjusting unit 46 of the present embodiment function as elements that control the flow channel PI2 of each ink I, and flow channel control. The part G2 is comprehensively expressed as an element for controlling each flow path PI2 using the air A (A1, A2) of each system after distribution by the flow path structure G1. The configuration of each flow path control unit U2 of the flow path control unit G2 according to the present embodiment is as described above.

<Liquid injection part G3>
The liquid ejecting unit G3 ejects the ink I of each system from the nozzle N via the flow path control unit G2. As illustrated in FIG. 6, four supply ports SI3 are formed on the surface of each liquid ejecting unit U3 of the liquid ejecting section G3 facing the flow path control section G2. In a state where the flow path control unit G2 and the liquid ejection unit G3 (housing 142) are fixed to each other, each supply port SI3 of each liquid ejection unit U3 is inserted into each outlet DI2 of the flow path control unit U2. . Accordingly, as understood from FIG. 9, the four ink supply ports SI3 of each liquid ejecting unit U3 are supplied with the ink I of each system in parallel from the outlet DI2 of the flow path control unit U2.
A detailed description of the structure of the liquid ejecting unit G3 is omitted.

(A-1-4) Other configurations and effects (2) Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the present embodiment, the first extending portion 15 of the first flexible tube 9a is a line. There is a fulcrum part 34 when moving up and down together with the line head 14 at a position separated from the head 14 in the first direction F1, and the length L1 of the first extending portion 15 on the line head is It is configured to be longer than the length L2 from the closest fulcrum 34 on the main body 3 side to the line head 14.

In some cases, the first flexible tube 9a is restrained in the vicinity of the end of the line head 14, and the restrained portion becomes the fulcrum portion 34 in the ascending and descending.
According to the present embodiment, the length L1 of the first extending portion 15 on the line head 14 is longer than the length L2 between the fulcrum 34 on the main body 3 side closest to the line head 14 and the line head 14. The stress applied to the first flexible tube 9a connected to the line head 14 as the line head 14 moves up and down can be absorbed and reduced by the first extending portion 15.

(3) Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the first extending portion 15 of the first flexible tube 9a is within the width of the line head 14 when projected in the second direction F2. Located in. Furthermore, the second extending portion 29 of the second flexible tube 9b is also positioned within the width of the line head 14 when projected in the second direction F2.
Thereby, the flexible tube 9 (9a, 9b) is not bulky when the line head 14 is raised and lowered, and the apparatus can be downsized.

(4) Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, the negative pressure generating portion 42 is provided in each of the plurality of flow paths from the line head 14 to the nozzle N.
Here, as described above, the negative pressure generating unit 42 maintains a predetermined negative pressure in the flow path communicating with the nozzle N, and the flow from the negative pressure generating unit 42 to the nozzle N on the downstream side is maintained. It has a function of reducing the influence of the variation in supply pressure on the upstream side of the negative pressure generating section 42 by setting the supply pressure in the passage to a constant predetermined pressure.

  According to the present embodiment, the negative pressure generator 42 can effectively reduce the variation in the supply pressure of the liquid to each nozzle N of the line head 14, and thus the droplets ejected from the nozzle N Variation in weight can be reduced.

In addition, as a cleaning operation of the nozzle N of the line head 14, there is an operation of ejecting liquid from the nozzle N, and there is a structure in which the negative pressure generating unit 42 is brought into a non-operating state when the operation is executed. In the case of this structure, when the flow path length varies greatly during cleaning, there is a possibility that the cleaning flow rate varies due to the influence.
However, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the first joint 10 is disposed in the central portion 17b in the longitudinal direction of the line head 14, and is connected from the first joint 10 serving as a liquid supply port to the nozzle N. The variation in the channel length is reduced as described above. Therefore, effective cleaning can be executed while reducing the possibility of variations in the cleaning flow rate.

(5) In the embodiment corresponding to the eleventh aspect, the transport path for transporting the medium M is configured to surround the periphery of the line head 14 on a plane orthogonal to the first direction F1. Specific description will be given later (FIGS. 19 and 35).

(6) Others (6-1) The second joint 27 may be disposed on the one side (+ X side) in the first direction F1 with respect to the first joint 10 contrary to the above arrangement.
(6-2) The usage of “gas” supplied to the line head via the second flexible tube 9b is not limited to pressurizing the liquid in the line head. For example, it is used for blowing away. Of course, it is not limited to this usage.

B
An embodiment for coping with the problem that the FFC suffers as the line head moves up and down will be described below.
The present embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structural member in common with the structural member in embodiment of said (A), and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(B-1) Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 14 and 15)
(B-1-1) Configuration A first embodiment for coping with the problem that the FFC suffers when the line head moves up and down will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
In these drawings, the first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b are not shown for easy understanding of the drawings. In the present embodiment, the connection position and extension position of the flexible tube 9 with respect to the line head 14 are the same as those described with reference to FIGS.
Note that the connection position, extension position, and the like of the flexible tube 9 with respect to the line head 14 may be different from those described in FIGS.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes the line head 14 that is long along the first direction F <b> 1 and the FFC 50 that is connected to the line head 14. The line head 14 includes a connector 52 in which a plurality of terminals 51 are positioned along a first direction F1, and is lifted and lowered by a lifting mechanism (not shown) in a second direction F2 (same as the Z direction).
The FFC 50 includes a cable connection portion 53 connected to the connector 52 at the tip. Further, the FFC 50 has a flat surface 54 disposed so as to be orthogonal to the second direction F2 in a state where the cable connection portion 53 is connected to the connector 52, that is, in the first direction from the cable connection portion 53 side. A cable extension portion 55 is provided that extends along the first direction F1 to one side (+ X side) of F1 and does not extend to the other side (−X side).
A bent portion 56 in which the FFC 50 is bent is provided between the cable connecting portion 53 and the cable extending portion 55. That is, the FFC 50 is connected to the connector 52 via the bent portion 56.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment, the connector 52 is located on the “down” side (−Z direction), that is, below the position of the cable extension portion 55 in the second direction F2.
The bent portion 56 of the FFC 50 is bent from the cable extending portion 55, the flat surface 54a is bent from the first bent portion 56a orthogonal to the second direction F2, and the flat surface 54b. A second bent portion 56b orthogonal to the third direction F3. It connects to the connector 52 located below via this 2nd bending part 56b.
In the above embodiment, the bent portion is bent twice in different directions. However, as another embodiment, the connector 52 is arranged in the same plane as the cable extension portion 55 in the second direction F2, and bent. The portion 56 may have a structure including only the first bent portion 56a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the cable extension portion 55 of the FFC 50 is positioned adjacent to the long side of the line head 14 in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the connector 52 includes a plurality of connectors 521, 522, 523, 524, 525 arranged along the first direction F 1. The FFC 50 also includes a plurality of FFCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 disposed along the first direction F1. Each of the plurality of FFCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 is connected to each of the plurality of connectors 521, 522, 523, 524, 525.
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the cable extension portions 55 of the plurality of FFCCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 are arranged so as to overlap each other. In the present embodiment, three FFCs 501, 502, and 503 are located on one side of the line head 14 and overlap, and two FFCs 504 and 505 are located on the other side of the line head 14 and overlap. The number of FFCs 50 is not limited to the above five, but may be other plural numbers or one.

(B-1-2) Effect According to the above embodiment, the FFC 50 includes the cable connection portion 53 connected to the connector 52 of the long line head 14 along the first direction F1, and the second direction F2. The flat surface 54 is arranged so as to be orthogonal to the cable connection portion 53, and is extended along the first direction F 1 from the cable connection portion 53 side to one side (+ X side) in the first direction F 1. -X side) is provided with a cable extension portion 55 that does not extend. Therefore, when the line head 14 is moved up and down, the flat surface 54 is arranged so that the FFC 50 connected to the line head 14 may be twisted as the line head 14 is moved up and down so as to be orthogonal to the second direction F2. This can be reduced by the cable extension portion 55. Moreover, the stress added to FFC50 with the said raising / lowering can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the bent portion 56 is bent from the cable extending portion 55, and the flat surface 54 a is bent from the first bent portion 56 a and the first bent portion 56 a that is orthogonal to the second direction F <b> 1. The flat surface 54b includes a second bent portion 56b orthogonal to the third direction F3. Thereby, size reduction in the third direction of the liquid ejecting apparatus can be achieved.
Further, since the plurality of FFCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 are arranged so that the cable extending portions 55 overlap, the plurality of FFCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 are It is not bulky. Accordingly, the apparatus can be reduced in size.

(B-1-3) Other Configurations and Effects (1) Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the line head 14 includes a plurality of connectors 523 and 525 positioned along the third direction F3. These connectors 523 and 525 are arranged so that their positions in the first direction F1 overlap, that is, in a substantially horizontal plane.
As a result, the stress applied to the FFCs 503 and 504 based on the up-and-down movement of the line head 14 becomes equal, so that the stress can be effectively reduced. In addition, a plurality of connectors 52 can be arranged in the line head 14 with high density.
Of course, the connector 52 arranged so that the positions in the first direction F1 overlap with each other is not limited to the pair (523, 525).

(2) As described above with reference to FIG. 1, in the printer 1, the line head 14 is provided on one side (+ Z direction) in the second direction F <b> 2 with respect to the line head 14, that is, above the line head 14. The apparatus main body 3 can be separated by opening the discharge tray 7 (FIG. 1) that also serves as a cover. That is, the line head 14 is lifted upward from the installation position in the apparatus main body 3 by opening the discharge tray 7 and can be taken out to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 15, the printer 1 of the present embodiment has a cable connection portion 58 on the other end side opposite to one end side (cable connection portion 53 side) where the FFC 50 is connected to the line head 14. The apparatus main body 3 is provided with a main body side connector 57 to be connected.
Further, the main body side connector 57 is provided with respect to the line head 14 at one side in the second direction F2 (+ Z direction), that is, at a position above the upper surface 5 of the line head 14. Thereby, the cable connection portion 58 on the other end side of the FFC 50 is connected to the main body side connector 57 via the rising portion 59 rising upward from the position of the cable extension portion 55.

≪Removing the line head≫
When the line head 14 is removed from the printer 1, first, the discharge tray 7 that also serves as a cover is opened so that the line head 14 in the apparatus main body 3 can be accessed from above.
Next, the flexible tube 9 (not shown in FIGS. 14 and 15) is removed from the line head 14, and further, the FFC 50 is disconnected from the apparatus main body 3 side. The main body side connector 57 of the FFC 50 is positioned on the take-out side above the line head 14 in a state where the cover (discharge tray 7) is opened. That is, the main body side connector 57 is provided at a position where it can be easily accessed from above. Therefore, the FFC 50 can be easily detached from the main body side connector 57.
Subsequently, the line head 14 is lifted and removed outside the printer 1.
Thus, the line head 14 can be easily detached from the printer 1.

(B-2) Embodiment 2 (FIGS. 16 to 18)
(B-2-1) Configuration Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the cable extension portion 55 of the FFC 50 is located adjacent to the long side in the longitudinal direction of the line head 14, and five first bent portions 56 a. Three of them have a cross section 66 extending to a position opposite to the FFC 50 with respect to the line head 14.
More specifically, the connectors 521, 522, 523, 524, and 525 are the same as the arrangement shown in FIG. 14, but the five FFCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 are different from the arrangement shown in FIG. 14 on one side (the side opposite to the connectors 521, 522, 523, the same side as the connectors 524, 525). Therefore, the crossing part 66 which crosses the line head 14 is provided in each 1st bending part 56a of FFC501,502,503.
The five FFCs 501, 502, 503, 504, and 505 are arranged such that the cable extending portions 55 overlap each other in the vertical direction. That is, in a state where the cable connection portion 53 is connected to the connector 52, the flat surfaces 54 are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the second direction F2, that is, substantially horizontally.
The cable connection portions 58 of the FFCs 501, 502, and 503 are connected to the main body side connector 57.
In addition, since the number of the crossing parts 66 is determined corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of connectors 52, the crossing parts 66 are not limited to the above three.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the first flexible tube 9 a and the second flexible tube 9 b are provided on the upper surface 5 in the ascending / descending direction of the line head 14. The first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b are connected to the line head 14 in the same connection position (position of the first joint 10) and extended position (as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4). The first extended portion 15 is disposed).
Furthermore, in this embodiment, each crossing part 66 is arrange | positioned under the 1st flexible tube 9a and the 2nd flexible tube 9b. That is, each crossing portion 66 is disposed between the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 and the first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b.

≪Removing the line head≫
A case where the line head 14 is removed from the printer 1 will be described in the order of steps with reference to FIGS.
(1) First, the discharge tray 7 serving as a cover is opened from the state shown in FIG. 1 so that the line head 14 in the apparatus main body 3 can be accessed from above as shown in FIG.
(2) Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the first flexible tube 9 a and the second flexible tube 9 b are removed from the line head 14 and lifted, and the holding described later provided on the apparatus main body 3 side. Using the parts 71 and 80 (FIGS. 23 and 25), the first connecting portion 13 is held upward.
(3) Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the FFCs 501, 502, and 503 connected to the main body side connector 57 are disconnected from the main body side connector 57. Further, the FFCs 501, 502, and 503 are also removed from the line head 14. As a result, the remaining FFCs 504 and 505 can be accessed.
In the present embodiment, the remaining FFCs 504 and 505 are routed and connected directly to the control circuit board side (electrical member 83 described later, FIG. 30) without passing through the main body connector 57.
The FFC 50 is used to transmit various signals. However, depending on the type of signal to be transmitted (high-speed transfer or the like), there may be a case where a large number of FFCs are connected by a connector and are greatly affected by noise. . When greatly affected by noise, as shown in FIG. 18, it is directly connected to the control source (electrical member 83, FIG. 30) by one FFC without using a connector.
Therefore, the remaining FFCs 504 and 505 remove only the connection part (connector parts 524 and 525) with the line head 14. As a result, the line head 14 is released from the connection with the flexible tube 9 and the FFC 50 and can be removed. Therefore, the line head 14 is lifted and taken out to the outside.

(B-2-2) Effect According to the present embodiment, the cable extending portion 55 is located on one side along the long side of the line head 14 in the longitudinal direction, and at least one of the first bent portions 56a is A crossing portion 66 extending on the other side opposite to the FFC 50 with respect to the line head 14 is provided. The crossing portion 66 increases the degree of freedom of the arrangement of the FFC 50 with respect to the arrangement of the connector 52 of the line head 14, and facilitates design and manufacture.

When the line head 14 is removed from the printer 1 and newly replaced, the line head 14 is filled with the first flexible tube 9 a and the second flexible tube 9 b not connected to the new line head 14. Some of them require a predetermined head drive, such as a discharge operation for discharging the protective liquid.
According to the present embodiment, since the crossing portion 66 of the FFC 50 is disposed under the first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b, only the electrical connection state of the FFC 50 is ensured and the above-mentioned. A predetermined head drive is performed, and then the first flexible tube 9a and the like can be arranged on the transverse portion 66 of the FFC 50 and connected. Therefore, the line head 14 can be easily replaced.

(B-3) Embodiment 3 (FIG. 19)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, the printer 1 includes a conveyance path 69 that conveys a medium M that is a target from which liquid is ejected by the line head 14. The conveyance path 69 surrounds the periphery of the line head 14 on a plane orthogonal to the first direction F1 (X direction). In FIG. 19, the conveyance path 69 is schematically illustrated.
The conveyance path 69 includes a conveyance path 69a for single-sided recording and a recording medium for double-sided recording from the medium accommodating cassette 4 side to the discharge tray 7 side through the recording execution area (liquid ejection area) facing the nozzles N of the line head 14. Inversion path 69b. That is, the circumference of the line head 14 is surrounded by the conveyance path 69a for single-sided recording and the reverse path 69b for double-sided recording.
In addition, the structure of the conveyance path | route 69 is demonstrated in detail in other embodiment (FIG. 35) mentioned later.

  Here, the line head 14 includes the flexible tube 9 described in FIGS. 2 to 4 and the FFC 50 described in FIGS. 14 and 15. The flexible tube 9 and the FFC 50 are not limited to those described above. For example, the FFC 50 having the structure shown in FIGS.

  According to the present embodiment, since the transport path 69 surrounds the periphery of the line head 14 on a plane orthogonal to the first direction F1 (X direction), the flat surface 54 of the cable extension portion 55 of the FFC 50 is provided. The conveyance path 69 can be disposed along the line. Further, the conveyance path 69 can be disposed along the extended portions 15 and 29 of the flexible tube 9. That is, the conveyance path 69 can be provided close to the line head 14, and the apparatus can be downsized.

(C) ◆◆ Handling problems when removing the liquid supply flow path from the line head ◆◆
An embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when removing the liquid supply channel from the line head will be described below.
This embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 20 to 29. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structural member common to the structural member in each embodiment of said (A) (B), and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(C-1) Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 20 to 23)
(C-1-1) Configuration A first embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when removing a liquid supply channel from a line head will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a medium conveyance area 19 in which the medium M is conveyed, and a line head 14 that ejects liquid onto the medium M that is conveyed in the medium conveyance area 19. And a first flexible tube 9a which is connected to the line head 14 and forms a liquid supply channel for supplying liquid to the line head 14. The first flexible tube 9a is disposed so that the line head 14 is positioned between the first flexible tube 9a and the medium conveyance region 19 in the vertical direction (Z direction). In other words, the first flexible tube 9a is arranged so as not to directly face the lower medium conveyance region 19 in a state where it is connected to the line head 14. Even if a leak occurs, the presence of the line head 14 between them reduces the possibility that the leaked liquid will drip directly into the medium transport area 19.

  In the present embodiment, the connection portion (first connection portion 13) connected to the line head 14 of the first flexible tube 9 a is located on the upper surface 5 of the line head 14. And the 1st flexible tube 9a is the state of the line head 14 from the position of the 1st joint 10 and the 1st connection part 13 in the state where the 1st connection part 13 was connected to the 1st joint 10 of the line head 14. It has an extended portion (first extended portion 15) extending through the upper surface 5 in a direction (first direction F1) that intersects the conveyance direction FM (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the medium M. . Further, the portion of the first extending portion 15 that is outside the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 is configured to be located outside the medium conveyance region 19.

  In addition, as shown as an example in FIG. 22, the connection portion (first connection) of the first flexible tube 9 a outside the range of the medium conveyance region 19 with the first flexible tube 9 a removed from the line head 14. A holding part 71 is provided for holding the part 13) upward. The structure of the holding part 71 is not limited to a specific structure. Any structure can be used as long as the first connection portion 13 can be held upward outside the range of the medium transport area 19 with the first flexible tube 9a removed from the line head 14.

≪Removing the line head≫
Here, based on FIG. 20 to FIG. 23, a case where the line head 14 is removed from the printer 1 in this embodiment will be described in the order of steps.
(1) First, the scanner unit 2 is slightly rotated from the state of FIG. 1 to enlarge the upper space of the discharge tray 7 to facilitate the work. Then, the discharge tray 7 as a cover is opened (FIG. 20). Further, a part of the conveyance path 69 (FIG. 19) located above the line head 14 in the apparatus main body 3 is removed to make the line head 14 accessible from above (FIG. 21). 2 to 4 show only the line head 14 and the liquid container 18 in this state.
(2) Next, as shown in FIG. 22, each connection portion (first connection portion 13, second connection) of the flexible tube 9 (the first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b). The portion 28) is removed from each joint (the first joint 10 and the second joint 27) of the line head 14 and lifted. And the 2nd connection part 28 is latched by the holding | maintenance part 71 provided in the apparatus main body 3 side, and this hold | maintains in the state suspended with the 1st connection part 13 and the 2nd connection part 28 facing up.
Next, the FFC 50 (FIGS. 14, 16 and the like) is removed from the line head 14. As a result, the line head 14 is released from the connection with the flexible tube 9 and the FFC 50 and can be removed.
(3) Next, as shown in FIG. 23, the line head 14 is lifted from the installation position in the apparatus main body 3 and taken out to the outside. After that, necessary maintenance is performed on the line head 14 or the new line head 14 is replaced, and the flexible tube 9 and the FFC 50 are connected by installing in the installation position in the apparatus main body 3 in the reverse process.

(C-1-2) Effect According to the present embodiment, the first flexible tube 9a that is the liquid supply flow path is arranged so that the line head 14 is positioned between the medium conveyance region 19 in the vertical direction. Has been. That is, the line head 14 is present below the first flexible tube 9a. Thereby, even if a liquid leaks from the 1st connection part 13 of the 1st flexible tube 9a, a possibility that a liquid may drip directly to the medium conveyance area | region 19 can be reduced.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, when removing the 1st flexible tube 9a from the line head 14, the 1st connection part 13 of the 1st flexible tube 9a is removed from the 1st coupling 10 of the line head 14, Further, by moving the first connecting portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9 a upward along the upper surface of the line head 14, even if the liquid drips from the first connecting portion 13, Since the line head 14 is positioned on the upper side, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid falls directly onto the medium transport area 19. When the first connection portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9 a is lifted and reaches the outer region outside the upper surface 5 of the line head 14, the position is outside the range of the medium conveyance region 19. Therefore, since the medium conveyance area 19 does not exist directly below the first connection portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9a, the possibility that the liquid directly falls into the medium conveyance area 19 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the first connecting portion 13 is held upward with the first flexible tube 9a removed from the line head 14, the maintenance is performed by removing the line head 14 and performing maintenance. When performing the above, the removed first flexible tube 9a does not get in the way and the maintainability is improved.
In addition, since the holding unit 71 is located outside the range of the medium conveyance area 19, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid may drip from the first flexible tube 9 a held by the holding unit 71 to the medium conveyance area 19. it can.

(C-2) Embodiment 2 (FIGS. 4 and 23)
Based on FIGS. 4 and 23, a second embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when the liquid supply channel is removed from the line head will be described.

As shown in FIG. 23, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the line head 24 is detachable from the printer 1, and the holding unit 71 is provided at a position away from the attachment / detachment path of the line head 14. Yes. The attachment / detachment route means a region through which the line head passes when the line head 14 is lifted upward from the installation position in the apparatus main body 3 and taken out.
As described above, since the holding unit 71 is provided at a position away from the attachment / detachment path of the line head 71, the holding unit 71 is taken out of the apparatus main body 3 during maintenance such as repair or replacement of the line head 14. The portion 71 can hold the flexible tube 9 in a state that does not interfere with the removal.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, as described above, the liquid container 18 (FIG. 4) that stores the liquid supplied to the line head 14 is positioned above the position of the line head. Prepared for position. And the position 73 (FIG. 4) of the 1st connection part 13 of the 1st flexible tube 9a in the state hold | maintained at the holding | maintenance part 71 seems to be above the center position of the liquid outlet 72 of the liquid storage part 18. FIG. It is configured.
Thereby, it is possible to suppress the possibility of liquid dripping from the first connection portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9a in a state of being removed from the line head 14.

(C-3) Embodiment 3 (FIG. 24)
Based on FIG. 24, a third embodiment for dealing with a problem that occurs when the liquid supply channel is removed from the line head will be described.
As shown in FIG. 24, the first flexible tube 9a includes a plurality of flow path bodies (first tube 9a (C), second tube 9a (M), third tube 9a (Y), and fourth tube. 9a (K)). Further, the second flexible tube 9b includes two flow path bodies (first tube 9b (A1) and second tube 9b (A2)).
In the present embodiment, when the connecting portions (the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 28) of the first flexible tube 9a and the second flexible tube 9b are lifted upward, the connecting portions (first A support mechanism 74 is provided to support the movement of the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 28) along the upper surface 5 of the line head 14.

  Here, “support” by the support mechanism 74 refers to the connection portion (first connection portion) when the connection portion (first connection portion 13) of the first flexible tube 9 a that is the liquid supply flow path is lifted upward. 13) means that the guide moves so as to move along the upper surface of the line head 14, and is guided by a mechanical structure, an arrow, a mark provided at a target position of the moving destination, the holding portion 71, and other moving destinations. A guide or the like based on a display (target display) serving as a mark of the mark.

The support mechanism 74 of the present embodiment is a guide having a mechanical structure, and specifically configured as follows.
As shown in FIG. 24, the support mechanism 74 is provided on the line head 14, and is provided on both sides along the extended portions (the first extended portion 15 and the second extended portion 29) of the flexible tube 9. The first flexible tube 9 a and the second flexible tube 9 b are lifted when the connection portion (the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 28) is lifted upward along the upper surface 5 of the line head 14. It is plate-shaped regulation parts 75 and 76 which have regulation surfaces 75a and 76a along a direction.

According to the present embodiment, when the connecting portion (first connecting portion 13 and second connecting portion 28) of the flexible tube 9 is lifted upward, the connecting portion (first connecting portion) is supported by the support mechanism 74. 13 and the second connecting portion 28) can be easily moved along the upper surface 5 of the line head 14.
Specifically, the restricting surfaces 75a and 76a of the restricting portions 75 and 76 forming the support mechanism 74 are connected to the connecting portions (the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 28) of the flexible tube 9, and the upper surface of the line head 14. 5 along the lifting direction when lifting upward. Therefore, the regulation surfaces 75a and 76a of the regulation part are used when the connection part (the first connection part 13 and the second connection part 28) of the flexible tube 9 is lifted upward. Naturally urges to move along. That is, it supports.

  In addition, the flexible tube 9 includes a plurality of flow path bodies (four first flexible tubes 9a and second flexible members) in the extended portions (the first extended portion 15 and the second extended portion 29). The positions of the two tubes 9b) on the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 are regulated from both sides by the regulating surfaces 75a and 76a of the regulating portions 75 and 76. Accordingly, the restricting portions 75 and 76 can prevent the plurality of flow path bodies (four 9 a and two 9 b) from varying on the line head 14.

(C-4) Embodiment 4 (FIGS. 3 and 25)
Based on FIGS. 3 and 25, a fourth embodiment for dealing with a problem that occurs when the liquid supply channel is removed from the line head will be described.
The support mechanism 74 of this embodiment is configured as follows.
As shown in FIG. 25, the support mechanism 74 moves along the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 by lifting the connection portion (the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 28) of the flexible tube 9 upward. This is a target display 78 (FIGS. 3 and 25) provided at a position on the direction line 77 (FIG. 3) and indicating the position of the movement destination.

The target display 78 in the present embodiment is not a simple mark but a concave groove 79 provided at a corresponding position of the apparatus main body 3 and in which the flexible tube 9 is accommodated. Of course, the target display 78 may be a simple mark. The concave groove 79 is also provided with a holding portion 80 in which the first connection portion 13 of the flexible tube 9 is received and held. This holding unit 80 also functions as the target display 78.
FIG. 25 shows a state immediately before the flexible tube 9 and the first connection portion 13 are accommodated in the recess 79 and the holding portion 80.

According to this embodiment, the position on the direction line 77 that moves along the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 by lifting the connection portion (the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 28) of the flexible tube 9 upward. Is provided with a target display 78 indicating the position of the movement destination. Therefore, the target display 78 moves along the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 when the connection portion (the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 28) of the flexible tube 9 is lifted upward. Can be encouraged or supported naturally.
Furthermore, since the target display 78 is not a simple mark but a concave groove 79 provided in a corresponding position of the apparatus main body 3 and in which the flexible tube 9 is accommodated, the flexible tube 9 removed from the line head 14 is recessed. 79 can be held in a state of being accommodated in 79. Thereby, the possibility that it may become an obstacle at the time of taking out the line head 14 can be further reduced.

(C-5) Embodiment 5 (FIG. 26)
Based on FIG. 26, a description will be given of a fifth embodiment for coping with a problem caused when the liquid supply flow path is removed from the line head.
As shown in FIG. 26, the line head 14 accumulates liquid in a portion where the first joint 10 to which the first connection portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9a is connected is provided to stop the downward flow. A liquid reservoir 181 is provided.
Here, “stopping outflow” in “accumulating the liquid and stopping the downward flow” is not limited to the structure for stopping the liquid from completely flowing out in the specification of the present application. It is used in the meaning including the structure which can suppress.

According to this embodiment, even if liquid leaks when the first connection portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9a is removed upward from the first joint 10 of the line head 14, the liquid reservoir 181 causes the The outflow of the liquid below can be stopped. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid may drip into the medium transport area 19 can be reduced.
Here, since the line head 14 is larger in size and longer than the serial type liquid ejection head that reciprocates in the liquid ejection area, it is easy to secure a place to provide the liquid reservoir 181 for temporarily storing the liquid.

(C-6) Other Configurations (1) Subtank As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 27 to 29, a liquid supply flow path (first flexible tank) between the line head 14 and the liquid container 18 is shown. In order to enable the liquid container 18 to be exchanged without interrupting recording by the line head 14, a liquid supply channel between the liquid container 18 and the line head 14 is provided with a liquid. A sub-tank 33 having a liquid chamber 24 capable of storing the liquid is provided. In FIG. 27, reference numeral 49 denotes a back cover.
As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the sub tank 33 includes two sets of a first sub tank 33A located on the upstream side in the flow direction toward the liquid line head 14 and a second sub tank 33B located on the downstream side. Including. The sub tank 33 is formed by joining the first plate 37 and the second plate 38 by tightening screws 47. Each liquid chamber 24 of each sub-tank 33A, 33B has a surface made of a film 39, and the film 39 is pressurized by a biasing member 40. The peripheral edge of the film 39 is shielded from the atmosphere by an O-ring 48. In the liquid chamber 24, the space volume for storing the liquid changes due to the displacement of the film 39. The urging member 40 urges the space volume in a decreasing direction.
The liquid pressurized and sent from the liquid container 18 by a pressure pump 109 (see FIG. 36 described later) is introduced from the liquid inlet 41 for the first sub tank 33A into the liquid chamber 24 of the first sub tank 33A. Then, the liquid exits from the liquid outlet 43, passes through the tube 45 (FIG. 28), is again introduced from the liquid inlet 41 for the second subtank 33B into the liquid chamber 24 of the second subtank 33B, and is further accumulated. And is sent to the line head 14 side.
In the above configuration, the liquid supply flow path from the liquid container 18 to the line head 14 via the sub tank 33 is in a higher pressure state than atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when removing the line head 14 from the apparatus main body 3, if the first flexible tube 9 a is simply removed from the first joint 10 of the line head 14, the liquid in the first flexible tube 9 a is ejected. become. Therefore, the control unit (electrical member 83 to be described later, FIG. 30) that controls each operation usually includes a pressurization release sequence for releasing the pressurization state in the liquid supply flow path.
However, if this pressure release sequence does not operate normally, the first flexible tube 9a cannot be removed from the first joint 10 of the line head 14.
In such a case, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the space volume of the liquid chamber 24 can be changed by loosening the screw 47 that joins the first plate 37 and the second plate 38 constituting the sub tank 33. Thereby, the pressurization state can be released. That is, when the first flexible tube 9a is removed from the first joint 10 of the line head 14, the possibility that the liquid in the first flexible tube 9a is ejected can be reduced.

(2) The flexible tube 9 is used in the embodiment as a “liquid supply channel” connected to the line head 14 to supply liquid to the line head 14. It is not limited. It suffices that at least a part of the “liquid supply channel” is formed of a flexible tube. That is, the “liquid supply channel” may be removed from the line head 14, and the “part of the flexible tube” may be deformed to be vertically oriented and held by the holding portions 71 and 79.

(3) A cover member may be provided between the upper surface 5 of the line head 14 and the liquid supply flow path. Even if the liquid drips when the liquid supply flow path is attached / detached by the cover member, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the dripped liquid directly falls on the line head 14.

(4) Although details will be described later (FIGS. 35 and 37), a support unit 105 (a platen, a conveyor belt, or the like) that supports the medium M facing the nozzle formation surface 81 of the nozzle N of the line head 14 is set to “medium Both the support position 111 ”and the“ retraction position 112 ”can be taken, and when removing the liquid supply channel from the line head 14 or when removing the line head 14 from the apparatus main body 3, the support section The configuration may be such that 105 is moved to the “retreat position 112” and retracted from directly below the line head 14 and the liquid supply flow path. Here, the support part 105 includes a support part (often referred to as a platen) that statically supports the lower surface of the medium M, and a support part such as a moving belt that dynamically supports the medium M. .
Further, after the support portion 105 is moved to the retracted position, a cap member 106 (to be described later) that contacts the nozzle forming surface 81 of the line head 14 and seals the nozzle N is moved to be positioned below the line head 14. It may be.
As a result, damage due to liquid leakage can be suppressed.

(5) When the line head 14 is removed from the apparatus main body 3 for replacement or repair, the control unit (electrical member 83 to be described later, FIG. 30) for controlling each operation removes the support unit 105 and the cap member 106. You may provide the sequence which moves automatically to the position which can suppress the damage by the said liquid leak.

(6) The first flexible tube 9a in the state of being removed from the first joint 10 of the line head 14 is to block the first connection portion 13 with a clamp or the like in order to avoid dripping or fouling. preferable.

(7) The direction of releasing the connection of the first flexible tube 9a from the line head 14 is the same as the direction of accessing the line head 14 when the line head 14 is removed (up and down), as can be understood from the above description. Direction). Therefore, workability is good.

(D) ◆◆ Handling problems when removing wiping members from installation site ◆◆
An embodiment for coping with a problem occurring when a wiping member for wiping the nozzle forming surface of the line head is removed from the installation location will be described below.
This embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 30 to 37. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structural member which is common in each embodiment of said (A), (B), and (C), and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(D-1) Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 30 to 37)
(D-1-1) Configuration A first embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when a wiping member is removed from an installation location will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 and FIGS. 30 to 37.

  As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 and FIG. 30 to FIG. 37, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a line head 14 that ejects liquid from a plurality of nozzles N to the medium M, and nozzles N. An wiping unit 91 having a wiping member (also referred to as a wiper) 82 capable of wiping the nozzle forming surface 81 (FIGS. 2 and 4), and an electrical member comprising an electronic circuit board for controlling electrical control 83. The wiping member 82 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1. The electrical member 83 is disposed at a location different from the lower side of the attachment / detachment path 84 when the wiping member 82 is attached / detached.

As shown in FIGS. 31 to 34, the wiping unit 91 includes a wiping member 82, a holding portion 85, a carriage 86, and a motor 89 as main components in this embodiment.
The wiping member 82 is held by the holding portion 85. The holding portion 85 is attached to the carriage 86 with a screw 87 as an example in a detachable manner. Accordingly, the wiping member 82 can be removed from the carriage 86 while being held by the holding portion 85 by removing the screw 87.
The carriage 86 is movably attached to the screw shaft 88. The screw shaft 88 rotates when the rotation of the motor 89 is transmitted through the worm gear 90. As the screw shaft 88 rotates, the carriage 86 moves in a first direction F1 that is the longitudinal direction of the screw shaft 88 (the longitudinal direction of the line head 14, the direction intersecting the direction FM in which the medium M is conveyed), The wiping member 82 wipes the nozzle forming surface 81 of the line head 14.
In the figure, reference numeral 104 denotes a guide, which supports the wiping member 82 so as to be slidable and stabilizes the movement of the screw shaft 88 in the longitudinal direction (first direction F1).

As described above, the wiping member 82 is movable in the direction intersecting the direction FM in which the medium M is conveyed (longitudinal direction of the line head 14). And it is comprised so that removal is possible in at least one position of this movable direction. This detachable position is the rear surface side of the printer 1 in this embodiment.
That is, as shown in FIG. 30, in this embodiment, when the rear cover 49 on the rear surface of the printer 1 is opened, the moved wiping member 82 can be accessed. Thus, the wiping member 82 can be removed outside the apparatus main body 3 by opening the back cover 49 and removing the screw 87.
In this embodiment, when the wiping member 82 is removed from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1, the wiping member 82 is automatically moved to a position where the attachment / detachment can be performed by the electrical member 83 that is a control unit that controls the operation of the motor 89. Is configured to do.

As shown in FIG. 30, in this embodiment, the back cover 49 that forms the casing of the apparatus main body 3 is opened and closed as described above on the side where the wiping member 82 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1. It is provided as possible. An electrical member 83 is attached to the inner surface of the back cover 49. When the back cover 49 is opened, the electrical member 83 is configured to retract from the attachment / detachment path 84 of the wiping member 82.
That is, in the normal state in which the back cover 49 is closed, the electrical member 83 is located in the attachment / detachment path 84. However, when the back cover 49 is opened to remove the wiping member 82, the electrical member 83 automatically retracts from the attachment / detachment path 84 of the wiping member 82.

Here, the attaching / detaching path 84 is an area where the wiping member 82 may pass through the attaching / detaching operation when the wiping member 82 is attached / detached to / from the printer 1. To put it simply, it means a work area when the wiping member 82 is attached and detached.
In the above structure, “removable” in “the wiping member 82 is detachable from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1” means “wiping member 82 that wipes in contact with the nozzle forming surface 81 in the present specification. It is used in the sense of including both attaching and detaching to replace or repair this part and attaching and detaching part or all of the wiping unit 91 to replace or repair.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the wiping member 82 and the holding portion 85 are detachable, but only the wiping member 82 or the entire wiping unit 91 may be configured to be detachable.

≪Removal of wiping member≫
Here, based on FIG. 30 to FIG. 34, the case where the wiping member 82 is removed from the installation position in the printer 1 in this embodiment will be described in the order of steps.
(1) First, the rear cover 49 on the rear surface of the printer 1 is opened (FIG. 30). As a result, the electrical member 83 automatically retracts from the attachment / detachment path 84 of the wiping member 82.
(2) In the present embodiment, the wiping member 82 automatically moves to a position where the screw shaft 88 can be removed by being rotated. If it is not configured to automatically move in this way, it is moved to a removable position.
(3) Next, by removing the screw 87, the wiping member 82 can be removed from the carriage 86 while being held by the holding portion 85. At that time, since the electrical member 83 is retracted from the attachment / detachment path 84 of the wiping member 82, there is little possibility that the electrical member 83 adheres to the electrical member 83 even if liquid drips from the wiping member 82.
In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where only the part of the wiping member 82 and the holding | maintenance part 85 was removed, in the structure which removes the whole wiping unit 91, the whole is removed.

(D-1-2) Effect According to the present embodiment, the electrical member 83 such as an electronic circuit board is located at a location different from the lower side of the attachment / detachment path 84 when the wiping member 82 is attached / detached (on the back cover 49 in the open state). Therefore, when the wiping member 82 is removed from the installation location for replacement or repair, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid attached to the wiping member 82 hangs down on the electrical component member 83.

  In the case of a long line head 14, the line head 14 does not move, and the wiping member 82 is often moved along the nozzle forming surface 81 of the line head 14 and wiped. According to this embodiment, since the movable wiping member 82 can be removed from at least one of the movable directions, the wiping member 82 can be easily removed for replacement or repair. It becomes possible.

  According to the present embodiment, the electrical member 83 such as an electronic circuit board is attached to the inner surface of the openable / closable back cover 49 provided in the housing, and the wiping member 82 can be opened from the attachment / detachment path 84 by opening the cover 49. evacuate. Thus, the electrical member 82 located in the attachment / detachment path 84 can be retracted from the attachment / detachment path 84 only by opening the cover 49 when maintaining the wiping member 82 except when the wiping member 82 is maintained. it can. Therefore, when the wiping member 82 is removed from the installation location, it is possible to reduce the risk of the liquid dropping on the electrical member 83 simply by opening the cover 49.

(D-2) Embodiment 2 (FIGS. 31 to 34, FIG. 36)
Based on FIG. 31 to FIG. 34 and FIG. 36, Embodiment 2 for coping with the problem that occurs when removing the wiping member from the installation location will be described.
As shown in FIG. 31 to FIG. 34 and FIG. 36, in the printer 1 according to the present embodiment, the holding unit 85 that holds the wiping member 82 stores the liquid wiped from the nozzle forming surface 81 by the wiping operation. Part 92 is provided. The liquid stored in the storage part 92 needs to be discharged from the storage part 92 before it is full.
As the discharging means, an engaging member 93 that engages with the holding portion 85 is provided at the moving end where the wiping member 82 moves. The engaging member 93 of the present embodiment includes a suction needle 97 having a suction path therein as a communicating portion 96 that communicates with the liquid reservoir portion 92 in an engaged state with the holding portion 85. On the other hand, the holding portion 85 includes a receiving hole 101 that receives the suction needle 97, and the receiving hole 101 includes a valve 102 that opens and closes the flow path when the suction needle 97 is inserted and removed.

As shown in FIG. 36, the communication unit 96 is given a negative pressure by the decompression pump 110 that is a suction unit. By applying this negative pressure, the liquid in the reservoir 92 is discharged and sent to the waste liquid reservoir 98. In FIG. 36, reference numeral 99 denotes a decompression chamber. Note that the decompression pump 110, the waste liquid storage unit 98, and the decompression chamber 99 are also provided for a cap member 106 (FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 and later) to be described later.
Engagement of the wiping member 82 with the engaging member 93 (the suction needle 97 is inserted into the receiving hole 101) is executed for each wiping operation. In addition, it may not be every wiping operation.

  When the wiping member 82 is removed from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1, the wiping member 82 can be moved from the engagement position 94 (position shown in FIG. 31) with the engagement member 93 to the position 95 (position shown in FIG. 32) where the attachment / detachment can be performed. is there. The movement from the engaging position 94 to the attachable / detachable position 95 is configured to be automatically executed when a command to remove the wiping member 82 from the printer 1 is sent to the electrical component 83 (control unit). Is desirable.

  According to the present embodiment, when the wiping member 82 is detached from the printer 1, the wiping member 82 can be moved from the engagement position 94 at the moving end to the position 95 where the detachment can be performed. Therefore, it becomes possible to remove easily.

Further, liquid is collected by moving the wiping member 82 and wiping, and the liquid is collected in the liquid reservoir 92 of the wiping member 82. When the wiping member 82 moves to the engagement position 94 and engages with the engagement member 93, the communication portion 96 of the engagement member 93 is inserted into the receiving hole 101 of the liquid reservoir portion 92 due to the engagement and enters the communication state. . In this communication state, a negative pressure acts on the communication part 96 from the decompression pump 110 (FIG. 36) that is a suction part, so that the liquid collected in the liquid reservoir 92 is discharged.
Further, when the wiping member 82 is detached from the printer 1, the wiping member 82 can be moved to the position 95 where the detachment state with the communication portion 96 at the engagement position 94 at the moving end is released and the attachment / detachment can be performed. 82 can be easily removed for replacement or repair.

(D-3) Embodiment 3 (FIGS. 31 and 32)
Based on FIG.31 and FIG.32, Embodiment 3 of the countermeasure with respect to the problem which arises when removing a wiping member from an installation place is demonstrated.
As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaning unit 103 that cleans the wiping member 82. The cleaning unit 103 is provided on the motor 89 side and is movable up and down. When cleaning the wiping member 82, it moves down to the cleaning position. When not cleaning, it moves up and moves to the retracted position. The cleaning unit 103 is configured to be detachable in the same direction as the wiping member 82.

  According to this embodiment, when the cleaning unit 103 that cleans the wiping member 82 is removed for repair or replacement, the risk of liquid dripping on the electrical member 83 such as an electronic circuit board can be reduced. .

(D-4) Other Configurations (1) In the above embodiment, the cleaning unit 103 has been described as having the same attaching / detaching direction as the attaching / detaching direction of the wiping member 81. Good.

(2) As shown in FIG. 37, the support portion 105 (platen, transport belt, etc.) that supports the medium M facing the nozzle N forming surface of the line head 14 is moved to the medium support position 111 (FIG. 37A). )) And the retracted position 112 (FIG. 37B), and when removing the wiping member 82 for repair or replacement, the support portion 105 is moved to the retracted position 112 (FIG. 37 (B)) and retracted from directly below the line head 14 and the liquid supply channel. Here, the support part 105 includes a support part (often referred to as a platen) that statically supports the lower surface of the medium M, and a support part such as a moving belt that dynamically supports the medium M. 35 and 37, the support portion is a platen.
Furthermore, the cap member 106 that contacts the nozzle forming surface 81 of the line head 14 and seals the nozzle N is also retracted to the retracted position 114 (FIG. 37A) that is separated from the sealing position 113 (FIG. 37B). You may do it. In the figure, reference numeral 107 denotes a guide rail for guiding the movement of the cap member 106 between the positions, and reference numeral 108 denotes an air release mechanism.
Thus, damage caused by liquid dripping from the wiping member 82 can be suppressed.

(3) When removing the wiping member 82 for repair or replacement, the control unit that controls each operation moves the wiping member 82 to a position 95 where the wiping member 82 can be attached and detached, and the support unit 105 and / or the cap member 106. May be provided with a sequence for automatically moving to the retreat positions 112 and 114.

(4) As shown in FIG. 35 to FIG. 36, the wiping member 83 is provided so that it can be removed from the installation position in the apparatus main body 3 below the conveyance path 69.
Thereby, since the wiping member 82 can be removed at the lower side of the conveyance path 69, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the wiping member 82 falls to the conveyance path 69 even when liquid is dripped when the wiping member 82 is removed from the printer 1.

(E) ◆◆ Handling problems when removing the cap member for the line head from the installation location ◆◆
An embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when removing the cap member for the line head from the installation location will be described below.
This embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 35 to 37 and FIGS. 38 to 46. In addition, about the structural member in common with each embodiment of said (A) (B) (C) (D), the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(E-1) Embodiment 1 (FIGS. 35 to 37, FIGS. 38 to 45)
(E-1-1) Configuration A first embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when a cap member for a line head is removed from an installation location will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 to 37 and FIGS. 38 to 45.

As shown in FIG. 35 to FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 to FIG. 45, the printer 1 of this embodiment includes a line head 14 that ejects liquid from a plurality of nozzles N to the medium M being transported, A cap member 106 that can be sealed and a conveyance path 69 that conveys the medium M are provided. A part of the transport path 69 is a detachable unit 115 that can be detachably attached to the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1 (FIG. 40).
The cap member 106 is configured to be removable in the same direction Fc (FIGS. 35, 40, and 44) as the detachable unit 115 in a state where the detachable unit 115 is removed. This direction Fc is the left direction of the printer 1. A cover 118 that can be opened and closed is provided on the housing forming the left side of the apparatus main body 3 (FIG. 38).

  As described with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, the cap member 106 contacts the nozzle forming surface 81 and seals the nozzle N when the line head 14 is not used. The cap member 106 is guided by the guide rail 107 and moves to the sealing position 113 (FIG. 37B) and the retracted position 114 (FIG. 37A). When a negative pressure is applied to the cap member 106 at the sealing position by the decompression pump 110 as a suction portion, the liquid is sucked and discharged from the nozzles N of the line head 14. The liquid discharged into the cap member 106 is sent to the waste liquid storage unit 98.

As shown in FIG. 35, the detachable unit 115 is a discharge unit 117 that has a curved inversion path 116 and discharges the medium M out of the transport path 69.
Troubles such as clogging (also referred to as “jam”) may occur in the conveyance path 69 of the medium M during conveyance of the medium M. By configuring part or all of the transport path 69 to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1, trouble handling can be easily performed. In the present embodiment, in addition to the discharge unit 117, a portion located directly below the discharge tray 7 is configured to be detachable so that the line head 14 can be taken upward (FIGS. 20 and 21). FIG. 35).

  In the above structure, “removal” in “the cap member 106 can be removed” is a member that directly contacts and seals the nozzle forming surface 81 of the line head 14 in this specification. A cap unit 119 (FIG. 44) including a cap member 106 that is removed for replacement or repair, a holding part 126 (FIG. 44) that holds the cap member 106, a moving mechanism 121 that is involved in the sealing operation of the cap member 106, and the like. Is used to include both removal and replacement to replace or repair all or part of

The cap member 119 is movable between a sealing position 113 (FIG. 37B) and a retracted position 114 (FIG. 37A) with respect to the nozzle formation surface 81 of the line head 14 by the moving mechanism 121. Is provided.
In the present embodiment, the cap unit 119 with the cap member attached is configured to be removable from the apparatus main body 3 of the printer 1. The moving mechanism 121 includes a guide rail 107 and a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving while being guided by the guide rail 107, and its operation is controlled by a control unit (electrical member 83).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36, FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, a decompression pump 110 which is a suction part that sucks the liquid in the line head 14 by applying a negative pressure to the cap member 106, and one side is the cap member 106 side. And a first tube 122 that is connected to the decompression pump 110 side. The first tube 122 is configured such that the connection with the decompression pump 110 side can be released in a direction in which the cap member 106 is removed.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 41, the relay flow path 130 is provided between the decompression pump 110 and the first tube 122. That is, the other end of the first tube 122 is connected to the relay flow path 130. The relay flow path 130 and the decompression pump 110 are connected by a second tube 123.

≪Removing the cap unit≫
(1) For the printer 1 in the state shown in FIG. 38, first, the cover 118 provided in the housing on the left side is removed (FIG. 39). This makes it possible to access the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) that forms part of the transport path 69.
(2) As shown in FIG. 40, the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) is pulled out in the direction Fc (left side of the apparatus). The detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) is guided by a rail (not shown) on the apparatus main body 3 side and can be pulled out. This drawer allows access to the cap unit 119 located in the back.
(3) Next, the first tube 122 is disconnected from the relay flow path 130. The release direction is the same as the direction Fc in which the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) is removed from the apparatus main body 3. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 42 is obtained. The first tube 122 is flexible, but has a relatively high rigidity. When the connection is released, the first tube 122 has a substantially straight posture as shown in the figure.
In FIG. 42, reference numeral 124 denotes a connection portion with the relay flow path 130. Reference numeral 125 in FIG. 45 denotes a joint portion on the relay flow path 130 side to which the connection portion 124 is connected.
As shown in FIG. 43, the connection portion 124 at the tip of the first tube 122 is located in the apparatus main body 3 in a state where the connection of the first tube 122 with the relay flow path 130 is released. Thereby, even if the liquid drips from the first tube 122, it can be retained in the apparatus main body 3.
(4) Next, as shown in FIG. 44, the cap unit 119 is removed from the apparatus main body 3. This removal direction is the same as the direction Fc in which the attachment / detachment unit 115 (discharge unit 117) is removed from the apparatus main body 3. As a result, the state shown in FIG. 44 is obtained.
In the present embodiment, the cap unit 119 is guided and pulled out by a rail (not shown) on the apparatus main body 3 side.

(E-1-2) Effect According to the present embodiment, the cap member 106 has the same direction Fc as the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) in a state where the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) having the above-described configuration is removed. It is provided to be removable. That is, a space generated by removing the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117) becomes a detachable space for detaching the cap member 106, and the cap member 106 can be detached in the same direction as the detachable unit 115 using the space. It is configured. In this way, the cap member 106 can be removed in the same direction Fc as the detachable unit 115 by using the space generated by removing the detachable unit 115, so that maintenance such as repair and replacement of the cap member 106 is easy to work. Can be implemented well.
Further, when removing the cap member 106, the transport path 69 located in front of the cap member 106 is the detachable unit 115. Therefore, it is only necessary to remove the unit 115 as a unit, and it is not necessary to disassemble the parts into parts. Is good.

  According to the present embodiment, the space generated by the removal of the discharge unit 117 that is often configured to be detachable from the beginning is used as a detaching space for removing the cap member 106. Therefore, in order to make the cap member 106 removable, there is little need to change the component in front of the cap member 106 to a detachable structure so that the cap member 106 can be taken out, and there is no waste in design and manufacturing. .

According to this embodiment, since the cap member 106 is removed as a whole of the cap unit 119, the workability of repairing and replacing the cap member 106 is good, and the entire cap unit 119 can be easily repaired and replaced.
Further, according to the present embodiment, the first tube 122 connected to apply a negative pressure to the cap member 106 can be disconnected in the same direction as the direction Fc in which the cap member 106 is removed. Therefore, the connection release processing of the first tube 112 that becomes an obstacle at the time of maintenance such as repair or replacement of the cap member 106 can be performed with good workability.
Further, according to the present embodiment, the cap member 106 is connected to the decompression pump (suction unit) 110 by the first tube 122, the relay flow path 130, and the second tube 123. Therefore, the length of the first tube 122 that needs to be disconnected when removing the cap member 106 can be shortened by the length of the relay flow path 130 and the second tube 123, and therefore the workability of the removal can be reduced. Will be better.

(E-2) Embodiment 2 (FIGS. 41 and 45)
Based on FIGS. 41 and 45, a second embodiment for coping with a problem that occurs when the cap member for the line head is removed from the installation location will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 41 and 45, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the second tube 123 is provided outside the movement path when the cap member 106 is removed. That is, the range occupied by the movement path is determined by the area occupied by the cap unit 119 including the cap member 106 in the direction (X direction) intersecting the removal direction Fc, but the second tube 123 is located outside the range. It is configured as follows.
Thereby, since the cap member 106 or the cap unit 119 can be removed while the connection state of the second tube 123 is left as it is, workability is good.

The decompression pump 110 that is a suction unit is detachable from the printer 1, and the second tube 123 is configured to be able to be disconnected in a direction in which the decompression pump 110 is removed. In the present embodiment, the back cover 49 is opened so that the decompression pump 110 can be removed from the rear of the apparatus main body 3.
Thereby, the 2nd tube 123 can cancel | release a connection in the direction (Y direction which is an apparatus back) which removes the decompression pump 110. FIG. Accordingly, when the decompression pump 110 is removed for repair or replacement, the second tube 123 can be accessed from the direction in which the decompression pump 110 is removed (at the rear of the apparatus) to release the connection. Become.

(E-3) Embodiment 3 (FIG. 46)
Based on FIG. 46, a third embodiment for dealing with a problem that occurs when a cap member for a line head is removed from an installation location will be described.
As shown in FIG. 46, in the printer 1 of the present embodiment, the cap member 106 is moved by the moving mechanism 121 to the sealing position 113 (FIG. 37B) and the retracted position 114 (FIG. 37A) with respect to the line head 14. )). The moving mechanism 121 can move the cap member 106 to the retracted position 114 when removing the cap member 106 from the printer 1.

In the present embodiment, a control unit (electrical member 83) that controls the movement of the cap member 106 between the sealing position 113 and the retracted position 114 is provided, and when removing the cap member 106 from the printer 1, The controller (electrical member 83) receives the signal, and the cap member 106 is automatically moved to the retracted position 114. In addition, it is not limited to an automatic moving structure.
The cap member 106 is configured to be removable from the retracted position 114 on the cap unit 119 in the direction Fc. The cap unit 119 is not removed and remains in the apparatus main body 3.
Accordingly, the retracted position 114 of the cap member 106 can be used as a removal position for removing the cap member 106, and there is no waste in design and manufacturing.

(E-4) Other Configurations (1) As shown in FIG. 35, the cap member 106 is provided so that it can be removed from the installation position in the apparatus main body 3 below the conveyance path 69.
As a result, the cap member 106 can be removed at the lower side of the transport path 69, so that it is possible to reduce the possibility that the cap member 106 falls to the transport path 69 even when liquid drips when the cap member 106 is detached from the printer 1.

(2) The first tube 122 and the second tube 123 may be closed using a clamp or the like so that the liquid does not leak in a state where the connection at one end is released.

(3) The first tube 122 may cancel the connection of the connection portion with the cap member 106.

(4) When the cap member 106 is removed for repair or replacement, the control unit (electrical member 83) that controls each operation is automatically set to a position where the cap member 106 can be attached or detached (such as the retracted position 114). A cap moving sequence to be moved may be provided.

(5) In FIG. 44, the moving rail when removing the cap unit 119 from the apparatus main body 3 may be a structure that also serves as a rail for taking out the detachable unit 115 (discharge unit 117).

(6) As shown in FIG. 35 and the like, the medium accommodation cassette 4 is disposed below the attachment / detachment path of the cap member 106, but is shielded between the attachment / detachment path of the cap member 106 and the medium accommodation cassette 4. A member may be provided. With this shielding member, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid dripping when the cap member is attached or detached falls directly to the medium accommodating cassette 4.

(7) As described in the above embodiments (A) to (E), in the printer 1, the line head 14 opens the cover (discharge tray 7) from above the apparatus body 3 and moves upward. The cap member 106 configured to be removable and sealing the nozzle N in contact with the nozzle forming surface 81 of the line head 14 is configured to be able to be taken out from the side surface of the apparatus main body 3, and suction to the wiping member 82 and the cap member 106 is performed. Since the part 97 and the second tube are configured to be taken out from the back surface of the apparatus body 3, maintenance can be performed efficiently.

1 Inkjet printer, 2 Scanner unit, 3 Device body,
4 medium storage cassette, 5 upper surface, 6 recording execution unit, 7 discharge tray,
8 outlet, 9 flexible tube, 9a first flexible tube,
9a (C) first tube, 9a (M) second tube,
9a (Y) No. 3 tube, 9a (K) No. 4 tube,
9b second flexible tube, 10 first joint,
10C first joint, 10M second joint,
10Y No.3 joint, 10K No.4 joint, 11 Multiple channels,
11C First channel, 11M Second channel,
11Y 3rd flow path, 11K 4th flow path, 12 transport mechanism,
13 first connection portion, 14 line head (liquid ejecting head),
15 1st extension part, 16 pump (air supply source),
17a, 17b, 17c Three equally divided areas, 17b central part,
18 liquid container, 19 medium transport area, 20 substrate, 21 first surface,
22 second surface, 23 mounting hole, 24 liquid chamber,
25 (25a, 25b, 25c) sealing part, 26 (26a, 26b) sealing part,
27 second joint, 28 second connecting portion, 29 second extending portion,
30 Liquid container holder, 31a, 31b, 31c region,
32 (32a, 32b) region, 33 sub tank,
33A 1st sub tank, 33B 2nd sub tank, 34 fulcrum,
35 support portion, 36 end portion, 37 first plate, 38 second plate,
39 film, 40 biasing member, 41 liquid inlet, 43 liquid outlet,
48 O-ring, 42 Negative pressure generating part, 44 Flow path opening / closing part,
46 pressure adjusting unit, 47 screw, 50 FFC, 51 multiple terminals,
52 connector, 53 cable connection part, 54 flat surface,
55 cable extension part, 56 bent part,
56a first bent portion, 56b second bent portion,
57 Body side connector, 58 Cable connection part, 66 Crossing part,
69 transport path, 69a transport path for single-sided recording,
69b Reverse path for double-sided recording, 70 ejection head section, 71 holding section,
72 The liquid outlet of the liquid container 18,
73 the position of the first connecting portion 13 of the first flexible tube 9a,
74 Support mechanism, 75 restriction part, 75a restriction surface, 76 restriction part,
76a regulating surface, 77 direction line, 78 target display, 79 concave groove,
80 holding part, 81 nozzle forming surface, 82 wiping member, 83 electrical component member,
84 Detachment path, 85 Holding part, 86 Carriage, 87 Screw,
88 screw shaft, 89 motor, 90 worm gear,
91 wiping unit, 92 reservoir, 93 engaging member, 94 engaging position,
95 Position where it can be attached and detached, 96 communicating part, 97 suction needle,
98 waste liquid storage unit, 99 decompression chamber, 100 control device,
101 receiving hole, 102 valve, 103 cleaning section, 104 guide,
105 support, 106 cap member, 107 guide rail,
108 atmospheric release mechanism, 109 pressure pump, 110 pressure reduction pump (suction part),
111 medium support position, 112 retraction position, 113 sealing position,
114 retraction position, 115 detachable unit, 116 curve reversal path,
117 discharge unit, 118 cover, 119 cap unit,
121 moving mechanism, 122 first tube, 123 second tube,
124 connection part with decompression chamber, 126 holding part, 130 relay flow path, 142 housing,
181 Liquid reservoir, 341 (341a, 341b, 341c) groove,
342 (342a, 342b, 342c) groove,
351 (351a, 351b) groove, 352 (352a, 352b) groove,
381 connection portion, 382 connection portion, 442 flexible member, 444 elastic body,
462 flexible member, 464 elastic body,
501,502,503,504,505 Multiple FFCs,
521, 522, 523, 524, 525 multiple connectors,
F1 first direction (longitudinal direction of the line head),
F2 second direction (height direction of the device), F3 third direction,
Fc FM The moving direction that is the medium transport direction,
L1 length on line head,
L2 Length between fulcrum 34 and line head, M medium (paper), N nozzle.

Claims (9)

A medium transport area;
A line head that ejects liquid onto a medium transported in the medium transport region;
A liquid supply channel connected to the line head and supplying the liquid to the line head,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply flow path is disposed so that the line head is positioned between the medium conveyance area in the vertical direction. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
The connecting portion connected to the line head of the liquid supply channel is located on the upper surface of the line head,
The liquid supply flow path has an extending portion that extends from the position of the connecting portion through the upper surface of the line head in a direction that intersects the conveyance direction of the medium,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the extended portion that is outside the upper surface of the line head is located outside the medium conveyance region. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The liquid supply channel is composed of a plurality of channels.
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a support mechanism that supports movement of the connecting portion along the upper surface of the line head when the connecting portion of the liquid supply channel is lifted upward. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3,
The support mechanism is
Provided in the line head,
Located on both sides along the extended portion of the liquid supply channel,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus has a regulating surface along a lifting direction when the connecting portion of the liquid supply channel is lifted upward along the upper surface of the line head. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3,
The support mechanism is a target display that is provided at a position on a direction line that moves along the upper surface of the line head by lifting the connecting portion of the liquid supply flow path, and indicates a destination position. Liquid ejecting device. In the liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a holding unit configured to hold the connection unit facing upward outside the range of the medium conveyance region in a state where the liquid supply channel is removed from the line head. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6,
The line head is detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is provided at a position away from an attachment / detachment path of the line head. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6 or 7,
A liquid container for containing the liquid supplied to the line head;
The position of the said connection part in the state hold | maintained at the said holding | maintenance part is above the center position of the liquid exit of the said liquid storage part, The liquid ejecting apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the line head includes a liquid reservoir portion that accumulates liquid at a portion where a joint to which the connection portion of the liquid supply flow path is connected to stop the liquid from flowing downward. .

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