JP2020049673A - Liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid jet device which improves visibility at a residual amount visually recognizing part by which a liquid residual amount inside a liquid storage part can be visually recognized.SOLUTION: A liquid jet device includes: a housing 2 with a protrusion part 26 arranged; a liquid jet part 1 which jets a liquid; a liquid storage part 9 which stores the liquid supplied to the liquid jet part 1, and has an injection port 12 from which the liquid can be injected from a refilling container, and a residual amount visually recognizing part 14 by which a liquid residual amount can be visually recognized; a carriage 7 which loads the liquid jet part 1 and the liquid storage part 9, and can relatively move in a main scan direction X with respect to the housing 2; and a wiping part 17 which moves along with movement of the carriage 7, and is structured of a wiping member 18 which can wipe the residual amount visually recognizing part 14, and a displacement member 19. When the carriage 7 moves in the main scan direction X, and the protrusion part 26 and the displacement member 19 contact with each other, the displacement member 19 moves with respect to the carriage 7, and the wiping member 18 moves while contacting with the residual amount visually recognizing part 14 along with movement of the displacement member 19.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus that causes a liquid to land on a medium to be ejected, and more particularly to an ink jet recording apparatus that ejects ink as a liquid to perform recording on the medium to be ejected.

  2. Description of the Related Art As a liquid ejecting apparatus, an ink jet recording apparatus that discharges ink droplets as a liquid to perform printing on a medium to be ejected such as paper or a medium to be ejected is known.

  The ink jet recording apparatus includes, for example, a recording head that discharges ink droplets onto a medium to be ejected, and a liquid storage unit that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head. There is a remaining amount visual check unit that allows the user to visually check a certain amount of remaining ink, and there is a liquid storage unit in which ink can be replenished from a replenishing container (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-30292 A

  However, the ink ejected from the recording head and not landed on the ejected medium becomes a mist and scatters in the housing, and the ink mist scattered in the housing adheres to the remaining amount visually recognizing portion, and is visually recognized by the remaining amount recognizing portion. There is a problem that the property is reduced. In particular, in the case of an ink jet recording apparatus in which a recording head and a liquid storage unit are mounted on a carriage and the carriage moves in the main scanning direction, the ink mist scattered in the housing easily adheres to the remaining amount visual recognition unit.

  Such a problem exists not only in an ink jet recording apparatus but also in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid other than ink.

  An aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problem is that a housing provided with a protrusion, a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid, and a liquid that is supplied to the liquid ejecting unit is stored and liquid can be injected from a replenishing container. A liquid storage unit having an appropriate inlet, the liquid ejection unit and the liquid storage unit are mounted, a carriage relatively movable in the main scanning direction with respect to the housing, and moved with the movement of the carriage, The liquid storage unit includes a remaining amount visually recognizable portion that can visually recognize the remaining amount of the liquid, a wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visible portion, and a displacement member provided with the wiping member and movable. A wiping unit that moves with the movement of the carriage, and when the carriage moves in the main scanning direction, the displacement member contacts the carriage by contacting the protrusion and the displacement member. Move against The wiping member with the movement of the displacement member is a liquid-jet apparatus characterized by moving while in contact with the remaining visible part.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid container including a housing, a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid, and a liquid inlet that accommodates liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting unit and that can inject liquid from a replenishing container. And a carriage mounted with the liquid ejecting unit and the liquid storage unit, and relatively moving in the main scanning direction with respect to the housing, and a liquid that moves with the movement of the carriage and is inside the liquid storage unit. A wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visible portion, a wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visible portion, and a displaceable member provided with the wiping member and the projection and movable; A wiping portion that moves along with the guide portion, and a guide portion provided with a groove for guiding the movement of the protrusion, wherein the groove of the guide portion is provided on the one end side of the protrusion in the main scanning direction. Crosses the entrance and exit with the main scanning direction An inclined portion extending in the main scanning direction, the projection is introduced into the groove through the entrance and the entrance, and is guided by the inclined portion to intersect the main scanning direction when the carriage moves in the main scanning direction. The displacement member moves in a direction intersecting with the main scanning direction with the movement of the protrusion, and the wiping member contacts the remaining amount visual recognition unit with the movement of the displacement member. The liquid ejecting apparatus moves in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid ejecting unit that ejects a liquid, a liquid accommodating unit that accommodates the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting unit, and has an inlet that can inject the liquid from a replenishing container. A carriage mounted with a liquid ejecting unit and the liquid storage unit and moving in the main scanning direction, a remaining amount visually recognizing unit that moves with the movement of the carriage and is capable of visually recognizing the liquid inside the liquid storage unit; A wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visually recognizable portion, and a displacement member provided with the wiping member and movably provided, and comprising a wiping portion that moves with the movement of the carriage, The displacement member is disposed around the inlet and has a contact portion that comes into contact with the replenishing container. When the contact portion is pushed by the refill container, the displacement member moves, and the displacement member moves. By said payment Parts are in a liquid-jet apparatus characterized by moving while in contact with the remaining visible part.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recording device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state where a cover of the recording apparatus is opened. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where a replenishing container is attached to an inlet of an ink tank. It is the perspective view which expanded the principal part which cut out one part of the housing | casing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part explaining a modification of the recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a main part of a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the recording apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a recording apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of a recording apparatus according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wiping unit of the recording apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments. However, the following description shows one embodiment of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same members, and the description thereof will not be repeated. In each drawing, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes orthogonal to each other. In this specification, directions along these axes are referred to as a first direction X (X direction), a second direction Y (Y direction), and a third direction Z (Z direction). A description will be given assuming that the direction toward the arrow is a positive (+) direction and the direction opposite to the arrow is a negative (−) direction. The third direction Z indicates a vertical direction, the + Z direction indicates a vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction indicates a vertical downward direction.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view in which a cover of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state where a replenishing container is attached to an inlet of an ink tank, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part in which a part of a housing is cut away.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an ink jet recording apparatus I, which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, includes a housing 2 internally including a recording head 1 (see FIG. 5) as a liquid ejecting unit, And a cover 4 for opening and closing the + Z side, which is the upper side of the housing 2.

  The housing 2 is provided with a set port 5 into which a medium to be ejected such as paper is inserted, and the medium to be ejected inserted from the set port 5 is transported into the housing 2 in the second direction Y. . Recording is performed by the recording head 1 on the medium to be ejected conveyed into the housing 2, and the medium to be ejected is discharged from a discharge port 6 provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 4 is supported so as to be rotatable around the rear side of the housing 2. When the cover 4 is opened, the inside of the housing 2 is exposed. A carriage 7 having a recording head 1 which is a liquid ejecting unit that ejects ink as a liquid to a medium to be ejected is provided inside the housing 2.

  The carriage 7 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate along a carriage shaft (not shown) attached to the housing 2. The carriage 7 is configured to be able to reciprocate in a first direction X which is a main scanning direction by a belt mechanism 8.

  In addition, the carriage 7 is provided with an ink tank 9 as a liquid storage unit that stores ink to be supplied to the recording head 1. That is, the carriage 7 is equipped with the recording head 1 as a liquid ejecting unit and the ink tank 9 as a liquid storage unit. In addition, a plurality of ink tanks 9, in this embodiment, four ink tanks 9 are mounted on one carriage 7 so as to be arranged side by side in the first direction X.

  The ink tank 9 is provided with a storage chamber 10 for storing ink therein. Each of the storage chambers 10 of the four ink tanks 9 has a different color ink, for example, black (K), cyan (C). ), Magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks.

  The ink stored in each of the plurality of storage chambers 10 is not limited to one having a different color of ink, and may be of a type other than the color of ink. For example, the two storage chambers 10 may store dye ink and pigment ink of the same color, respectively.

  Further, in the present embodiment, four ink tanks 9 are mounted on one carriage, but the number of ink tanks 9 mounted on the carriage 7 is not particularly limited and may be one, and may be two or more. May be plural. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which one storage chamber 10 is provided in one ink tank 9 is exemplified, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and two or more storage chambers are provided in one ink tank 9. May be. Note that, as described above, the case where a plurality of ink tanks 9 having one storage chamber 10 are mounted on the carriage 7 and the case where the ink tank 9 having two or more storage chambers 10 is mounted on the carriage 7 are as follows. , Are substantially the same.

  Further, each ink tank 9 is provided with an inlet 12 through which ink can be injected from a replenishing container 11. When two or more storage chambers 10 are provided in one ink tank 9, it is necessary to provide individual injection ports 12 for each of the storage chambers 10.

  The inlet 12 is normally closed by a cap 13. The ink can be replenished to the ink tank 9 by removing the cap 13 and attaching a replenishing container 11 to the inlet 12 as shown in FIG.

  Further, the ink tank 9 is configured so that the liquid level of the ink that is stored in the storage chamber 10, that is, the remaining ink amount that is the remaining liquid amount can be visually recognized.

  Specifically, the ink tank 9 includes, at least in part, a first visual recognition unit 14 that is a remaining amount visual check unit formed of a material having transparency so that the remaining amount of the liquid inside can be visually recognized. The first visual recognition unit 14 is configured to visually recognize the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 10 of the ink tank 9. In the present embodiment, the first viewing portion 14 is provided over the entire surface of the ink tank 9 on the + Y side, and portions other than the surface on the + Y side are formed of an opaque material. The first viewing portion 14 is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent resin material such as polyethylene or polystyrene, or glass. Note that the entire ink tank 9 may be formed of a transparent or translucent resin.

  The first visual recognition section 14 needs to be provided so that the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber 10 of the ink tank 9 can be visually recognized, and, for example, extends in the third direction Z of the storage chamber 10 of the ink tank 9. Preferably, they are provided continuously. In addition, the width of the first visual recognition unit 14 in the first direction X may be smaller than the width of the storage chamber 10 in the first direction X, as long as the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber 10 can be visually recognized. Is also good. In the present embodiment, the first visual recognition unit 14 is provided over the entire surface on the + Y side of the ink tank 9, so that the first visual recognition unit 14 is provided over the entire surface on the + Y side of the storage chamber 10, that is, The third direction Z and the first direction X are provided continuously.

  Although not shown, the first visual recognition unit 14 is provided with a lower limit display unit for ascertaining the remaining amount of ink, an upper limit display unit for ascertaining the maximum remaining amount of ink, and a scale between them.

  The carriage 7 on which such an ink tank 9 is mounted is provided with a second viewing portion 15 that allows the first viewing portion 14 of the ink tank 9 to be viewed. The second viewing portion 15 is formed by cutting out a part of the side surface on the + Y side of the carriage 7. Since the carriage 7 is provided with the second viewing portion 15 in this manner, the remaining amount of ink in the first viewing portion 14 is visually recognized from outside the carriage 7 while the ink tank 9 is mounted on the carriage 7. be able to. In addition, the housing 2 of the ink jet recording apparatus I is provided with a third viewing portion 16 through which the first viewing portion 14 of the ink tank 9 can be viewed via the second viewing portion 15. The third viewing portion 16 is provided as an opening in the housing 2 in the present embodiment. The third viewing portion 16 is provided at a position where at least a portion of the second viewing portion 15 overlaps at least a portion of the third viewing portion 16 when the carriage 7 is at the home position. That is, when the carriage 7 is located at the home position, the remaining amount of ink in the first viewing portion 14 of the ink tank 9 can be visually recognized from outside the housing 2 via the second viewing portion 15 and the third viewing portion 16. Has become.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the home position of the carriage 7 is an end position on the −X side of the housing 2 in the movement area of the carriage 7. Since the second viewing portion 15 is provided on the + Y side surface of the carriage 7, the third viewing portion 16 moves the second viewing portion 15 of the carriage 7 to the second viewing portion 15 when the carriage 7 is located at the home position. It is provided at a position overlapping in the second direction Y, that is, the surface on the + Y side.

  By providing the third viewing portion 16 in the housing 2 in this manner, the amount of ink remaining in the first viewing portion 14 of the ink tank 9 can be viewed from outside the housing 2 without opening the cover 4 or the like. .

  Further, since the third visual recognition section 16 is provided on the + Y side surface, which is the front side of the ink jet recording apparatus I, in the housing 2, it is easy for the user to visually recognize the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 9. .

  In the present embodiment, the position at which the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 9 is visually recognized is the home position of the carriage 7, but the position is not particularly limited to this, and the position at which the remaining amount of ink is visually recognized is different from the home position. The position may be, for example, an end position on the + X side in the moving direction of the carriage 7 or a position adjacent to the home position on the + X side. However, if the position where the amount of remaining ink is visually recognized is set to a dedicated position other than the home position, it is necessary to move the carriage 7 to the dedicated position to check the amount of remaining ink. If the remaining amount of ink can be visually recognized at the home position as in the present embodiment, the step of moving the carriage 7 to the dedicated position becomes unnecessary, and the amount of remaining ink can be easily visually recognized in a short time. Even when the expression recording apparatus I is not operating, the remaining amount of ink can be easily and quickly confirmed.

  Further, the inkjet recording apparatus I is moved in the first direction X, which is the main scanning direction, together with the carriage 7 to wipe the first visual recognition part 14 of the ink tank 9 which is the remaining visual recognition part of the present embodiment. A wiping unit 17 is provided.

  Here, the wiping unit 17 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating the wiping unit, and are views in which the carriage, the wiping unit, the ink tank, and the like are viewed from the + Y side. 7 and 8 are views for explaining the wiping unit, and are cross-sectional views of main parts along line AA 'in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wiping unit 17 is a wiping member that is in contact with the first visual recognition unit 14 and wipes the first visual recognition unit 14, and the wiper 18 is held by the first visual recognition unit. And a wiper holding frame 19 which is a displacement member movably provided with respect to the portion 14.

  The wiper holding frame 19 is provided in the second viewing portion 15 of the carriage 7, and has a plurality of exposure openings 20 that open the first viewing portion 14 of each ink tank 9.

  Specifically, the wiper holding frame 19 includes a first frame 21 provided along the first direction X on each of the + Z side and the −Z side in the third direction Z, and a wiper holding frame 19 along the third direction Z. And a plurality of second frames 22 provided to connect the first frames 21 to each other. Four second frames 22 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the first direction X. An exposure opening 20 is formed between the second frames 22. Therefore, the wiper holding frame 19 is provided with three exposure openings 20.

  Here, the exposed opening 20 has a size that allows the first viewing portion 14 to be visually recognized through the exposed opening 20. Note that the size of the exposure opening 20 in the third direction Z is preferably equal to or larger than the size of the first viewing portion 14. That is, the length of the second frame 22 in the third direction Z is preferably longer than that of the first visual recognition unit 14. Accordingly, the wiper holding frame 19 does not cover both end portions of the first visual recognition unit 14 in the third direction Z, and when the remaining amount of ink in the storage chamber 10 becomes small, or when the ink is Even when the surface is near the upper limit, the remaining amount of ink can be visually recognized by the first visual recognition unit 14.

  Although the width of the exposed opening 20 in the first direction X is smaller than the width of the first visible portion 14, the remaining amount of ink can be visually recognized in the first visible portion 14. The frames 22 are provided at the same pitch as the gap between the first viewing portions 14 adjacent to each other in the first direction X, and the width of the second frame 22 in the first direction X is set to the first width adjacent to each other in the first direction X. The width of the exposed opening 20 in the first direction X is made larger than the width of the first visible portion 14 by making the gap smaller than the gap of the visible portion 14. This makes it easier to visually recognize the remaining amount of ink in the first viewing portion 14 through the exposure opening 20 without the first frame 14 being covered by the second frame 22.

  Further, the base end of the wiper 18 is fixed to a surface of the second frame 22 of the wiper holding frame 19 facing the first visual recognition portion 14, that is, the −Y side.

  The wiper 18 wipes the ink adhered to the first visual recognition portion 14 by moving while contacting the first visual recognition portion 14, that is, by sliding, and in the present embodiment, the wiper 18 is made of a flat rubber or elastomer. It is formed of an elastic material. The base end of the flat wiper 18 is fixed to each of the four second frames 22 such that the end contacting the first viewing portion 14 is a free end. That is, in the present embodiment, a total of four wipers 18 are provided on the wiper holding frame 19.

  It is preferable that the length of the wiper 18 in the third direction Z be equal to or longer than the first viewing portion 14. By setting the length of the wiper 18 to be equal to or longer than the first visual recognition unit 14 as described above, it is possible to prevent the wiper 18 from remaining unwiped on the first visual recognition unit 14 and reduce the visibility of the remaining ink amount. Can be suppressed. By the way, if the wiper 18 is too long than the first visual recognition part 14, the wiper 18 slides to a part other than the first visual recognition part 14, and the wiper 18 is cut or chipped, and the deterioration of the wiper 18 is accelerated. Therefore, there is a possibility that a part of the wiper 18 may fall off to generate foreign matter. Therefore, it is preferable that the wiper 18 be provided with substantially the same length as the first visual recognition unit 14. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the unwiped portion of the first visual recognition portion 14 by the wiper 18, to suppress deterioration due to the wiper 18 coming into contact with a portion other than the first visual recognition portion 14, and to reduce the generation of foreign matter.

  The wiper 18 of the present embodiment is formed of an elastic member. However, the material of the wiper 18 is not particularly limited. For example, the wiper 18 absorbs ink such as a porous material such as a sponge, and a cloth such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, and a nonwoven fabric. An absorber may be used.

  The wiper holding frame 19 provided with such a wiper 18 is provided movably in the first direction X with respect to the carriage 7. In the present embodiment, the carriage 7 is provided with a guide rail 23 that holds the wiper holding frame 19 movably in the first direction X. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the guide rail 23 has a width in which the first frame 21 is inserted and is continuous along the first direction X on both sides of the second visual recognition unit 15 in the third direction Z. When the first frame 21 of the wiper holding frame 19 is inserted into the two guide rails 23, the wiper holding frame 19 moves in the first direction X with respect to the carriage 7. It is held so that it can reciprocate.

  A coil spring 24 is provided between the wiper holding frame 19 and the carriage 7 as a biasing member for biasing the wiper holding frame 19 toward the home position, that is, toward the −X side. One end of the coil spring 24 contacts the + X side surface of the opening of the second visual recognition unit 15 of the carriage 7, and the other end contacts the −X side surface of the wiper holding frame 19. 7 to the home position side, that is, to the -X side.

  Further, a first contact portion 25 protruding toward a side opposite to the wiper 18 is provided on a side of the wiper holding frame 19 opposite to the first viewing portion 14. The housing 2 of the ink jet recording apparatus I is provided with a protruding portion 26 that comes into contact with the first contact portion 25 of the wiper holding frame 19 at the home position. Note that the phrase “the protrusion 26 is provided on the housing 2” means that the protrusion 26 is provided so as not to move with the carriage 7, and the protrusion 26 is directly fixed to the housing 2. This also includes that the protruding portion 26 is fixed to a member fixed to the housing 2.

  In a position other than the home position, such as when the carriage 7 is printing, the wiping unit 17 is at the home position side with respect to the carriage 7 by the urging force of the coil spring 24 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. It is located on the X side.

  When the carriage 7 moves to the home position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the first contact portion 25 comes into contact with the protruding portion 26 provided on the housing 2, so that the wiper holding frame 19 is moved. The movement to the -X side, which is the home position side, is restricted, and only the carriage 7 moves to the -X side, which is the home position side. As a result, the wiper holding frame 19 moves to the + X side, which is opposite to the home position with respect to the carriage 7. By moving the wiper holding frame 19 to the + X side with respect to the carriage 7 in this manner, the wiper 18 fixed to the wiper holding frame 19 moves relatively to the + X side while being in contact with the first visual recognition unit 14, As a result, the wiper 18 wipes the first viewing portion 14.

  When the carriage 7 moves from the home position to the + X side, similarly to FIGS. 5 and 7, the wiper holding frame 19 is moved to the −X side with respect to the carriage 7 by the urging force of the coil spring 24. Move relatively to the side. This also causes the wiper 18 held by the wiper holding frame 19 to move relatively to the −X side while contacting the first viewing portion 14, and as a result, the wiper 18 wipes the first viewing portion 14.

  That is, the wiping unit 17 of the present embodiment wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 both when the carriage 7 moves to the home position and when the carriage 7 moves away from the home position.

  As described above, when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the wiper 18 relatively moves with respect to the carriage 7 and wipes the first viewing portion 14. A separate drive mechanism is not required, and the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 with a simple structure.

  By wiping the first viewing portion 14 with the wiping portion 17, the visibility of the remaining ink amount by the first viewing portion 14 can be improved. That is, by wiping the ink mist adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 of the ink tank 9 from being lowered by the ink mist, and , That is, the remaining ink amount can be easily visually recognized.

  The first viewing portion 14 can be subjected to a water-repellent treatment. For the water-repellent treatment, for example, a resin-based water-repellent such as a silicone resin or a fluorine resin can be used. Since the first visual recognition unit 14 is water-repellent, ink and ink mist are repelled from the surface of the first visual recognition unit 14, so that the wiper 18 can more easily wipe the first visual recognition unit 14. .

  As described above, in the ink jet recording apparatus I which is the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present embodiment, the housing 2 provided with the protruding portion 26 and the recording head 1 which is the liquid ejecting section which ejects the liquid ink. An ink tank 9 serving as a liquid storage unit having an inlet 12 for storing ink to be supplied to the recording head 1 and injecting ink from a replenishing container 11; and a housing mounted with the recording head 1 and the ink tank 9. A carriage 7 movable in a first direction X which is a main scanning direction with respect to the carriage 2, and a remaining amount visually recognizing unit which moves with the movement of the carriage 7 and allows the amount of ink remaining in the ink tank 9 to be visually recognized. A first visual recognition unit 14, a wiper 18 that is a wiping member capable of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14, and a wiper holding frame 19 that is a movable member provided with the wiper 18 and movable. And a wiping unit 17 that moves with the movement of the carriage 7. When the carriage 7 moves in the first direction X, the protrusion 26 contacts the wiper holding frame 19 to The wiper holding frame 19 moves with respect to the carriage 7, and the wiper 18 moves while contacting the first visual recognition unit 14 with the movement of the wiper holding frame 19.

  In this manner, the wiping unit 17 is relatively moved with respect to the carriage 7 by the movement of the carriage 7, and the wiper 18 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14, which is the remaining amount visual recognition unit. A drive mechanism for moving the first visual recognition unit 14 with respect to the visual recognition unit 14 is unnecessary, and the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 with a simple structure.

  By wiping the first viewing portion 14 with the wiping portion 17, the visibility of the remaining ink amount by the first viewing portion 14 can be improved. That is, by wiping the ink mist adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 of the ink tank 9 from being lowered by the ink mist, and , That is, the remaining ink amount can be easily visually recognized.

  Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the remaining amount visual recognition unit is the first visual recognition unit 14 provided in the ink tank 9 which is the liquid storage unit. According to this, by wiping the ink adhered to the first viewing portion 14 provided in the ink tank 9 by the wiping portion 17, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the first viewing portion 14.

  In the present embodiment, the wiper holding frame 19 is provided so as to be movable in the first direction X with respect to the carriage 7, and the protrusion 26 provided on the housing 2 moves the wiper holding frame 19 in the first direction X of the wiper holding frame 19. , The wiper holding frame 19 is relatively moved in the first direction X with respect to the carriage 7, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. For example, the wiper holding frame 19 is provided so as to be movable in the third direction Z with respect to the carriage 7, and the projection 26 provided on the housing 2 has an inclined surface inclined in the third direction Z and the first direction X. The wiper holding frame 19 is moved in the third direction Z by sliding the wiper holding frame 19 on the inclined surface of the protruding portion 26 by moving the carriage 7 in the first direction X. Good. When the wiper holding frame 19 is moved in the third direction Z in this manner, the wiper holding frame 19 moves toward the −Z side in the third direction Z, that is, moves vertically downward, and It is preferable to wipe the first viewing portion 14. As a result, even after the wiper 18 moves vertically downward to wipe the first visual recognition portion 14 and the wiper 18 moves vertically upward, the ink attached to the wiper 18 spreads to the first visual recognition portion 14 by its own weight. hard. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility due to the ink attached to the wiper 18 spreading to the first viewing portion 14.

  When the wiper 18 moves in the third direction Z to wipe the first visual recognition unit 14, a cleaning unit for cleaning the wiper 18 may be provided. By providing the first visual recognition unit 14 at the position of the wiper 18 after wiping, the cleaning unit can efficiently clean ink adhered to the wiper 18 after wiping by the cleaning unit, and the wiper 18 is moved to the original position. When returning to the above, it is possible to suppress the ink attached to the wiper 18 from wetting and spreading to the first visual recognition unit 14, thereby suppressing a decrease in visibility.

  As such a cleaning unit, for example, an absorber capable of absorbing ink such as a porous material such as a sponge or a cloth such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a nonwoven fabric can be used.

  Further, in the ink jet type recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, a plurality of ink tanks 9 as liquid storage units are provided, and a plurality of wipers 18 as wiping members are provided corresponding to the number of ink tanks 9. In the present embodiment, four ink tanks 9 are provided, and a total of four wipers 18 are provided corresponding to the first viewing portions 14 provided in each of the four ink tanks 9. By providing a plurality of wipers 18 in accordance with the number of ink tanks 9 as described above, it is possible to improve the wiping performance of the wipers 18 as compared with a case where one wiper 18 is provided for a plurality of ink tanks 9. In addition, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the wiper 18 and to suppress the wiping performance from decreasing over a long period of time.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of wipers 18 are provided in accordance with the number of the ink tanks 9. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one wiper 18 wipes the four first viewing portions 14. You may. However, since the area to be wiped by one wiper 18 is increased, the wiper 18 is easily deteriorated. Further, when the four ink tanks 9 are provided as described above, since there is a gap or a step between the adjacent ink tanks 9 in the first direction X, the four ink tanks 9 By wiping the first visual recognition portion 14 of the tank 9, the wiper 18 comes into contact with a corner portion of the exterior of the ink tank 9 and the like, and the deterioration such as abrasion easily occurs, and the wiping performance of the wiper 18 may be reduced. Therefore, as described above, by providing one wiper 18 for one ink tank 9, the wiper 18 may be positioned at the corner of the exterior of the ink tank 9 due to the gap or step between the adjacent ink tanks 9 in the first direction X. The wiping performance of the wiper 18 can be suppressed from being deteriorated by preventing the wiping performance of the wiper 18 from being deteriorated due to wear at the parts. Incidentally, when one wiper 18 is relatively moved in the first direction X with respect to the carriage 7 to wipe the first visual recognition section 14, the above-described cleaning section can be provided.

  Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the wiper holding frame 19 which is a displacement member is provided with a plurality of wipers 18 which are wiping members. According to this, the plurality of wipers 18 can be moved simultaneously with a simple configuration. Of course, an independent wiper holding frame 19 may be provided for one wiper 18.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the wiper 18 of the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 every time the carriage 7 moves to the home position. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. Here, a modification of the present embodiment is shown in FIGS. FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams illustrating a modification of the ink jet recording apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the protruding portion 26 is provided so as to be movable in the third direction Z with respect to the housing 2, and the protruding portion 26 is provided on the housing 2 in the third direction Z. A protruding portion driving unit 27 which is a moving unit for moving is provided.

  The protrusion drive unit 27 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the protrusion 26 relatively to the carriage 7 in the third direction Z, and for example, a motor or an electromagnet can be used. In the present embodiment, as the protruding portion driving portion 27, a solenoid capable of moving the plunger in the third direction Z by bringing the tip of the plunger into contact with the protruding portion 26 is used.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the projecting portion driving section 27 moves the projecting portion 26 to a position on the + Z side where the projecting portion 26 contacts the first contact portion 25 of the wiper holding frame 19 and, as shown in FIG. The frame 19 moves to a position on the −Z side that does not contact the first contact portion 25. The position where the protrusion 26 contacts the first contact portion 25 is referred to as a wiping position, and the position where the protrusion 26 does not contact the first contact portion 25 is referred to as a non-wiping position. That is, the protrusion drive unit 27 moves the protrusion 26 between the wiping position and the non-wiping position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the protrusion drive unit 27 moves the protrusion 26 to the wiping position, the protrusion 26 comes into contact with the first contact portion 25 of the wiper holding frame 19, and the carriage 7 moves home. The movement of the wiper holding frame 19 is restricted by the first contact portion 25 by the movement to the position, and only the carriage 7 moves to the home position, thereby moving the wiper holding frame 19 relative to the carriage 7 and moving the wiper 18. Wipes the first viewing portion 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the protrusion drive unit 27 moves the protrusion 26 to the non-wiping position, so that the protrusion 26 does not contact the first contact portion 25 of the wiper holding frame 19 and the wiper 18 Is not wiped out of the first visual recognition unit 14 due to the above.

  As described above, the wiping of the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 can be selected when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, so that the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 at a desired timing. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the wiper 18 and to suppress the wiping failure due to the deterioration of the wiper 18. Incidentally, the timing of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 may be performed periodically or may be performed by a command from the user. To periodically perform the timing of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 means that, for example, when the number of printed sheets exceeds a preset threshold, the ejection amount of the ink droplet exceeds the preset threshold. In the case, when the elapsed time from the previous wiping exceeds a preset threshold, when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus I is turned on or off, the operation time of the inkjet recording apparatus I exceeds the preset threshold. And the like. In particular, since the first visual recognition unit 14 moves in the first direction X together with the carriage 7, the ink mist generated by the ejection of the ink droplets easily adheres to the first visual recognition unit 14. Therefore, when the number of prints directly related to the ejection of ink droplets exceeds a preset threshold value or when the ejection amount of ink droplets exceeds a preset threshold value, the wiping unit 17 periodically performs the first visual recognition. By wiping the portion 14, the ink mist attached to the first visual recognition portion 14 can be efficiently wiped. The timing of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 according to a user command includes, for example, a case where the user presses an operation button. Further, only when a control device (not shown) of the ink jet recording apparatus I receives a command such as an ink remaining amount check command or an ink injection command from the outside, the control device controls the protrusion drive unit 27 and performs The first viewing portion 14 may be wiped.

  In the example described above, the protruding portion 26 and the protruding portion driving portion 27 are provided separately, but the protruding portion 26 and the protruding portion driving portion 27 may be integrated. Further, the plunger of the protrusion drive unit 27 may function as the protrusion 26.

  Further, although not particularly shown, the protrusion drive unit 27 may also serve as an elevating mechanism for moving the cap that covers the nozzles of the print head 1 in the third direction Z, provided in the ink jet printing apparatus I. Good. The lifting mechanism may operate via a power transmission switching mechanism by reversing the transport motor that transports the medium to be ejected. That is, the transport motor may also serve as the protrusion drive unit 27. As described above, by moving the protruding portion 26 by the transport motor or the elevating mechanism provided in the ink jet recording apparatus I, it is not necessary to newly provide the protruding portion driving portion 27, thereby reducing the number of parts and reducing costs. be able to.

  In the above-described example, the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 both when the carriage 7 moves to the home position and when the carriage 7 moves away from the home position. Not limited.

  Here, modified examples of the ink jet recording apparatus of the present embodiment are shown in FIGS. FIGS. 11 to 14 are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the wiper holding frame 19, each of the support pins 28 provided at both ends in the first direction X is movably held by a guide rail 23.

  The guide rail 23 has a parallelogram shape in a plan view from the third direction Z. In the present embodiment, the -Y side, which is the first viewing portion 14 side of the guide rail 23, is the first guide rail 23a, the + X side is the second guide rail 23b, the + Y side is the third guide rail 23c, and the -X side is the first guide rail 23c. 4 guide rail 23d. The first guide rail 23a and the third guide rail 23c are provided along the first direction X. The second guide rail 23b and the fourth guide rail 23d are provided so that the + Y side is inclined toward the + X side with respect to the second direction Y.

  The wiper holding frame 19 held on the guide rail 23 via the support pin 28 when the carriage 7 moves from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the home position, as shown in FIG. 19 moves the first guide rail 23a relative to the carriage 7 in the + X direction, and the wiper 18 fixed to the wiper holding frame 19 wipes the first viewing portion 14 side.

  Further, as the carriage 7 moves to the home position side, as shown in FIG. 13, the wiper holding frame 19 moves the second guide rail 23b with respect to the carriage 7 in an oblique direction including the + Y direction and the + X direction. The holding frame 19 moves away from the first visual recognition unit 14 in the + Y direction. As a result, the wiper 18 also moves away from the first visual recognition unit 14.

  When the carriage 7 moves away from the home position, the wiper holding frame 19 passes through the third guide rail 23c and the fourth guide rail 23d and returns to the original position by the urging force of the coil spring 24 as shown in FIG. Return.

  In such a configuration, when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14, and when the carriage 7 moves away from the home position, the wiping unit 17 moves the first visual recognition unit 14. It can be prevented from being wiped. Therefore, compared to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the deterioration of the wiper 18 can be suppressed, the wiper 18 can be used for a long time, and poor wiping due to the deterioration of the wiper 18 can be suppressed.

  In the example described above, the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, and the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 when the carriage 7 moves away from the home position. Although the wiping is not performed, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, when the carriage 7 moves away from the home position without the wiping unit 17 wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 when the carriage 7 moves to the home position. The wiping unit 17 may wipe the first viewing unit 14. However, since the carriage 7 moves to the home position after the ink mist generated at the time of printing adheres to the first visual recognition unit 14, in order to improve the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 at the home position, as described above. Preferably, the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 when the carriage 7 moves to the home position. Thus, the ink mist or the like adhering to the first visual recognition unit 14 during printing can be wiped by the wiping unit 17 immediately before the ink remaining amount is visually recognized by the first visual recognition unit 14. The visibility of the remaining amount can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIGS. 15 to 17 are diagrams illustrating a wiping unit of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where a carriage, a wiping unit, an ink tank, and the like are viewed from the + Y side. FIG. FIGS. 18 to 20 are diagrams illustrating the wiping unit of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment, and are cross-sectional views taken along the line BB ′ in FIG. The same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, guide rails 23 are provided on the second viewing portion 15 of the carriage 7 along the third direction Z on both sides in the first direction X. That is, a pair of guide rails 23 is provided on both sides of the opening of the second viewing portion 15 in the first direction X. Note that the guide rail 23 of the present embodiment has a cylindrical shape.

  On the guide rail 23, a wiper holding frame 19, which is a displacement member constituting the wiping unit 17, is held so as to be movable in a third direction Z. More specifically, the wiper holding frame 19 is made of a rod-shaped member, and is held so as to reciprocate in the third direction Z by fitting both ends to the outer periphery of the guide rail 23. Further, the guide rail 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the both ends of the wiper holding frame 19 are fitted to the outer periphery of the guide rail 23, so that the wiper holding frame 19 can be prevented from being inclined with respect to the guide rail 23. . Such a wiper holding frame 19 is provided over the opening of the second viewing portion 15 in the first direction X.

  A wiper 18 as a wiping member constituting the wiping unit 17 is fixed to a surface of the wiper holding frame 19 facing the first visual recognition unit 14, that is, a surface on the −Y side. The wiper 18 is formed of a flat elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The wiper 18 has a base end held by the wiper holding frame 19 such that the tip is a free end. The wiper 18 of the present embodiment has a size that is continuous over four first viewing portions arranged side by side in the first direction X. In addition, you may make it provide a total of four wipers 18, one for each 1st visual recognition part 14, for example.

  Further, a projection 29 protruding in the + Y direction is provided on the opposite side of the wiper holding frame 19 from the first viewing portion 14.

  Such a wiping unit 17 is located on the + Z side of the carriage during printing, that is, other than at the home position.

  On the other hand, the housing 2 of the ink jet recording apparatus I is provided with a guide section 30. The guide portion 30 is formed of a plate-like member, and is disposed on the + X side of the home position so that the surface direction includes the first direction X and the third direction Z.

  The guide portion 30 is provided with a groove 31 for guiding the protrusion 29. The groove 31 is opened on the + X side of the guide portion 30 and serves as an entrance / exit of the projection 29 to the groove 31, and the entrance / exit of the projection 29 is provided on the −X side which is the home position side. And a slope 31c extending in a direction intersecting with the first direction X. That is, the groove 31 of the present embodiment is constituted only by the inclined portion 31c, and the openings on both sides of the inclined portion 31c in the first direction X are the first entrance 31a and the second entrance 31b. Needless to say, a linear portion provided along the first direction X may be provided on at least one of the + X side and the −X side of the groove 31. Incidentally, the inclined portion 31c of the present embodiment has the first direction X and the third direction Z such that the first entrance 31a on the + X side is on the + Z side and the second entrance 31b on the -X side is on the -Z side. It is provided inclined to both.

  In such an inclined portion 31c, the angle θ with respect to the first direction X is larger than 0 degree and smaller than 90 degrees. That is, 0 degrees <θ <90 degrees. The angle θ of the inclined portion 31c with respect to the first direction X is preferably 45 degrees or less. By setting the angle θ of the inclined portion 31c to 45 degrees or less as described above, the protrusion 29 can be easily moved in the third direction Z by the inclined portion 31c, which will be described in detail later.

  In such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the protrusion 29 of the wiping unit 17 is introduced into the groove 31 from the first entrance 31a, and is inclined by the inclined portion 31c. It is guided and moves in a direction that intersects the first direction X that is the main scanning direction, that is, in the −Z direction. The wiper holding frame 19 also moves in the −Z direction with the movement of the projection 29 in the −Z direction due to the inclined portion 31 c, and the wiper 18 is moved by the first visual recognition unit 14 with the movement of the wiper holding frame 19 in the −Z direction. The first visual recognition unit 14 is wiped by moving in the −Z direction while being in contact with the first position. That is, the wiping unit 17 is moved vertically downward in the −Z direction by the guide unit 30 to wipe the first visual recognition unit 14. After the protrusion 29 is moved in the −Z direction by the inclined portion 31c, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 20, the protrusion 29 is led out of the groove 31 from the second entrance 31b. Of course, when the carriage 7 is located at the home position, the protrusion 29 may be retained in the inclined portion 31c without being drawn out from the second entrance 31b. When the protrusion 29 stays in the inclined portion 31c as described above, the inclined portion 31c may be shortened so that the second entrance 31b is not provided. That is, the guide portion 30 may be provided with at least the first entrance 31a as the entrance of the projection 29 into the groove 31.

  When the carriage 7 moves away from the home position, the protrusion 29 is introduced into the groove 31 from the second entrance 31b, and moves in the + Z direction while being guided by the inclined portion 31c. Along with this, the wiper holding frame 19 moves in the + Z direction, and the wiper 18 moves in the + Z direction while contacting the first visual recognition portion 14 to wipe the first visual recognition portion 14. Further, after the protrusion 29 is moved in the + Z direction by the inclined portion 31c, it is led out of the groove 31 from the first entrance 31a.

  That is, the wiping unit 17 of the present embodiment wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 both when the carriage 7 moves to the home position and when the carriage 7 moves away from the home position.

  As described above, when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the wiper 18 relatively moves with respect to the carriage 7 and wipes the first viewing portion 14. A separate drive mechanism is not required, and the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 with a simple structure.

  By wiping the first viewing portion 14 with the wiping portion 17, the visibility of the remaining ink amount by the first viewing portion 14 can be improved. That is, by wiping the ink mist adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 of the ink tank 9 from being lowered by the ink mist, and , That is, the remaining ink amount can be easily visually recognized.

  In the present embodiment, when the carriage 7 is located at a position other than the home position, the wiper 18 is located on the + Z side, and when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the wiper 18 The wiping is performed by moving in the Z direction, that is, vertically downward. Therefore, even after the wiper 18 moves vertically downward to wipe the first visual recognition portion 14, even if the wiper 18 moves vertically upward, the ink attached to the wiper 18 is unlikely to wet and spread to the first visual recognition portion 14 by its own weight. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility due to the ink attached to the wiper 18 spreading to the first viewing portion 14.

  In the ink jet type recording apparatus I which is the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present embodiment, the housing 2, the recording head 1 which is a liquid ejecting section for ejecting liquid ink, and the ink to be supplied to the recording head 1 are accommodated. An ink tank 9 which is a liquid container having an injection port 12 into which ink can be injected from a replenishing container 11, a recording head 1 and an ink tank 9, and a first direction which is a main scanning direction with respect to the housing 2; X, a carriage 7 that moves relative to X, a first visual recognition unit 14 that moves with the movement of the carriage 7, and a first visual recognition unit 14 that is a remaining amount visual recognition unit that can visually recognize the remaining amount of ink inside the ink tank. It has a wiper 18 that is a wiping member that can be wiped, and a wiper holding frame 19 that is a movable member provided with the wiper 18 and the projection 29 and is movable. The wiping unit 17 includes a movable wiping unit 17 and a guide unit 30 provided with a groove 31 for guiding the movement of the protrusion 29, and the groove 31 of the guide unit 30 includes a protrusion provided on one end side in the first direction X. When the carriage 7 moves in the first direction X, the first protrusion 31a includes a first entrance 31a which is an entrance and exit of the second entrance 29, and an inclined portion 31c extending in a direction intersecting the first direction X. The wiper holding frame 19 is introduced into the groove 31 through the one entrance 31a, moves in a direction intersecting the first direction X while being guided by the inclined portion 31c, and the wiper holding frame 19 intersects the first direction X with the movement of the projection 29. The wiper 18 moves in the direction intersecting with the first direction X while contacting the first viewing portion 14 with the movement of the wiper holding frame 19.

  In this manner, the wiping unit 17 is relatively moved with respect to the carriage 7 by the movement of the carriage 7, and the wiper 18 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14, which is the remaining amount visual recognition unit. A drive mechanism for moving the first visual recognition unit 14 with respect to the visual recognition unit 14 is unnecessary, and the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 with a simple structure.

  By wiping the first viewing portion 14 with the wiping portion 17, the visibility of the remaining ink amount by the first viewing portion 14 can be improved. That is, by wiping the ink mist adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 of the ink tank 9 from being lowered by the ink mist, and , That is, the remaining ink amount can be easily visually recognized.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the wiper 18 as the wiping member performs wiping in the −Z direction, which is vertically downward. Therefore, even after the wiper 18 moves vertically downward and wipes the first visual recognition unit 14, even if the wiper 18 moves vertically upward, the ink attached to the wiper 18 is unlikely to wet and spread to the first visual recognition unit 14 by its own weight. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility due to the ink attached to the wiper 18 spreading to the first viewing portion 14. Of course, when the carriage 7 is not at the home position, the wiper 18 is located on the −Z side, and when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the wiper 18 moves in the + Z direction to wipe the first visual recognition unit 14. You may.

  Further, in the ink jet type recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the remaining amount visually recognizing portion is the first visually recognizing portion 14 provided in the ink tank which is the liquid storage portion. By wiping the ink adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 provided in the ink tank 9 by the wiping unit 17 in this manner, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14.

  Further, a cleaning unit for cleaning the wiper 18 may be provided at a position after the wiper 18 has wiped the first visual recognition unit 14. Here, such an example is shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a cleaning unit 32 is provided at a position on the −Z side in the second visual recognition unit 15 of the carriage 7. The cleaning unit 32 is provided at a position of the wiper 18 after the wiper 18 moves in the −Z direction and wipes the first visual recognition unit 14, and is provided to the wiper 18 after the wiper 18 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14. By contact, the ink adhered to the wiper 18 is cleaned. As the cleaning unit 32, for example, an absorber capable of absorbing ink such as a porous material such as a sponge or a cloth such as a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, or a nonwoven fabric can be used. In addition, the cleaning unit 32 is not limited to the absorber, and may be, for example, a cleaning wiper that slides on the wiper 18 to wipe off the ink attached to the wiper 18. As the cleaning wiper, rubber, elastomer, or the like can be used.

  By providing the cleaning unit 32 at the position on the −Z side after the wiping of the wiper 18 in this manner, the ink adhered to the wiper 18 can be cleaned, and the wiper 18 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14. It is possible to suppress the ink from falling into the housing 2. In addition, by providing the cleaning unit 32 that contacts and cleans the wiper 18 on the −Z side after the wiping of the wiper 18, the ink adhered to the wiper 18 can be easily cleaned, and the wiper 18 can be visually recognized first. It is possible to prevent the ink adhered to the wiper 18 from re-adhering to the first visual recognition unit 14 when the unit 14 is moved in the + Z direction after wiping. Therefore, the visibility of the first viewing portion 14 can be further improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first visual recognition units 14 are wiped by one wiper 18, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. In the case where a plurality of ink tanks 9 as liquid storage units are provided, A plurality of wipers 18 as wiping members may be provided corresponding to the number of ink tanks 9. In the present embodiment, four ink tanks 9 may be provided, and a total of four wipers 18 may be provided corresponding to the first viewing portions 14 provided in each of the four ink tanks 9. In this case, it is preferable to provide a plurality of wipers 18 as wiping members on a wiper holding frame 19 as a displacement member. Thereby, the plurality of wipers 18 can be simultaneously moved with a simple configuration. Of course, an independent wiper holding frame 19 may be provided for one wiper 18.

  In the present embodiment, the wiper 18 of the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 every time the carriage 7 moves to the home position. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the wiping unit is wiped at a desired timing. 17 may wipe the first visual recognition unit 14. Such an example is shown in FIGS. FIGS. 22 and 23 are views illustrating a modification of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the second embodiment, and are cross-sectional views of main parts according to line BB ′ in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the guide unit 30 is provided so as to be movable in a second direction Y. The housing 2 includes a moving unit that moves the guide unit 30 in the second direction Y. A certain guide drive unit 33 is provided.

  The guide section driving section 33 is not particularly limited as long as the guide section 30 can reciprocate in the second direction Y with respect to the carriage 7, and for example, a motor or an electromagnet can be used. In the present embodiment, a solenoid that can move the plunger in the second direction Y by bringing the tip of the plunger into contact with the guide unit 30 is used as the guide unit driving unit 33.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the guide driving unit 33 moves the guide 30 to the position on the −Y side where the protrusion 29 of the wiping unit 17 is inserted into the groove 31, as shown in FIG. 23. The protrusion 29 of the wiping unit 17 moves to a position on the + Y side where it is not inserted into the groove 31. The position where the protrusion 29 of the wiping unit 17 is inserted into the groove 31 of the guide unit 30 is referred to as a wiping position, and the position where the protrusion 29 of the wiping unit 17 is not inserted into the groove 31 of the guide unit 30 is referred to as a non-wiping position. That is, the guide drive unit 33 moves the guide 30 to the wiping position and the non-wiping position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the guide unit driving unit 33 moves the guide unit 30 to the wiping position, so that the protrusion 29 is inserted into the groove 31 of the guide unit 30, and the wiper holding frame 19 is moved to the -Z position. Then, the wiper 18 wipes the first viewing portion 14 in the −Z direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 23, when the guide driving unit 33 moves the guide 30 to the non-wiping position, the protrusion 29 is not inserted into the groove 31 of the guide 30, and the wiper holding frame 19 is moved. The first visual recognition unit is not wiped by the wiper 18 without moving in the −Z direction.

  As described above, the wiping of the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 can be selected when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, so that the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 at a desired timing. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the wiper 18 and to suppress the wiping failure due to the deterioration of the wiper 18. Incidentally, the timing of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 may be performed periodically or may be performed by a command from the user. To periodically perform the timing of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 means that, for example, when the number of printed sheets exceeds a preset threshold, the ejection amount of the ink droplet exceeds the preset threshold. In the case, when the elapsed time from the previous wiping exceeds a preset threshold, when the power of the inkjet recording apparatus I is turned on or off, the operation time of the inkjet recording apparatus I exceeds the preset threshold. And the like. In particular, since the first visual recognition unit 14 moves in the first direction X together with the carriage 7, the ink mist generated by the ejection of the ink droplets easily adheres to the first visual recognition unit 14. Therefore, when the number of prints directly related to the ejection of ink droplets exceeds a preset threshold value or when the ejection amount of ink droplets exceeds a preset threshold value, the wiping unit 17 periodically performs the first visual recognition. By wiping the portion 14, the ink mist attached to the first visual recognition portion 14 can be efficiently wiped. The timing of wiping the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17 according to a user command includes, for example, a case where the user presses an operation button. Further, only when a control device (not shown) of the ink jet recording apparatus I receives a command such as an ink remaining amount check command or an ink injection command from the outside, the control device controls the guide unit driving unit 33 to perform the second operation by the wiping unit 17. The first viewing portion 14 may be wiped.

  Although not particularly shown, the guide driving unit may be operated by an elevating mechanism that moves a cap provided in the ink jet recording apparatus and covering the nozzle in the third direction Z. The lifting mechanism may operate via a power transmission switching mechanism by reversing the transport motor that transports the medium to be ejected. That is, the transport motor may also serve as the guide drive unit. In this way, by using the conveyance motor and the elevating mechanism provided in the ink jet recording apparatus as the guide drive unit, it is not necessary to newly provide a guide drive unit, and it is possible to reduce the number of parts and reduce costs. it can.

  Further, in the above-described example, the wiping unit 17 can select and execute wiping or non-wiping of the first visual recognition unit 14 by moving the guide unit 30 in the second direction Y by the guide unit driving unit 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, the guide unit driving unit 33 causes the guide unit 30 to move the first entrance 31a in a plane including the first direction X and the third direction Z. May be rotated about a rotation axis arranged near the center. By rotating the guide portion 30 in this manner, the groove 31 can be arranged in the direction along the first direction X, or the groove 31 can be inclined in a direction intersecting the first direction X. it can. Therefore, the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 at a desired timing according to the rotation position of the guide unit 30.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the groove 31 of the guide portion 30 may be provided with a straight portion 31d and an inclined portion 31c branched off from the straight portion 31d and inclined. That is, only one first entrance 31a is provided, and two second entrances 31b are provided.

  Further, a lid portion 34 that closes one opening of the straight portion 31d and the inclined portion 31c is provided at a branch portion between the straight portion 31d and the inclined portion 31c. The lid part 34 is rotatably supported by the guide part 30 and is rotated by a guide part driving part 33 such as a motor.

  In such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 25, when the lid portion 34 closes the opening of the inclined portion 31c by the guide portion driving portion 33, the protrusion 29 inserted from the first entrance 31a passes through the straight portion 31d, The wiper 18 does not wipe the first viewing portion 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 26, when the lid portion 34 closes the opening of the linear portion 31d by the guide portion driving portion 33, the protrusion 29 inserted from the first entrance 31a passes through the inclined portion 31c, and the wiper 18 (1) Wipe the visible part 14.

  Even with such a configuration, the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 at a desired timing.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a wiping unit of an ink jet recording apparatus which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating a carriage, a wiping unit, an ink tank, and the like as viewed from the + Z side. is there. 28 and 29 are diagrams illustrating the wiping unit according to the third embodiment, and are cross-sectional views of main parts taken along line CC 'in FIG. The same members as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

  As illustrated, the carriage 7 is provided with a wiping unit 17. The wiping unit 17 is a wiper 18 that is a wiping member that wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 that is a remaining amount visual recognition unit, and a displacement member that holds the wiper 18 and is movably provided with respect to the first visual recognition unit 14. And a certain wiper holding frame 19.

  The wiper holding frame 19 has a base end connected to the two third frames 35 rotatably supported on the −Y side of the carriage 7 as an axis, and a fourth connecting the distal ends of the two third frames 35. And a fourth frame 36 is provided continuously along the first direction X on the + Y side of the four first viewing portions 14.

  The third frame 35 of the wiper holding frame 19 has a second contact portion 37 disposed around the inlet 12 and in contact with the refill container 11 when the refill container 11 is connected to the inlet 12. Is provided. The second contact portion 37 is opposite to the base end side connected to the third frame 35, and has two third frames along the first direction X at a distal end portion that can contact the replenishing container 11. 35 is provided.

  Further, a torsion coil spring 38 is provided on a portion of the third frame 35 rotatably supported by the carriage 7, which is an urging means for urging the wiper holding frame 19 in the + Z direction.

  The surface of the fourth frame 36 of the wiper holding frame 19 facing the first visual recognition portion 14, that is, the wiper 18 on the surface on the + Y side is fixed. The wiper 18 is made of a flat elastic member such as rubber or elastomer, and has a base end fixed to the fourth frame 36 such that a front end on the first viewing portion 14 side is a free end. The wiper 18 of the present embodiment has a size that is continuous over the four first viewing portions 14 arranged side by side in the first direction X. The number of the wipers 18 is not particularly limited to this, and, for example, four wipers 18 may be provided, one for each first visual recognition unit 14.

  In such a configuration, the wiper holding frame 19 is positioned on the + Z side with respect to the first visual recognition portion 14 by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 38 when the refill container 11 is not connected to the inlet 12.

  When the refill container 11 is connected to the inlet 12, the second contact portion 37 is pushed toward the −Z side by the tip of the refill container 11, and the wiper holding frame 19 is centered on the base end supported by the carriage 7. To the -Z side. Accordingly, the wiper 18 fixed to the wiper holding frame 19 moves in the −Z direction with respect to the first visual recognition unit 14, and the wiper 18 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14. At this time, since the second contact portion 37 extends along the first direction X on the distal end side as described above, the second contact portion 37 may interfere with the + Z side wall surface of the liquid container 9. There is no.

  Also, by removing the replenishing container 11 from the injection port 12, the wiper holding frame 19 is rotated in the + Z direction around the base end supported by the carriage 7 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 38, and the wiper 18 is moved to the first position. It moves in the + Z direction with respect to the viewing portion 14. This also enables the first visual recognition unit 14 to be wiped by the wiper 18.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the first visual recognition unit 14 can be wiped by the wiping unit 17 by connecting the replenishing container 11 to the injection port 12 when refilling the ink tank 9 with ink. Therefore, a separate drive mechanism for moving the wiper 18 with respect to the first visual recognition unit 14 is unnecessary, and the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 with a simple structure.

  By wiping the first viewing portion 14 with the wiping portion 17, the visibility of the remaining ink amount by the first viewing portion 14 can be improved. That is, by wiping the ink mist adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 of the ink tank 9 from being lowered by the ink mist, and , That is, the remaining ink amount can be easily visually recognized.

  In the ink jet type recording apparatus I which is a liquid ejecting apparatus of the present embodiment, a recording head 1 which is a liquid ejecting unit for ejecting liquid ink, an ink to be supplied to the recording head 1 is stored, and an ink is Tank 7, which is a liquid container having an inlet 12 capable of injecting ink, a recording head 1 and a carriage 7 on which the ink tank 9 is mounted and which moves in a first direction X which is a main scanning direction. A first viewing portion 14 that moves along with the movement and is a remaining amount viewing portion that can view the ink inside the ink tank 9, a wiper 18 that is a wiping member that can wipe the first viewing portion 14, and a wiper 18. And a wiper holding frame 19 that is a movable member movably provided, and a wiping unit 17 that moves with the movement of the carriage 7. The wiper holding frame 19 is disposed around the inlet 12 and has a second contact portion 37 that is a contact portion with which the replenishing container 11 comes into contact. The holding frame 19 moves, and the wiper 18 moves with the movement of the wiper holding frame 19 while being in contact with the first visual recognition unit 14.

  As described above, the wiper holding frame 19 of the wiping unit 17 is moved with respect to the first visual recognition unit 14 as the remaining amount visual recognition unit by the connection of the replenishing container 11 to the injection port 12, and the wiper 18 moves the first visual recognition unit 14. Since the wiping can be performed, a separate drive mechanism for moving the wiping unit 17 with respect to the first visual recognition unit 14 becomes unnecessary, and the wiping unit 17 can wipe the first visual recognition unit 14 with a simple structure.

  By wiping the first viewing portion 14 with the wiping portion 17, the visibility of the remaining ink amount by the first viewing portion 14 can be improved. That is, by wiping the ink mist adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 by the wiping unit 17, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14 of the ink tank 9 from being lowered by the ink mist, and , That is, the remaining ink amount can be easily visually recognized.

  Further, in the ink jet recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the wiper holding frame 19 serving as a displacement member is rotatably supported by the carriage 7 or the ink tank 9 serving as a liquid storage section, and the second section serving as a contact section. When the contact portion 37 is pushed by the replenishing container 11, the wiper holding frame 19 is rotated, and the wiper 18 as the wiping member is rotated by the rotation of the wiper holding frame 19, so that the wiper 18 is the first visible portion 14 as the remaining amount visible portion. Move while contacting with. In the present embodiment, a wiper holding frame 19 rotatably supported by the carriage 7 is provided, a portion of the wiper holding frame 19 rotatably supported by the carriage 7, and a wiper of the wiper holding frame 19. A second contact portion 37 for contacting the replenishing container 11 is provided between the fourth frame 36 and the fixed frame 18. In other words, the portion where the wiper holding frame 19 is rotatably supported is a fulcrum, the second contact portion 37 is a force point pressed by the refill container 11, and the portion where the wiper 18 is provided is an action point. A power point is arranged between the fulcrum and the point of action. Therefore, the amount of movement of the wiper 18 in the third direction Z can be made larger than the amount of movement of the second contact portion 37 by the replenishing container 11, and there is no need to move the replenishing container 11 significantly. Convenience can be improved.

  Note that the pressing of the wiper holding frame 19 is not particularly limited to this. For example, a bar-shaped pressing member that contacts the fourth frame 36 and presses the fourth frame 36 in the −Z direction is provided in the replenishing container 11. The container 11 may directly press the fourth frame 36 in the −Z direction.

  In the ink jet recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the wiper 18 as the wiping member performs wiping in the −Z direction, which is vertically downward. Therefore, even after the wiper 18 moves vertically downward to wipe the first visual recognition portion 14, even if the wiper 18 moves vertically upward, the ink attached to the wiper 18 is unlikely to wet and spread to the first visual recognition portion 14 by its own weight. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility due to the ink attached to the wiper 18 spreading to the first viewing portion 14. Of course, when the carriage 7 is not at the home position, the wiper 18 is located on the −Z side, and when the carriage 7 moves to the home position, the wiper 18 moves in the + Z direction to wipe the first visual recognition unit 14. You may.

  Further, in the ink jet type recording apparatus I of the present embodiment, the remaining amount visually recognizing portion is the first visually recognizing portion 14 provided in the ink tank which is the liquid storage portion. By wiping the ink adhered to the first visual recognition unit 14 provided in the ink tank 9 by the wiping unit 17 in this manner, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the first visual recognition unit 14.

  Further, similarly to the example shown in FIG. 21 of the second embodiment described above, a cleaning unit 32 for cleaning the wiper 18 may be provided at a position after the wiper 18 has wiped the first visual recognition unit 14. By providing the cleaning unit 32 at the position on the −Z side after the wiping of the wiper 18 in this manner, the ink adhered to the wiper 18 can be cleaned, and the wiper 18 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14. It is possible to suppress the ink from falling into the housing 2. In addition, by providing the cleaning unit 32 that contacts and cleans the wiper 18 on the −Z side after the wiping of the wiper 18, the ink adhered to the wiper 18 can be easily cleaned, and the wiper 18 can be visually recognized first. It is possible to prevent the ink adhered to the wiper 18 from re-adhering to the first visual recognition unit 14 when the unit 14 is moved in the + Z direction after wiping. Therefore, the visibility of the first viewing portion 14 can be further improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first visual recognition units 14 are wiped by one wiper 18, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. In the case where a plurality of ink tanks 9 as liquid storage units are provided, A plurality of wipers 18 as wiping members may be provided corresponding to the number of ink tanks 9. In the present embodiment, four ink tanks 9 may be provided, and a total of four wipers 18 may be provided corresponding to the first viewing portions 14 provided in each of the four ink tanks 9. In this case, it is preferable to provide a plurality of wipers 18 as wiping members on a wiper holding frame 19 as a displacement member. Thereby, the plurality of wipers 18 can be simultaneously moved with a simple configuration. Of course, an independent wiper holding frame 19 may be provided for one wiper 18.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the wiping unit 17 wipes the first visual recognition unit 14 by the connection operation of the replenishing container 11 to the inlet 12. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this. An inlet cover may be provided, and the wiping unit 17 may be moved by the opening and closing operation of the inlet cover to wipe the first visual recognition unit 14.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the basic configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the wiping unit 17 is supported by the carriage 7 is illustrated, but the member that supports the wiping unit 17 moves in the first direction X that is the main scanning direction together with the carriage 7. The wiping unit 17 is supported by a part of the ink tank 9 or a member mounted on the carriage 7 other than the ink tank 9, for example, a part of the recording head 1. May be.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the first visible portion 14 of the ink tank 9 is the remaining amount visible portion. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. When the member is further provided, the transparent or translucent member covering the first visual recognition unit 14 corresponds to the remaining amount visual recognition unit, and the transparent or translucent member covering the first visual recognition unit 14 is used as the wiping unit 17. Can be wiped off.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second viewing portion 15 of the carriage 7 is an opening. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second viewing portion 15 of the carriage 7 is formed of a transparent or translucent material. You may do so. When the second viewing portion 15 of the carriage 7 is formed of a transparent or translucent material as described above, the first viewing portion 14 is covered by the second viewing portion 15, and thus the first viewing portion 14 is provided with an ink mist or the like. Is difficult to adhere, and the ink mist easily adheres to the second viewing portion 15. Therefore, the wiping unit 17 wipes the second viewing unit 15 of the carriage 7 to prevent the visibility of the remaining ink amount of the first viewing unit 14 from being reduced via the second viewing unit 15. it can. That is, the remaining amount visually recognizing unit includes the first visually recognizable portion 14 of the ink tank that is the first remaining amount visually recognizing portion, and the second visually recognizable portion 15 of the carriage 7 that is the second remaining amount visually recognizing portion. Wipes the second visible portion 15 of the carriage 7, which is the second remaining amount visible portion.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the third viewing portion 16 provided in the housing 2 is provided as an opening. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The third viewing portion 16 may be formed of a transparent or translucent member. It may be. This makes it difficult for foreign substances such as dust and dirt to enter the inside of the housing 2, and it is hard for the ink mist inside the housing 2 to leak out. Further, by blocking the third viewing portion 16, it is possible to improve safety without touching the inside of the housing 2. When the third viewing portion 16 is formed of a transparent or translucent member as described above, a wiping portion for wiping the inner surface of the third viewing portion 16, that is, the −Y side surface may be provided. As the wiping unit for wiping the third viewing unit 16, for example, as in the above-described embodiments, a wiping member for wiping the third viewing unit 16, a wiping member that holds the wiping member, and the first direction X or the third direction. And a displacement member movably in the direction Z. For example, the displacement member may be driven by a drive mechanism such as a motor. However, as in the first embodiment, the displacement member is brought into contact with the carriage 7 to move the displacement member together with the carriage 7. Alternatively, the third viewing portion 16 may be wiped by the wiping member. Further, similarly to the second embodiment, a guide portion is provided on the carriage 7, the guide portion is moved together with the movement of the carriage 7, the displacement member is moved in the third direction Z, and the third visual recognition portion 16 is moved by the wiping member. You may make it wipe. Further, similarly to Embodiment 3 described above, by moving the displacement member by connecting the replenishing container 11 to the injection port 12, the wiping member may wipe the third visual recognition unit 16. As described above, the movement of the wiping unit for wiping the third visual recognition unit 16 is performed by using the belt mechanism 8 that drives the carriage 7 or the connection to the injection port 12 of the replenishing container 11 as in the first to third embodiments. Thus, a drive mechanism for driving the wiping unit for wiping the third visual recognition unit 16 becomes unnecessary, and the cost can be reduced.

  Of course, even if the third viewing portion 16 is opened, and an opaque lid member capable of opening and closing the third viewing portion 16 is provided, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as dust and dirt from entering the inside of the housing 2. It is possible to prevent the ink mist inside the housing 2 from leaking outside.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the position where the first viewing portion 14 of the ink tank 9 can be visually recognized is the home position of the carriage 7, but is not particularly limited thereto. A position where ink can be injected into the injection port 12 of the tank 9 may be used.

  Furthermore, in each embodiment, a configuration in which one wiping unit 17 is provided for the first visual recognition unit 14 that is the four remaining visual recognition units is illustrated, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this. One wiping unit 17 may be provided for each unit, and two wiping units 17 may be provided for four remaining amount visual recognition units. That is, the number of wiping units is not limited by the number of remaining amount visually recognizing units.

  Furthermore, the present invention is broadly applied to liquid ejecting apparatuses in general, and is applicable, for example, to the manufacture of recording heads such as various ink jet recording heads used in image recording apparatuses such as printers, and color filters such as liquid crystal displays. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid ejecting apparatus including a color material ejecting head used, an electrode material ejecting head used for forming electrodes such as an organic EL display, an FED (field emission display), a biological organic matter ejecting head used for manufacturing a biochip, and the like. be able to.

  I: ink jet recording apparatus (liquid ejecting apparatus), 1: recording head (liquid ejecting unit), 2 ... housing, 3 ... paper support, 4 ... cover, 5 ... set port, 6 ... discharge port, 7 ... carriage, Reference Signs List 8: belt mechanism, 9: ink tank (liquid storage section), 10: storage chamber, 11: refill container, 12: injection port, 13: cap, 14: first viewing section, 15: second viewing section, 16 ... Third viewing portion, 17 wiping portion, 18 wiper (wiping member), 19 wiper holding frame (displacement member), 20 exposure opening, 21 first frame, 22 second frame, 23 guide rail , 23a ... first guide rail, 23b ... second guide rail, 23c ... third guide rail, 23d ... fourth guide rail, 24 ... coil spring, 25 ... first contact portion, 26 ... projecting portion, 27 ... projecting portion drive Part, 28 ... branch Pin, 29 ... projection, 30 ... guide part, 31 ... groove, 31a ... first entrance, 31b ... second entrance, 31c ... inclined part, 31d ... linear part, 32 ... cleaning part, 33 ... guide part drive part, 34 ... Lid, 35... Third frame, 36... Fourth frame, 37... Second contact portion, 38... Torsion coil spring, L. Direction, Z ... third direction

Claims (11)

A housing provided with a protrusion,
A liquid ejecting unit for ejecting liquid,
A liquid storage unit having an inlet capable of injecting a liquid from a replenishing container, while storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting unit,
A carriage mounted with the liquid ejecting unit and the liquid storage unit and relatively movable in the main scanning direction with respect to the housing;
Moving with the movement of the carriage, a remaining amount visually recognizable portion capable of visually recognizing a remaining amount of liquid inside the liquid storage portion,
A wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visible portion, and a displaceable member provided with the wiping member and movable, the wiping portion moving with the movement of the carriage,
With
When the carriage moves in the main scanning direction, the displacement member moves relative to the carriage by contact between the protrusion and the displacement member, and the wiping member moves with the movement of the displacement member. A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus moves while being in contact with the remaining amount visual confirmation unit. A housing,
A liquid ejecting unit for ejecting liquid,
A liquid storage unit that contains a liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting unit and has an injection port capable of injecting a liquid from a replenishing container,
A carriage mounted with the liquid ejecting unit and the liquid storage unit and relatively moving in the main scanning direction with respect to the housing;
Moving with the movement of the carriage, a remaining amount visually recognizable portion capable of visually recognizing a remaining amount of liquid inside the liquid storage portion,
A wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visible portion, and a displaceable member provided with the wiping member and the projection and movable, and a wiping portion that moves with the movement of the carriage;
A guide portion provided with a groove for guiding the movement of the protrusion,
With
The groove of the guide portion includes an entrance of the protrusion provided on one end side in the main scanning direction, and an inclined portion extending in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction,
When the carriage moves in the main scanning direction, the protrusion is introduced into the groove through the entrance, moves in a direction intersecting with the main scanning direction guided by the inclined portion, and moves with the movement of the protrusion. The displacement member moves in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction, and with the movement of the displacement member, the wiping member moves in a direction intersecting the main scanning direction while being in contact with the remaining amount visual recognition unit. Characteristic liquid ejecting apparatus. A liquid ejecting unit for ejecting liquid,
A liquid storage unit that contains a liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting unit and has an injection port capable of injecting a liquid from a replenishing container,
A carriage mounted with the liquid ejecting unit and the liquid storage unit and moving in a main scanning direction;
Moving with the movement of the carriage, a remaining amount visually recognizable portion capable of visually recognizing the liquid inside the liquid storage portion,
A wiping member capable of wiping the remaining amount visually recognizable portion, and a displacement member provided with the wiping member and movably provided, and a wiping portion that moves with the movement of the carriage;
With
The displacement member has a contact portion disposed around the inlet and in contact with the refill container,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the displacement member moves when the contact portion is pushed by the replenishing container, and the wiping portion moves while being in contact with the remaining amount visual recognition portion by the movement of the displacement member.   The displacement member is rotatably supported with respect to the carriage or the liquid storage unit. When the contact portion is pushed by the refill container, the displacement member rotates, and the displacement member rotates. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the wiping member moves while contacting the remaining amount visually recognizing unit. The protruding portion is provided movably to a wiping position that makes contact with the displacement member to perform wiping of the remaining amount visual recognition portion and a non-wiping position that does not contact the displacement member,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a moving unit configured to move the protrusion to the wiping position and the non-wiping position.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wiping member performs wiping vertically downward. A cleaning unit for cleaning the wiping member,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit is provided at a position of the wiping member after wiping the remaining amount visually recognizing unit.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount visual recognition unit is provided in the liquid storage unit. The liquid container is surrounded by the carriage,
The remaining amount visual recognition unit includes a first remaining amount visual recognition unit provided in the liquid storage unit and a second remaining amount visual recognition unit provided in the carriage.
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wiping unit wipes the second remaining amount visually recognizing unit. The liquid storage unit is provided in a plurality,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of the wiping members are provided corresponding to the number of the liquid storage units.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of the wiping members are provided on the displacement member.