JP2020172027A - Liquid ejection device, recording system - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in image quality.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection device comprises: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveyance passage; a liquid ejection head that performs recording by ejecting liquid to the conveyed medium, through a nozzle formed in a nozzle surface; an attachment portion to which a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head is attached; a delivery and reception unit that delivers the medium subjected to the recording toward a medium processing device that processes the medium; a discharge unit which is provided above the delivery and reception unit and delivers the medium subjected to the recording toward the medium processing device. The attachment portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface. The conveyance passage has: a first conveyance passage extending from a position corresponding to the liquid ejection head to the delivery and reception unit; and a branched passage which is branched from the midway of the first conveyance passage, passes above the first conveyance passage and is connected to the discharge portion, the first conveyance passage passing above the attachment portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid discharge device and a recording system.

Conventionally, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a liquid injection head that injects a liquid onto a medium, a mounting portion on which a liquid container for accommodating the liquid to be supplied to the liquid injection head is mounted, and a transport path for the medium. A liquid injection device including a transport device for transporting along the line is known.

JP-A-2017-13240

In the liquid injection device, the medium coated with the liquid by the liquid injection head is conveyed below the mounting portion. Therefore, when the liquid drips from the mounting portion, there is a problem that the liquid adheres to the medium to which the liquid is applied and the image quality is deteriorated.

The liquid discharge device of the present application includes a transport unit that transports a medium along a transport path, and a liquid discharge head that records the transported medium by discharging liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface. , The medium on which the recording is performed is delivered to the mounting portion to which the liquid accommodating portion for accommodating the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head is mounted and the medium processing device for processing the medium. A delivery section and a discharge section provided above the delivery section and delivering the recording medium to the medium processing device are provided, and the mounting section is located higher than the nozzle surface. The transport path is branched from the first transport path of the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head to the delivery portion and the middle of the first transport path, and is above the first transport path. It has a branch path that passes through and is connected to the discharge portion, and the first transport path passes above the mounting portion.

In the liquid discharge device, a unit in which the delivery portion, a connection portion of the first transport path connected to the delivery portion, the discharge portion, and the branch path are integrally formed. It is preferable that the unit transport path has a transport path and is detachable from a portion of the first transport path excluding the connection portion.

The liquid discharge device further includes a housing for accommodating the liquid discharge head, the delivery portion is provided on the first surface side of the housing, and the liquid discharge head is the first surface of the housing. Rather, it is preferable to record on the medium at a position close to the second surface facing the first surface.

The liquid discharge device is provided with a storage unit that communicates with the liquid storage unit and the liquid discharge head and can store the liquid, and the storage unit is arranged above the nozzle surface and , It is preferable that the mounting portion is arranged below the mounting portion.

It is preferable that the liquid discharge device further includes a maintenance unit for maintaining the liquid discharge head, and the maintenance unit is arranged below the storage unit.

The liquid ejection device further includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating the medium, and the medium accommodating portion is arranged on the first surface side below the liquid ejection head, and the medium accommodating portion and the above. Among the transport paths, the paper feed transport path from the medium accommodating portion to the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head, the first transport path connected to the feed feed transport path, and the first surface of the housing. It is preferable that the mounting portion, the storage portion, and the maintenance portion are arranged vertically in the area surrounded by the above.

The liquid discharge device further includes a waste liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head and a cover capable of opening and closing a part of the housing, and the waste liquid storage unit is provided. It is preferable that the cover can be attached and detached with the cover open.

The liquid discharge device is provided with a waste liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head, and below the mounting unit, below the storage unit, or below the maintenance unit. It is preferable to further include a liquid receiving unit capable of receiving the liquid and a detecting unit for detecting the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit.

The recording system of the present application is a medium processing device that processes a medium, a transport unit that transports the medium along a transport path, and a liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface with respect to the transported medium. The recording was performed toward the liquid discharge head for recording by discharging the medium, the mounting portion on which the liquid storage portion for accommodating the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head is mounted, and the medium processing device. A liquid discharge device including a delivery unit for delivering the medium and a discharge unit provided above the delivery unit and delivering the medium on which the recording has been performed toward the medium processing device. The mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface, and the transport path is the first transport path of the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head to the delivery section, and the middle of the first transport path. It has a branch path that branches from the above, passes above the first transport path, and is connected to the discharge portion, and the first transport path passes above the mounting portion. ..

In the recording system, a unit transport path in which the delivery section, a connection section connected to the delivery section of the first transport path, the discharge section, and the branch path are integrally formed. It is preferable that the unit transport path is removable from the portion of the first transport path excluding the connection portion.

In the recording system, the medium processing device processes the first loading unit that loads the medium delivered from the discharging unit without processing, and the medium delivered from the delivering unit. It is preferable to include a processing unit and a second loading unit for loading the medium processed by the processing unit.

In the recording system, the liquid discharge device includes a housing for accommodating the liquid discharge head, the delivery portion is provided on the first surface side of the housing, and the liquid discharge head is the housing of the housing. It is preferable that recording is performed on the medium at a position closer to the second surface facing the first surface than to the first surface.

The external view which shows the structure of the recording system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the liquid discharge device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the pressure adjustment mechanism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The exploded perspective view which shows the structure of the pressure adjustment mechanism which concerns on 1st Embodiment. An exploded perspective view of the pressure adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment as viewed from another direction. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view when the pressure adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment is in the first posture. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view when the pressure adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment is in the second posture. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a displacement member and a flexible member included in the pressure adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment. The cross-sectional view which shows the modification example of the displacement member which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the pressure adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the pressure adjusting mechanism according to the first embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the medium processing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the recording system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the recording system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

1. 1. First Embodiment First, the configuration of the recording system 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of the recording system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the recording system 1 includes a liquid discharge device 100 and a medium processing device 200. The recording system 1 includes a control unit 2 (FIG. 2) that comprehensively controls the drive of each mechanism of the liquid discharge device 100 and the medium processing device 200. The liquid ejection device 100 is, for example, an inkjet printer that records images such as characters, figures, and photographs by adhering a liquid to paper S as an example of a medium. The liquid is, for example, ink. The medium processing device 200 is arranged adjacent to the liquid discharge device 100. The medium processing device 200 is a post-processing device including a processing unit 201 (FIGS. 2 and 12) that performs post-processing such as stapler processing for binding the paper S on which an image has been recorded by the liquid ejection device 100 with staples (needle). Is.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid discharge device 100 has a housing 101. An operation unit 102 for performing various operations of the liquid discharge device 100 is attached to the upper portion of the housing 101.

Further, in the + Z direction of the operation unit 102, a cover 104 that can open and close a part of the housing 101 is provided. The cover 104 is rotatably provided with the end end in the −Y direction of the cover 104 as the base end. Then, it is rotatably configured between two positions, an open position where the tip side opposite to the base end is separated from the liquid discharge device 100 and a closed position which constitutes a part of the housing 101.

Further, in the + Z direction of the cover 104, a paper cassette 103 as a medium accommodating portion for accommodating the paper S is provided. In this embodiment, four paper cassettes 103 are arranged side by side along the + Z direction of the cover 104. Each paper cassette 103 contains paper S for recording by the liquid ejection device 100 in a laminated state. Further, each paper cassette 103 is provided with a grip portion 103a that can be gripped by the user. The paper cassette 103 is configured to be detachable from the housing 101 by moving the grip portion 103a in the −X direction and the X direction. The paper S housed in each paper cassette 103 may be of a different type or may be of the same type.

Next, the configuration of the liquid discharge device 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the liquid discharge device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid discharge device 100 includes a housing 101, a liquid discharge head 13 for discharging liquid in the housing 101, a maintenance unit 31 for maintaining the liquid discharge head 13, and a liquid discharge head 13. A displacement mechanism 14 for displacing the paper S, a paper cassette 103 for accommodating a plurality of paper S, and a medium support portion 18 for supporting the paper S conveyed from the paper cassette 103 are provided. In addition, a transport unit 17 for transporting the paper S along the transport path R (dashed line in FIG. 2) is provided. The transport unit 17 is composed of a plurality of transport rollers that are rotated by driving a drive motor (not shown), a driven roller provided on each transport roller, a guide that guides the paper S, and the like. The paper S sandwiched between the transfer roller and the driven roller by the drive of the drive motor is conveyed along the transfer path R by the rotation of the transfer roller. The paper S discharged from the paper cassette 103 is transported to the medium processing device 200 by the transport unit 17 along the transport path R. The detailed configuration of the transport path R will be described later. The control unit 2 controls a moving mechanism 34 that moves the maintenance unit 31 in the + Y direction or the −Y direction, and a drive motor for the liquid discharge head 13, the displacement mechanism 14, the maintenance unit 31, and the transport unit 17.

Inside the housing 101, a mounting portion 20 is provided to which one or a plurality of liquid accommodating portions 19 for accommodating the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head 13 are mounted. In this embodiment, four liquid accommodating portions 19 are provided. The liquid storage unit 19 may be a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the mounting unit 20, or may be a tank into which a liquid can be injected. The mounting portion 20 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13. That is, the mounting portion 20 is arranged in the −Z direction with respect to the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13. Since the mounting portion 20 on which the liquid accommodating portion 19 is mounted is located above the nozzle surface 13b, the liquid discharge head 13 can be easily pressurized and supplied.

The liquid discharge device 100 includes a liquid supply path 21 for supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge head 13, and a pressure adjusting mechanism 24 provided in the liquid supply path 21. In the liquid supply path 21, a filter 25 for filtering the liquid flowing into the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 and a filter 27 for filtering the liquid flowing out from the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 are arranged.

The liquid discharge device 100 includes a storage unit 71 that communicates with the liquid storage unit 19 and the liquid discharge head 13 and can temporarily store the liquid flowing from the liquid storage unit 19. The storage unit 71 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b on which the nozzle 23 of the liquid discharge head 13 is formed, and is arranged at a position lower than the mounting unit 20. As a result, pressure can be supplied to the liquid discharge head 13 due to the head difference between the storage unit 71 and the nozzle 23. That is, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid discharge head 13 by the head difference regardless of the driving force of the pressurizing mechanism or the like that pressurizes the liquid in the liquid accommodating portion 19, for example.

The displacement mechanism 14 includes a holding member 15 for holding the liquid discharge head 13, and by rotating the holding member 15 around a rotation shaft 16, the liquid discharge head 13 is shown in the first posture shown by a solid line in FIG. , Displace to the second posture shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. The displacement mechanism 14 may include a mechanism for moving the liquid discharge head 13 in the second posture in the + Z direction. The liquid discharge head 13 has a plurality of nozzles 23 for ejecting liquid toward the paper S, and a nozzle surface 13b on which the nozzles 23 are formed. When the liquid discharge head 13 discharges a plurality of different types of liquid, at least the nozzle 23, the liquid supply path 21, and the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 are provided for each type of liquid.

The first posture is, for example, a posture in which the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13 is tilted with respect to the horizontal, and the second posture is a posture in which the tilt of the nozzle surface 13b with respect to the horizontal is smaller than that of the first posture. In the present embodiment, the nozzle surface 13b is horizontal when the liquid discharge head 13 is in the second posture, but it does not necessarily have to be horizontal, and the nozzle surface 13b may be closer to horizontal than in the first posture. .. That is, "the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b with respect to the horizontal becomes smaller than that of the first posture" includes that the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b with respect to the horizontal becomes zero and the nozzle surface 13b becomes horizontal.

When the liquid discharge head 13 is in the first posture, the liquid discharge head 13 discharges the liquid as droplets onto the paper S supported by the medium support portion 18 arranged to face the nozzle surface 13b, thereby recording. Do. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the paper S advances on the medium support portion 18 is the transport direction F, and the direction in which the liquid discharge head 13 in the first posture discharges the liquid is the jet direction J. Further, a direction different from both the transport direction F and the injection direction J is defined as the width direction W. The liquid discharge head 13 of the present embodiment constitutes a line head having a large number of nozzles 23 arranged so that the printing range in the width direction W is equal to or larger than the width of the paper S.

Next, the configuration of the maintenance unit 31 will be illustrated.
The maintenance unit 31 includes a cap 33 that receives the liquid discharged from the nozzle 23 on the nozzle surface 13b as it moves relative to the liquid discharge head 13, and a suction mechanism 36 that sucks the inside of the cap 33. The suction mechanism 36 is connected to the cap 33 and the waste liquid accommodating portion 37 by the suction flow path 35.
The maintenance unit 31 is arranged below the storage unit 71. As a result, pressure can be supplied to the liquid discharge head 13, and maintenance of the liquid discharge head 13 can be easily performed.

The maintenance unit 31 performs a maintenance operation including capping and cleaning when the liquid discharge head 13 is in the second posture. Capping is performed when the cap 33 is below the liquid discharge head 13. When performing capping, the liquid discharge head 13 moves downward to form a closed space with the nozzle surface 13b. The position of the maintenance unit 31 when capping is performed is called a capping position. Capping is performed to suppress the drying of the nozzle 23 when the liquid discharge head 13 pauses the liquid discharge operation, including when the power is turned off.

In executing suction cleaning, which is a type of cleaning, first, the liquid discharge head 13 is moved downward by the displacement mechanism 14 to perform capping. When the suction mechanism 36 is driven with the cap 33 forming a closed space between the cap 33 and the nozzle surface 13b, foreign matter such as air bubbles in the liquid discharge head 13 is discharged from the nozzle 23 together with the liquid.

Cleaning is performed when the cap 33 is below the liquid discharge head 13. Cleaning is performed before the start of the printing process or after the printing process is executed.

Further, as a maintenance operation, the liquid discharge head 13 performs flushing to inject and discharge the liquid when, for example, a slight injection defect occurs. When the liquid discharge head 13 is in the second posture, the moving mechanism 34 may move the maintenance unit 31 to the receiving position to perform flushing, and the cap 33 may receive the liquid discharged by flushing. In this case, it is preferable that the liquid discharge head 13 is not moved downward and is arranged at a position away from the cap 33. Further, the liquid received by the cap 33 is stored in the waste liquid storage unit 37 by driving the suction mechanism 36.

The medium support portion 18 is provided with a rib 18a for supporting the paper S and a concave receiving portion 18b provided around the rib 18a, and when the paper S is not on the medium supporting portion 18, the receiving portion 18b is provided. Flushing may be performed toward. In this case, the liquid discharge head 13 is flushed in the first posture.

When the receiving portion 18b is provided on the medium supporting portion 18, for example, when printing is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets S, the liquid ejection head 13 is first placed between the conveyed sheets S and the sheets S. Flushing can be performed while in the posture. Therefore, the maintenance operation time can be shortened as compared with the case where the liquid discharge head 13 is displaced to the second posture during the printing process and flushed toward the cap 33. The liquid received by the receiving unit 18b may be stored in the waste liquid storage unit 37 through a waste liquid tube or the like (not shown).

Next, the layout of the transport path R and the like of the liquid discharge device 100 will be described.
At the end in the −Y direction on the upper part of the housing 101, a delivery unit 80 is provided to deliver the paper S recorded by the liquid discharge head 13 toward the carry-in inlet 226 of the medium processing device 200. The delivery unit 80 has an opening provided in the housing 101. The recorded paper S is delivered to the carry-in inlet 226 of the medium processing apparatus 200 through the opening. The delivery unit 80 is arranged above the mounting unit 20. Further, at the end portion in the −Y direction of the housing 101, a discharge portion 85 is provided above the delivery portion 80. The discharge portion 85 has an opening provided in the housing 101. The recorded paper S is delivered to the carry-in inlet 226A of the medium processing apparatus 200 through the opening.

Then, the first transport path R1 is formed in the portion of the transport path R from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 to the delivery portion 80. The first transport path R1 passes above the mounting portion 20 and is connected to the delivery portion 80. The position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 refers to the position of the transport path R in which the liquid discharge head 13 faces the nozzle surface 13b in the first posture. More specifically, the first transport path R1 goes around the side of the mounting portion 20 in the + Y direction, and further passes through a position in the −Z direction with respect to the mounting portion 20. That is, the first transport path R1 does not pass in the direction along the vertical of the mounting portion 20. In other words, the first transport path R1 does not pass through the region below the mounting portion 20 and vertically overlapping the mounting portion 20. Therefore, for example, even when the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the paper S after recording is reduced. As a result, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, a branch path R5 branched from the middle of the first transport path R1 is connected to the discharge unit 85. Specifically, a branch point Pt is provided in the middle of the first transport path R1 above the mounting portion 20. The first transport path R1 is connected to the delivery section 80 while maintaining a height substantially the same as the height at which the branch point Pt is provided. That is, the height at which the branch point Pt is provided and the height of the delivery portion 80 are substantially the same. Further, a branch path R5 is formed upward from the branch point Pt. The branch path R5 passes above the first transport path R1. A flapper guide (not shown) is provided at the branch point Pt, and the transport direction of the paper S to the first transport path R1 or the branch path R5 is selected. Since the branch path R5 does not pass in the direction along the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20 like the first transport path R1, even if the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the dripping liquid is recorded on the paper S. The risk of sticking to is reduced. As a result, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 are commonly configured from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 to the branch point Pt that branches from each other. As a result, the space of the transport path R can be saved.

Here, a unit transport path 90 is configured in which the delivery section 80, the connection section R1a connected to the delivery section 80 of the first transport path R1, the discharge section 85, and the branch path R5 are integrally formed. You may. The connection portion R1a and the branch path R5 connected to the delivery portion 80 of the unit transport path 90 are upper portions of the mounting portion 20 and are portions including the branch point Pt. Then, the unit transport path 90 is configured to be detachably attached to the portion R1b of the first transport path R1 excluding the connection portion R1a. Thereby, by integrating a part of the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 by the unit transport path 90, the configuration of the transport path R in the liquid discharge device 100 can be simplified.
When the unit transport path 90 is removed from the housing 101, the paper S recorded by the liquid discharge head 13 is discharged from the downstream side of the portion R1b of the first transport path R1 toward the outside. The discharged paper S is loaded at a portion that covers the upper part of the mounting portion 20 of the housing 101. With such a configuration, it is possible to switch between the use of the liquid discharge device 100 as a single unit and the use of the recording system 1 with only one liquid discharge device 100.

Further, in the + Y and −Y directions in FIG. 2, which is the width direction of the housing 101 in the side view of the housing 101, the delivery unit 80 is on the first surface 101a side of the housing 101 facing the medium processing device 200, that is, , The liquid discharge head 13 is arranged on the −Y direction side as one side of the center in the + Y and −Y directions in the width direction of the housing 101, and the liquid discharge head 13 is located near the second surface 101b facing the first surface 101a. That is, recording is performed on the paper S on the + Y direction side as the other side from the center in the + Y and −Y directions which are the width directions of the housing 101. That is, the position where the liquid discharge head 13 records on the paper S in the first posture and the position of the delivery portion 80 are opposite to each other. As a result, the distance by which the recorded paper S is conveyed to the delivery unit 80 becomes longer, and the drying time of the liquid applied to the paper S can be provided longer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress problems such as curling of the paper S due to undried paper S and transfer due to the liquid on the paper S.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the housing 101 is viewed from the −X direction, the paper cassette 103 arranged on the first surface 101a side below the liquid discharge head 13 and the liquid among the transport paths R. The paper feed transport path R4 from the paper cassette 103 arranged below the discharge head 13 to the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13, the first transport path R1 connected to the paper feed transport path R4, and the housing 101. The mounting unit 20, the storage unit 71, and the maintenance unit 31 are arranged vertically along the region surrounded by the first surface 101a of the above. The position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 refers to the position of the transport path R in which the liquid discharge head 13 faces the nozzle surface 13b in the first posture. As a result, the layout inside the housing 101 is streamlined, and space can be saved. Further, the waste liquid accommodating unit 37 is arranged below the maintenance unit 31 in the above region and at a position vertically overlapping with at least a part of the maintenance unit 31. As a result, the space efficiency can be further improved.

Further, the paper feed transfer path R4 is formed upward from the paper cassette 103 toward the second surface 101b. That is, the paper feed transfer path R4 does not pass in the direction along the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20. In other words, the paper feed transport path R4 does not pass through the region below the mounting portion 20 and vertically overlapping the mounting portion 20. Therefore, even when the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the paper S before recording is reduced. As a result, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, the transport path R of the present embodiment is provided with an inversion path R6. The reversing path R6 reverses the paper S on which one side of the paper S has been recorded by the liquid ejection head 13 when performing double-sided printing in which an image is recorded on both sides of the paper S, and directs the paper S toward the liquid ejection head 13 again. It is a route to carry.
A branch point that branches off from the reversing path R6 is provided on the downstream side of the first transport path R1 with respect to the liquid discharge head 13. In double-sided printing, the paper S on which one side is printed is temporarily transported to the downstream side of the first transport path R1 by the forward rotation drive of the drive motor of the transport unit 17. After that, the drive motor of the transport unit 17 is reversely driven to transport the paper S to the reverse path R6. Then, the paper S is conveyed in an inverted state from the inversion path R6 toward the first transfer path R1 corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 again. Then, the paper S that has been inverted and conveyed is conveyed so that the opposite surface on which the image or the like is not printed faces the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13. As a result, double-sided printing becomes possible by ejecting the liquid from the liquid ejection head 13 onto the paper S.
The inversion path R6 is formed so as to bypass the second surface 101b side with respect to the medium support portion 18. That is, the inversion path R6 is formed in a direction away from the mounting portion 20. Therefore, the reversing path R6 does not pass in the direction along the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20, that is, the region below the mounting portion 20 and vertically overlapping the mounting portion 20, and therefore, when the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20. Even if there is, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the paper S after recording is reduced. As a result, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, the waste liquid accommodating portion 37 can be attached and detached with the cover 104 (FIG. 1) open. The cover 104 is provided on the surface of the housing 101 that intersects the surface on which the delivery portion 80 is formed. That is, in FIG. 2, the delivery portion 80 is provided on the first surface 101a, which is the surface in the −Y direction of the housing 101, and the cover 104 is on the surface in the −X direction intersecting the first surface 101a of the housing 101. Provided. The waste liquid storage unit 37 is held on the guide inside the housing 101, and can be removed from the inside of the housing 101 to the outside by pulling out the waste liquid storage unit 37 in the −X direction. Therefore, by opening the cover 104, the waste liquid accommodating portion 37 can be easily accessed, and the convenience of the user is improved. Further, in the present embodiment, by providing the cover 104 on the surface of the housing 101 in the −X direction, the waste liquid storage unit 37 can be easily replaced even when the medium processing device 200 is parallel to the liquid discharge device 100. It will be possible.

A liquid receiving unit 72 capable of receiving a liquid is provided below the mounting unit 20, the storage unit 71, or the maintenance unit 31. In the present embodiment, the liquid receiving unit 72 is provided below the storage unit 71. The liquid receiving portion 72 has a plate shape and is arranged substantially horizontally. As a result, the liquid dripping from the storage unit 71 can be reliably received. Further, the liquid receiving unit 72 and the waste liquid accommodating unit 37 are connected by a waste liquid flow path 39. The waste liquid flow path 39 flows the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 72 to the waste liquid storage unit 37. As a result, when the liquid leaks from the mounting unit 20 or the storage unit 71, the leaked liquid can be reliably flowed to the waste liquid storage unit 37. The liquid receiving unit 72 may be arranged below each of the mounting unit 20, the storage unit 71, and the maintenance unit 31. Further, the arrangement position of the liquid receiving portion 72 may be appropriately set.

In addition, a detection unit 73 that detects the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 72 is arranged. The detection unit 73 of the present embodiment is provided on the liquid receiving unit 72. The detection unit 73 is electrically connected to the control unit 2. The detection unit 73 has a pair of electrode terminals, and the pair of electrode terminals are arranged on the liquid receiving unit 72. When a liquid adheres between the pair of electrode terminals, the electrical resistance between the electrode terminals changes according to the amount of the liquid adhered to the electrode terminals. Based on the change in the electric resistance, the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 72 can be detected. The information detected by the detection unit 73 is notified by the operation unit 102. As a result, leakage or dripping of liquid from the mounting unit 20, the storage unit 71, or the maintenance unit 31 can be detected at an early stage. The number of detection units 73 may be singular or plural.

As described above, according to the transfer path R related to the liquid discharge device 100, all the paths through which the paper S can be conveyed, that is, the first transfer path R1, the branch path R5, the paper feed transfer path R4, and the reversal path R6 are the mounting portions 20. Is provided at a position that does not pass through a region that overlaps in the vertical direction of the region where the paper is provided. In other words, the entire path through which the paper S can be conveyed does not pass through the region below the mounting portion 20 and vertically overlapping the mounting portion 20. As a result, even when the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the risk of the dripping liquid adhering to the paper S is reduced, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, the entire route according to the present embodiment is provided at a position not passing through a region overlapping in the direction along the vertical of the region where the storage unit 71 is provided. As a result, for example, in the case where the storage unit 71 has an open-air configuration, even if the liquid drips from the open-air unit of the storage unit 71, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the paper S is reduced. Therefore, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, the entire path according to the present embodiment is provided at a position that does not pass through a region that overlaps in the direction along the vertical of the region where the liquid receiving portion 72 is provided. As a result, even when the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 72 drips from the liquid receiving unit 72, the risk of the dripping liquid adhering to the paper S is reduced, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed. it can.

Further, in the present embodiment, recording is performed when the liquid discharge head 13 is in the first posture. That is, recording is performed in a posture in which the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13 is tilted with respect to the horizontal. Therefore, the paper feed transfer path R4 for feeding paper from the paper cassette 103 toward the liquid discharge head 13 is formed obliquely upward with respect to the horizontal. Here, for example, when the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13 is configured to perform recording in a horizontal posture, the paper feed transfer path for feeding paper from the paper cassette 103 toward the liquid discharge head 13 is the nozzle surface 13b. It will be necessary to route it so that it is horizontal as in the case of. In such a configuration, the path length of the paper feed transport path becomes relatively long, and the layout is such that the paper feed transport path has to pass through the lower region of the mounting unit 20. When the liquid drips, the dripping liquid may adhere to the paper S. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the paper feed transfer path R4 is formed linearly from the paper cassette 103 toward the liquid discharge head 13 above. Therefore, the path length of the paper feed transport path R4 for feeding paper from the paper cassette 103 to the liquid discharge head 13 is shorter than that in the case where the nozzle surface 13b of the liquid discharge head 13 is in a horizontal posture for recording. It becomes possible to improve the throughput. Further, since the paper feed transfer path R4 does not pass through the lower region of the mounting portion 20, when the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the paper S is reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the area surrounded by the paper cassette 103, the paper feed transport path R4, the first transport path R1 connected to the paper feed transport path R4, and the first surface 101a of the housing 101. The mounting unit 20, the storage unit 71, and the maintenance unit 31 are arranged vertically. Here, for example, when the mounting portion 20 and the maintenance portion 31 are arranged in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, the housing 101 becomes larger in the lateral width direction, and the installation area of the liquid discharge device 100 is increased. Will be relatively large. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since each part is arranged vertically and has a vertically long structure, the installation area can be made smaller.

Next, the configuration of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 will be illustrated. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24, and FIG. 5 is a view of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 from another direction. It is an exploded perspective view. Further, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view when the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is in the first posture, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is in the second posture. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the displacement member 55 and the flexible member 53 included in the pressure adjusting mechanism 24, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the displacement member 55. Further, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the liquid supply path 21, the portion where the liquid flows into the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is referred to as an inflow path 21a, and the portion where the liquid flows out from the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is referred to as an outflow path 21b. The pressure adjusting mechanism 24 includes a liquid chamber 41 that temporarily stores the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head 13. The pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is configured by superimposing the first flow path forming member 51 on which the inflow path 21a is formed and the second flow path forming member 52 on which the liquid chamber 41 and the outflow path 21b are formed.

The liquid chamber 41 has a circular inner bottom portion 41a and a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 41b forming a concave portion recessed on one surface side (left surface side in FIG. 3) of the second flow path forming member 52 as a wall surface. In the liquid chamber 41, the inner bottom portion 41a side is the bottom side, and the side where the recess is opened is the top side.

The first flow path forming member 51 has a cylindrical protruding flow path 51a in which the central axis Ca of the inner bottom portion 41a and the inner peripheral surface 41b overlaps with the central axis and the inflow path 21a penetrates along the central axis. The second flow path forming member 52 protrudes into the liquid chamber 41 from a cylindrical accommodating recess 52a accommodating the projecting flow path 51a when overlapping the first flow path forming member 51 and the inner bottom portion of the accommodating recess 52a. It has a cylindrical cylindrical protrusion 52b and a cylindrical protrusion 52b. It is preferable to provide a plurality of grooves 52c extending along the central axis Ca on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical protrusion 52b.

When the first flow path forming member 51 and the second flow path forming member 52 overlap each other in a manner in which the protruding flow path 51a is housed in the accommodating recess 52a, the tip surface of the projecting flow path 51a and the internal space of the cylindrical protrusion 52b cause the protrusion flow path 51a to overlap. , The supply chamber 42 is enclosed and formed. A communication hole 43 for communicating the liquid chamber 41 and the supply chamber 42 is formed at the tip portion of the cylindrical protrusion 52b protruding into the liquid chamber 41.

The opening that communicates with the liquid chamber 41 of the communication hole 43 is the inflow port 43a in which the liquid that has flowed into the supply chamber 42 from the inflow passage 21a flows into the liquid chamber 41. Further, an outflow port 44 through which the liquid flows out toward the outflow passage 21b is formed in the inner bottom portion 41a of the liquid chamber 41. When the liquid chamber 41 is in the second posture shown in FIG. 2, the central axis Ca becomes substantially horizontal. At this time, the outflow port 44 is arranged vertically above the central axis Ca, and the inflow port 43a is arranged on the central axis Ca.

The pressure adjusting mechanism 24 includes a flexible member 53 forming the wall surface on the top side of the liquid chamber 41 and a fixing member that presses the outer edge of the flexible member 53 from the outside of the liquid chamber 41 and fixes it to the second flow path forming member 52. It includes a 54, a displacement member 55 arranged outside the liquid chamber 41 and overlapping the flexible member 53, and a pressure receiving member 56 arranged inside the liquid chamber 41.

The flexible member 53 can be made of an elastic body such as an elastomer (for example, rubber such as butyl rubber). The first flow path forming member 51, the second flow path forming member 52, and the fixing member 54 have, for example, a screw in a state where the outer edge of the flexible member 53 is sandwiched between the second flow path forming member 52 and the fixing member 54. They are fixed to each other by a fixture 57 such as. At this time, if an elastic body such as an O-ring 58 is sandwiched between the first flow path forming member 51 and the second flow path forming member 52, leakage of the liquid can be suppressed.

The flexible member 53 is arranged so as to close the opening of the recess formed by the inner bottom portion 41a and the inner peripheral surface 41b. At this time, the outer surface side of the flexible member 53 is open to the atmosphere. The portion extending from the outer edge of the flexible member 53 toward the center forms a curved portion 53a that is bent toward the outside of the liquid chamber 41 after entering the liquid chamber 41 along the inner peripheral surface 41b. To do. The central portion of the flexible member 53 forms a pressure receiving wall 53c concentrically with the opening of the liquid chamber 41. In the flexible member 53, a cylindrical portion 53b located inside the inner peripheral surface 41b is formed between the curved portion 53a and the pressure receiving wall 53c. The pressure receiving wall 53c is preferably thicker than the curved portion 53a and the cylindrical portion 53b. The cylindrical portion 53b, the pressure receiving wall 53c, and the curved portion 53a function as flexible portions that form a part of the wall surface of the liquid chamber 41.

The displacement member 55 has a cylindrical side wall 55b that overlaps the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 53b of the flexible member 53, and a disk portion 55c that closes one end side (top end) of the side wall 55b. The fixing member 54 is formed with a cylindrical through hole 54a through which the disk portion 55c of the displacement member 55 can be inserted. The fixing member 54 may form a plunging portion 54b that extends the through hole 54a toward the bottom side of the liquid chamber 41 in a manner of pressing the outer edge of the curved portion 53a of the flexible member 53.

The pressure receiving member 56 includes a cylindrical small diameter cylindrical portion 56b that overlaps the inner peripheral side of the cylindrical portion 53b of the flexible member 53, a pressure receiving portion 56c that is located at the tip of the small diameter cylindrical portion 56b and overlaps with the pressure receiving wall 53c, and a small diameter cylinder. It has a large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a having a diameter larger than that of the portion 56b. The pressure receiving member 56 may be formed with a flow hole 56d (see also FIGS. 3 and 4) for flowing a liquid in the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a or the like.

The pressure receiving member 56 has a step formed between the small diameter cylindrical portion 56b and the large diameter cylindrical portion 56a when the small diameter cylindrical portion 56b and the pressure receiving portion 56c overlap the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure receiving wall 53c of the flexible member 53, respectively. The curved portion 53a overlaps the portion. It is preferable to form an uneven shape in the portion where the pressure receiving portion 56c and the pressure receiving wall 53c are in contact with each other so that the two are engaged with each other in the uneven shape.

When the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 41 increases, the flexible member 53 moves in the direction of increasing the internal volume of the liquid chamber 41 (to the left in FIG. 3), and the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure receiving wall 53c move and bend as the internal pressure moves. The portion 53a bends and displaces. Further, in the flexible member 53, when the internal pressure of the liquid chamber 41 becomes low, the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure receiving wall 53c move in the direction of reducing the internal volume of the liquid chamber 41 (to the right in FIG. 3), and the movement is accompanied by the movement. The curved portion 53a is deflected and displaced.

The displacement member 55 and the pressure receiving member 56 are displaced in the same direction as the cylindrical portion 53b and the pressure receiving wall 53c following the displacement of the flexible member 53. When the flexible member 53 flexes and is displaced due to the pressure fluctuation of the liquid chamber 41, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a of the pressure receiving member 56 moves along the inner peripheral surface 41b of the liquid chamber 41. That is, the pressure receiving member 56 moves along the inner peripheral surface 41b of the liquid chamber 41 (the wall surface of the liquid chamber 41 different from the flexible portion) with the displacement of the flexible portion of the flexible member 53.

Further, the displacement member 55 arranged outside the liquid chamber 41 moves with the displacement of the flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure receiving wall 53c and curved portion 53a) of the flexible member 53. At this time, the through hole 54a provided in the fixing member 54 functions as a guide portion for guiding the movement of the displacement member 55. Therefore, it is preferable that the displacement member 55 has a smaller coefficient of friction with respect to the through hole 54a than the flexible member 53 so that the frictional force generated when the displacement member 55 slides into the through hole 54a of the fixing member 54 is smaller. For example, when the flexible member 53 is made of an elastic body such as butyl rubber, the displacement member 55 may be made of resin (particularly, one having a smoother surface than the flexible member 53 or one that is less likely to be elastically deformed than the flexible member 53. Preferably).

Then, when the flexible member 53 is flexed and displaced, the displacement member 55 is in sliding contact with the through hole 54a instead of the flexible member 53 being in sliding contact with the through hole 54a, so that the flexible member 53 is flexible according to the pressure fluctuation of the liquid chamber 41. The member 53 is smoothly displaced. If the frictional force generated between the flexible member 53 and the through hole 54a does not hinder the displacement due to a small frictional force when the flexible member 53 is in sliding contact with the through hole 54a, the displacement member 55 is not provided. You may.

The pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is housed in a valve body 61 capable of opening and closing the inflow port 43a, a protruding member 62 whose base end side is housed in the supply chamber 42 and whose tip side is housed in the liquid chamber 41, and in the supply chamber 42. A first urging member 63, a holder 64 for holding the base end of the first urging member 63, and a second urging member 65 for urging the pressure receiving member 56 in the liquid chamber 41. The projecting member 62 has a base end portion 62a located in the supply chamber 42 having a diameter larger than that of the communication hole 43. The valve body 61 is made of, for example, an elastic body attached to a base end portion 62a.

The holder 64 is arranged in the supply chamber 42 at a position in contact with the tip end surface of the protruding flow path 51a, and the base end side of the first urging member 63 is locked to the holder 64 and the tip end side is on the base end portion 62a. Locked. The first urging member 63 is, for example, a conical coil spring whose diameter decreases from the proximal end side to the distal end side, but may be a cylindrical coil spring.

The second urging member 65 is, for example, a cylindrical coil spring, and is arranged so as to overlap the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical protrusion 52b. The base end side of the second urging member 65 is locked to the inner bottom portion 41a, and the tip end side is locked to the pressure receiving portion 56c.

The valve body 61 closes the communication hole 43 by the urging force of the first urging member 63 received by the protruding member 62. When the coil spring, which is the first urging member 63, contracts, the valve body 61 separates from the communication hole 43. The position of the valve body 61 and the protruding member 62 (the position shown in FIG. 3) when the valve body 61 closes the communication hole 43 is called a closing position, and the valve body when the valve body 61 is separated from the communication hole 43. The positions of the 61 and the protruding member 62 (positions shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) are referred to as open positions. That is, the first urging member 63 urges the valve body 61 in the direction of closing the inflow port 43a.

Next, the operation of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 will be described.
When the pressurized liquid flows into the supply chamber 42 from the inflow passage 21a, the pressure (internal pressure) of the supply chamber 42 rises. The valve body 61 does not move to the open position even if the pressure in the supply chamber 42 rises. Therefore, even if the pressurized liquid is supplied from the inflow passage 21a to the supply chamber 42, if the valve body 61 is in the closed position, the liquid does not flow into the liquid chamber 41.

When the liquid in the liquid discharge head 13 is consumed by the injection of the liquid or the like, the liquid in the liquid chamber 41 flows out from the outlet 44 toward the liquid discharge head 13. When the pressure (internal pressure) of the liquid chamber 41 decreases due to the outflow of the liquid, the flexible member 53 is displaced toward the inside of the liquid chamber 41. Then, the pressure receiving member 56, which is displaced together with the flexible member 53, pushes the protruding member 62 toward the bottom against the urging force of the second urging member 65, so that the valve body 61 moves to the open position. As a result, the pressurized liquid in the supply chamber 42 flows into the liquid chamber 41 through the inflow port 43a.

Further, when the pressure of the liquid chamber 41 rises with the inflow of the liquid, the flexible member 53 is displaced toward the outside of the liquid chamber 41. As a result, the valve body 61 moves from the open position to the closed position, and the supply of the liquid from the supply chamber 42 to the liquid chamber 41 is stopped. As described above, the liquid chamber 41 is a flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure receiving wall 53c, and curved portion) that can be displaced according to the differential pressure between the internal pressure and the external pressure (atmospheric pressure) of the liquid chamber 41 as a part of the wall surface. 53a), the valve body 61 opens and closes the inflow port 43a according to the displacement of the flexible portion.

Here, when the pressure receiving portion 56c approaches the projecting member 62, the second urging member 65 pushes the pressure receiving portion 56c back in the direction away from the projecting member 62. Therefore, when the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 drops and the pressure receiving portion 56c pushes the protruding member 62 against the urging force of the first urging member 63 and the second urging member 65, the valve body 61 opens. Move to position. Further, the pressure receiving portion 56c is separated from the projecting member 62 by the urging force of the second urging member 65 before the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 rises to the positive pressure due to the inflow of the liquid. Therefore, the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 is maintained in the range of negative pressure corresponding to the urging force of the second urging member 65.

As described above, the movement of the valve body 61 to the open position is caused by the displacement of the flexible member 53. Therefore, the valve body 61 autonomously moves between the closed position and the open position due to the differential pressure between the atmospheric pressure and the liquid chamber 41 without using a driving force such as a motor. Therefore, the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 is also referred to as a differential pressure valve (or a self-sealing valve), and an autonomous pressure adjusting function by the differential pressure valve is also referred to as a self-sealing function.

By the way, when the liquid flows into the liquid chamber 41 through the inflow port 43a, air bubbles may be mixed and the gas may be accumulated in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41. When such a gas becomes bubbles and flows out from the outlet 44 together with the liquid, the bubbles are mixed in the nozzle 23, which may cause injection failure in which the droplets are not properly ejected from the nozzle 23.

Therefore, the liquid discharge device 100 includes a maintenance unit 31, and as a maintenance operation, suction cleaning is performed by sucking the liquid from the nozzle 23 and discharging the gas in the liquid discharge head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 together with the liquid.

Here, since the gas that has entered the liquid chamber 41 accumulates in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41, if the outlet 44 is in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41, the gas tends to flow out during cleaning.
In that respect, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the position of the outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the first posture (the posture shown in FIG. 6) during printing is the second posture during maintenance (FIG. 7). It is lower than the position of the outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the posture shown). That is, the height of the outlet 44 from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41 in the first posture is P1, and the height of the outlet 44 from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41 in the second posture. If P2, then P1 <P2.

Further, the outlet 44 is located lower than the inlet 43a in the first posture and higher than the inlet 43a in the second posture. That is, the height of the inflow port 43a from the lower end (bottom) in the first posture is H1, and the height of the inflow port 43a in the second posture from the lower end (bottom) of the liquid chamber 41. If it is H2, then P1 <H1, P2> H2.

Next, the operation of the liquid discharge device 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
The liquid discharge device 100 displaces the liquid discharge head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 into a first posture when the liquid is discharged toward the paper S and a second posture when the liquid discharge head 13 is maintained. The mechanism 14 is provided. Then, at the time of printing in which the liquid discharge head 13 discharges the liquid toward the paper S, the liquid discharge head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 are in the first posture. Therefore, when the liquid is injected from the nozzle 23, the liquid flows out from the outflow port 44 located at a position lower than the inflow port 43a. As described above, since the outlet 44 is located at a low position in the liquid chamber 41 when the liquid is injected, even if gas is accumulated in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41, it is difficult for air bubbles to flow out to the nozzle 23.

Further, when the liquid discharge head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 are in the second posture and the maintenance unit 31 performs suction cleaning, a closed space formed by the cap 33 with the nozzle surface 13b as the suction mechanism 36 is driven. A negative pressure is generated in the liquid chamber 41, and the negative pressure reaches the liquid chamber 41 through the outflow passage 21b. Then, the pressure in the liquid chamber 41 decreases, the valve body 61 moves to the open position, and the pressurized liquid flows into the liquid chamber 41 through the inflow passage 21a. Therefore, the liquid flows from the inflow port 43a toward the outflow port 44 in the liquid chamber 41, and the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 also flows out from the outflow port 44 along the flow. At the time of suction cleaning, since the outlet 44 is at a high position in the liquid chamber 41, the gas accumulated in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41 is easily discharged.

Here, when the pressure inside the liquid chamber 41 becomes negative due to suction, the bubbles mixed in the liquid expand, so that the liquid is easily discharged from the liquid chamber 41. That is, the discharge characteristics of air bubbles in suction cleaning are related to the magnitude of the negative pressure generated by suction, but for example, when the altitude of the installation location of the liquid discharge device 100 is different, the negative pressure generated with respect to the suction force. May change and the discharge characteristics of bubbles may deteriorate. Even in such a case, if the outlet 44 is arranged above the liquid chamber 41 during cleaning, the gas accumulated in the upper part of the liquid chamber 41 is efficiently discharged.

In particular, in order to discharge the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 upstream of the liquid discharge head 13, it is necessary to discharge more liquid than cleaning only in the liquid discharge head 13, so that the gas is discharged. By improving the properties, the amount of liquid consumed by cleaning can be reduced.

In addition, in order to further expand the air bubbles and improve the discharge property, an on-off valve functioning as a choke valve is provided in the inflow passage 21a, and suction is performed with the on-off valve closed to reduce the negative pressure in the liquid chamber 41. Choke cleaning may be performed to open the on-off valve when the height is high. Even if small bubbles are caught in the flow path, if choke cleaning is performed, the bubbles that have expanded greatly due to the strong negative pressure will be removed from the flow path by the shock of the pressure fluctuation accompanying the opening of the choke valve, and a large differential pressure will be obtained. The liquid that flows vigorously can be swept away at once.

In addition, at the time of cleaning, a pressing mechanism for pushing the pressure receiving member 56 from the outside of the liquid chamber 41 may be provided to forcibly move the valve body 61 to the open position, whereby the liquid may flow out from the nozzle 23. According to this configuration, cleaning (pressure cleaning) can be performed without providing a device for suction. Further, even if the pressing mechanism adjusts the amount of pressing the pressure receiving member 56 and causes the liquid to flow out from the liquid chamber 41 to the extent that the liquid is not discharged from the nozzle 23, pressurization for pressure wiping is performed. Good. In this case, the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 can be used as a part of the pressure mechanism for performing pressure cleaning, pressure wiping, and the like. Further, the pressure of the pressing mechanism can be used to supply the liquid under pressure to the liquid discharge head 13. In this case, the liquid chamber 41 functions as a pump chamber of the pressurizing pump.

By the way, when the flexible member 53 is flexed and displaced in a flat state (shown in FIG. 10), the reaction to the pressure fluctuation may vary due to the reaction force of the tension. In that respect, when the curved portion 53a is formed on the flexible member 53 and displaced, it is less likely to be affected by the reaction force, so that the reactivity to the pressure fluctuation is improved. However, when the curved portion 53a is formed on the flexible member 53, the cylindrical portion 53b or the like may be wrinkled.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when an attempt is made to form a curved portion 53a by deforming a disk-shaped flexible member 53, irregular wrinkles are formed in the cylindrical portion 53b, and a reaction force generated in that portion causes a pressure receiving wall 53c. There is a possibility that the way the pressure fluctuation received in the above is transmitted to the curved portion 53a may fluctuate.

Therefore, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 9, the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 55b of the displacement member 55 is formed so as to have a regular polygonal cross section (regular hexadecagon in FIG. 9), and the displacement member 55 can be formed. When it is put on the flexible member 53, the cylindrical portion 53b may be regularly wrinkled. In this way, the shape of the wrinkles of the cylindrical portion 53b can be stabilized, and the reaction of the flexible member 53 to the pressure fluctuation can be stabilized.

The pressure adjusting mechanism 24 can also be changed to the differential pressure valve of the first modification shown in FIG. In the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 of this modified example, since the flexible member 53 is made of a film and the pressure receiving member 56 has a plate shape and does not include the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a described in the first embodiment, the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 The length along the central axis Ca can be shortened to make the device thinner.

However, when the pressure receiving member 56 does not include the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a, when the pressure receiving member 56 is displaced due to the pressure fluctuation of the liquid chamber 41, the pressure receiving member 56 is tilted and the reactivity to the pressure fluctuation may vary. is there. In particular, when the flexible member 53 does not have a curved portion 53a and is flexed and displaced in a flatly stretched state, the flexible member 53 expands to the outside of the liquid chamber 41 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The pressure receiving member 56 is difficult to tilt when it is stretched, but when the flexible member 53 is no longer stretched as shown by the solid line in FIG. 10, the pressure receiving member 56 may tilt as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. ..

When the pressure receiving member 56 is tilted, the timing of pushing the protruding member 62 varies, which leads to variations in the opening / closing pressure of the valve body 61. Therefore, when it is desired to prioritize the reactivity of the liquid chamber 41 to the pressure fluctuation rather than the thinning of the pressure adjusting mechanism 24, it has a cylindrical large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a along the inner peripheral surface 41b of the liquid chamber 41. It is preferable to use the pressure receiving member 56.

In addition, as in the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 of the second modified example shown in FIG. 11, one or a plurality of protrusions 52d protruding into the liquid chamber 41 are provided on the inner peripheral surface 41b of the second flow path forming member 52. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a of the pressure receiving member 56 may be provided with an engaging portion 56e with which the protrusion 52d engages. According to this configuration, unnecessary rotation of the cylindrical pressure receiving member 56 can be suppressed by engaging the engaging portion 56e with the protrusion 52d. The engaging portion 56e may be a hole or a recess. Further, when a plurality of flow holes 56d are provided in the large-diameter cylindrical portion 56a of the pressure receiving member 56, a part of the plurality of flow holes 56d may be used as an engaging portion 56e with which the protrusion 52d engages. According to this configuration, the rotation of the pressure receiving member 56 can be suppressed while ensuring the flow path of the liquid in the liquid chamber 41.

According to the pressure adjusting mechanism 24 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
When the liquid is sprayed toward the paper S, the liquid chamber 41 is in the first posture and the outlet 44 is arranged at a low position, so that the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 is unlikely to flow out. Therefore, when the liquid is ejected toward the paper S, injection defects due to the inclusion of air bubbles in the nozzle 23 are unlikely to occur. On the other hand, when performing maintenance, the liquid chamber 41 is in the second posture and the outflow port 44 is arranged at a high position, so that the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 tends to flow out. Therefore, when performing maintenance, the gas is more likely to be discharged than when the liquid is injected.

-In the first posture of injecting the liquid toward the paper S, the outflow port 44 of the liquid chamber 41 is located at a position lower than the inflow port 43a, so that the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 does not easily flow out and the liquid is injected. The gas that sometimes flows into the liquid chamber from the inflow port is also difficult to flow out. On the other hand, when performing maintenance, since the outflow port 44 of the liquid chamber 41 is located higher than the inflow port 43a, the gas accumulated in the liquid chamber 41 easily flows out, and flows into the liquid chamber 41 from the inflow port 43a due to maintenance. The gas that has been used is also likely to flow out. Therefore, when performing maintenance, the gas is more likely to be discharged than when the liquid is injected.

Since the displacement mechanism 14 displaces the liquid discharge head 13 so that the inclination of the nozzle surface 13b with respect to the horizontal changes, the liquid chamber 41 is tilted up to 90 degrees together with the liquid discharge head 13 in the liquid chamber 41. The height of the outlet 44 and the like can be changed.

-As maintenance, by sucking the liquid in the liquid discharge head 13 and the liquid chamber 41 through the nozzle 23, suction cleaning for discharging foreign substances such as air bubbles together with the liquid can be performed.

The valve body 61 opens and closes the inflow port 43a due to the displacement of the flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure receiving wall 53c and curved portion 53a) according to the differential pressure between the internal pressure and the external pressure of the liquid chamber 41, so that the liquid is discharged. The pressure of the liquid chamber 41 that supplies the liquid to the head 13 can be appropriately adjusted.

-By moving the pressure receiving member 56 along the inner peripheral surface 41b in the liquid chamber 41, the displacement of the flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure receiving wall 53c and curved portion 53a) due to pressure fluctuation can be stabilized. ..

When the flexible portion (cylindrical portion 53b, pressure receiving wall 53c and curved portion 53a) is displaced, the displacement member 55 having a friction coefficient smaller than that of the flexible portion comes into contact with the through hole 54a which is a guide portion, so that the pressure fluctuates. It is possible to stabilize the displacement of the flexible portion due to the above.

When the position of the outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the first posture is lower than the position of the outlet 44 in the liquid chamber 41 in the second posture, the position of the outlet 44 in the first posture flows. It may be higher than the inlet 43a, the position of the outlet 44 in the second posture may be lower than the inlet 43a, or the heights of the outlet 44 and the inlet 43a in both postures may be the same.

Further, a pressurizing mechanism capable of pressurizing the liquid may be provided, and the pressurized liquid may be supplied to the liquid discharge head 13 through the liquid supply path 21 by the operation of the pressurizing mechanism. The pressurizing mechanism may pressurize the liquid in the liquid accommodating portion 19, or may pressurize and supply the liquid sucked from the liquid accommodating portion 19 toward the downstream side.

Next, the configuration of the medium processing device 200 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the medium processing apparatus 200.

The medium processing device 200 is a device that processes the paper S on which the image conveyed from the liquid ejection device 100 is recorded. The medium processing device 200 is on the −Y direction side in the + Y direction and the −Y direction, which is the width direction of the housing 101 of the liquid discharge device 100, that is, on the first surface 101a side, and is parallel to one side. The medium processing device 200 has a housing 227 and a carry-in port 226 at a position corresponding to the delivery unit 80 of the liquid discharge device 100. Further, a carry-in inlet 226A is arranged at a position corresponding to the discharge portion 85.

Further, the medium processing device 200 processes the second tray 271 as the first loading unit for loading the paper S delivered from the discharge unit 85 without processing, and the paper S delivered from the delivery unit 80. A processing unit 201 to perform the processing, and a first tray 249 as a second loading unit for loading the paper S processed by the processing unit 201 are provided. As a result, the configuration of the transport unit 17 of the liquid discharge device 100 can be simplified.

The medium processing device 200 includes a transport unit capable of transporting the paper S along the transport path between the carry-in inlet 226A and the second tray 271. The transport unit is composed of a plurality of transport rollers that are rotated by driving a drive motor (not shown), a driven roller provided on each transport roller, a guide that guides the paper S, and the like. The paper S introduced from the carry-in inlet 226A is conveyed along the transfer path and loaded on the second tray 271.

Further, the medium processing device 200 includes a paper carry-in path 228 into which the paper S from the carry-in inlet 226 is introduced, and a first paper discharge path 231 and a second paper discharge pass 232 branched and formed downstream of the paper carry-in route 228. , A route switching means 234 and a transport unit capable of transporting the paper S are provided. The transport unit is composed of a plurality of transport rollers that are rotated by driving a drive motor (not shown), a driven roller provided on each transport roller, a guide that guides the paper S, and the like.

The first output pass 231 and the second output pass 232 may be switched back to the second output pass 232 by reversing the conveying direction of the paper S once introduced in the first output pass 231. Arranged in communication as possible. The route switching means 234 is composed of a flapper guide for changing the transport direction of the paper S, and is introduced into a mode in which the paper S is introduced into the first paper ejection path 231 and a first paper ejection path 231 by a driving means (not shown). It is switched to the switchback transport mode in which the paper S is introduced into the second paper ejection path 232. A punch unit for punching punch holes in the carried-in paper S is arranged in the paper carry-in route 228.

The medium processing device 200 includes a processing unit 201 that aligns and loads the paper S sent from the first paper ejection pass 231 and binds the paper S. Outside the housing 227, a first tray 249 for loading the paper S processed and sent by the processing unit 201 or a bundle of paper S is arranged.

The processing unit 201 includes a processing tray 237 for aligning and loading the paper S sent from the paper ejection port 235, and a stapler unit 238 for binding a bundle of the loaded paper S. The processing tray 237 is provided below the paper ejection port 235 of the first paper ejection pass 231 to switch back the transport direction of the paper S carried out from the paper ejection port 235, and the paper S is placed on the processing tray 237. be introduced. Then, the paper S is positioned at a predetermined binding position on the processing tray 237 by the positioning mechanism and stapled by the stapler unit 238, and the bundle of the bound paper S is carried out to the first tray 249 by the paper bundle unloading mechanism. To.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the liquid discharge device 100 and the recording system 1, the first transfer path R1 and the branch path R5 pass above the mounting portion 20. As a result, even when the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the paper S after recording is reduced, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed. Further, since the mounting portion 20 is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface 13b, the liquid discharge head 13 can be easily pressurized and supplied.

2. Second Embodiment Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the recording system 1A according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the recording system 1A includes a liquid discharge device 100A and a medium processing device 200.
In this embodiment, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 of the liquid discharge device 100A are different, so the parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. , The description of the part similar to the configuration of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The transport path R of the liquid discharge device 100A branches from the first transport path R1 in the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 to the delivery portion 80 and the middle of the first transport path R1, and the first transport path R1. It has a branch path R5 that passes above and is connected to the discharge unit 85.

As shown in FIG. 13, a branch point Pt is provided in the middle of the first transport path R1 above the mounting portion 20. The first transport path R1 is connected to the delivery section 80 through a position lower than the height at which the branch point Pt is provided. That is, the position of the delivery portion 80 is lower than the height at which the branch point Pt is provided. Further, the branch path R5 is connected to the discharge unit 85 while maintaining a height substantially the same as the height at which the branch point Pt is provided. That is, the height at which the branch point Pt is provided and the height of the discharge portion 85 are substantially the same. In this way, the branch path R5 passes above the first transport path R1.

Further, the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 are commonly configured from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 to the branch point Pt that branches from each other. As a result, the space of the transport path R can be saved.

Further, a unit transport path 90A in which the delivery section 80, the connection section R1a connected to the delivery section 80 in the first transport path R1, the discharge section 85, and the branch path R5 are integrally formed is configured. May be good. The connection portion R1a and the branch path R5 connected to the delivery portion 80 of the unit transport path 90A are upper portions of the mounting portion 20 and are portions including the branch point Pt. Then, the unit transport path 90A is configured to be detachably attached to the portion R1b of the first transport path R1 excluding the connection portion R1a. Thereby, by integrating a part of the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 by the unit transport path 90A, the configuration of the transport path R in the liquid discharge device 100A can be simplified.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

In the liquid discharge device 100A and the recording system 1A, the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 do not pass in the direction along the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20, so that even if the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the liquid drips. The possibility that the liquid will adhere to the paper S after recording is reduced. As a result, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

3. 3. Third Embodiment Next, the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the recording system 1B according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the recording system 1B includes a liquid discharge device 100B and a medium processing device 200.
In this embodiment, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that the first transport path R1 and the branch path R5 of the liquid discharge device 100B are different, so the parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described. However, the description of the part similar to the configuration of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The transport path R of the liquid discharge device 100B is branched from the first transport path R1 in the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head 13 to the delivery portion 80 and the middle of the first transport path R1 to form the first transport path R1. It has a branch path R5 that passes above and is connected to the discharge unit 85, and a merging path R7 that branches from the middle of the branch path R5 and joins the first transport path R1.

Specifically, the first branch point Pt1 is provided in the middle of the first transport path R1 above the mounting portion 20. Then, a branch path R5 that passes above the first transfer path R1 from the first branch point Pt1 is formed. Further, a second branch point Pt2 is provided on the downstream side of the branch path R5 in the transport direction of the first branch point Pt1 and in the middle of the branch path R5. Then, a merging path R7 that joins the first transport path R1 below the second branch point Pt2 is provided. A flapper guide (not shown) is provided at the second branch point Pt2, and the transport direction of the paper S to the branch path R5 or the merging path R7 is selected.

Here, the paths from the first branch point Pt1 to the branch path R5 at the second branch point Pt2 and from the second branch point Pt2 to the merging path R7 that joins the first transport path R1 are buffers that make the paper S after recording wait. Functions as a route. That is, when the processing unit 201 of the medium processing device 200 performs post-processing on the paper S, the processing unit 201 performs the post-processing on a certain number of sheets of paper S from the liquid ejection device 100B for a certain period of time. There is a waiting time for waiting for the supply of the paper S to the processing device 200. At this time, the recorded paper S is made to stand by in the branch path R5 and the merging path R7, and when the medium processing apparatus 200 can accept the paper S, the paper S made to stand by in the branch path R5 and the merging path R7 is transferred to the first transport path. It is conveyed from R1 to the medium processing apparatus 200. By doing so, the throughput can be improved without stopping the printing process on the paper S by the liquid ejection head 13.

Further, the branch path R5 from the first branch point Pt1 to the second branch point Pt2 and the path from the second branch point Pt2 to the merging path R7 merging with the first transport path R1 are the liquids applied to the paper S after recording. It also functions as a waiting route for drying. For example, when paper S coated with a relatively large amount of liquid or paper S subjected to double-sided printing is transported to the medium processing apparatus 200, jams are likely to occur during the transport due to warpage or curl of the paper S. , The paper S loaded on the first tray 249 or the second tray 271 cannot be aligned. Therefore, the liquid applied to the paper S is dried by waiting in the branch path R5 and the merging path R7 before being conveyed to the medium processing device 200, and the medium processing device is in a state where the warp and curl of the paper S have subsided. By transporting to 200, it is possible to reduce the transport jam in the medium processing apparatus 200 and to align the paper S on the tray.

Since the first transport path R1, the branch path R5, and the merging path R7 do not pass in the direction along the vertical direction of the mounting portion 20, even if the liquid drips from the mounting portion 20, the dripping liquid is recorded. The risk of adhering to the later paper S is reduced. As a result, deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

Further, a unit transport path in which the transfer section 80, the connection section R1a connected to the transfer section 80 in the first transport path R1, the discharge section 85, the branch path R5, and the merging path R7 are integrally formed. 90B may be configured. The connection portion R1a and the branch path R5 connected to the delivery portion 80 of the unit transport path 90B are upper portions of the mounting portion 20 and include the first and second branch points Pt1 and Pt2. Then, the unit transport path 90B is configured to be detachably attached to the portion R1b of the first transport path R1 excluding the connection portion R1a. As a result, the configuration of the transport path R in the liquid discharge device 100B can be simplified by integrating a part of the first transport path R1, the branch path R5, and the merging path R7 with the unit transport path 90B.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the above embodiment.

The liquid discharge device 100B and the recording system 1B have a merging path R7 that branches from the middle of the branching path R5 and joins the first transport path R1. As a result, the paper S after recording functions as a buffer path for waiting, and the throughput can be improved.

4. Modifications The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modified example will be described below.

-Modification example 1
In the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B, a heating unit for heating the paper S transported along the first transfer path R1 and the branch path R5 may be provided in the transfer path R on the downstream side of the liquid discharge head 13. The heating unit may be in non-contact with the paper S, or may be in contact with the paper S. For example, a warm air generator that generates warm air may be arranged in the middle of the first transport path R1 or the branch path R5, or a heating roller may be placed on a pair of transport rollers provided in the first transport path R1 or the branch path R5. May be applied. By doing so, it is possible to suppress defects such as curling and transfer due to undried paper S discharged from the liquid ejection devices 100, 100A and 100B. Further, when the liquids are conveyed from the liquid ejection devices 100, 100A, 100B to the medium processing device 200, problems such as curling and transfer due to undried paper S in the medium processing device 200 can be suppressed. Further, by providing the transfer path R on the downstream side of the liquid discharge head 13, the heat generated by the heating portion can be released above the liquid discharge head 13, so that the liquid in the liquid discharge head 13 can be thickened by heat. The increase of bubbles can be suppressed.

-Modification example 2
The medium processing device 200 may be provided with a heating unit for heating the paper S conveyed from the liquid ejection devices 100, 100A, 100B. The heating unit may be configured not to contact the paper S or may be configured to be in contact with the paper S. For example, a hot air generator that generates hot air may be arranged, or a heating roller may be applied. By doing so, it is possible to suppress defects such as curling and transfer due to undried paper S.

-Modification example 3
A wiper may be provided in the maintenance unit 31. The wiper includes a wiping member that wipes the nozzle surface 13b. The wiping member is preferably composed of an elastically deformable plate-shaped member such as a rubber member or an elastomer, but may be a cloth or a porous material capable of absorbing a liquid such as a non-woven fabric. The wiper moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the cap 33 moved by the moving mechanism 34, and wipes the nozzle surface 13b. This makes it possible to simplify the drive mechanism of the cap 33 and the wiper.
The wiper may be moved in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the cap 33.
Further, separate wipers may be provided in the moving direction of the cap 33 and in the direction intersecting the moving direction of the cap 33.

-Modification example 4
The number of paper cassettes 103 can be increased as appropriate. Thereby, convenience can be enhanced.

-Modification example 5
In the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B, it is preferable to provide a mounting portion for mounting the medium processing device 200 on the first surface 101a of the housing 101. The attachment portion may be configured to be installed in the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B in advance, or may be detachably attached from the housing 101. In this way, the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B and the medium processing device 200 can be easily attached, and the deviation between the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B and the medium processing device 200 can be suppressed. be able to.

-Modification example 6
The medium processing device 200 has described as an example a configuration in which the processing unit 201 is provided and a process of binding a bundle of paper S and a process of punching punch holes are performed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the process of the medium processing apparatus 200 may be a process of folding a bundle of paper S in the middle, a process of binding a bundle of paper S, or the like. Further, a transport processing unit for transporting the paper S may be included. Even in this way, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

-Modification example 7
The medium processing apparatus 200 is provided with a processing unit 201 that performs a binding process for a bundle of paper S and a process for punching punch holes, but other processing units may be provided in addition to the processing unit 201. That is, a plurality of processing units may be provided. Other processing units may be a process of center-folding a bundle of paper S, a process of binding a bundle of paper S, a process of offsetting the paper S by a predetermined amount in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and the like. There may be. In this case, a tray for depositing the paper S is arranged corresponding to each processing unit provided. By doing so, the convenience can be further improved.

-Modification example 8
In the mounting portions 20 of the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, and 100B, the portion where the liquid accommodating portion 19 having the largest volume is mounted among the liquid accommodating portions 19 mounted on the mounting portion 20 is the inner wall surface of the housing 101. It is preferable to arrange the mounting portion 20 so as to be closest to the first surface 101a, that is, in the above embodiment. In this way, the portion to which the liquid storage portion 19 having the largest volume is mounted is arranged in the vicinity of the inner wall surface, so that the rigidity is increased and the deformation of the mounting portion 20 can be suppressed.

-Modification example 9
In the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B, a cover capable of exposing at least one of the medium support portion 18, the first transport path R1 and the reversal path R6 is provided on the second surface 101b side of the housing 101. You may. In this way, in addition to the effects obtained in the above embodiment, "suppression of undried media by lengthening the transport distance" and "efficient layout of each component in the housing 101", in addition to the effects. It is also possible to obtain the effect that the paper S jammed by the medium support portion 18, the first transport path R1 and the reversal path R6 can be removed while the medium processing device 200 is parallel to the liquid discharge device 100.

-Modification example 10
The medium processing device 200 is not limited to the post-processing device. The medium processing device 200 is an intermediate device that performs a transport process for transporting the paper S delivered from the delivery unit 80 to the post-processing device, or after heat-treating the paper S delivered from the delivery unit 80. , It may be an intermediate device to be delivered to the post-processing device.

-Modification example 11
The medium processing device 200 is not limited to this configuration, although the processing unit 201 is arranged on the transport path between the carry-in inlet 226 and the first tray 249. For example, the processing unit 201 may be arranged not on the transport path between the carry-in inlet 226 and the first tray 249 but on the transport path between the carry-in inlet 226A and the second tray 271. Further, the processing unit 201 may be arranged both on the transport path between the carry-in inlet 226 and the first tray 249 and on the transport path between the carry-in inlet 226A and the second tray 271.

-Modification example 12
In the medium processing apparatus 200, the paper S carried into the carry-in inlet 226A is loaded on the second tray 271, and the paper S carried into the carry-in inlet 226 is loaded on the first tray 249, but the present invention is limited to this. Not done. For example, the paper S carried into the carry-in inlet 226A may be loaded on the first tray 249, and the paper S carried into the carry-in inlet 226 may be loaded on the second tray 271.

-Modification example 13
In the present embodiment, the waste liquid flow path 39 connecting the liquid receiving unit 72 and the waste liquid storage unit 37 is provided, but the waste liquid flow path 39 may be omitted. That is, it may be composed of only the liquid receiving unit 72 and the detecting unit 73. In this way, the configuration can be simplified.

-Modification example 14
When the detection unit 73 is arranged on the liquid receiving unit 72, a plurality of grooves connected to the arranged detection unit 73 may be provided on the bottom surface of the liquid receiving unit 72. In this way, the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 72 flows to the detection unit 73 side due to the capillary force of the groove, so that a small amount of liquid dripping or leaking can be detected at an early stage.
Further, an absorbent material which partially contacts the detection unit 73 may be provided on the bottom surface of the liquid receiving unit 72. The absorbent material is, for example, a non-woven fabric. In this case, the absorbent material may be spread over the entire bottom surface of the liquid receiving portion 72, or the strip-shaped or linear absorbent material may be routed around the bottom surface of the liquid receiving portion 72. It is preferable to provide a cover that covers the upper surface of the absorbent material. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid absorbed by the absorbent material from drying.
Further, a metal material that partially contacts the detection unit 73 may be provided on the bottom surface of the liquid receiving unit 72. In this case, a metal material may be spread over the entire bottom surface of the liquid receiving portion 72, or a strip-shaped or linear metal material may be routed around the bottom surface of the liquid receiving portion 72. By doing so, it is possible to efficiently detect dripping or leakage of liquid.

-Modification example 15
The branch path R5, the merging path R7, the branch point Pt, the first branch point Pt1, and the second branch point Pt2 may be provided in the medium processing device 200 instead of the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, and 100B. Further, in this case, it is preferable that only the first transport path R1 is provided in the liquid discharge devices 100, 100A, 100B or the unit transport paths 90, 90A, 90B. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid dripping from the mounting portion or the like adheres to the medium after recording, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.

The contents derived from the embodiment are described below.

The liquid discharge device includes a transport unit that transports a medium along a transport path, a liquid discharge head that records the transported medium by discharging liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface, and the above. A delivery unit that delivers the recorded medium to a mounting unit on which the liquid storage unit that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head is mounted and a medium processing device that processes the medium. And a discharge unit that is provided above the delivery unit and delivers the recording-recorded medium toward the medium processing device, and the mounting unit is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface. The transport path is branched from the first transport path of the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head to the delivery portion and the middle of the first transport path, and passes above the first transport path. It has a branch path connected to the discharge section, and the first transport path passes above the mounting section.

According to this configuration, the first transport path and the branch path pass above the mounting portion. As a result, even when the liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the medium after recording is reduced, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed. Further, since the mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface, the liquid discharge head can be easily pressurized and supplied.

The liquid discharge device is a unit transport path in which the transfer section, the connection portion of the first transport path connected to the delivery section, the discharge section, and the branch path are integrally formed. It is preferable that the unit transport path is removable from the portion of the first transport path excluding the connection portion.

According to this configuration, the configuration of the transport path in the liquid discharge device can be simplified by integrating the transport system portion of the unit transport path.

The liquid discharge device further includes a housing for accommodating the liquid discharge head, the delivery portion is provided on the first surface side of the housing, and the liquid discharge head is more than the first surface of the housing. It is preferable to record on the medium at a position close to the second surface facing the first surface.

According to this configuration, the position recorded by the liquid discharge head and the position of the delivery portion are opposite to each other. As a result, the distance that the recorded medium is conveyed to the delivery portion becomes long, and the drying period of the liquid applied to the medium can be provided longer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as curling of the medium due to undried medium and transfer due to liquid on the medium.

The liquid discharge device communicates with the liquid storage unit and the liquid discharge head, and further includes a storage unit capable of storing the liquid, and the storage unit is arranged above the nozzle surface and said. It is preferably arranged below the mounting portion.

According to this configuration, pressure can be easily supplied to the liquid discharge head.

It is preferable that the liquid discharge device further includes a maintenance unit for maintaining the liquid discharge head, and the maintenance unit is arranged below the storage unit.

According to this configuration, maintenance of the liquid discharge head can be easily performed.

The liquid ejection device further includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating the medium, and the medium accommodating portion is arranged on the first surface side below the liquid ejection head, and the medium accommodating portion and the transport path. Of, the paper feed transport path from the medium accommodating portion to the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head, the first transport path connected to the feed feed transport path, and the first surface of the housing. It is preferable that the mounting portion, the storage portion, and the maintenance portion are arranged vertically in the enclosed area.

According to this configuration, the layout inside the housing is streamlined, and space can be saved.

The liquid discharge device further includes a waste liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head and a cover capable of opening and closing a part of the housing, and the waste liquid storage unit is the cover. It is preferable that the device can be attached and detached in an open state.

According to this configuration, the waste liquid accommodating portion can be easily accessed by opening the cover, so that the convenience of the user can be improved.

The liquid discharge device is provided with a waste liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head, a lower portion of the mounting portion, a lower portion of the storage portion, or a lower portion of the maintenance portion. It is preferable that a liquid receiving unit capable of receiving the liquid and a detecting unit for detecting the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit are further provided.

According to this configuration, it is possible to detect liquid leakage or dripping from the mounting portion, the storage portion, or the maintenance portion at an early stage.

The recording system discharges liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface with respect to a medium processing device that processes a medium, a transport unit that transports the medium along a transport path, and the transported medium. The recording is performed toward the liquid discharge head for recording, the mounting portion for mounting the liquid storage portion for accommodating the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head, and the medium processing device. A liquid discharge device including a delivery unit for delivering the medium and a discharge unit provided above the delivery unit and delivering the medium on which the recording has been performed toward the medium processing device. The mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface, and the transport path branches from the first transport path of the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head to the delivery section and the middle of the first transport path. The first transport path is characterized by having a branch path that passes above the first transport path and is connected to the discharge portion, and the first transport path passes above the mounting portion.

According to this configuration, the first transport path and the branch path pass above the mounting portion. As a result, even when the liquid drips from the mounting portion, the possibility that the dripping liquid adheres to the medium after recording is reduced, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed. Further, since the mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface, the liquid discharge head can be easily pressurized and supplied.

The recording system has a unit transport path in which the delivery section, the connection section connected to the delivery section of the first transport path, the discharge section, and the branch path are integrally formed. It is preferable that the unit transport path is removable from the portion of the first transport path excluding the connection portion.

According to this configuration, the configuration of the transport path in the liquid discharge device can be simplified by integrating the transport system portion of the unit transport path.

The medium processing device of the recording system includes a first loading unit that loads the medium delivered from the discharging unit without processing, and a processing unit that processes the medium delivered from the delivery unit. It is preferable to include a second loading unit for loading the medium processed by the processing unit.

According to this configuration, since the processing unit and the loading unit are arranged in the medium processing device, the configuration of the transport unit of the liquid discharge device can be simplified.

In the recording system, the liquid discharge device includes a housing for accommodating the liquid discharge head, the delivery portion is provided on the first surface side of the housing, and the liquid discharge head is the first of the housing. It is preferable that recording is performed on the medium at a position closer to the second surface facing the first surface than to the first surface.

According to this configuration, the position recorded by the liquid discharge head and the position of the delivery portion are opposite to each other. As a result, the distance that the recorded medium is conveyed to the delivery portion becomes long, and the drying period of the liquid applied to the medium can be provided longer. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as curling of the medium due to undried medium and transfer due to liquid on the medium.

1,1A, 1B ... Recording system, 2 ... Control unit, 13 ... Liquid discharge head, 13b ... Nozzle surface, 17 ... Transport unit, 18 ... Media support unit, 19 ... Liquid storage unit, 20 ... Mounting unit, 23 ... Nozzle , 31 ... Maintenance unit, 33 ... Cap, 37 ... Waste liquid storage unit, 39 ... Waste liquid flow path, 71 ... Storage unit, 72 ... Liquid receiving unit, 73 ... Detection unit, 80 ... Delivery unit, 85 ... Discharge unit, 90, 90A, 90B ... Unit transport path, 100, 100A, 100B ... Liquid discharge device, 101 ... Housing, 101a ... 1st surface, 101b ... 2nd surface, 103 ... Paper cassette, 104 ... Cover, 200 ... Media processing device, 201 ... Processing unit, 226 ... Carry-in entrance, 226A ... Carry-in entrance, 249 ... First tray, 271 ... Second tray, Pt ... Branch point, Pt1 ... First branch point, Pt2 ... Second branch point, R1 ... First Transport path, R1a ... Connection part, R1b ... Part, R4 ... Feed feed transport path, R5 ... Branch path, R6 ... Reverse path, R7 ... Confluence path, S ... Paper.

Claims (12)

A transport unit that transports the medium along the transport path,
A liquid discharge head that records by discharging a liquid from a nozzle formed on a nozzle surface with respect to the conveyed medium.
A mounting portion on which a liquid accommodating portion for accommodating the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head is mounted,
A delivery unit that delivers the recorded medium to the medium processing device that performs processing on the medium.
A discharge unit provided above the delivery unit and delivering the recording-recorded medium toward the medium processing device is provided.
The mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface.
The transport path branches from the first transport path of the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head to the delivery portion from the middle of the first transport path, passes above the first transport path, and is said to be the same. Has a branch path connected to the discharge section,
The liquid discharge device, characterized in that the first transport path passes above the mounting portion. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1.
It has a unit transport path in which the delivery section, the connection section of the first transport path connected to the delivery section, the discharge section, and the branch path are integrally formed.
A liquid discharge device characterized in that the unit transport path is removable from a portion of the first transport path excluding the connection portion. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1 or 2.
Further provided with a housing for accommodating the liquid discharge head,
The delivery portion is provided on the first surface side of the housing.
The liquid discharge head is a liquid discharge device for recording on the medium at a position closer to the second surface facing the first surface than the first surface of the housing. The liquid discharge device according to claim 3.
A storage unit that communicates with the liquid storage unit and the liquid discharge head and can store the liquid is further provided.
A liquid discharge device, wherein the storage portion is arranged above the nozzle surface and below the mounting portion. The liquid discharge device according to claim 4.
A maintenance unit for maintaining the liquid discharge head is further provided.
The maintenance unit is a liquid discharge device characterized in that the maintenance unit is arranged below the storage unit. The liquid discharge device according to claim 5.
Further provided with a medium accommodating portion for accommodating the medium,
The medium accommodating portion is arranged on the first surface side below the liquid discharge head.
The medium accommodating portion, the paper feed transport path from the medium accommodating portion to the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head in the transport path, the first transport path connected to the paper feed transport path, and the casing. A liquid discharge device characterized in that the mounting portion, the storage portion, and the maintenance portion are arranged vertically in a region surrounded by the first surface of the body. The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.
A waste liquid storage unit capable of storing the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head, and a waste liquid storage unit.
A cover that can open and close a part of the housing is further provided.
The liquid discharge device is characterized in that the waste liquid accommodating portion can be attached and detached with the cover opened. The liquid discharge device according to claim 6.
A waste liquid accommodating portion capable of accommodating the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head,
A liquid receiving portion provided below the mounting portion, below the storage portion, or below the maintenance portion and capable of receiving the liquid.
A liquid discharge device further comprising a detection unit for detecting the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit. A medium processing device that processes media and
The transport unit that transports the medium along the transport path, the liquid discharge head that records by discharging the liquid from the nozzle formed on the nozzle surface to the transported medium, and the liquid discharge head. A mounting portion on which the liquid accommodating portion for accommodating the liquid to be supplied is mounted, a delivery portion for delivering the medium on which the recording is performed, and a delivery portion above the delivery portion, which are provided toward the medium processing device. A liquid discharge device having a discharge unit for delivering the recorded medium to the medium processing device is provided.
The mounting portion is arranged at a position higher than the nozzle surface.
The transport path branches from the first transport path of the portion from the position corresponding to the liquid discharge head to the delivery portion from the middle of the first transport path, passes above the first transport path, and is said to be the same. Has a branch path connected to the discharge section,
The recording system, wherein the first transport path passes above the mounting portion. The recording system according to claim 9.
It has a unit transport path in which the delivery section, the connection section connected to the delivery section of the first transport path, the discharge section, and the branch path are integrally formed.
A recording system characterized in that the unit transport path is removable from a portion of the first transport path excluding the connection portion. The recording system according to claim 9 or 10.
The medium processing device is
A first loading unit that loads the medium delivered from the discharging unit without processing, and
A processing unit that processes the medium delivered from the delivery unit, and a processing unit that processes the medium.
A recording system including a second loading unit for loading the medium processed by the processing unit. The recording system according to any one of claims 9 to 11.
The liquid discharge device includes a housing for accommodating the liquid discharge head.
The delivery portion is provided on the first surface side of the housing.
The liquid discharge head is a recording system characterized in that recording is performed on the medium at a position closer to the second surface facing the first surface than the first surface of the housing.

Images