JP2023180549A - Waste liquid storage container and liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To detect a waste liquid leaking from multiple positions of a waste liquid storage container in which the waste liquid is stored.SOLUTION: A waste liquid storage container includes: a bottom wall part (66); side wall parts (67A to 67D, 68A, 68B); a top surface part (62) formed with a first opening (63); a waste liquid absorber (65) packed in the waste liquid storage container and absorbing a waste liquid; a main guide (93) extending downward from a first position (62A) at a peripheral edge of the top surface part (62) to the bottom wall part (66) and capable of guiding the waste liquid downward; a waste liquid receiving part (95) protruding outward from a lower end of the main guide (93) and receiving the waste liquid; and side guides (97 to 99) formed so as to protrude outward having a predetermined first width at the side wall parts (67A to 67D, 68A, 68B) and having one end side reaching the main guide (93). Upper surface parts (97A to 99A) of the side guides (97 to 99) incline so that the main guide side is lowered. The top surface part (62) inclines so that the first position (62A) is located at the lowest level.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a waste liquid storage container and a liquid discharge device.

Patent Document 1 below describes an ink tank that includes an ink container that stores ink and a waste ink container that is connected to the outside of the ink container and stores waste ink. An atmospheric communication hole is formed in the upper surface of the waste ink container facing the ink container. Further, an ink guide groove is formed on the top surface of the waste ink container to guide waste ink leaked from the atmosphere communication hole to a pair of electrodes. The document also describes a configuration in which waste ink leaking from an atmosphere communication hole comes into contact with a pair of electrodes, and ink leakage is detected based on a change in resistance value between the electrodes.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-109415

In such an ink tank, waste ink leakage from one part of the atmosphere communication hole of the waste ink container can be detected, but there is a possibility that waste ink leaking from a part other than the atmosphere communication hole cannot be detected.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to detect waste liquid leaking from a plurality of locations of a waste liquid storage container that stores waste liquid.

In order to solve the above problems, a waste liquid storage container according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a bottom wall portion, a side wall portion extending upward from each side portion of the bottom wall portion, and a side wall portion facing the bottom wall portion. a top surface portion formed with a first opening through which waste liquid can enter from above; a waste liquid absorber filled inside to absorb waste liquid that has entered from the first opening; and a periphery of the top surface portion. a main guide extending downward from a first position to the bottom wall and capable of guiding the waste liquid flowing from the first position downward; A waste liquid receiving part for receiving waste liquid flowing downward through the guide, and a waste liquid receiving part formed to protrude outward by a predetermined first width in the side wall part, and extending along a direction intersecting the main guide. , a side guide whose one end side reaches the main guide, the upper surface part of the side guide is inclined so that the main guide side is lower, and the top surface part is arranged so that the upper surface part of the side guide is located at the periphery of the top surface part in the vertical direction. The structure is such that the first position is the lowest, and the second position of the periphery of the top surface portion opposite to the first position across the first opening is the highest. .

According to the above configuration, the waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber and leaks from the periphery of the first opening of the top part flows on the inclined top part to the first position of the periphery and is guided to the main guide. Further, the waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber and leaks from the upper side of the side wall portion is received by the side guide. Subsequently, the waste liquid received by the side guide flows along the upper surface of the side guide and is guided to the main guide. The waste liquid that has flowed downward through the main guide is received by the waste liquid receiving part that projects outward from the lower end of the main guide, and spreads on the waste liquid receiving part. Therefore, by detecting the presence or absence of waste liquid spread on the waste liquid receiving part, it is possible to detect waste liquid leaking from multiple locations between the first opening formed in the top surface of the waste liquid storage container and the side wall part. Become.

Further, in the liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the main guide extends downward from an end edge of the side guide on the main guide side along a side edge of the main guide; It is also possible to have a configuration including an auxiliary guide that projects outward from the side edge of the main guide by the first width. According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to guide the waste liquid flowing on the side guide to the main guide via the auxiliary guide.

Further, in the liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of the side guides may be arranged in the vertical direction of the side wall portion. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a plurality of side guides according to the shape of the side wall, and it is possible to guide waste liquid leaking from the side wall to the main guide.

Further, in the liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the side wall portion has a liquid leakage hole at a position below the first opening through which waste liquid that can no longer be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber leaks; The side guide may be arranged at a lower position than the liquid leakage hole.

According to the above configuration, even if waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber leaks from the liquid leak hole in the side wall portion, it can be caught by the side guide and guided to the main guide. Further, for example, when waste liquid leaks from the first opening, a considerable amount of waste liquid is stored inside the waste liquid storage container, and a large amount of waste liquid may leak out. Therefore, by providing the liquid leakage hole below the first opening, it is possible to suppress a large amount of waste liquid from leaking out from the first opening.

Further, in the liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure, one of the plurality of side guides is arranged at a position including a lower end portion of the side wall portion, and the waste liquid receiver is disposed at a position including a lower end portion of the side wall portion. extending on both sides from a third position opposite to the bottom wall part to the waste liquid receiving part along the periphery of the bottom wall part, and in the vertical direction, the upper surface part is highest at the third position, and It may be configured such that it is inclined so that it is lowest at the edge on the side of the waste liquid receiving section. According to the above configuration, by providing the side guide on the periphery of the bottom wall, it is possible to reliably guide the waste liquid leaking from the side wall to the waste liquid receiving part, thereby preventing leakage of waste liquid from the side wall of the waste liquid storage container. This enables early detection.

Further, in the liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the side guide may have a guide wall that protrudes upward by a predetermined height from the outer edge portion over the entire length. According to the above configuration, since the side guide forms a groove-shaped guide groove with the guide wall and the side wall portion, the waste liquid flowing on the side guide can be reliably guided to the main guide.

Further, in the liquid storage container according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the top surface portion is recessed so as to gradually descend from the peripheral edge toward the first opening in a direction perpendicular to the top surface portion. It may also be configured as follows. According to the above configuration, the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening can be smoothly collected toward the first position on the periphery of the top surface portion, and can be guided to the main guide at an early stage.

Further, in a liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid ejection head having a nozzle that ejects liquid, and the above-mentioned structure that is removably provided in a main body housing and that collects waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head. A waste liquid storage container according to an aspect of the present disclosure having: a detection unit that detects the waste liquid that has flowed into the waste liquid receiving portion, a notification unit that notifies that the waste liquid has leaked from the waste liquid storage container, and a control unit; The control unit is configured to notify, via the notification unit, that waste liquid has leaked when the detection unit detects waste liquid.

According to the above configuration, the waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head is stored in the waste liquid storage container. Then, the waste liquid leaking from the top surface, the upper end of the side wall, etc. of the waste liquid storage container flows into the main guide of the waste liquid storage container and spreads on the waste liquid receiving part. When the detection section detects the waste liquid that has spread on the waste liquid receiving section, a notification that the waste liquid has leaked is notified via the notification section. As a result, the user of the liquid ejecting device can be aware of waste liquid leakage from the waste liquid storage container at an early stage, and can replace the waste liquid storage container.

Further, in the liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the side guide of the waste liquid storage container may have a guide wall that protrudes upward by a predetermined height from the outer edge portion over the entire length. According to the above configuration, since the side guide forms a groove-shaped guide groove with the guide wall and the side wall portion, the waste liquid flowing on the side guide can be reliably guided to the main guide.

Further, in the liquid ejection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the top surface portion of the waste liquid storage container gradually extends from the peripheral edge toward the first opening over the entire circumference in a direction perpendicular to the top surface portion. It is also possible to have a structure in which it is recessed so that it goes down. According to the above configuration, the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening can be smoothly collected toward the first position on the periphery of the top surface portion, and can be guided to the main guide at an early stage.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to detect waste liquid leaking from a plurality of locations of a waste liquid storage container that stores waste liquid.

1 is an example of an external perspective view of an inkjet printer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of an inkjet printer. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the inkjet printer when viewed from above. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 2 is an example of an external perspective view of the waste liquid storage container as seen from the main guide side. It is an example of the external appearance perspective view of a waste liquid storage container seen from the opposite side with respect to the main guide. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing an example of leakage of waste ink from a waste liquid storage container. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an inkjet printer. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the waste liquid leakage detection process which a control apparatus performs. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged external perspective view showing an example of the main guide of the waste liquid storage container according to the second embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
[Schematic configuration of inkjet printer 1]
Hereinafter, an overview of the configuration of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an inkjet printer 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the inkjet printer 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the inkjet printer 1 when viewed from above.

An inkjet printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a liquid ejection device. In the following description, the vertical direction will be defined with the installation surface side as the bottom, based on the state in which the inkjet printer 1 is installed so that it can be used as shown in FIG. Further, the front-back direction is defined with the side where the opening 20 is provided as the front, and the left-right direction is defined as the left side when viewing the inkjet printer 1 from the front. Note that the left-right direction may be referred to as a scanning direction, which is a moving direction of a carriage 40 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printer 1 has a main body housing 11 and a scanner housing 12 stacked above the inkjet printer 1, forming an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

An operation panel 13, a cartridge cover 14, and a storage container exchange section 15 are provided on the front surface of the main body casing 11. The operation panel 13 has various operation buttons and a display 13A. The cartridge cover 14 is rotatably provided with respect to the main body casing 11. As shown in FIG. 3, an ink cartridge 141 attached to a cartridge case 140 is disposed inside the cartridge cover 14. As shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 1, an opening 20 is formed in the front surface of the main body casing 11, and a feed tray 21 and an ejection tray 22, which are examples of sheet storage units, It is provided so that it can be attached to and detached from the inkjet printer 1 through 20. The scanner housing 12 includes a scanner (not shown) that reads an image recorded on a sheet P, for example, as an object.

The storage container exchange part 15 is provided on the side surface of the main body casing 11 in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, it is provided on the left side. The storage container exchange unit 15 includes a lid member 151 that is rotatable with respect to the main body casing 11, and a housing portion 152 that can accommodate the waste liquid storage container 60 that is exposed when the lid member 151 is opened (see FIG. 3). It is made up of. In other words, the storage container exchange section 15 is configured such that the waste liquid storage container 60 can be inserted into and removed from the main body casing 11 by opening and closing the lid member 151.

The housing portion 152 is configured to match the shape of the waste liquid storage container 60, and includes a wall on the inside of the main body casing 11 in the insertion/extraction direction, with which the side surface of the waste liquid storage container 60 comes into contact. This wall restricts movement of the waste liquid storage container 60 inward.

Note that the storage container exchange section 15 is not limited to a configuration in which the lid member 151 is opened and closed. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a waste liquid storage container unit that is detachable from the main body casing 11 is inserted into and removed from the main body casing 11 using the waste liquid storage container 60 and the tank holding portion of the waste liquid storage container 60 having the lid member 151. In this case, when the waste liquid storage container unit is removed from the main body casing 11, an opening corresponding to the shape of the waste liquid storage container unit is exposed in the storage container replacement part 15.

Further, when the waste liquid storage container unit is inserted into the exposed opening, the exposed opening is closed by the lid member 151 included in the waste liquid storage container unit. In addition, the position where the storage container exchange part 15 is provided is not limited to the side surface in the left-right direction of the main body housing 11. For example, it may be provided on a surface of the main body casing 11 in the front-back direction, or may be provided on a surface of the main body casing 11 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction in which the waste liquid storage container 60 is inserted and removed may be referred to as the insertion and removal direction.

[Internal configuration of inkjet printer 1]
Next, the internal configuration of the inkjet printer 1 will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet printer 1 includes a feeding section 3, a recording section 4, and a transport mechanism 5.

The feeding section 3 includes a shaft 30, a feeding arm 31, and a feeding roller 32. The feeding unit 3 feeds the sheet P accommodated in the feeding tray 21 to the conveyance path R1, which is an example of a paper conveyance path, by normal rotation of the feed roller 32. The feeding roller 32 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feeding arm 31. The feeding arm 31 is rotatably supported by a shaft 30 supported by the frame of the inkjet printer 1 . The feeding arm 31 is urged to rotate toward the feeding tray 21 by its own weight or elastic force from a spring or the like.

The conveyance path R1 is a path that extends upward from the rear end of the feed tray 21, curves in an area defined by the guide member 33, and reaches the discharge tray 22 via the position of the recording section 4. The feeding roller 32 rotates forward when the feeding motor 107 (see FIG. 8) is driven by the control device 100 (see FIG. 8), and takes out the sheets P one by one from the feeding tray 21. The sheet P taken out from the feed tray 21 is sent out along the conveyance path R1 and supplied to the recording section 4.

The recording section 4 is arranged above the feeding section 3. The recording section 4 includes a carriage 40, a recording head 41 that is an example of a liquid ejection head, a plurality of nozzles 42, and a platen 43. The carriage 40 is supported by a guide rail 9A and a guide rail 9B that extend in the left-right direction. The carriage 40 receives the driving force of the carriage motor 112 (see FIG. 8), and reciprocates in the scanning direction, which is the left-right movement direction, that is, in the width direction of the sheet P being conveyed.

In recording an image on the sheet P, the control device 100 of the inkjet printer 1 performs a recording process to record an image for one line on the sheet P, and drives the conveyance roller 50 and discharge roller 52 to move the sheet P by a predetermined line feed amount. The conveyance process of conveying only the same amount of data is repeated. In the recording process, the control device 100 moves the carriage 40 in the width direction of the sheet P while the sheet P is stopped, and causes ink to be ejected from the nozzles 42 of the recording head 41, so that the image for one line is printed on the sheet. Let P record.

A recording head 41 is mounted on the carriage 40 . A plurality of nozzles 42 are provided on the lower surface of the recording head 41. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of nozzles 42 are arranged in the front-rear direction to form a nozzle row, and the nozzle surface 421 has four nozzle rows arranged in the left-right direction. . Black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks are ejected from the plurality of nozzles 42 in order from those forming the nozzle row located on the right side. Note that the arrangement order of the nozzle rows is not limited to this, and may be changed as appropriate for each product. The recording head 41 ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 42 by vibrating a vibrating element such as a piezo element.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the platen 43 is located below the recording head 41 and extends over the entire length of the sheet P in the left-right direction. The platen 43 supports the sheet P from below during recording processing. An image is recorded on the sheet P by the recording head 41 selectively ejecting ink droplets while the carriage 40 moves with respect to the sheet P supported by the platen 43.

The conveyance mechanism 5 includes a conveyance roller 50 and a discharge roller 52, which are arranged in the front and rear directions so as to sandwich the carriage 40 and the platen 43 therebetween. A pinch roller 51 is provided below the conveyance roller 50 at a position facing the conveyance roller 50 . The conveyance roller 50 is driven by a conveyance motor 108 (see FIG. 8). The pinch roller 51 rotates as the conveyance roller 50 rotates. As the conveyance roller 50 and the pinch roller 51 rotate forward, the sheet P is held between the conveyance roller 50 and the pinch roller 51 and conveyed to the recording unit 4 along the conveyance path R1.

The discharge roller 52 is provided so as to be located downstream of the conveyance roller 50 with the carriage 40 and platen 43 interposed therebetween. A spur roller 53 is provided above the discharge roller 52 at a position facing the discharge roller 52 . The discharge roller 52 is driven by a conveyance motor 108 (see FIG. 8). The spur roller 53 rotates as the discharge roller 52 rotates. As the ejection roller 52 and the spur roller 53 rotate forward, the sheet P is held between the ejection roller 52 and the spur roller 53 and ejected to the ejection tray 22 .

In the above configuration, the inkjet printer 1 prints an image on the sheet P by ejecting ink while transporting the sheet P in the transport direction by the transport mechanism 5 and moving the recording head 41 together with the carriage 40 in the scanning direction. do.

[Cartridge case 140]
Next, the cartridge case 140 will be explained using FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge case 140 includes four ink cartridges 141 arranged in the left-right direction. Each ink cartridge 141 is removably provided with respect to the cartridge case 140. The ink cartridges 141 store black, yellow, cyan, and magenta inks, respectively. Ink stored in each ink cartridge 141 is supplied to the recording head 41 via a supply tube 142.

[Maintenance unit 8]
Next, the maintenance unit 8 will be explained using FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the inkjet printer 1 includes a maintenance unit 8. The maintenance unit 8 includes a cap 80, a pump 81, and a tube 82. The maintenance unit 8 is located below the scanning path of the carriage 40 and is located outside the platen 43 in the scanning direction. In this embodiment, it is arranged on the right side in the left-right direction. Note that the position where the maintenance unit 8 is placed is not limited to the right side, and may be placed on the left side. In this case, the position where the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70 are arranged is on the right side.

The cap 80 is made of a rubber material. The cap 80 is located below the recording head 41 and outside the platen 43 in the scanning direction. When the carriage 40 is moved to the maintenance position outside the platen 43, the cap 80 and the nozzle surface 421 face each other.

The cap 80 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by, for example, a lifting mechanism (not shown). The cap 80 is brought into close contact with the nozzle surface 421 by moving upward in the maintenance position. The pump 81 is, for example, a rotary tube pump. The pump 81 is driven by a motor (not shown) to suck ink and the like from the nozzle 42 through the cap 80 and the tube 82, and discharges it through the tube 82 into the waste liquid box 83. The waste liquid box 83 is arranged outside the pump 81 in the left-right direction.

The tube 82 is a channel for transporting ink discharged from the maintenance unit 8, and connects the cap 80 and the waste liquid box 83. The tube 82 is made of a flexible material and transports ink from the cap 80 to the waste liquid box 83 via the pump 81.

The maintenance unit 8 has the above-described configuration and performs maintenance on the recording head 41. More specifically, the maintenance unit 8 performs a purge operation to suck ink and air within the nozzle 42 and foreign matter adhering to the opening formed on the lower surface of the nozzle 42. Note that the ink and air within the nozzle 42 and foreign matter adhering to the opening of the nozzle 42 are hereinafter referred to as "ink, etc.". The ink and the like that have been suctioned and removed by the maintenance unit 8 are stored in a waste liquid box 83.

[Waste liquid storage container 60 and flushing unit 70]
Next, the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70 according to the first embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3, and is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70 are located below the recording head 41 and outside the platen 43 in the scanning direction.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70 are arranged opposite to the maintenance unit 8 with the transport path R1 in between in the horizontal direction parallel to the nozzle surface 421. Regarding the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70, the maintenance unit 8 is arranged on the right side in the left-right direction with the transport path R1 in between, and the waste liquid storage container 60 and the flushing unit 70 are arranged on the left side, which is the opposite side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the waste liquid storage container 60 is arranged to be located below the flushing unit 70 in the vertical direction.

[Flushing unit 70]
As shown in FIG. 4, the flushing unit 70 includes a waste liquid guide 71 and a guide fixing frame 72 for fixing the waste liquid guide 71. The flushing unit 70 is configured to prevent the mist of ink ejected from the nozzle 42 from scattering during the flushing process, and to guide waste liquid ejected as waste ink without being used for printing to the waste liquid storage container 60. .

The flushing process is an operation in which the carriage 40 is moved to a position facing the flushing unit 70 and the recording head 41 is driven to eject ink from the plurality of nozzles 42 toward the waste liquid guide 71. The waste liquid guide 71 has an inclined surface 710 that intersects with the vertical direction, which is the ink ejection direction, in order to prevent the mist of the ink ejected during the flushing process from scattering. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the inclined surface 710 is configured to slope upward from the left side to the right side.

When the waste ink discharged by the flushing process hits the inclined surface 710 of the waste liquid guide 71, the waste ink flows along the inclined surface 710 into the first opening 63, which is substantially rectangular in plan view and is provided on the top surface 62 of the waste liquid storage container 60. (See Figure 5). The guide fixing frame 72 is a frame body that fixes the waste liquid guide 71, and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. The guide fixing frame 72 is fixed to the main body casing 11 by, for example, being screwed to the main casing 11.

[Waste liquid storage container 60]
Next, the waste liquid storage container 60 will be explained using FIGS. 3 to 7. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the waste liquid storage container 60 when it is installed in the storage section 152 of the inkjet printer 1, as seen diagonally from the front left side. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of the waste liquid storage container 60 when it is installed in the housing section 152 of the inkjet printer 1, as seen diagonally from the rear right side. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing an example of leakage of waste liquid (waste ink) from the waste liquid storage container 60.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the waste liquid storage container 60 made of resin has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and has a waste liquid storage chamber 61 in which waste liquid can be stored. The inside of the waste liquid storage chamber 61 is filled with a waste liquid absorber 65 that absorbs the waste liquid that enters from the substantially rectangular first opening 63 formed in the top surface part 62. The waste liquid absorber 65 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric, sponge, or cotton that can absorb waste liquid.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the waste liquid storage container 60 includes a first storage section 60A located above in the vertical direction, and a first storage section 60A located below the first storage section 60A. It has a second storage part 60B with which the waste liquid storage chamber 61 communicates. Further, the waste liquid storage container 60 has a stepped portion 64 that is approximately L-shaped in plan view on the right side and rear side and above the second storage portion 60B. Due to the presence of this stepped portion 64, the second storage portion 60B is formed larger than the first storage portion 60A in plan view.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the waste liquid storage container 60 includes a main body case portion 91 and a lid portion 92 that closes the main body case portion 91 from above. The main body case portion 91 has a bottom wall portion 66 that is substantially rectangular in plan view and serves as the bottom surface of the second storage portion 60B. Further, the main body case portion 91 has side wall portions 67A to 67D that extend upward from the front, rear, left, and right sides of the bottom wall portion 66 by a predetermined height (for example, about 30 mm in height). Therefore, each side wall portion 67A to 67D constitutes a side wall around the box-shaped second storage portion 60B.

In addition, the main body case part 91 extends upward by a predetermined height (for example, , a height of approximately 50 mm). Therefore, the side wall portion 68A constitutes a front side wall of the first storage portion 60A that projects upward from the second storage portion 60B.

In addition, the main body case part 91 extends upward by a predetermined height ( For example, it has a side wall portion 68B extending approximately 50 mm in height. The upper end of the side wall 68B is formed at the same height as the upper end of the side wall 68A. Therefore, the side wall portion 68B constitutes the left side wall of the first storage portion 60A that projects upward from the second storage portion 60B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the corners where the front side walls 67A, 68A and the left side walls 67C, 68B intersect each other have a predetermined width (for example, a width of approximately 3 mm to 5 mm). ) A thin, longitudinally elongated, planar main guide 93 is formed which is connected by the planes. The main guide 93 extends downward from the upper end of the corner where the front side walls 67A, 68A intersect with the left side walls 67C, 68B to the bottom wall 66.

A waste liquid receiving portion 95 is formed at the lower end of the main guide 93 and is approximately square in plan view. The waste liquid receiving portion 95 has approximately the same thickness as the bottom wall portion 66, has a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1 = 5 mm to 10 mm) in the front and left directions, and extends approximately perpendicularly from the lower end of the main guide 93. It is formed to extend outward. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a media sensor 94 is arranged in the main body casing 11 of the inkjet printer 1 to detect waste liquid flowing onto the waste liquid receiving section 95. The media sensor 94 functions as an example of a detection unit.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the lid portion 92 is provided facing the bottom wall portion 66 and has a top surface portion 62 that is approximately rectangular in plan view of the first storage portion 60A. . Moreover, the lid part 92 has a side wall part 68C that extends downward from the right side part of the top surface part 62 to a predetermined height (for example, about 50 mm in height) opposite to the left side wall part 68B. Moreover, the lid part 92 has a side wall part 68D that extends downward from the rear side part of the top surface part 62 to a predetermined height (for example, about 50 mm in height) opposite to the front side wall part 68A.

The lid portion 92 also has a flange portion 69 extending outward from the lower end edge of each side wall portion 68C, 68D. The flange portion 69 extends from the lower edge of each side wall portion 68C, 68D toward the right side and the rear side at a substantially right angle to each side wall portion 68C, 68D, and closes the upper end portion of the main body case portion 91. The flange portion 69 has a substantially L-shape in plan view. Therefore, a stepped portion 64 is formed by the lower end edge of each side wall portion 68A, 68B and the flange portion 69. A plurality of locking pawls 69A are provided on the left, rear, and right peripheries of the flange portion 69, protruding outward to a predetermined height (for example, approximately 2 mm to 3 mm in height).

Further, a plurality of locking holes 96 are formed on the upper edge side of each of the side wall portions 67C, 67B, and 67D of the main body case portion 91 at positions facing each of the locking claws 69A, with which each of the locking claws 69A engages. ing. The lid portion 92 has the front and left side portions of the top surface portion 62 pressed against the upper edges of the respective side wall portions 68A and 68B of the main body case portion 91. Then, in a state in which the top surface portion 62 is pressed, the lid portion 92 engages each of the locking claws 69A formed on the periphery of the flange portion 69 into each of the locking holes 96 facing the respective locking claws 69A. By matching them together, they are attached to the main body case portion 91.

Further, in the vertical direction, the top surface portion 62 has a first corner portion 62A that is in contact with the upper end of the main guide 93 and is the lowest, and a first corner portion 62A that is opposite to the first corner portion 62A with the first opening 63 in between. It is inclined so that the two corner parts 62B are the highest. The first corner portions 62A are connected by a plane having a predetermined width (for example, a width of about 3 mm to 5 mm) to form a plane continuous with the upper end of the main guide 93. The first corner 62A functions as an example of the first position. The second corner 62B functions as an example of the second position.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the top surface portion 62 extends toward the first opening 63 from the peripheral edge of the top surface portion 62 over the entire circumference in the axial direction of an axis 62C perpendicular to the top surface portion 62. It is concave so that it gradually descends. Thereby, it becomes possible to smoothly collect the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening 63 toward the first corner 62A of the top surface part 62, and it becomes possible to guide it to the main guide 93 at an early stage.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening 63 formed in the top surface portion 62 flows from the first corner portion 62A to the main guide 93, as shown by the thick black line. Subsequently, the waste liquid that has flowed into the main guide 93 flows downward and reaches the waste liquid receiving section 95. The waste liquid flowing into the waste liquid receiving part 95 spreads over the waste liquid receiving part 95 and becomes detectable by the media sensor 94.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the main body case portion 91 is configured to protrude outward along the periphery of the bottom wall portion 66 by a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1 = 5 mm to 10 mm). The first side guide 97 has a substantially rectangular cross section. As shown in FIG. 6, the first side guide 97 is located at a third corner at the periphery of the bottom wall 66, where the right side wall 67D and the rear side wall 67B intersect, facing the waste liquid receiving section 95. It extends from the portion 66A along the periphery of the bottom wall portion 66 to the waste liquid receiving portion 95 on both sides.

That is, the first side guide 97 is formed over the entire circumference of the bottom wall portion 66 and is connected to the waste liquid receiving portion 95 at both side edges of the lower end portion of the main guide 93. Therefore, the first side guide 97 is disposed at a position that includes the lower end of each side wall portion 67A to 67D. The third corner 66A functions as an example of the third position.

Further, in the upper surface portion 97A of the first side guide 97, in the vertical direction, a corner portion protruding outward from the third corner portion 66A opposite to the waste liquid receiving portion 95 is the highest, and a corner portion on the waste liquid receiving portion 95 side is the highest. It is sloped so that it is lowest at the edge. The tilt angle is, for example, a tilt angle of about 5 degrees to 15 degrees. As a result, the waste liquid leaking from the locking holes 96 formed in the side walls 67A to 67D of the main body case part 91 is received by the upper surface part 97A of the first side guide 97, and is reliably guided to the waste liquid receiving part 95. can do.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the waste liquid leaking from each of the locking holes 96 formed in each of the side walls 67A to 67D of the main body case part 91 is removed from the upper surface of the first side guide 97, as shown by the thick black line. It flows onto portion 97A. Subsequently, the waste liquid that has flowed onto the upper surface portion 97A of the first side guide 97 flows along the slope of the upper surface portion 97A and reaches the waste liquid receiving portion 95. The waste liquid flowing into the waste liquid receiving part 95 spreads over the waste liquid receiving part 95 and becomes detectable by the media sensor 94.

Note that in FIG. 5, a step is provided between each end of the first side guide 97 on the waste liquid receiving portion 95 side and the waste liquid receiving portion 95, but no step may be provided. . That is, each end of the first side guide 97 on the waste liquid receiving part 95 side and the side part of the waste liquid receiving part 95 may be formed to be continuous with the same thickness.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, on the upper end side of the side wall portion 68A, a plurality of (for example, three A waste liquid leakage hole 75 passes through the hole 75. The plurality of waste liquid leakage holes 75 are provided so as to gather at approximately the center position in the left-right direction of the side wall portion 68A, so that the waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber 65 leaks faster than it leaks from the first opening 63. It is provided.

Further, at a position below the waste liquid leakage hole 75, a rib is formed to protrude outward at a substantially right angle from the side wall portion 68A with a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1 = 5 mm to 10 mm). A second side guide 98 having a shape is arranged. The second side guide 98 extends in a direction crossing the main guide 93, that is, along the left-right direction, and one end of the left end reaches the main guide 93, and the other end of the right end is on the right side of the side wall portion 68A. It has reached the edge. The upper surface portion 98A of the second side guide 98 is inclined so that the main guide 93 side is lower, that is, from the other end of the right end toward one end of the left end. The tilt angle is, for example, a tilt angle of about 5 degrees to 15 degrees.

Further, the second side guide 98 is formed with a guide wall 98B that protrudes from the outer edge. The guide wall 98B is formed to protrude substantially perpendicularly upward over the entire length from the outer edge of the second side guide 98 by a predetermined height (for example, about 3 mm to 5 mm in height). Further, a rib-shaped auxiliary guide 76 is formed that extends downward from the end edge of the second side guide 98 on the main guide 93 side along the right side edge of the main guide 93.

The auxiliary guide 76 protrudes outward from the right side edge of the main guide 93 by a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1=5 mm to 10 mm). Further, a gap of a predetermined height (for example, about 3 mm to 5 mm in height) is formed between the lower end of the auxiliary guide 76 and the end of the first side guide 97 on the main guide 93 side.

Thereby, the second side guide 98 forms a groove-shaped guide groove by the guide wall 98B and the side wall portion 68A. Therefore, the waste liquid leaking from the plurality of waste liquid leakage holes 75 and the like and flowing onto the upper surface portion 98A of the second side guide 98 can be reliably guided to the main guide 93 side. Further, the waste liquid flowing on the upper surface portion 98A of the second side guide 98 can be guided to the main guide 93 via the auxiliary guide 76.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the waste liquid leaking from the plurality of waste liquid leakage holes 75 formed above the side wall part 68A flows onto the upper surface part 98A of the second side guide 98, as shown by the thick black line. flows. Subsequently, the waste liquid that has flowed onto the upper surface portion 98A of the second side guide 98 flows along the slope of the upper surface portion 98A and reaches the right side edge of the main guide 93 and the upper end of the auxiliary guide 76. Then, the waste liquid flows downward from the right side edge of the main guide 93 and the upper end of the auxiliary guide 76 and reaches the waste liquid receiving part 95. The waste liquid flowing into the waste liquid receiving part 95 spreads over the waste liquid receiving part 95 and becomes detectable by the media sensor 94.

Further, the first side guide 97 and the second side guide 98 are arranged on each side wall portion 67A, 68A of the main body case portion 91 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to guide waste liquid leaking from the waste liquid leak holes 75 and the like to the main guide 93 in the side walls 67A, 68A of the main body case part 91.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a rib-shaped third side guide 99 is arranged at a position slightly below the upper end of the side wall portion 68B, for example, at a position about 5 mm to 10 mm below. There is. The third side guide 99 is formed to protrude outward from the side wall portion 68B at a substantially right angle with a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1=5 mm to 10 mm).

The third side guide 99 extends in a direction crossing the main guide 93, that is, along the front-rear direction, and one end of the front end reaches the main guide 93, and the other end of the rear end is behind the side wall portion 68B. reaching the lateral edge of The upper surface portion 99A of the third side guide 99 is inclined so that the main guide 93 side is lower, that is, from the other end of the rear end toward one end of the front end. The tilt angle is, for example, a tilt angle of about 5 degrees to 15 degrees.

Further, the third side guide 99 is formed with a guide wall 99B protruding from the outer edge. The guide wall 99B is formed to protrude upward at a predetermined height (for example, about 3 mm to 5 mm in height) substantially perpendicularly over the entire length from the outer edge of the third side guide 99. Further, a rib-shaped auxiliary guide 77 is formed that extends downward from the end edge of the third side guide 99 on the main guide 93 side along the left side edge of the main guide 93.

The auxiliary guide 77 protrudes outward from the left side edge of the main guide 93 by a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1=5 mm to 10 mm). Further, a gap of a predetermined height (for example, about 3 mm to 5 mm in height) is formed between the lower end of the auxiliary guide 77 and the end of the first side guide 97 on the main guide 93 side.

Thereby, the third side guide 99 forms a groove-shaped guide groove by the guide wall 99B and the side wall portion 68B. Therefore, the waste liquid that leaks from the upper edge of the side wall portion 68B and flows onto the upper surface portion 99A of the third side guide 99 can be reliably guided to the main guide 93 side. Further, the waste liquid flowing on the upper surface portion 99A of the third side guide 99 can be guided to the main guide 93 via the auxiliary guide 77.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the waste liquid leaking from the upper edge of the side wall portion 68B flows onto the upper surface portion 99A of the third side guide 99, as shown by the thick black line. Subsequently, the waste liquid that has flowed onto the upper surface portion 99A of the third side guide 99 flows along the slope of the upper surface portion 99A and reaches the left side edge of the main guide 93 and the upper end of the auxiliary guide 77. Then, the waste liquid flows downward from the left side edge of the main guide 93 and the upper end of the auxiliary guide 77, and reaches the waste liquid receiving part 95. The waste liquid flowing into the waste liquid receiving part 95 spreads over the waste liquid receiving part 95 and becomes detectable by the media sensor 94.

Further, the first side guide 97 and the third side guide 99 are arranged on each side wall portion 67C, 68B of the main body case portion 91 in the vertical direction. This makes it possible to guide waste liquid leaking from the upper end of the side wall 68B, the locking hole 96, etc. to the main guide 93 in each of the side walls 67C and 68B of the main body case 91.

[Electrical configuration of inkjet printer 1]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the inkjet printer 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the inkjet printer 1 includes a control device 100, a feed motor 107, a conveyance motor 108, a carriage motor 112, and a communication interface (I/F) 130 in addition to the above-mentioned parts. ing.

The control device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an EEPROM (registered trademark) 104, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 105. are connected by an internal bus 106.

The ROM 102 stores programs and the like for the CPU 101 to control various operations. The RAM 103 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 101 executes the above program, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 104 stores setting information that should be retained even after the power is turned off. The control device 100 controls the feed motor 107, the conveyance motor 108, the carriage motor 112, the recording head 41, etc. based on the control program read from the ROM 102.

A feeding motor 107, a transport motor 108, a carriage motor 112, a recording head 41, an operation panel 13, a media sensor 94, a display 13A, a communication I/F 130, and the like are connected to the ASIC 105.

ASIC 105 supplies drive current to feed motor 107 , transport motor 108 , and carriage motor 112 . The control device 100 controls the rotations of the feed motor 107, the conveyance motor 108, and the carriage motor 112, for example, by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. Furthermore, the control device 100 causes ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzles 42 by applying a driving voltage to the vibrating elements of the recording head 41 . The communication I/F 130 is connected to a network such as a LAN, and enables connection to an external device such as a PC in which a driver for the inkjet printer 1 is installed. The inkjet printer 1 can receive print jobs via the communication I/F 130.

When recording on the sheet P, the control device 100 causes the conveyance mechanism 5 to convey the sheet P in the conveyance direction and moves the recording head 41 together with the carriage 40 in the scanning direction to eject ink onto the sheet P. Record images. Further, the control device 100 displays various information on the display 13A to notify the user. Furthermore, as will be described later, the control device 100 detects the waste liquid flowing into the waste liquid receiving portion 95 of the waste liquid storage container 60 via the media sensor 94, and issues a warning to the user via the display 13A. Control device 100 functions as an example of a control unit. The display 13A functions as an example of a notification section. The media sensor 94 functions as an example of a detection unit.

The media sensor 94 is a reflective optical sensor. A reflective optical sensor is equipped with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the focal length (distance to the detection target) and the emission angle of the light-emitting element are determined so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element reaches the detection target (for example, a waste liquid receiver). 94) so that the light is incident on the light receiving element. Thereby, the media sensor 94 can detect the color density on the waste liquid receiving section 94 as a detection target. Therefore, the main body case portion 91 is preferably formed of white resin. This allows the media sensor 94 to effectively detect a change in color density when the waste liquid receiving portion 95 changes from white to ink color.

[Example of waste liquid leakage detection process]
Next, an example of a waste liquid leakage detection process executed by the control device 100 of the inkjet printer 1 configured as described above will be described based on FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a waste liquid leakage detection process executed by the control device 100. Note that the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the control device 100 at predetermined time intervals after the power switch when not shown is turned on. The predetermined time is, for example, an interval of one hour to several hours.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 100 first causes the light emitting element of the media sensor 94 to emit light, irradiates the waste liquid receiving part 95 of the waste liquid storage container 60, which is the detection target, and reflects the light from the waste liquid receiving part 95. The reflected light is received by the light receiving element of the media sensor 94 (S11). Subsequently, the control device 100 stores the output value of the electrical signal output from the media sensor 94 (hereinafter referred to as "sensor output value") in the RAM 103 (S12).

Next, the control device 100 compares the sensor output value stored in the RAM 103 with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the sensor output value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S13). This threshold value is density value information for identifying that the color density of the waste liquid receiving portion 95 has changed from white to ink color, for example, and is stored in advance in the ROM 102. Here, when the sensor output value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it means that the waste liquid receiving portion 95 has changed to an ink color, that is, that waste liquid leakage has occurred. Further, when the sensor output value is less than the threshold value, it means that the concentration of the waste liquid receiving portion 95 has not yet reached the threshold value, that is, the waste liquid has not leaked.

If the control device 100 determines in step S13 that the sensor output value is less than the threshold (S13: NO), it determines that no waste liquid leakage has occurred, and ends the waste liquid leakage detection process. On the other hand, if the control device 100 determines in step S13 that the sensor output value is greater than or equal to the threshold value (S13: YES), it determines that a waste liquid leak has occurred, and displays the waste ink from the waste liquid storage container 60 on the display 13A. A warning to the effect that the information has been leaked is displayed (S14). For example, the control device 100 causes the display 13A to display a message urging replacement of the waste liquid storage container 60, such as "Ink is leaking from the waste liquid storage container. Please replace it." After that, the control device 100 ends the waste liquid leakage detection process.

Note that the control device 100 may display a message on the display 13A prompting the user to replace the waste liquid storage container 60 before the recording head 41 starts printing on the sheet P. Furthermore, when the control device 100 displays a message urging replacement of the waste liquid storage container 60 on the display 13A, the control device 100 may stop printing on the sheet P by the recording head 41.

[Operations and effects of Embodiment 1]
In the waste liquid storage container 60 of the inkjet printer 1 of the first embodiment described above, the waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber 65 and leaks from the periphery of the first opening 63 of the top part 62 flows through the inclined top part 62. It flows to the first corner 62A and is guided to the main guide 93. Furthermore, the waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber 65 and leaks from the upper side of the side wall portion 68B is received by the third side guide 99. Moreover, the waste liquid leaking from the plurality of waste liquid leakage holes 75 is received by the second side guide 98.

Subsequently, the waste liquid received by each of the side guides 98 and 99 flows through the upper surface portions 98A and 99A of each of the side guides 98 and 99, and is guided to the main guide 93. The waste liquid flowing downward through the main guide 93 is received by the waste liquid receiving part 95 that protrudes outward from the lower end of the main guide 93, and spreads on the waste liquid receiving part 95. Therefore, by detecting the presence or absence of waste liquid spread on the waste liquid receiving part 95, it is possible to detect whether the waste liquid has leaked from a plurality of locations between the first opening 63 formed in the top surface part 62 of the waste liquid storage container 60 and each side wall part 68A, 68B. It becomes possible to detect waste liquid.

Further, the main guide 93 extends downward from the end edge of each of the side guides 98 and 99 on the main guide 93 side along the left and right side edges of the main guide 93, and extends from the side edge of the main guide 93. It has auxiliary guides 76 and 77 that protrude outward by a first width W1. This makes it possible to guide the waste liquid flowing on each of the side guides 98 and 99 to the main guide 93 via each of the auxiliary guides 76 and 77.

Furthermore, even if waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber 65 leaks from the plurality of liquid leakage holes 75 in the side wall portion 68A, it can be caught by the second side guide 98 and guided to the main guide 93. Become. Further, for example, when waste liquid leaks from the first opening 63, a considerable amount of waste liquid is stored inside the waste liquid storage container 60, and a large amount of waste liquid may leak out. Therefore, by providing each liquid leakage hole 75 below the first opening 63, it is possible to suppress a large amount of waste liquid from leaking out from the first opening 63.

Further, by providing the first side guide 97 on the periphery of the bottom wall portion 66, the waste liquid leaking from each locking hole 96 etc. provided in each side wall portion 67B to 67D can be reliably guided to the waste liquid receiving portion 95. becomes possible. This makes it possible to detect leakage of waste liquid from each of the side walls 67A to 67D of the waste liquid storage container 60 at an early stage.

In addition, since the second side guide 98 and the third side guide 99 form a groove-shaped guide groove with each guide wall 98B, 99B and each side wall portion 68A, 68B, the flow on each side guide 98, 99 is The waste liquid can be reliably guided to the main guide 93.

Further, the top surface portion 62 is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface portion 62 so as to gradually descend toward the first opening 63 from the peripheral edge over the entire circumference. Thereby, it becomes possible to smoothly collect the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening 63 toward the first corner 62A of the periphery of the top surface part 62, and it becomes possible to guide it to the main guide 93 at an early stage.

Further, by the flushing process, waste liquid discharged from the recording head 41 is stored in the waste liquid storage container 60. The waste liquid leaking from the top surface 62 of the waste liquid storage container 60, the plurality of liquid leakage holes 75 of the side wall 68A, the upper end of the side wall 68B, each locking hole 96, etc., is transferred to the main guide 93 of the waste liquid storage container 60. and spreads over the waste liquid receiving portion 95. When the media sensor 94 detects the waste liquid that has spread on the waste liquid receiving portion 95, a notification that the waste liquid has leaked is notified via the display 13A. As a result, the user of the inkjet printer 1 can be informed of waste liquid leakage from the waste liquid storage container 60 at an early stage, and can replace the waste liquid storage container 60.

[Embodiment 2]
[Waste liquid storage container 160]
Next, a waste liquid storage container 160 according to Embodiment 2 will be described based on FIG. 10. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged external perspective view showing an example of the main guide 162 of the waste liquid storage container 160 according to the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the waste liquid storage container 160 according to the second embodiment has a main guide 93 according to the first embodiment at the corner where each side wall 67A, 68A intersects each side wall 67C, 68B. The difference is that a main guide 162 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 10, the main guide 162 has the same predetermined width as the main guide 93 (for example, about 3 mm to 5 mm in width), and is formed in the shape of a narrow vertical groove that is depressed inward in a substantially semicircular or circular arc shape. ing. The main guide 162 extends downward from the upper end of the corner where the side walls 67A, 68A intersect with the left side walls 67C, 68B to the bottom wall 66. A waste liquid receiving portion 95 is formed at the lower end of the main guide 162 and has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The waste liquid receiving portion 95 has approximately the same thickness as the bottom wall portion 66, and extends approximately perpendicularly from the lower end of the main guide 162 with a predetermined first width W1 (for example, W1 = 5 mm to 10 mm) in the front and left directions. It is formed to extend outward.

The top surface portion 62 of the lid portion 92 has a first corner portion 62A that is the lowest in the vertical direction and has the same predetermined width as the main guide 162 (for example, approximately 3 mm to 5 mm in width), and is shaped inward in a substantially semicircular or arc shape. The groove is formed in a concave manner and is continuous with the upper end of the main guide 162 .

The waste liquid storage container 160 according to the second embodiment described above can produce the same effects as the waste liquid storage container 60 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first corner portion 62A of the top surface portion 62 and the main guide 162 are formed to be depressed inward in a substantially semicircular or arc shape. As a result, the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening 63 and collected at the first corner 62A of the top surface section 62 is removed between the first corner 62A, which is recessed inward in a substantially semicircular or circular arc shape, and the main guide 162. It is gathered to the bottom part on the back side and guided to flow downward. Therefore, it becomes possible to increase the speed of the waste liquid flowing downward through the main guide 162, and it becomes possible to detect waste liquid leakage earlier.

Note that the first corner portion 62A of the top surface portion 62 and the main guide 162 may be formed to be depressed inward in a substantially V-shape or a substantially U-shape. As a result, the waste liquid leaking from the periphery of the first opening 63 and collected at the first corner 62A of the top surface section 62 is transferred to the first corner 62A that is recessed inward in a substantially V-shape or a substantially U-shape. It is gathered to the bottom of the main guide 162 on the back side and guided so as to flow downward. Therefore, it becomes possible to increase the speed of the waste liquid flowing downward through the main guide 162, and it becomes possible to detect waste liquid leakage earlier.

[Modification 1]
In the first and second embodiments described above, it is assumed that the liquid ejection device is the inkjet printer 1, but the device is not limited to this. It may also be an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral).

[Modification 2]
For example, the tube 82 of the maintenance unit 8 may be arranged to transfer waste liquid from the cap 80 to the waste liquid storage container 60 via the pump 81. The discharge side end of the tube 82 is, for example, at the upper end side of the front side wall 68A of the waste liquid storage container 60, at a position lower than the first opening 63, and further than the second side guide 98. It may be connected to the upper position by a detachable configuration. Further, the end of the tube 82 on the discharge side may be connected in such a manner that the waste liquid can be discharged into the waste liquid storage container 60.

As a result, waste liquid such as ink that has been suctioned and removed by the purging operation of the maintenance unit 8 can be stored in the waste liquid storage container 60. As a result, the number of waste liquid boxes 83 can be reduced, and the number of parts can be reduced. Further, even if waste liquid leaks from the connection point between the front side wall portion 68A of the waste liquid storage container 60 and the tube 82, it can be received by the second side guide 98 located below and guided to the waste liquid receiving portion 95. As a result, it becomes possible to detect waste liquid leakage from the connection point between the front side wall portion 68A and the tube 82 at an early stage.

[Modification 3]
For example, the tube 82 of the maintenance unit 8 may be arranged to transfer waste liquid from the cap 80 via the pump 81 to the flushing unit 70. The discharge side end of the tube 82 may be connected to the guide fixing frame 72 in a detachable manner, for example. Further, the discharge side end of the tube 82 may be connected in such a manner that the waste liquid can be discharged while the end of the tube 82 is in contact with the surface of the waste liquid guide 71 on the opposite side of the inclined surface 710 that faces the nozzle surface 421. good.

As a result, the waste liquid such as ink that has been suctioned and removed by the purging operation of the maintenance unit 8 is transferred to the first part of the waste liquid storage container 60 by the surface of the waste liquid guide 71 opposite to the surface facing the nozzle surface 421, that is, the back surface of the waste liquid guide 71. 1 opening 63. Therefore, waste liquid such as ink that has been suctioned and removed by the purging operation of the maintenance unit 8 can be stored in the waste liquid storage container 60. As a result, the number of waste liquid boxes 83 can be reduced, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[Additional notes]
The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

1 Inkjet printer, 60, 160 Waste liquid storage container, 62 Top section, 62A First corner, 62B Second corner, 63 First opening, 65 Waste liquid absorber, 66 Bottom wall, 66A Third corner, 67A~ 67D, 68A, 68B Side wall, 75 Waste liquid leak hole, 76, 77 Auxiliary guide, 93, 162 Main guide, 94 Media sensor, 95 Waste liquid receiver, 97 First side guide, 97A, 98A, 99A Top surface, 98 2nd side guide, 98B, 99B Guide wall, 99 3rd side guide,

Claims (10)

A bottom wall portion;
a side wall portion extending upward from each side portion of the bottom wall portion;
a top surface portion that is provided opposite to the bottom wall portion and is formed with a first opening through which waste liquid can enter from above;
a waste liquid absorber that is filled inside and absorbs waste liquid that enters from the first opening;
a main guide extending downward from a first position on the periphery of the top surface part to the bottom wall part and capable of guiding the waste liquid flowing from the first position downward;
a waste liquid receiving part that protrudes outward from the lower end of the main guide and receives the waste liquid that has flowed downward through the main guide;
a side guide formed in the side wall portion to protrude outward with a predetermined first width, extends along a direction intersecting the main guide, and has one end reaching the main guide;
Equipped with
The upper surface part of the side guide is inclined so that the main guide side is lower,
The top surface portion is configured such that, in the vertical direction, the first position of the periphery of the top surface portion is the lowest, and the first position of the periphery of the top surface portion is the lowest, and the first position of the periphery of the top surface portion is the lowest in the vertical direction. It is slanted so that the 2nd position is the highest,
Waste liquid storage container. The main guide extends downward from an end edge of the side guide on the main guide side along a side edge of the main guide, and extends outward from the side edge of the main guide to the first width. with an auxiliary guide protruding from the
The waste liquid storage container according to claim 1. A plurality of the side guides are arranged in the vertical direction of the side wall portion,
The waste liquid storage container according to claim 1. The side wall portion has a liquid leakage hole at a position below the first opening through which waste liquid that cannot be absorbed by the waste liquid absorber leaks;
The side guide is arranged at a position lower than the liquid leakage hole.
The waste liquid storage container according to claim 1. One of the plurality of side guides is
disposed at a position including the lower end of the side wall portion,
extending from a third position, which is a position opposite to the waste liquid receiving part, on both sides along the circumferential edge of the bottom wall part to the waste liquid receiving part,
In the vertical direction, the upper surface part is inclined so that it is highest at the third position and lowest at the edge on the waste liquid receiving part side.
The waste liquid storage container according to claim 3. The side guide has a guide wall that protrudes upward by a predetermined height from the outer edge portion over the entire length.
The waste liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The top surface portion is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface portion so as to gradually descend from the peripheral edge portion toward the first opening over the entire circumference.
The waste liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5. a liquid ejection head having a nozzle that ejects liquid;
The waste liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is removably provided in a main body housing and stores waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejection head.
a detection unit that detects the waste liquid flowing into the waste liquid receiving unit;
a notification unit that notifies that waste liquid has leaked from the waste liquid storage container;
a control unit;
Equipped with
When the detection unit detects waste liquid, the control unit notifies the notification unit that the waste liquid has leaked.
Liquid discharge device. The side guide of the waste liquid storage container has a guide wall that protrudes upward by a predetermined height from the outer edge portion over the entire length.
The liquid ejection device according to claim 8. The top surface portion of the waste liquid storage container is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the top surface portion so as to gradually descend from the peripheral edge toward the first opening over the entire circumference.
The liquid ejection device according to claim 8.

Images