JP5589814B2 - Capping device and liquid ejecting device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a capping device capable of capping a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, and a liquid ejecting device including the capping device.

  Conventionally, as a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto a medium, for example, an ink jet printer described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. This printer performs printing on a medium by ejecting ink (liquid) from nozzles of a recording head (liquid ejecting head) mounted on a reciprocating carriage.

  In such a printer, a capping device is disposed in the vicinity of the home position where the carriage waits when printing on the medium is not performed. In this capping device, a cap member is attached on the surface of a holder that is a rigid body. In this capping device, after the carriage (recording head) has moved to the home position, the holder is raised so as to approach the recording head, so that the cap member that is displaced (raised) integrally with the holder surrounds the nozzle. Thus, it comes into close contact with the nozzle forming surface of the recording head.

JP 2004-230711 A

  By the way, in the capping device, there is a case where it is desired to clean the cap member. In such a case, the cap member is removed from the holder. However, in the above printer, every time the cap member is removed from the holder, it is necessary to remove the cap member and a fixing member (for example, a bolt) that fixes the holder from the capping device, while the cap member is attached to the holder. Each time, it is necessary to attach the fixing member to the capping device. For this reason, the above-described printer has a problem in that the cap member cannot be easily attached to and detached from the holder.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a capping device and a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of easily performing the attaching / detaching operation of the cap member.

  In order to achieve the above object, a capping device according to the present invention includes a cap unit capable of contacting a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid so as to surround the nozzle, and a driving force from a driving source. An elevating member that rotates in accordance with the cap unit and moves the cap unit in an elevating direction that approaches and separates from the liquid ejecting head while rotating. With the rotation in one direction around the vertical axis, the engaging portion with respect to the cap unit is engaged from below with respect to the first engaged surface facing the lower side in the ascending / descending direction of the cap unit. While moving together, it moves so as to draw an upward trajectory approaching the liquid ejecting head around the axis, while rotating in the other direction around the axis. Accordingly, the engaging portion with respect to the cap unit moves so as to draw a downward trajectory away from the liquid ejecting head about the axis, and the first unit in the ascending / descending direction of the cap unit. It engages from above with respect to a second engaged surface that faces upward at a position below the engaged surface, and the first engaged surface is configured so that the engaging portion is moved along with the rotation of the elevating member. A non-overlapping region that does not overlap the second engaged surface in a direction perpendicular to both the ascending / descending direction and the axial direction within a range of a rotation locus drawn around the axis.

  According to the above configuration, the non-overlapping region is engaged with the lifting member in a state where the engaging portion of the lifting member is disposed corresponding to the non-overlapping region with the second engaged surface of the first engaged surface of the cap unit. When the cap unit is moved so as to be separated from the portion in the ascending / descending direction, the second engaged surface does not interfere with the elevating member, so that the cap unit can be easily attached / detached.

  In the capping device according to the aspect of the invention, the engaging portion of the elevating member moves while drawing a rotation trajectory in the upward direction approaching the liquid ejecting head around the axis, and is closest to the liquid ejecting head. In the state, the cap unit engages with the non-overlapping region of the first engaged surface.

  According to the above configuration, when the engaging portion of the elevating member comes closest to the liquid ejecting head, the engaging portion engages with the non-overlapping region of the first engaged surface of the cap unit from below, and the cap The unit is also closest to the liquid jet head. In such a case, the cap unit is normally in contact with the liquid ejecting head from below, so that the cap unit is sandwiched between the liquid ejecting head and the engaging portion of the elevating member from both the upper and lower sides. It is possible to suppress the loss of preparation.

In the capping device of the present invention, the elevating member separately includes a first engagement portion that engages with the first engaged surface and a second engagement portion that engages with the second engaged surface. Have.
According to the said structure, compared with the case where there is one engaging part engaged with the 1st to-be-engaged surface and the 2nd to-be-engaged surface spaced apart in the raising / lowering direction of the capping unit, the 1st to-be-engaged surface and The time for shifting from the engaged state to the engaged state with the second engaged surface can be shortened, and the cap unit can be moved up and down in a short time.

  In the capping device of the present invention, the cap unit is supported by a holder member having the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface, and the urging direction of the holder member along the ascending / descending direction. The biasing member is supported by the holder member via the biasing member, and the engaging portion of the elevating member is engaged with the non-overlapping region of the first engaged surface of the holder member. And a cap member having an abutting portion that abuts the liquid ejecting head so as to surround the nozzle.

  According to the above configuration, when the cap holder is further raised in a state where the contact portion of the cap unit is in contact with the liquid ejecting head, the urging member interposed between the cap holder and the cap member is compressed. The urging force against the cap member is increased. As a result, the abutting portion of the cap member in the cap unit can be brought into close contact with the liquid ejecting head based on the urging force of the urging member.

The liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid and the capping device having the above-described configuration.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to obtain a liquid ejecting apparatus that exhibits the same effect as that of the invention of the capping apparatus.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a printer having a maintenance device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view which looked at the maintenance device of an embodiment from one direction. The perspective view which looked at the maintenance device of an embodiment from another direction. The perspective view which shows the maintenance apparatus of the state which removed the frame structure. The perspective view which shows the gear train which transmits rotation of a motor to rotation of a sun gear. The perspective view which shows the gearwheel which rotation of a motor switches in a gear train and is transmitted. (A)-(c) is an operation | movement diagram of the switching means which switches rotation of a 1st gearwheel and a 2nd gearwheel. (A) is a behavior diagram of the first gear in the planetary gear mechanism, (b) is a behavior diagram of the second gear in the planetary gear mechanism, and (c) is a state diagram showing a behavior relationship between the first gear and the second gear. The figure which shows those rotation states about the 3rd gearwheel, the 4th gearwheel, the 5th gearwheel, and the 6th gearwheel which are rotationally driven by the 1st gearwheel or the 2nd gearwheel among gear trains. The drive system figure which shows typically the whole drive system of a maintenance function. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the maintenance function driven with a 3rd gearwheel. The disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the clutch mechanism which transmits rotation of a 3rd gearwheel. In the state diagram of the clutch mechanism, (a) is a state in which the suction cap is lifted from the lowest position, (b) is a suction state in which the suction cap is in contact with the liquid ejecting head, and (c) is a state in which the suction cap is in contact with the liquid ejecting head. The state which open | releases the airtight space formed in contact with air | atmosphere, (d) is a schematic diagram which respectively shows the state in which a suction cap descend | falls from the highest position. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the crank mechanism which raises / lowers a suction cap. (A)-(f) is an operation | movement figure of the crank mechanism which raises / lowers a suction cap. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a liquid ejecting head and a suction cap. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 17. (A)-(e) is an operation | movement figure of the suction cap positioned in the front-back direction with respect to a liquid ejecting head. (A)-(d) is an operation | movement figure of the suction cap positioned in the left-right direction with respect to a liquid ejecting head. The top view which looked at the liquid-jet head and the suction cap from the upper part. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the cam mechanism which raises / lowers an FL box. The side view which looked at the cam mechanism which raises / lowers the FL box from the left. The front view which looked at the cam mechanism which raises / lowers an FL box from back. (A)-(c) is an operation | movement figure of the cam mechanism which raises / lowers FL box. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the wiping member driven with a 4th gearwheel. The perspective view which shows the component of a wiping member. It is a perspective view which shows the attachment or detachment structure of a wiping member, (a) is a mounting state, (b) is a perspective view which shows the removed state. The side view which shows the movement state in the front-back direction of a wiping member. The perspective view which shows the structure of an ink absorber. The block diagram of the ink absorption member accommodated in the ink absorber. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the leaving cap, carriage lock body, and FL box cover which are driven by the fifth gear. The perspective view which shows the structure of a 5th gearwheel. (A)-(c) is a schematic diagram explaining the rotational behavior of a 5th gearwheel. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the cam mechanism which raises / lowers a leaving cap. The perspective view which looked at the neglected cap from diagonally upward. The perspective view which looked at the cam mechanism which raises / lowers a leaving cap from diagonally downward. The perspective sectional view which looked at the cam mechanism which raises / lowers the leaving cap from obliquely below. The other perspective sectional view which looked at the cam mechanism which raises / lowers a leaving cap from diagonally downward. (A)-(e) is an operation | movement figure of the cam mechanism engaged with a leaving cap. The schematic diagram which shows the state before a carriage lock body moves upwards. The schematic diagram which shows the state in which the carriage lock body is moving upwards. The schematic diagram which shows the state which the carriage lock body moved upwards. It is the schematic diagram which showed the movement state of FL box cover, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. The perspective view which shows the drive system of the suction pump driven by the 6th gearwheel. It is a figure which shows the open mechanism of an air release valve, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an operation | movement figure. The arrangement block diagram of the detection means which detects the rotation state of a gearwheel. The timing chart which shows the functional operation state of a maintenance apparatus. The flowchart which shows transfer operation | movement from maintenance HP to suction HP. The flowchart which shows the suction operation of FL box. The flowchart which shows transfer operation | movement from suction HP to maintenance HP. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a liquid ejecting head cleaning operation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a liquid ejecting head cleaning operation. The flowchart which shows the height adjustment operation | movement of FL box.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in an ink jet printer 11 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as “printer”) 11 which is a kind of liquid ejecting apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In order to facilitate the following description, as shown in FIG. 1, the gravity direction in the vertical direction is defined as the downward direction, and the antigravity direction is defined as the upward direction. Further, the direction in which the sheet S fed to the printer 11 is transported at the time of image formation is a forward direction, and the direction opposite to the transport direction is a rear direction. Further, the direction in which the carriage 14 reciprocates, that is, the scanning direction, which intersects both the gravitational direction and the conveyance direction, is referred to as the right direction and the left direction, respectively, when viewed from the rear.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 11 is provided in a state in which the carriage 14 is reciprocally movable in the left-right direction, guided by a carriage guide shaft 13 installed in a substantially square box-shaped main body case 12 opened on the upper side. It has been. An endless timing belt 15 to which the carriage 14 is fixed on the rear side is wound around a pair of pulleys 16 and 17 disposed on the inner surface of the back plate of the main body case 12. The carriage 14 is configured to reciprocate in the left-right direction when the carriage motor 18 coupled to rotate integrally with the one pulley 16 is driven forward and backward.

  A liquid ejecting head 30 that ejects ink as liquid is provided below the carriage 14, and a sheet S as a medium for forming an image is placed in a lower position facing the liquid ejecting head 30 in the main body case 12. A support plate 20 that supports the liquid ejecting head 30 and the sheet S and that extends in the left-right direction is disposed in addition to the support. In addition, an ink cartridge 21 containing ink is detachably mounted on the carriage 14. In the present embodiment, the liquid ejecting head 30 has a plurality of head units (not shown) (five head units in the present embodiment) arranged in parallel in the left-right direction, and the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 21 is supplied to each head. Injecting from the openings of a number of nozzles (not shown) provided in a row in the front-rear direction on the lower side of the unit.

  A paper feed tray 23 is provided on the rear side of the printer 11, and the sheets S stacked on the paper feed tray 23 are conveyed from the rear side to the front side in the conveyance direction one by one by a plurality of conveyance rollers (not shown). Thus, the liquid is supplied between the liquid jet head 30 and the support plate 20. As shown in FIG. 1, each transport roller is driven by a paper feed motor 25 disposed in the lower left direction of the main body case 12 in the printer 11, so that the paper S is transported in the transport direction. At this time, the transported paper S is transported while being in contact with the support plate 20 described above so as to be separated from the liquid ejecting head 30 by a predetermined amount. The liquid ejecting head 30 is moved vertically by a moving mechanism (not shown) so that the separation distance between the liquid ejecting head 30 and the sheet S is always a predetermined amount according to the thickness of the sheet S being conveyed, for example. It can be moved.

  In addition, a linear encoder 26 that outputs a number of pulses proportional to the moving distance of the carriage 14 is installed in the printer 11 so as to extend along the carriage guide shaft 13. Using the output pulses of the linear encoder 26, data on the movement position, movement direction, and movement speed of the carriage 14 in the left-right direction is obtained. Based on the obtained data, speed control and position in the left-right direction of the carriage 14 are obtained. Control is performed. An operation of ejecting ink from the nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting head 30 toward the paper S while reciprocating (scanning) the carriage 14 in the left-right direction and an operation of transporting the paper S forward by a predetermined transport amount Thus, characters, images, and the like are formed on the paper S.

  In the printer 11, a head maintenance device 100 is disposed on the left side of the support plate 20. That is, the position at which the head maintenance device 100 is disposed is a position where the ink is not ejected onto the paper S, that is, the home position on the movement path in the left-right direction of the carriage 14. The head maintenance device 100 has a plurality of functional parts for maintaining the ink ejection characteristics with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30, and in this home position, these functional parts are operated to perform maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 30. To do. These functional components are all operated by one motor as a drive source.

  In addition to the operation of the functional components related to the maintenance, the printer 11 incorporates a control circuit that controls an image forming operation, that is, a carriage 14 moving operation, an ink ejecting operation, and a paper S conveying operation. A circuit board (not shown) is provided as a control device. The control device includes a CPU, an ASIC, a memory, and the like.

  Next, the configuration of a head maintenance device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “maintenance device”) 100 according to the present embodiment having a plurality of functional components related to maintenance will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 2 is a perspective view of the maintenance device 100 viewed from the same direction as FIG. 1, that is, the left front direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the maintenance device 100 viewed from the left rear direction different from the cases of FIGS. It is a perspective view.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the maintenance apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is in a closed space by contacting the liquid ejecting head 30 that is in a state where ink is not ejected onto the paper S so as to surround the nozzle. A leaving cap 550 is formed. That is, the leaving cap 550 forms a closed space with the nozzle formation surface on which the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 are formed when the printer 11 is turned off, thereby drying ink at the nozzle openings. Functions as a functional component to suppress. The leaving cap 550 functions as a capping device for capping the liquid ejecting head 30 by moving up and down so as to come into contact with or separate from the liquid ejecting head 30 (hereinafter also referred to as “separation”). It is supposed to be. The nozzle openings in the five head units provided in the liquid ejecting head 30 are all covered for each head unit, so that the nozzle openings are shielded from the atmosphere.

  In addition, the maintenance device 100 includes a carriage lock body 590 as a functional component that locks the carriage 14 so as not to move in the left-right direction when the leaving cap 550 is in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30. The carriage lock body 590 can move up and down with respect to the carriage 14, and an engagement portion (not shown) provided on the carriage 14 engages with the raised carriage lock body 590, whereby the carriage 14 is moved. It is locked so as not to move in the left-right direction.

  In addition, the maintenance device 100 includes a suction cap 350 and a suction pump 650 as functional components that restore ink ejection characteristics by, for example, sucking thickened ink from the nozzle openings. The suction cap 350 moves up and down so as to be separated from and in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30, thereby functioning as a cap device for capping the liquid ejecting head 30 with a function purpose different from that of the leaving cap 550. ing. Then, by contacting the nozzle unit so as to surround one of the five nozzle units provided in the liquid jet head 30, a closed space that blocks the nozzle opening from the atmosphere is formed. It has become. Then, in such a state where the closed space is formed, the suction pump 650 depressurizes the closed space covered by the suction cap 350 and sucks ink from the opening of the nozzle. Through the waste ink tank (not shown) provided in the main body case of the printer 11.

  In addition, the maintenance device 100 includes a wiping member 450 as a functional component that wipes off unnecessary ink adhering to the nozzle opening on the nozzle formation surface of the liquid ejecting head 30. The wiping member 450 has a wiper blade 451 and reciprocates back and forth. Then, by moving the wiper blade 451 from the rear to the front along the arrangement direction of the nozzle openings with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30, unnecessary ink is captured and wiped by the wiper blade 451. Yes. In the present embodiment, the wiping member 450 moves in a space area above the suction cap 350 in a state where the suction cap 350 is separated from the liquid ejecting head 30.

  Further, in the maintenance device 100, an ink absorber 40 capable of absorbing ink captured by the wiper blade 451 is disposed as a functional component at an end portion in the moving direction of the wiper blade 451 moving forward. The ink absorber 40 is configured such that the ink captured by the wiper blade 451 is transferred to the ink absorber 40 and absorbed by bringing the wiper blade 451 into contact with a part of the ink absorber 40.

  By the way, in the printer 11, an operation for forcibly ejecting ink, that is, a flushing operation, is performed in order to discharge bubbles mixed in the ink or ink having increased viscosity from the nozzle. Therefore, the maintenance device 100 includes a flushing box (hereinafter referred to as “FL box”) 380 as a functional component that receives the ink ejected by the flushing operation. In addition, the FL box (liquid receiving member) 380 of the present embodiment can move up and down. For example, the FL box (liquid receiving member) 380 is electrically inspected for ink ejection from the liquid ejecting head 30 (this is referred to as “ink ejection inspection”). Therefore, the distance from the liquid ejecting head 30 is adjusted so as to be an optimum distance for the ink ejecting inspection. The suction pump 650 sucks ink ejected into the FL box 380 in addition to sucking ink from the suction cap 350.

  The maintenance device 100 also includes an FL box cover (cover cover member) 580 as a functional component that covers the ink receiving portion (the upper opening in this case) in the FL box 380 so that the ink in the FL box does not dry. Have. That is, the FL box cover 580 moves in the front-rear direction so as to close or open the top of the FL box 380 when the printer 11 that does not form an image by ejecting ink onto the paper S is not used. It can be done.

  Each functional component included in the maintenance device 100 described above is placed at a predetermined position in the maintenance device 100 by a frame structure 90 constituted by a plurality of resin frame members 91 and a plurality of metal frame plates 92. The above-described operations are performed. The frame structure 90 is attached with a circuit board 50 that outputs a detection signal for appropriately operating each functional component in the maintenance device 100 to the control device via the signal wiring 51.

  The maintenance device 100 according to the present embodiment has one motor (DC motor) 110 as a drive source, and rotates according to an electric signal supplied via the input wiring 55. The motor 110 is provided with a rotary encoder 108 so that the rotation of the motor 110 is controlled by a pulse signal output according to the number of rotations. And the drive mechanism which transmits the rotational drive of the motor 110 is comprised so that the several functional component for the maintenance mentioned above may operate | move by the rotational drive of this one motor 110. FIG. In addition, when the motor 110 is not rotationally driven, a hand-wheel 115 for operating the functional components is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 4 in which the frame structure 90 is removed from the maintenance device 100, the drive mechanism includes a gear train in which a plurality of gears mesh with each other and a switching means 70 as a restraining member that inhibits rotation. . The plurality of gears are each supported by a rotation shaft that is rotatably supported by the frame structure 90. In this gear train, the rotational drive of the transmission drive gear 118 to which the rotation of the motor 110 is constantly transmitted is changed by the switching operation of the switching means 70 so that the first gear 210 as the first rotating member and the second rotating member as the second rotating member. It is configured to be transmitted to either one of the second gears 220. The third gear 300 (see FIG. 6) and the fourth gear 400 are rotated by the rotation of the first gear 210, and the fifth gear 500 and the sixth gear 600 are driven to rotate at predetermined timings by the rotation of the second gear 220. Thus, predetermined functional parts for maintenance work. The first detection means 81 for outputting a detection signal for controlling the rotation direction of the motor 110 when the first gear 210 and the second gear 220 are driven to rotate and the rotation stop of the motor 110 are controlled. The detection means 82 and the third detection means 83 are attached to the circuit board 50 (see FIG. 3). The detection operation of these three detection means will be described later.

  Next, in the maintenance device 100, the configuration of which functional component related to maintenance described above is operated by which of the gear trains is rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the motor 110. A description will be made sequentially.

  First, regarding how the rotation of the first gear 210 and the second gear 220 is switched by the rotation of the motor 110, including the transmission mechanism up to the transmission drive gear 118 and the switching mechanism of the switching means 70, This will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the maintenance device 100 of this embodiment has a motor 110 as one drive source, and the rotation of the motor 110 is transmitted by a plurality of transmission gears to drive the transmission drive gear 118 to rotate. It is supposed to let you. Specifically, the rotation of the motor pinion 111 provided on the rotation shaft of the motor 110 is rotated by a first transmission gear 114 that meshes with the motor pinion 111, a second transmission gear 117 that meshes with the first transmission gear 114, The rotation is sequentially transmitted to the transmission drive gear 118 that meshes with the second transmission gear 117. The first transmission gear 114 has a large gear 112 having a large pitch diameter that meshes with the motor pinion 111 and a second transmission so that the rotation of the rotation number of the motor pinion 111 is smaller than that of the motor pinion 111. It is composed of a small gear 113 having a small pitch diameter that meshes with the gear. The second transmission gear 117 that meshes with the first transmission gear 114 and the transmission drive gear 118 that meshes with the second transmission gear 117 have the same pitch diameter, and the first rotation shaft to which the transmission drive gear 118 is fixed. By making J1 move away from the motor 110, the formation of the gear train is facilitated in a region. The second transmission gear 117 is rotatably supported by a second rotation axis J2 that is parallel to the first rotation axis J1.

  A sun gear 120 that rotates integrally with the transmission drive gear 118 is fixed to the first rotary shaft J1 to which the transmission drive gear 118 is fixed. The sun gear 120 will be described in detail later. Further, as described above, the hand-turning gear 116 having the wheel 115 having a predetermined outer shape that can be turned by hand is arranged so as to mesh with the small gear 113 of the second transmission gear 117. Therefore, the transmission drive gear 118 is driven to rotate by one motor 110, and the user can rotate the transmission drive gear 118 in a desired direction without driving the motor 110 by rotating the wheel 115. It can be done.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a third gear that meshes with the transmission drive gear 118, the first gear 210, the second gear 220, and the first gear 210, which are driven by the rotation of the motor 110 as described above. The fifth gear 500 and the sixth gear 600 are shown in mesh with the gear 300, the fourth gear 400, and the second gear 220, respectively.

  The first gear 210 is formed with two first toothless gears 211 and a second toothless gear 212 that are displaced from each other in the front-rear direction on the outer circumferential surface 218 and are displaced from each other by a half circumference in the circumferential direction. Then, the third gear 300 is engaged with the first partial gear 211, and the fourth gear 400 is engaged with the second partial gear 212. By doing so, in the third gear 300 and the fourth gear 400, when one gear rotates, the other gear does not rotate.

  Note that the third gear 300 has a plurality of long teeth 301 (two in this case) that are longer in the axial direction than other teeth among the teeth formed on the outer periphery, and the third gear 300 has the first missing portion. The two long teeth 301 come into sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface 218 of the first gear 210 when the meshing with the toothed gear 211 is released and the rotation is finished. By doing so, after the rotation of the third gear 300 is completed, the rotation is restricted until the third gear 300 meshes with the first partial gear 211 again and rotates. Of course, the fourth gear 400 also has a plurality (four in this case) of long teeth 401 among a plurality of teeth formed on the outer periphery. When the fourth gear 400 is disengaged from the second toothless gear 212 and the rotation is finished, the plurality of long teeth 401 are in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface 218 of the first gear 210 to restrict the rotation. It has come to be.

  The fifth gear 500 that meshes with the second gear 220 is pressed in the front-rear direction, which is the rotational axis direction, and is rotationally driven by friction with each other, and two of the three gears are toothless gears. In this way, the rotation is finished when it is rotated by a predetermined angle in one direction, and the rotation in the other direction can be smoothly started after the end of the rotation in one direction. The structure of the fifth gear 500 will be described in detail later.

  The first gear 210 and the second gear 220 are pivotally supported so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis J1 that rotates integrally with the transmission drive gear 118. And the switching means 70 for switching so that either one of the 1st gear 210 and the 2nd gear 220 rotates with rotation of the transmission drive gear 118 is provided.

  The switching means 70 includes a first hook portion 71, a second hook portion 72, and a second hook portion 72, one end of which is pivotally supported by the second rotation shaft J2, with respect to the first hook portion 71. And a torsion spring 75 as urging means for urging clockwise as viewed from the rear. The torsion spring 75 urges the first locking portion 73 provided on the first hook portion 71 so as to abut the second locking portion 74 provided on the second hook portion 72. It has become. Accordingly, the switching means 70 normally rotates so that the first hook portion 71 and the second hook portion 72 are linked while maintaining the contact state between the first locking portion 73 and the second locking portion 74. It has become. On the other hand, when a force larger than the urging force of the torsion spring 75 is applied to the second hook portion 72 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear, the second hook portion 72 is counterclockwise to the first hook portion 71. It can be rotated in the direction.

  The first hook portion 71 is formed with a first protrusion 77 as a substantially cylindrical engaging portion that protrudes forward at the distal end portion opposite to the base end portion that is pivotally supported by the second rotation axis J2. The outer peripheral groove portion 213 formed so as to make one round at the outer peripheral portion of the first gear 210 is engaged. Then, according to the behavior of the first protrusion 77 that slides while engaging with the outer peripheral groove 213 according to the rotation of the first gear 210, the first hook 71 rotates around the second rotation axis J2. It moves (oscillates).

  Further, the second hook portion 72 is formed with a second projecting portion 78 having a shape protruding in a claw shape on the side opposite to the second gear 220 at the distal end portion opposite to the axially supported base end portion. ing. On the other hand, in the second gear 220, a plurality of external teeth 221 are formed at predetermined intervals in the outer peripheral portion on the rear side, in addition to the gear that transmits the rotation to the fifth gear 500 and the sixth gear 600. The second protrusion 78 is engaged with the external teeth 221 by rotating in a clockwise direction when viewed from the rear in cooperation with the first hook portion 71. Accordingly, the second protrusion 78 functions as a restraining portion that restrains the rotation of the second gear 220 by this engagement, so that the rotation of the second gear 220 is restrained.

  Next, the mechanism of the switching of rotation between the first gear 210 and the second gear 220 performed by the switching means 70 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A shows that the first gear 210 rotates around in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the rear (hereinafter referred to as “CCW rotation”), and serves as an engagement portion of the first hook portion 71. The state where the first protrusion 77 is located at one end of the outer peripheral groove 213 is shown. In this state, the first gear 210 can rotate clockwise (hereinafter referred to as “CW rotation”), but CCW rotation is impossible. Further, the outer peripheral groove 213 is formed with a first cam portion 214 at both ends so as to be away from the center of the first rotation axis J1, and a first protrusion 77 is formed on one end portion of the first cam portion 214. When reaching, the first hook portion 71 is rotated CCW around the second rotation axis J2. As a result, the first protrusion 77 restricts and stops the CCW rotation of the first gear 210, and the second protrusion 78 of the second hook portion 72 is externally provided on the outer periphery of the second gear 220. By not engaging with 221, the rotation of the second gear 220 is not restricted.

  Next, when the first gear 210 rotates CW as shown in FIG. 7B from this state, the first projecting portion 77 is separated from the first cam portion 214 and is more distant than the first cam portion 214 in the outer circumferential groove portion 213. The second cam portion 215 having an arc shape is reached at a position close to the first rotation axis J1. Accordingly, the first hook portion 71 rotates CW around the second rotation axis J2 as shown in the figure, so that the second protrusion 78 of the second hook portion 72 engages with the external teeth 221 and the second gear 220. The rotation is restricted and stopped. Of course, in this state, the first gear 210 can rotate in both CW rotation and CCW rotation.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the first gear 210 rotates around the CW and turns around, and the first protrusion 77 of the first hook portion 71 is formed at the other end of the outer peripheral groove portion 213. When in a position to be engaged with one cam portion 214, the first gear 210 is in a state where CCW rotation is possible but CW rotation is impossible. In addition, the outer circumferential groove 213 is also separated from the first rotation axis J1 in the first cam portion 214 formed at the other end in the same manner as the second cam portion 215, and therefore, the first protrusion 77 is formed in this manner. When the first cam part 214 at the other end of the outer peripheral groove part 213 is reached, the first hook part 71 is rotated CCW. As a result, in the switching means 70, the first protrusion 77 of the first hook portion 71 restricts and stops the CW rotation of the first gear 210, and the second protrusion 78 of the second hook portion 72 is the second gear. The rotation of the second gear 220 is not restricted by the engagement with the 220 teeth (external teeth).

  Thus, the rotation of the transmission drive gear 118 is transmitted by the switching means 70 so that either the first gear 210 or the second gear 220 rotates. That is, in a state where the rotation of the first gear 210 is restricted and stopped by the first protrusion 77, the rotation of the second gear 220 is not restricted by the second protrusion 78, while the rotation of the first gear 210 is the first. In a state where it is not restricted by the one protrusion 77, the rotation of the second gear 220 is restricted by the second protrusion 78 and stops.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation drive of the transmission drive gear 118, that is, the rotation drive of one motor 110, is performed by the planetary gear mechanism using the planetary gear 230 that meshes with the sun gear 120 from the sun gear 120 described above. The gear is transmitted to the gear 210 or the second gear 220.

  Specifically, a planetary gear mechanism used for rotation transmission between the first gear 210 or the second gear 220 and the transmission drive gear 118 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a structural diagram of the planetary gear mechanism showing the first gear 210 viewed from the front, and FIG. 8B is a planetary view showing the second gear 220 viewed from the rear. It is a structural diagram of a gear mechanism.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the first gear 210 has a base surface that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first rotation axis J1 at a position that is substantially symmetric with respect to the first rotation axis J1. Are provided with two arm shafts 216 projecting forward (frontward in the drawing). Planetary gears 230 are rotatably supported on these arm shafts 216, respectively. A sun gear 120 that rotates in conjunction with the transmission drive gear 118 is fixed to the first rotating shaft J1, and the sun gear 120 is disposed so as to mesh with the planetary gear 230. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the planetary gear 230 is a gear provided on the inner periphery of the second gear 220, that is, the internal gear 222 at a diagonal position opposite to the position where the planetary gear 120 meshes. It is comprised so that it may mesh with.

  In the planetary gear mechanism having the sun gear 120 and the planetary gear 230 configured as described above, when the first protrusion 77 is located at a position other than both ends of the outer peripheral groove 213 of the first gear 210, the second protrusion 78 is The rotation of the second gear 220 is restricted by engaging with the external teeth 221 of the second gear 220. In this state, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the planetary gear 230 rotates CW around the sun gear 120, that is, circulates around the sun gear 120 while performing CCW rotation as the sun gear 120 rotates CW. Accordingly, the rotating shaft of the planetary gear 230, that is, the two arm shafts 216, also rotates CW along with this circular motion, so the first gear 210 provided with the two arm shafts 216 also rotates CW in the same manner.

  When the first gear 210 rotates and the first protrusion 77 is located at either end of the outer peripheral groove 213 of the first gear 210, the rotation of the first gear 210 is restricted and the second protrusion 78 is in a state where the restriction on the rotation of the second gear 220 is released. In this state, for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the rotating shaft of the planetary gear 230, that is, the two arm shafts 216 are fixed without rotating. Therefore, in this state, when the sun gear 120 continues CW rotation, the planetary gear 230 rotates CCW around the two fixed arm shafts 216. Then, the CCW rotation of the planetary gear 230 causes the internal gear 222 of the second gear 220 to rotate CCW, so the second gear 220 rotates CCW.

  As a result, the rotation of the transmission drive gear 118 by the planetary gear mechanism and the switching means 70 by the sun gear 120 and the planetary gear 230 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Any one of the gears 220 can be transmitted to rotate. That is, when the first gear 210 is rotating CW or CCW, the second gear 220 is stopped. Also, when the transmission drive gear 118 continues to rotate in one direction, if the first gear 210 rotates CW and stops, the second gear 220 starts CCW rotation, and the first gear 210 rotates CCW and stops. Then, the second gear 220 starts CW rotation. When the transmission drive gear 118 rotates in the reverse direction during the CCW rotation of the second gear 220, the second gear 220 stops and the first gear 210 immediately starts CCW rotation, and the transmission drive gear 118 during the CW rotation of the second gear 220. When the rotation is reversed, the second gear 220 stops and the first gear 210 immediately starts CW rotation.

  As a result, the third gear 300, the fourth gear 400, the fifth gear 500, and the sixth gear 600 are driven to rotate by the first gear 210 or the second gear 220, respectively, as shown in FIG. ing. That is, when the rotation of the second gear 220 is restricted by the second hook portion 72, the planetary gear 230 revolves due to the rotation of the sun gear 120, as indicated by the solid line arrow in the figure. As a result, the first gear 210 (not shown) is rotated here for convenience of explanation, and the third gear 300 or the fourth gear 400 is rotationally driven. On the other hand, when the rotation restriction of the second gear 220 by the second hook portion 72 is released, the second gear 220 is rotated by the rotation of the sun gear 120 as shown by the broken arrow in the drawing, The fifth gear 500 and the sixth gear 600 are rotationally driven.

  In the maintenance device 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of functional components for maintenance included in the maintenance device 100 operate according to the rotation of the respective gears from the third gear 300 to the sixth gear 600. A drive mechanism is configured. In other words, a plurality of drive mechanism series (drive systems) are configured such that a plurality of functional components are operated by rotation of one motor 110, respectively.

  Next, a drive mechanism for operating each functional component will be described. In the maintenance apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of drive systems that operate the functional components related to maintenance are configured, and thus the description of these drive systems is diverse. Therefore, in order to facilitate understanding of the following description, the entire drive system related to maintenance will be described first with reference to FIG. 10 schematically showing the drive system.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the maintenance device 100 according to the present embodiment includes one drive system that moves the suction cap 350 up and down and the FL box 380 up and down by the rotation of the third gear 300. In this drive system, the rotational drive of the third gear 300 is converted so that the suction cap 350 is moved in the vertical direction by the crank mechanism and the FL box 380 is moved by the cam mechanism. Further, the suction cap 350 is configured so that the rotation of the third gear 300 is not transmitted to the rotation in the other direction opposite to the one direction at a predetermined position in the vertical movement by the one-way clutch mechanism that rotates only in one direction. To maintain a predetermined position.

  In addition, the maintenance device 100 includes one drive system that causes the wiping member 450 to reciprocate in the front-rear direction by the rotation of the fourth gear 400. This drive system is configured so that the rotational drive of the fourth gear 400 is converted into the movement of the wiping member 450 in the front-rear direction by a screw cam mechanism configured to engage a pin with a spiral groove formed on the rotating shaft. Has been.

  In addition, the maintenance device 100 includes a single drive system that moves the leaving cap 550 up and down, the carriage lock body 590 up and down, and the FL box cover 580 back and forth by the rotation of the fifth gear 500. . In this drive system, the leaving cap 550 is configured to convert the rotational drive of the fifth gear 500 so as to move in the vertical direction by the cam mechanism and the carriage lock body 590 by the rod and the cam mechanism, respectively. Further, the FL box cover 580 is configured to convert the rotational drive of the fifth gear 500 into the forward and backward movement by the rack and pinion mechanism.

  In addition, the maintenance device 100 includes one drive system that rotates the suction pump 650 by the rotation of the sixth gear 600. In this drive system, the suction pump 650 is configured to perform suction by rotation in one direction, and is configured to be in a non-suction state in which suction operation is not performed by rotation in the other direction.

  As described above, in a state where the second gear 220 is restricted in rotation by the second hook portion 72 (left side in FIG. 10), the first gear 210 rotates the sun gear 120 driven by the motor 110 ( For example, it rotates in the same direction as CW rotation (that is, CW rotation). At this time, the first gear 210 has a gear formed on its outer periphery so as to mesh with either the third gear 300 or the fourth gear 400, so that the suction cap 350 (FL box 380) moves up and down. In the meantime, the wiping member 450 does not move back and forth.

  Similarly, as described above, when the first gear 210 is restricted in rotation by the first hook portion 71 (right side in FIG. 10), the second gear 220 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation of the sun gear 120 (here, CCW rotation). Therefore, when the suction cap 350 (FL box 380) does not move up and down or when the wiping member 450 does not move back and forth, the leaving cap 550 (carriage lock body 590) moves up and down, the FL box cover 580 moves back and forth, and suction is performed. The pump 650 is driven to rotate.

Hereinafter, the specific configuration of each drive system will be sequentially described below for the maintenance apparatus 100 having a plurality of drive systems that respectively operate a plurality of functional components.
(Suction cap and FL box drive system)
As shown in FIG. 11, the maintenance device 100 of the present embodiment has a drive system configured such that the suction cap 350 is moved in the vertical direction by the rotational drive of the third gear 300. In other words, the third gear 300 that meshes with the first toothless gear 211 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the first gear 210. The rotation of the third gear 300 is transmitted by the clutch mechanism 310 to the rotation of the third rotation shaft J3 on which the third gear 300 is rotatably supported. The transmitted rotational drive of the third rotating shaft J3 is converted into a vertical movement of the suction cap 350 by the crank mechanism 360. That is, the suction cap 350 moves up and down along the suction cap guide bar 35 fixed to the frame structure 90 so as to come into contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 (not shown).

  Further, the drive system is configured such that the FL box 380 is driven in the vertical direction by the rotational drive of the third gear 300. That is, the third gear 300 rotates the FL box driving gear 340 via the fourth transmission gear 330 rotatably supported by the fourth rotating shaft J4, whereby the FL box driving gear 340 is fixed to the eighth gear. The rotation axis J8 is rotated. The FL cam 384 fixed to the eighth rotation shaft J8 is rotated by the rotation of the eighth rotation shaft J8, and the FL box 380 is moved up and down.

  In these drive systems, a mechanism relating to the vertical movement of the suction cap 350 will be described first. In the present embodiment, as described above, the third gear 300 includes the clutch mechanism 310 that transmits the rotation of the third gear 300 serving as the driving side member to the third rotating shaft J3 serving as the driven side member as a transmission mechanism. ing. The clutch mechanism 310 is provided with a cam-shaped portion 317 (see FIG. 12) that engages with a part of the valve opening / closing member 67 that opens and closes the atmosphere release valve 66. The cam-shaped portion 317 rotates with the rotation of the third gear 300 to engage with a part of the valve opening / closing member 67 to move the air release valve 66 upward, so that the suction cap 350 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30. The closed space formed in contact with the atmosphere is opened to the atmosphere. The configuration related to the opening to the atmosphere will be described later.

  Next, the clutch mechanism 310 will be described with reference to FIG. The clutch mechanism 310 according to the present embodiment operates as a one-way clutch that transmits only rotation in one direction when the third rotation shaft J3 is rotated within a predetermined angle range, in other words, when the suction cap 350 is raised by a predetermined amount. Is configured to do.

  As shown in the upper right part of FIG. 12, the clutch mechanism 310 includes a lever member 311 and a clutch plate in order from the third gear 300 in the forward direction as components that transmit the rotation of the third gear 300 serving as a driving member. 315, a torsion spring 320, and a clutch plate restricting member 325.

  The lever member 311 is provided with a through hole portion 312 at one end thereof, and a lever shaft portion 316 provided to protrude rearward on the rear surface of the clutch plate 315 is inserted into the through hole portion 312. The clutch plate 315 is pivotably supported. An engaging claw 313 is provided at the other end of the lever member 311 so as to engage with an engaging groove 303 provided in the third gear 300. The lever member 311 has one end 321 in contact with the protrusion 314 provided on the surface (front surface) of the lever member 311 on the clutch plate 315 side and the other end 322 as shown in the round frame of FIG. The biasing force is applied by a torsion spring 320 fixed to the clutch plate 315. For this reason, the lever member 311 functions as an engagement member, and is always urged by the torsion spring 320 in a direction in which the engagement claw 313 engages with the engagement groove 303.

  The clutch plate 315 is fixed to the third rotating shaft J3 and rotates integrally with the third rotating shaft J3. Therefore, in the clutch mechanism 310, the rotation of the third gear 300 is transmitted to the rotation of the clutch plate 315 by the engagement of the engagement groove 303 and the engagement claw 313, whereby the third rotation shaft J3 rotates. It is configured as follows. Note that the clutch plate 315 is provided with a cam-shaped portion 317 that is bulged forward and formed thick at the outer peripheral portion thereof. The cam-shaped portion 317 functions when releasing a closed space in a suction cap 350 described later to the atmosphere.

  The clutch plate restricting member 325 is restricted from rotating around the third rotation axis J3 by a protruding strip portion 327 that protrudes in the radial direction and extends a predetermined length along the front-rear direction. It can slide in the front-rear direction along the rotation axis J3. And it is always urged | biased back by the urging | biasing means (for example, coil spring) 329. FIG. The clutch plate restricting member 325 has a triangular protrusion 328 having an inclined surface on the CW rotation side when viewed from the rear and a vertical surface on the CCW rotation side in substantially the same direction as the front-rear direction. It is provided to jump out backwards. In the present embodiment, one triangular protrusion 328 is formed in each of the diagonal positions around the third rotation axis J3 in the clutch plate restricting member 325 (two in total).

  On the other hand, the clutch plate 315 has a triangular recess 318 that engages with a triangular protrusion 328 provided on the clutch plate restricting member 325, as shown in the round frame of FIG. Two locations (a total of four locations) are formed adjacent to the opposing front surface. Therefore, in a state where the triangular protrusion 328 and the triangular recess 318 are engaged, the clutch plate 315 can rotate CCW with respect to the third rotation axis J3 when viewed from the rear, but CW rotation. Is in a regulated state.

  In this state, when the CCW rotation side of the engagement groove 303 comes into contact with the engagement claw 313 as the third gear 300 rotates CW, the engagement groove 303 and the engagement claw 313 are disengaged. It has become. That is, the lever member 311 pivotally supported by the clutch plate 315 in which the CW rotation is restricted is in a state in which the CW rotation is restricted. Therefore, the engaging claw that abuts on the CCW side of the engaging groove 303 so that the lever member 311 rotates CW around the lever shaft portion 316 by the abutting of the engaging groove 303 and the engaging claw 313. The surface shape on the CCW side 313 is set. In other words, the engaging claw 313 of the lever member 311 is engaged with the lever member 311 rotating (swinging) against the urging force of the torsion spring 320 during the CW rotation of the third gear 300 in this way. The shape is set so that the engagement with the groove 303 is released. The shape of the engaging claw 313 is set so as to maintain the engagement with the engaging groove 303 in the CCW rotation and transmit the rotation of the third gear 300 to the third rotating shaft J3. . Thus, the clutch mechanism 310 functions as a one-way clutch.

  In the present embodiment, the clutch mechanism 310 operates as a one-way clutch at the two rotational positions of the clutch plate 315 where the triangular protrusion 328 and the triangular recess 318 are engaged as described above. That is, one rotational position of the clutch plate 315 is a suction position where the suction cap 350 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30 and sucks ink, and the other rotational position is the suction position where the suction cap 350 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30. The closed space formed in this manner is opened to the atmosphere, and is a suction opening position that is open to the atmosphere where suction is performed while the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30. Note that suction to the atmosphere will be described later. The one-way clutch is regulated so as not to operate at the rotational positions of at least some other clutch plates 315. A mechanism for regulating the operation of the one-way clutch will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 13, for ease of explanation, a partial component that contacts the liquid ejecting head in the suction cap 350 is illustrated as a suction cap 350.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, in the present embodiment, when the clutch plate 315 is in the rotation start position, that is, when the suction cap 350 is in the separated position, that is, the reference position with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30, the one-way clutch is operated. It has become. That is, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the engagement groove 303 of the third gear 300 rotates CW, the lever member 311 rotates CW around the lever shaft portion 316 and engages with the engagement groove 303. The engagement with the joint claw 313 is released. Of course, at this reference position, the triangular protrusion 328 is engaged with the triangular recess 318.

  On the other hand, when the engaging groove 303 of the third gear 300 rotates CCW, the lever member 311 is configured to rotate CCW by the engaging claw 313 engaged therewith. As a result, the clutch plate 315 coupled to the lever member 311 by the lever shaft portion 316 rotates CCW together with the lever member 311 to rotate the third rotation shaft J3 CCW, and the suction cap 350 is attached to the liquid ejecting head 30. It is supposed to be raised to approach.

  In the present embodiment, the one-way clutch does not work when the suction cap 350 is raised. Specifically, in accordance with the rotational movement path of the lever member 311, the lever member 311 is configured so that the engagement claw 313 of the lever member 311 does not disengage from the engagement groove 303 on the outer peripheral side of the clutch plate 315. A first restraining wall 95 is provided as a rotation restraining portion that restrains rotation around the lever shaft portion 316 of 311. In the present embodiment, the first suppression wall 95 is formed on the frame structure 90. As a result, the one-way clutch is not operated while the suction cap 350 is raised from the lowest position and the suction cap 350 moves in the movement section H1 corresponding to the position indicated by the broken line in the drawing.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13B, the clutch plate 315 rotates CCW (here, the suction cap 350 to the suction position where the suction cap 350 contacts the liquid jet head 30 by the CCW rotation of the engagement groove 303 of the third gear 300. In the state of being rotated 163 degrees from the reference position), the one-way clutch is operated. That is, the first suppression wall 95 does not exist in the rotation locus until the lever member 311 rotates about the lever shaft portion 316 and the engagement groove 303 and the engagement claw 313 are disengaged. Is formed. Therefore, in this state, even if the motor 110 is driven reversely and the engagement groove 303 rotates CW, the third rotating shaft J3 does not rotate CW. The suction pump 650 is operated by the reverse rotation of the motor 110 so that ink is sucked from the liquid ejecting head 30. This suction by the suction pump 650 will be described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13C, until the clutch plate 315 is rotated by a predetermined angle CCW (in this case, 180 degrees from the reference position) by further CCW rotation of the engagement groove 303 of the third gear 300. The one-way clutch is continuously operated. That is, the rotation of the lever member 311 within the rotation locus until the lever member 311 rotates (swings) about the lever shaft portion 316 and the engagement groove 303 and the engagement claw 313 are disengaged. There is no deterrence barrier to deter. In this state, the cam-shaped portion 317 (see FIG. 12) provided on the clutch plate 315 is engaged with the valve opening / closing member 67 while the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid jet head 30 in a pressurized state. Thus, the closed space in the suction cap 350 is opened to the atmosphere. The suction pump 650 is actuated by driving one motor 110 to suck the closed space that is open to the atmosphere.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13D, the clutch plate 315 is rotated 180 degrees by CCW rotation of the lever member 311 by the engagement claw 313 engaged with the engagement groove 303 of the third gear 300. Further CCW rotation. As a result, the clutch plate 315 rotates the third rotating shaft J3 CCW to lower the suction cap 350, thereby moving the suction cap 350 away from the contact position where the suction cap 350 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30. The moving section H2 is moved.

  At this time, in the movement section H2, for example, when the suction cap 350 is forcibly lowered prior to the lowering due to the CCW rotation of the third gear 300, the CCW rotation of the clutch plate 315 interlocked with the third rotation axis J3. (Thick line arrow in the figure) precedes the CCW rotation of the third gear 300. For this reason, the third gear 300 is CW-rotated relative to the clutch plate 315 (broken arrow in the figure). Therefore, since the one-way clutch normally works by this CW rotation, the clutch plate 315 rotates CCW with a small load resistance against the rotation, so that the lowering speed of the suction cap 350 is increased.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lever member 311 is arranged so that the engagement claw 313 and the engagement groove 303 are not disengaged on the outer peripheral side of the clutch plate 315 in accordance with the rotational movement path of the lever member 311. A second restraining wall 96 is provided as a rotation restraining portion that restrains rotation around the lever shaft portion 316. In the present embodiment, the second suppression wall 96 is formed on the frame structure 90 in the same manner as the first suppression wall 95. As a result, a range in which the one-way clutch is not operated by the second suppression wall is set in the movement section H2 in which the suction cap 350 is lowered from the contact position and reaches the separation position.

  By providing the second restraining wall 96 in this manner so that the one-way clutch does not work, the clutch plate 315 rotates the third gear 300 by pushing the engagement groove 303 by the engagement claw 313. As a result, while the one-way clutch does not operate, the load resistance accompanying the rotation of the third gear 300 is generated with respect to the rotation of the clutch plate 315, so that the suction cap 350 does not descend quickly.

  In this embodiment, when the clutch plate 315 rotates 360 degrees and the rotation start position, that is, when the suction cap 350 returns to the separated position, that is, the reference position, the one-way clutch is operated as described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13A, the first deterrence wall 95 and the second deterrence wall 96 are configured such that the lever member 311 has the lever shaft at the position where the clutch plate 315 is rotated or rotated 360 degrees. It is formed so that it does not exist in the rotation locus until the engagement groove 303 and the engagement claw 313 are disengaged by rotating around the portion 316.

  Next, a mechanism related to the vertical movement of the suction cap 350 will be described. In the present embodiment, as described above, the suction cap is separated from the liquid ejecting head 30 by a distance that allows the wiping member 450 to move on the upper side in the separated position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the suction cap 350 is largely moved up and down using a crank mechanism 360 that functions as an elevating mechanism, and the suction cap 350 can be positioned in the front-rear and left-right directions with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30. Hereinafter, the configuration of the vertical movement of the suction cap 350 by the crank mechanism 360 will be specifically described. Thereafter, the positioning structure of the suction cap 350 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the crank mechanism 360 of the suction cap 350 is connected to a drive lever 361 that is actuated by a driving force transmitted from the third rotating shaft J <b> 3 so that the driving force can be transmitted to the driving lever 361. The driven lever 362 is provided. The drive lever 361 has a substantially oval shape in which the contour shape viewed from the rear side has a longitudinal direction. The drive lever 361 is fixedly connected so that the front end portion of the third rotating shaft J3 is fitted to the end portion 361a (the upper end portion in FIG. 14) on one side in the longitudinal direction. Further, the drive lever 361 has an end portion 361b (the lower end portion in FIG. 14) on the other side in the longitudinal direction thereof connected to the driven lever 362 so as to be rotatable. That is, the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 are coupled so as to be allowed to rotate relatively around the coupling portion between the two members.

  The driven lever 362 has a substantially oval shape in which the contour shape viewed from the rear side has a longitudinal direction like the drive lever 361. The driven lever 362 has one end 362a (the lower end in FIG. 14) in the longitudinal direction that is pivotally connected to the drive lever 361 as the first connecting portion, while the other end in the longitudinal direction. The end portion 362b (the upper end portion in FIG. 14) is rotatably connected to the suction cap 350 as a second connecting portion.

  The longitudinal dimension of the driven lever 362 is set larger than the longitudinal dimension of the drive lever 361. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, in the state where the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 are arranged so as to coincide with each other in the longitudinal direction, the other end of the driven lever 362 connected to the suction cap 350 is arranged. The portion 362b (the upper end portion in FIG. 14) is positioned above the third rotation axis J3 connected to the drive lever 361.

  The suction cap 350 includes a cap holder (holder member) 364 to which the driven lever 362 is connected, and a cap member 365 supported by the cap holder 364. The other end 362b (the upper end in FIG. 14), which is the second connecting portion of the driven lever 362, is rotatably connected to the cap holder 364.

  The cap member 365 is configured to have a substantially U shape in a side view as viewed from the left side, and is a substantially rectangular tube-shaped elastic material that is elongated in the front-rear direction so as to protrude upward from the inner bottom surface thereof. An abutting portion 366 is provided. The cap member 365 comes into close contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 with the elastic deformation of the contact portion 366, thereby covering the nozzle opening of the liquid ejecting head 30 with an airtight closed space. Yes.

  Further, between the bottom surface of the cap member 365 and the top surface of the cap holder 364, coil springs 367 as biasing members are interposed at positions on both sides in the longitudinal direction on the bottom surface of the cap member 365, respectively. The cap member 365 is generally positioned in contact with the cap holder 364 in a state where the cap member 365 is biased upward by the coil spring 367 and is abutted. Therefore, when the cap member 365 is pushed downward, the coil spring 367 is compressed and can move downward relative to the cap holder 364. And it is comprised so that a movement is possible also in the front-back, left-right direction by this downward movement. Since the cap member 365 can move in the front-rear and left-right directions as described above, the suction cap 350 is described later even if the position of the cap holder 364 relative to the liquid jet head 30 (head unit) is shifted in the front-rear left-right direction. The cap member 365 can be positioned with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30. The suction cap 350 serving as a cap device includes a cap holder 364, a coil spring 367, and a cap member 365 that constitute a cap unit that can be moved up and down integrally.

  Next, the mechanism of the lifting and lowering operation of the suction cap 350 performed by the crank mechanism 360 of the suction cap 350 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A shows a state where the drive lever 361 is arranged so as to overlap the driven lever 362 in the front-rear direction. In this state, the end 362b of the driven lever 362 connected to the cap holder 364 is positioned at the lowest point when the drive lever 361 rotates about the third rotation axis J3. The contact portion 366 of the member 365 is at a position farthest from the liquid ejecting head 30 in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, this position is a start position and an end position of the lifting / lowering operation of the suction cap 350.

  From this state (starting position), as shown in FIG. 15B, the rotation of the third gear 300 is transmitted by the clutch mechanism 310, and the rotation is driven by the third rotating shaft J3 that rotates CCW. It is transmitted to the lever 361. Then, the drive lever 361 rotates CCW in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third rotation axis J3 based on the driving force transmitted from the third rotation axis J3. In the drive lever 361, the end portion 361b connected to the driven lever 362 circulates around the third rotation axis J3.

  Here, as described above, the displacement direction of the cap holder 364 to which the end 361b of the driven lever 362 is coupled is regulated in the vertical direction by the suction cap guide bar 35 fixed to the frame structure 90. Yes. Similarly, the displacement direction of the end 362b of the driven lever 362 connected to the cap holder 364 is restricted to the vertical direction. The driven lever 362 is set such that the longitudinal dimension thereof is larger than the longitudinal dimension of the drive lever 361. Therefore, the driven lever 362 is theoretically connected to the cap holder 364 when the one end 362a, which is the first connecting portion connected to the drive lever 361, rotates around the third rotation axis J3. The end portion 362b that is the second connecting portion moves upward, and the cap holder 364 is raised. Accordingly, the cap member 365 biased upward via the coil spring 367 with respect to the cap holder 364 rises so as to approach the liquid ejecting head 30 as the cap holder 364 rises. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b), the crank mechanism 360 has a small amount of lift of the cap holder 364 during the CCW rotation of the drive lever 361, while the rotation angle is small, and as the rotation angle increases. It can be seen that the cap holder 364 rises greatly. Therefore, in the crank mechanism 360 of the present embodiment, if the cap holder 364 is configured to be raised from the angle that the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 form a predetermined angle or more, the cap holder 364 with respect to the rotation of the drive lever 361. Can be raised efficiently. Practically, the predetermined angle is preferably 30 degrees. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, the angle formed by the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 is 0 degree. In this case, the distance between the liquid ejecting head 30 and the contact portion 366 can be increased. Therefore, it is desirable that the angle between the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 is 0 degree or more and 30 degrees or less as the starting position of the drive lever 361.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15C, when the third rotation shaft J3 further rotates, the drive lever 361 is connected to the driven lever 362 when the longitudinal direction thereof is in the horizontal position. The end portion 361b is most spaced apart in the right direction. In other words, the area occupied on the right side that is necessary for the drive lever 361 to rotate (swing) is almost the length of the drive lever 361.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15 (d), when the third rotation shaft J3 further rotates, the above-described suction position is reached. At this time, the drive lever 361 is 163 degrees CCW rotated from the start position in this embodiment. In this state, the driven lever 362 is positioned above the end (first connecting portion) 362a connected to the drive lever 361. Further, the driven lever 362 intersects the drive lever 361 so as to form an obtuse angle close to 180 degrees. That is, the driven lever 362 has an end portion (second connecting portion) 362b connected to the cap holder 364 as shown in FIG. 15D with respect to an end portion 362a connected to the drive lever 361. In addition, it comes to be slightly diagonally left upward. As a result, the crank mechanism 360 can raise the cap holder 364 vertically upward from the start position by a distance approximately twice the length of the drive lever 361.

  At this suction position, the cap member 365 connected to the cap holder 364 via the coil spring 367 brings the contact portion 366 into close contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 as the cap holder 364 is raised. ing. At this suction position, the contact portion 366 moves relatively downward with respect to the cap holder 364 and comes into close contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 while being elastically deformed. An airtight closed space is formed between the contact portion 366 and the liquid jet head 30. In addition, when the suction pump 650 operates in this state, the closed space formed between the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 and the nozzle formation surface of the liquid ejecting head 30 is decompressed, and the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 Ink is sucked from.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15 (e), when the third rotation shaft J3 further rotates, it reaches the above-described atmospheric open suction position. At this time, the drive lever 361 is rotated 180 degrees CCW from the start position in this embodiment. In this state, the driven lever 362 is located above the end 362a connected to the drive lever 361 and intersects the drive lever 361 at 180 degrees, that is, in a straight line with the drive lever 361. It becomes a state. As a result, the crank mechanism 360 raises the cap holder 364 vertically upward from the start position by a distance that is twice the length of the drive lever 361. The end 362b of the driven lever 362 connected to the cap holder 364 is positioned at the highest point when the drive lever 361 rotates about the third rotation axis J3.

  Then, as the cap holder 364 rises slightly from the state shown in FIG. 15D, the coil spring 367 interposed between the cap holder 364 and the cap member 365 is further compressed. As a result, a biasing force that is greater from the coil spring 367 than the state shown in FIG. For this reason, the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 comes into closer contact with the liquid jet head 30. At this atmospheric release suction position, the ink stored in the cap member 365 is discharged by empty suction of the closed space opened to the atmosphere.

  As shown in FIGS. 15D and 15E, the crank mechanism 360 is configured such that when the angle formed by the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 is large during the CCW rotation of the drive lever 361, the lift amount of the cap holder 364 is as follows. It turns out that it decreases. Therefore, in the crank mechanism 360 of the present embodiment, the cap holder 364 is arranged so that the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30 when the rotation angle of the drive lever 361 becomes a predetermined angle of 163 degrees or less. Is configured to raise. By doing so, the amount of rise of the cap holder 364 after the abutting portion 366 of the cap member 365 abuts on the liquid ejecting head 30 is suppressed, so that the change in the biasing force of the coil spring 367 against the cap member 365 increases. It is suppressed. As a result, the elastic deformation of the contact portion 366 in the cap member 365 is suppressed, and the liquid ejecting head 30 can be kept in contact with the liquid jet head 30 while maintaining a stable contact state. In the case where the contact portion 366 is made of a material whose elastic force deteriorates when the elastic deformation is repeated, it is preferably used in this way. Further, since the moving angle is small, the operation time can be shortened. Practically, the predetermined angle is preferably 135 degrees or more. In the present embodiment, the drive lever 361 is rotated up to 180 degrees as shown in FIG. In this case, since the urging force of the coil spring 367 is maximized, this is suitable when the contact portion 366 is surely brought into close contact with the liquid ejecting head 30.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15F, when the third rotating shaft J3 further rotates, the drive lever 361 is connected to the driven lever 362 when the longitudinal direction thereof is in the horizontal position. The part 361b is most separated in the left direction. In other words, the occupied area on the left side that is necessary for the drive lever 361 to rotate (swing) is almost the length of the drive lever 361. In the process in which the drive lever 361 is in the horizontal position, the suction cap 350 is also separated from the liquid ejecting head 30 in the same manner as the cap member 365 connected to the cap holder 364 via the coil spring 367. To descend. In this case, in the state shown in FIG. 15E, the pressure in the closed space formed between the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 and the liquid ejecting head 30 is approximately the same as the atmospheric pressure as the atmosphere is released. Therefore, the cap member 365 can be separated from the liquid ejecting head 30.

  Next, the positioning structure of the suction cap 350 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the cap member 365 in the suction cap 350 is configured to be positioned with respect to the head unit of the liquid ejecting head 30 using the shape provided in the liquid ejecting head 30. Therefore, first, the structure of the liquid jet head 30 will be described.

  As shown in the upper side of FIG. 16, the liquid jet head 30 according to the present embodiment includes five head units 30 a arranged in the left-right direction, and is formed by a metal sheet metal 31 bent upward in the front-rear left-right direction. These are held covered from below. The liquid ejecting head 30 is formed with a protrusion 32 that protrudes by a predetermined amount on the end face in the front-rear direction, corresponding to each head unit 30a. Accordingly, the position of each head unit 30 a in the liquid ejecting head 30 is determined by the metal plate 31 in the front-rear direction and by the protrusion 32 in the left-right direction.

  Next, the structure of the cap member 365 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the cap member 365 of the suction cap 350 is provided with a wall portion 368 so as to protrude upward from both sides in the longitudinal direction. These wall portions 368 are arranged at an interval substantially equal to the dimension in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the head unit 30 a of the liquid ejecting head 30. The wall portions 368 are formed with concave portions 369 having a substantially U shape in plan view from above so that the inner surfaces thereof face each other in the front-rear direction. Then, the cap member 365 is raised so as to approach the liquid ejecting head 30, so that the protrusion 32 of the liquid ejecting head 30 is inserted into the concave portion 369 of each wall portion 368 from above. Yes. Further, the portion of the sheet metal 31 in the front-rear direction of the liquid ejecting head 30 is inserted between the wall portions 368 in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 16 and 17, each wall portion 368 has first inclined surfaces (first sliding contact surfaces) 370 on both sides in the left-right direction at the upper end portion of the inner surface facing in the front-rear direction. Is formed. These first inclined surfaces (second slidable contact surfaces) 370 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction between the first inclined surfaces 370 as they approach the liquid ejecting head 30 in a side view as viewed from the left-right direction. Is formed so as to gradually increase. At the lower end portion of each first inclined surface 370, the distance between the first inclined surfaces 370 in the front-rear direction is formed to be slightly larger than the dimension of the sheet metal 31 in the front-rear direction of the liquid ejecting head 30. .

  In addition, second inclined surfaces 372 are formed on both sides in the left-right direction on the inner side surface of each wall portion 368 facing the front-rear direction at a position that is substantially the center in the up-down direction. These second inclined surfaces 372 are formed so that the distance between the second inclined surfaces 372 in the front-rear direction gradually increases as it approaches the liquid ejecting head 30 in a side view as viewed from the left-right direction. Has been. At the lower end of each second inclined surface 372, the distance between the second inclined surfaces 372 in the front-rear direction is formed to be substantially equal to the dimension of the sheet metal 31 in the front-rear direction of the liquid ejecting head 30.

  On the other hand, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 16 and 18, a third inclined surface 373 is formed at the upper end portion of the inner surface facing in the left-right direction in the recess 369 of each wall portion 368. The third inclined surface 373 is formed so that the lateral distance between the inner surfaces of the recesses 369 gradually increases in the side view viewed from the front-rear direction toward the upper side approaching the liquid ejecting head 30. . These third inclined surfaces 373 are formed such that the upper side surface portion 374 has a larger inclination gradient than the lower side surface portion 375. That is, these third inclined surfaces 373 are formed such that the upper side surface portion 374 and the lower side surface portion 375 intersect at an obtuse angle.

  The third inclined surface 373 has a distance in the left-right direction between the inner surfaces of the recesses 369 at the boundary between the upper side surface portion 374 and the lower side surface portion 375 from the dimension of the protrusion 32 of the liquid jet head 30 in the same direction. Is also formed to be slightly larger. The third inclined surface 373 is formed at the lower end portion of the lower side surface portion 375 so that the distance between the inner surfaces of the recesses 369 in the left-right direction is substantially equal to the size of the protrusion 32 of the liquid jet head 30 in the same direction. Has been.

  In the present embodiment, the protrusion 32 of the liquid jet head 30 is inserted into the recess 369 of each wall 368 from above, so that the cap member 365 is positioned in the front-rear and left-right directions with respect to each head unit 30a. It has become so. Hereinafter, the front-rear direction positioning mechanism will be described first, and then the left-right direction positioning mechanism will be described.

  A positioning mechanism in the front-rear direction of the suction cap 350 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A illustrates a state in which the abutting portion 366 of the cap member 365 is disposed so as to face the liquid ejecting head 30 in the vertical direction while causing a positional shift in the front-rear direction with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30. Show.

  From this state, as shown in FIG. 19B, when the suction cap 350 is raised so as to approach the liquid ejecting head 30, the first inclined surface 370 of the cap member 365 is provided on the liquid ejecting head 30. It comes to contact with the sheet metal 31 which was done. Then, when the first inclined surface 370 of the cap member 365 slides with respect to the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30, the cap member 365 moves relative to the liquid ejecting head 30 in the front-rear direction, while moving to the liquid ejecting head 30. Ascend to approach.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 19C, when the suction cap 350 is raised so as to be closer to the liquid ejecting head 30, the first inclined surface 370 of the cap member 365 is moved to the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30. Get on. Then, the second inclined surface 372 of the cap member 365 comes into contact with the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30. When the second inclined surface 372 of the cap member 365 slides relative to the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30, the contact portion 366 moves relative to the liquid ejecting head 30 in the front-rear direction, and the liquid ejecting head 30. Ascend to approach.

  Then, when the suction cap 350 is raised so as to be closer to the liquid ejecting head 30, the second inclined surface 372 of the cap member 365 rides on the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30. Here, in the cap member 365, the separation distance in the front-rear direction between the lower ends of the second inclined surface 372 is substantially equal to the dimension of the liquid jet head 30 in the same direction. Therefore, when the first inclined surface 370 of the cap member 365 rides on the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30, the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30 is inserted so as to fit between both wall portions 368 of the cap member 365. Therefore, the cap member 365 is positioned in the front-rear direction with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30, that is, the head unit 30a. Thus, a positioning mechanism in the front-rear direction of the suction cap 350 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30 is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 19D, when the cap member 365 is moved up to a position where the contact portion 366 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30 in such a positioned state, the contact portion of the cap member 365 is moved. A closed space that covers the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 is surely formed between 366 and the liquid ejecting head 30. Further, as shown in FIG. 19D, in the state where the contact portion 366 is in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30, the upper end portion of the portion of the sheet metal 31 that is in close contact with the side surface of the liquid ejecting head 30 is the cap member. It is located above the lower end of the second inclined surface 372 of 365. Therefore, the upper end portion of the sheet metal 31 is in a state where a slight clearance is interposed in the front-rear direction with respect to the second inclined surface 372 of the cap member 365. Therefore, from this state, when the suction cap 350 descends away from the liquid ejecting head 30 as shown in FIG. 19E, the sheet metal 31 of the liquid ejecting head 30 is moved to the inner surface of the cap member 365. It is suppressed that it is locked to.

  Next, a positioning mechanism in the left-right direction of the suction cap 350 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20A illustrates a state in which the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 is disposed so as to face the liquid ejecting head 30 in the up-down direction while being displaced in the left-right direction with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30. Show.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the suction cap 350 is lifted so as to approach the liquid ejecting head 30, the upper side surface portion 374 of the third inclined surface 373 of the cap member 365 is liquid. It comes into contact with the protrusion 32 of the ejection head 30. When the upper side surface portion 374 and the lower side surface portion 375 of the third inclined surface 373 of the cap member 365 slide with respect to the protrusion 32 of the liquid ejecting head 30, the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 becomes the liquid ejecting head 30. The liquid jet head 30 rises so as to approach the liquid jet head 30 while relatively moving in the left-right direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20C, when the suction cap 350 is raised so as to be closer to the liquid ejecting head 30, the third inclined surface 373 of the cap member 365 is projected from the liquid ejecting head 30. Ride 32. Here, in the cap member 365, the distance in the left-right direction between the lower end portions of the lower surface portion 375 of the third inclined surface 373 is substantially equal to the size of the protrusion 32 of the liquid jet head 30 in the same direction. Therefore, when the third inclined surface 373 of the cap member 365 rides on the protrusion 32 of the liquid ejecting head 30, the protrusion 32 of the liquid ejecting head 30 is inserted so as to fit into the recess 369 of the cap member 365. The cap member 365 is positioned in the left-right direction with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30, that is, the head unit 30a. Thus, a positioning mechanism in the left-right direction of the suction cap 350 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 30 is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 20D, when the cap member 365 is moved up to a position where the contact portion 366 of the cap member 365 contacts the liquid ejecting head 30 in the state of being positioned as described above, the cap member 365 is moved. A closed space that covers the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 is reliably formed between the contact portion 366 and the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head 30.

  In the present embodiment, the positioning in the front-rear direction and the positioning in the left-right direction are performed in parallel. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 21, when the cap member 365 is raised with respect to the liquid jet head 30, the cap member 365 is simultaneously positioned in the front-rear and left-right directions. That is, the cap member 365 is between the second inclined surfaces 372 formed on the front and rear wall portions 368 in the front-rear direction, and between the lower side surface portions 375 of the third inclined surface 373 formed on the front and rear wall portions 368 in the left-right direction. Are positioned simultaneously. FIG. 21 is a plan view of a state in which the cap member 365 is positioned with respect to the head unit 30a located on the leftmost side in the liquid ejecting head 30 as viewed from above.

  Next, the structure related to the vertical movement of the FL box (liquid receiving member) 380 driven in the vertical direction by the rotational drive of the third gear 300 will be described. When the liquid ejecting head 30 is displaced by moving up and down by this vertical movement, the distance from the liquid ejecting head 30 is adjusted to be an optimum distance in the ink ejection inspection.

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the FL box 380 is configured to have a substantially box shape with a bottom opened to receive the ink ejected from the liquid ejecting head 30. A grid-like electrode member 381 made of a metal such as stainless steel is provided at the opening of the FL box 380 as a detection electrode. A voltage application circuit 382 provided in the printer 11 is electrically connected to the electrode member 381 so as to apply a voltage having a predetermined potential difference with the liquid ejecting head 30. A voltage detection circuit 383 that detects the voltage of the electrode member 381 when the voltage application circuit 382 applies a voltage is provided. In the present embodiment, the voltage application circuit 382 and the voltage detection circuit 383 are provided in the control device of the printer 11 described above. The controller may be provided separately.

  Then, the voltage application circuit 382 applies a voltage to the electrode member 381, so that the charged ink is ejected from the liquid ejecting head 30 in a state where a predetermined potential difference is generated between the liquid ejecting head 30 and the electrode member 381. Then, a predetermined potential difference, that is, the voltage of the electrode member 381 changes. Therefore, an ink ejection test for inspecting whether or not ink is actually ejected by detecting a voltage change of the electrode member 381 when the voltage detection circuit 383 ejects ink from the liquid ejecting head 30 to the electrode member 381. Is supposed to run. In this ink ejection inspection, in order to improve detection accuracy, it is important to stabilize a predetermined voltage difference generated with the liquid ejecting head 30 when a voltage is applied to the electrode member 381. For this reason, in this embodiment, a mechanism for moving the electrode member 381, that is, the FL box 380 up and down in parallel with the liquid ejecting head 30 is configured. This mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, a cam mechanism is engaged with an FL cam 384 formed of an eccentric cam fixed to the front end portion of the eighth rotating shaft J8 as a drive member at the rear end portion of the FL box 380. A joint portion 385 is provided. The cam engagement portion 385 is configured to have a concave shape with an upper opening in a side view as seen from the rear. Then, with respect to the bottom surface of the cam engaging portion 385, two curved surface portions 384a and 384b on the peripheral surface of the FL cam 384, and two parallel flat surface portions 384c connecting the two curved surface portions 384a and 384b, The cam surface which consists of is engaged.

  Of the two curved surface portions 384a and 384b on the cam surface, the curved surface portion 384a on the side farther from the rotation center of the FL cam 384 (that is, the eighth rotation axis J8) is from the rotation center of the FL cam 384. Is formed so as to become smaller as it approaches the connection portion with the plane portion 384c. Conversely, of the two curved surface portions 384a and 384b, the curved surface portion 384b on the side closer to the rotation center of the FL cam 384 (that is, the eighth rotation axis J8) is closer to the rotation center of the FL cam 384. The distance is formed so as to increase as the distance from the connecting portion with the flat surface portion 384c approaches. A coil spring 386 that biases the FL box 380 upward is fixed to the outside of the lower surface of the FL box 380. The coil spring 386 urges the FL box 380 upward so that the bottom surface of the cam engaging portion 385 of the FL box 380 is always in close contact with the cam surface of the FL cam 384.

  Next, the raising / lowering mechanism (displacement mechanism) of the FL box 380 performed by the FL cam 384 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 schematically shows FIG. 24 for convenience of explanation of the lifting mechanism of the FL box 380. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the state in which the FL box 380 is at the uppermost position, that is, the highest position in the vertical direction is the reference position.

  FIG. 25A shows a state where the FL cam 384 pushes the FL box 380 down to the lowermost position, that is, the rotation center ( This shows the lowest state in the vertical direction in which the curved surface portion 384a far from the eighth rotation axis J8) is in contact. In the present embodiment, in the operation of the maintenance device 100 described later, the height adjustment of the FL box 380 at the time of ink ejection inspection is performed by raising from the lowest position in this way.

  From this state, when the FL cam 384 rotates CW in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 25A, the FL cam 384 becomes the bottom surface of the cam engaging portion 385 of the FL box 380 as shown in FIG. The cam diameter of the portion of the cam surface that is in contact with (i.e., the distance from the eighth rotation axis J8 that is the center of rotation) gradually decreases. Therefore, the FL box 380 gradually rises upward while maintaining the state in contact with the cam engagement portion 385 based on the biasing force from the coil spring 386.

  In this rise, in this embodiment, a parallel movement mechanism that can move so that the FL box 380 does not tilt with respect to the lower surface of the liquid jet head 30 is configured. As a result, the electrode member 381 in the FL box 380 can always be moved up and down in parallel with the lower surface of the liquid jet head 30.

  In the present embodiment, as the parallel movement mechanism, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a link mechanism including four link rods 387 having the same length is used. That is, one end of each link bar 387 is fixed to the end portion of the first rotating shaft body 388 rotatably supported on the lower side of the FL box 380, and the other end is attached to the frame structure 90 (not shown). On the other hand, it is fixed to the end of the second rotary shaft 389 that is rotatably supported. Two first rotating shaft bodies 388 are provided in a parallel state with a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction below the FL box 380, and the second rotating shaft bodies 389 are provided in the frame structure 90 in the front-rear direction. Two are provided in a parallel state with the same predetermined distance as the first rotating shaft body 388.

  Accordingly, the four link rods 387 rotate (swing) around the second rotation shaft body 389 pivotally supported by the frame structure 90 while maintaining the parallel state. As a result, the four first rotating shaft bodies 388 fixed to one end side of each of the four link rods 387 rotate while maintaining the same position in the vertical direction, and are supported by the FL box 380. Are moved up and down while maintaining a parallel state. As described above, the parallel movement mechanism of the present embodiment is configured to have a so-called pantograph structure in which the distance between the connected rotating shaft bodies does not change, and is configured to be able to move up and down without the FL box 380 tilting. Has been.

  By the way, the FL cam 384 of the present embodiment is formed so that a flat portion 384c that is a substantially straight portion is connected in parallel from both ends of the curved surface portions 384a and 384b on the outer peripheral portion that becomes the cam surface. Then, the FL cam 384 rotates about 90 degrees CW, and in the state before and after the state shown in FIG. 25 (c), the FL cam 384 has a flat portion 384c which is a straight portion of the cam surface in FIG. The cam engagement portion 385 of the FL box 380 shown is engaged. Therefore, on the cam surface of the FL cam 384, since the cam diameter varies in accordance with the degree of rotation of the FL cam 384 in the curved surface portions 384a and 384b which are portions other than the flat portion 384c which is a straight portion, the FL cam 384 The rate of increase of the FL box 380 with respect to the rotation of is changed.

  Thereafter, from this state, when the FL cam 384 rotates CW in the clockwise direction, the FL cam 384 comes into contact with the cam engaging portion 385 of the FL box 380 as shown in FIG. The cam diameter of the portion gradually decreases. Accordingly, the FL box 380 maintains the state of being in contact with the cam engagement portion 385 based on the biasing force from the coil spring 386, and the bottom surface of the cam engagement portion 385 of the FL box 380 as shown in FIG. In contrast, the cam surface of the FL cam 384 rises to the uppermost position (reference position) where the curved surface portion 384b on the side closer to the rotation center (eighth rotation axis J8) contacts.

  In this embodiment, the electrode member 381 of the FL box 380 is positioned at a position (for example, the position shown in FIG. 25C) until the FL box 380 is raised from the lowermost position to the uppermost position. The liquid ejecting head 30 is configured to be at an optimum position for executing the ink ejection inspection.

(Driving member drive system)
Next, as shown in FIG. 26, the drive system is configured such that the wiping member 450 of the present embodiment moves in the front-rear direction by the rotational drive of the fourth gear 400. That is, the fourth gear 400 that meshes with the second partial gear 212 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the first gear 210. The fourth gear 400 includes two gears, a small pitch spur gear 402 having a small pitch system and a large diameter spur gear 403 having a large pitch system, which mesh with the second intermittent gear 212, and is rotatable about the third rotation shaft J3. It is pivotally supported. The large-diameter spur gear 403 transmits the rotation of the first gear 210 to the wiping gear 410 fixed to the fourth rotation shaft J4.

  The fourth rotating shaft J4 is provided with a wiper unit 420 that moves along the axial direction by the rotation of the shaft in a state where the wiper unit 420 is passed through the fourth rotating shaft J4. The wiper unit 420 includes a wiping member 450. The wiping member 410 moves in the front-rear direction by the rotation of the fourth rotation shaft J4 by the rotation of the wiping gear 410, and moves the wiping member 450 in the front-rear direction. Yes. Hereinafter, the configuration of this drive system will be described in detail.

  The fourth gear 400 includes a small-diameter spur gear 402 that meshes with the second toothless gear 212 in the first gear 210 and a large-diameter spur gear 403 that meshes with the wiping gear 410. Among these, the small-diameter spur gear 402 has four long teeth 401 having a long tooth length in the axial direction as described above, and meshes with the second partial gear 212 in synchronization with the long tooth 401. The rotation is regulated by the teeth. That is, the rotation angle of the fourth gear 400 is limited. Therefore, the rotation angle of the fourth rotating shaft J4 that is rotationally driven by the wiping gear 410 that meshes with the large-diameter spur gear 403 of the fourth gear 400 is also limited.

  The wiper unit 420 includes a base portion 421 that moves in the front-rear direction along the axial direction by the rotation of the fourth rotation axis J4 having a spiral recess 411 formed on the outer periphery. A part of the base portion 421 slides along the wiper unit guide shaft 415 disposed substantially parallel to the fourth rotation axis J4, so that the rotation around the fourth rotation axis J4 is restricted. It is designed to move in the front-rear direction. The wiper unit 420 has a wiping member 450 including a wiper blade 451 for wiping off unnecessary ink attached to the liquid ejecting head 30. The wiper blade 451 is made of elastically deformable rubber or a resin material, and returns to its original shape when the deformed state is released even if it is once deformed.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the wiper unit 420 reciprocates between a rearward movement start position Ps and a forward movement end position Pe according to the rotation angle of the fourth rotation axis J4. The wiper blade 451 is in a state where the wiper blade 451 is erected in the vertical direction when the wiper unit 420 is located at the movement start position Ps. When the wiper unit 420 is moved to the forward movement end position Pe, the wiper blade 451 is tilted forward by the slide member 444 that slides from the front side to the rear side in the base portion 421.

  Here, the configuration of the wiper unit 420 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 27, the wiper unit 420 includes a base portion 421, a slide member 444, a holding member 430, a wiping member 450, and an elastic bar 446. Among these, the slide member 444, the holding member 430, and the elastic rod body 446 are assembled to a mounting surface 422 having a main surface in a direction substantially orthogonal to the left-right direction provided on the base portion 421, and wiping is performed. The member 450 is attached to the holding member 430.

  The slide member 444 has a substantially rectangular shape, a rack having a predetermined number of teeth is formed at a substantially upper center portion in the longitudinal direction, and is accommodated in the base portion 421 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. In addition, an attachment shaft portion 425 is formed so as to protrude from the attachment surface 422 to the left in the base portion 421 and to stand. The holding member 430 has a substantially fan-shaped portion 431 in which a pinion that meshes with the rack of the slide member 444 is formed at the distal end portion, and a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction at a base end portion corresponding to a main portion of the fan, and in the left-right direction. A shaft-shaped portion 432 in which a mounting shaft hole 435 is formed is integrally formed. The holding member 430 is assembled to the base portion 421 in a state where the pinion and the rack are engaged with each other by engaging the mounting shaft hole 435 and the mounting shaft portion 425 of the base portion 421.

  Then, after the holding member 430 is assembled to the base portion 421, the elastic rod body 446 is assembled to the locking portions 423 and 424 provided on the base portion 421. By assembling the elastic bar 446, the holding member 430 is restrained from moving leftward and falling off. When the holding member 430 rotates approximately 90 degrees around the mounting shaft hole 435, the elastic rod body 446 and the two protrusions 433 provided on the shaft-shaped portion 432 are engaged in the vertical direction. The protrusion 433 is biased to stabilize the posture of the holding member 430 before and after the rotation.

  In addition, the shaft-shaped portion 432 of the holding member 430 is formed with a concave portion 436 having an opening at the front side in the wiping direction and a convex portion 437 bulging rearward at the rear side. Has been. And the axial convex part 456 provided in the wiping member 450 is inserted and engaged with this concave part 436 from the front. Therefore, the shaft-shaped convex portion 456 functions as a rotating shaft portion, and the concave strip portion 436 functions as a bearing portion of the shaft-shaped convex portion 456.

  Thereafter, the wiping member 450 is rotated CW around the shaft-like convex portion 456 when viewed from the rear, that is, from the left direction, so that a rectangular shape provided on the lower end side of the knob-shaped portion 452 provided on the rear side of the wiping member 450 is used. The opening hole 457 is adapted to engage with the protruding strip portion 437. Thus, the wiping member 450 is engaged by the engagement between the opening hole 457 as the engaging portion provided in the wiping member 450 and the protruding portion 437 as the engaged portion provided in the holding member 430 as the moving member. It can be attached to the holding member 430. In this way, the wiping member 450 is attached by engaging the protrusion 437 and the opening hole 457 by CW rotation as viewed from the left.

  Therefore, when the wiper blade 451 wipes the ink, a force of CW rotation about the shaft-like convex portion 456 acts on the wiping member 450, so that the engagement between the concave portion 436 and the shaft-like convex portion 456 and A force is not applied in a direction in which any of the engagement between the protrusion 437 and the opening hole 457 is released. Of course, when the wiping member 450 is attached, the CCW rotation around the shaft-like convex portion 456 is also regulated by the engagement between the convex portion 437 and the opening hole 457.

  Therefore, in other words, the wiping member 450 can be removed from the holding member 430 by releasing the engagement between the protrusion 437 and the opening hole 457 and rotating the wiping member 450 in the CCW direction opposite to the CW rotation. It has become. That is, in this embodiment, the wiping member 450 is bent forward by the operator by gripping the upper end side portion of the knob shape portion 452 shown in FIG. The lower end side of the knob-shaped portion 452 is displaced backward. As a result of this displacement, the opening hole 457 is disengaged from the protrusion 437 of the holding member 430 and can be rotated CCW. As described above, the upper end portion of the knob-shaped portion 452 serves as a release portion for releasing the attachment state of the wiping member.

  Therefore, the operator rotates the CCW while moving the upper end side of the knob-shaped portion 452, that is, the release portion, and moves it forward, thereby moving the shaft of the wiping member 450 as shown in FIG. The shaped convex portion 456 can be pulled out from the concave strip portion 436. Thus, the wiping member 450 can be removed from the holding member 430.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 27, a guide hole 428 through which the fourth rotating shaft J4 passes is formed in the base portion 421, and the engagement is performed so that a predetermined amount projects from the upper end of the guide hole 428 toward the center of the hole. A mating pin 441 is inserted from below. The engagement pin 441 engages with the spiral recess 411 formed on the fourth rotation axis J4, whereby the base portion 421, that is, the wiper unit 420, reciprocates in the front-rear direction along the fourth rotation axis J4. It is supposed to move.

  Next, the mechanism of the reciprocating movement of the wiper unit 420 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a side view showing the wiper unit 420 that reciprocates as viewed from the left. As shown in FIG. 29, a so-called spiral recess 411 formed in a spiral shape on the surface of the fourth rotation axis J4 engages with an engagement pin 441 inserted in the base portion 421 of the wiper unit 420. The wiper unit 420 is moved back and forth along the fourth rotation axis J4 by the screw cam mechanism. At this time, as described above, the rotation angle of the fourth rotation axis J4 is limited to a predetermined angle, so that the wiper unit 420 has a movement start position Ps in the rear and a movement end position Pe in the front as shown in the figure. A predetermined stroke SK between the two is moved along the fourth rotation axis J4.

  First, when the wiper unit 420 is at the movement start position Ps, the slide member 444 comes into contact with the frame structure 90 (not shown) and slides forward in the base portion 421. In this state, the wiper blade 451 included in the wiping member 450 is erected in the vertical direction.

  When the wiper unit 420 moves forward by a predetermined angle of rotation of the fourth rotation axis J4 to reach the movement end position Pe, the slide member 444 comes into contact with the frame structure 90 (not shown), The base part 421 is slid in the rearward direction. Then, since the rack formed on the slide member 444 moves in the backward direction, the pinion engaged with the rack rotates approximately 90 degrees CCW as viewed from the left. As a result, the holding member 430 rotates CCW around the mounting shaft hole 435 of the shaft-shaped portion 432, CCW-rotates the held wiping member 450, and the wiper blade 451 exhibits a sideways state where the wiper blade 451 is tilted substantially 90 degrees in the forward direction. It is like that. Of course, as described above, this state is stably maintained by the elastic bar 446.

  The wiper unit 420 moves backward from the forward movement end position Pe and returns to the movement start position Ps when the fourth rotation axis J4 rotates in the reverse direction by a predetermined angle. When the wiper unit 420 returns, the slide member 444 moves while being slid backward in the base portion 421. When the movement start position Ps is reached, the rack formed on the slide member 444 contacts the frame structure 90 and moves forward, so that the pinion that meshes with the rack rotates approximately 90 degrees CW when viewed from the left. To do. As a result, the holding member 430 rotates CW around the mounting shaft hole 435 of the shaft-shaped portion 432, rotates the held wiping member 450 CW, changes the wiper blade 451 from the horizontal state to the standing state, and sets the liquid ejecting head. It returns to the state which wipes 30. As described above, this standing state is stably maintained by the elastic bar 446.

  By such reciprocation of the wiper unit 420, the wiping member 450 wipes the liquid ejecting head 30 one head unit at a time. That is, as shown in FIG. 29, in the forward movement that moves from the rear to the front, the wiper blade 451 is engaged with the liquid ejecting head 30 in the vertical direction by moving to the movement end position Pe in the standing state. ing. Thereby, unnecessary ink of the liquid ejecting head 30 is wiped off. On the other hand, in the backward movement that moves from the front to the rear, the wiper blade 451 moves in a sideways state that does not engage with the liquid jet head 30 in the vertical direction. Thus, the wiper blade 451 can return the wiper unit 420 to the movement start position Ps without touching and soiling the liquid jet head 30 that has already been wiped and maintained.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29, the maintenance device 100 is provided with an ink absorber 40 that receives and absorbs the ink wiped and captured by the wiper blade 451 on the movement end position Pe side of the wiper unit 420. Yes. The ink absorber 40 is configured by incorporating a plurality of ink absorbers (for example, a member made of porous resin, pulp, or the like) into an absorber case 49.

  A specific configuration of the ink absorber 40 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 30, the ink absorber 40 is provided with a wall surface portion 48 that receives ink scattered from the wiper blade 451 when the wiper blade 451 is separated from the liquid ejecting head 30 above the absorber case 49. Yes. That is, wiping of the liquid ejecting head 30 is started while the wiper blade 451 erected from the position indicated by the arrow A in the figure is elastically deformed and tilted, and the liquid ejecting head 30 is moved from the position indicated by the arrow B in the figure. When separating, the wiper blade 451 returns to the standing state from the state where the wiper blade 451 falls to the rear side. At this time, when the wiper blade 451 returns at a rapid speed, the ink captured by the wiper blade 451 may spread in the left-right direction and scatter as indicated by the broken line arrow D1 in the figure. Therefore, the wall surface portion 48 is formed to have a width in the left-right direction that is wider than the width in the left-right direction of the wiper blade 451 so as to catch the scattered ink. A third absorbent member 43 that absorbs ink descending along the wall surface portion 48 is incorporated below the wall surface portion 48 with its one end surface exposed upward.

  In addition, the first absorbent member 41 that abuts the wiper blade 451 that moves forward after being separated from the liquid ejecting head 30 and directly wipes and absorbs the ink captured by the wiper blade 451 absorbs one end surface of the ink absorbing surface. It is exposed to the rear side and incorporated in the absorber case 49.

  In addition, the ink absorber 40 is moved so that the wiper blade 451 contacts the absorption surface of the first absorbent member 41 as shown in FIG. 1 The exposed end surface of the absorbent material 41 is positioned and disposed. Accordingly, the wiper blade 451 falls to the front side below the first absorbent member 41 when being separated from the first absorbent member 41, as in the case of being separated from the liquid ejecting head 30. For this reason, the ink may splatter from the wiper blade 451 to the front lower side as indicated by the broken line arrow D2 in the figure. Therefore, in order to receive and absorb this scattered ink, the second absorbent member 42 having an exposed surface 45 facing the rear below the exposed end surface of the first absorbent member 41 as the ink absorbing surface absorbs the absorption. It is incorporated in the body case 49.

  Since the distance from the wiper blade 451 is short in the left-right direction on the exposed surface 45 of the second absorbent material 42, the width is formed to be narrower than the width of the wall surface portion 48 provided in the absorber case 49 in the left-right direction. ing. In the present embodiment, the tip end of the fourth rotating shaft J4 comes into contact with the exposed surface 45 of the second absorbent material 42. By so doing, when the scattered ink adheres to the fourth rotation axis J4, the ink adhering from the tip of the fourth rotation axis J4 can be absorbed.

  The second absorbent material 42 of the present embodiment is formed so that the ink absorbed by the first absorbent material 41 can move to the third absorbent material 43. In addition, a fourth absorbent material 44 is provided so as to connect the absorbent materials so that the ink absorbed by the second absorbent material 42 can easily move to the third absorbent material 43. The absorbing material for each ink including the fourth absorbing material 44 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the third absorbent material 43 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The fourth absorbent member 44 has a substantially T-shaped shape in which the upper side has substantially the same width in the left-right direction as the third absorbent member 43, while the lower side has a narrower width. This lower narrow width portion corresponds to the exposed surface 45 described above.

  The first absorbent material 41 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having substantially the same width as the third absorbent material 43. The second absorbent material 42 has a substantially thin plate shape, and one end of the second absorbent material 42 is fixed in contact with the first absorbent material 41 at the upper front side of the first absorbent material 41, and is connected so that the ink can move. Moreover, the 2nd absorber 42 has a step-like bending part from which a position differs, and is formed. A region corresponding to the exposed surface 45 is provided in the stepped bent portion. A region corresponding to the exposed surface 45 is exposed to the rear side in the ink absorber 40.

  The first absorbent member 41 and the second absorbent member 42, and the third absorbent member 43 and the fourth absorbent member 44 that are connected in this way, as shown on the right side of the drawing, are accommodation spaces 47 provided in the absorber case 49. Mounted against.

  Specifically, from the mounting space (not shown) for mounting the first absorbent material 41 provided on the rear side of the ink absorber 40 in the accommodation space 47, first, the first absorbent material 41 in the second absorbent material 42 and The end portion on the opposite side to the connecting side is inserted into the accommodation space 47. Thereafter, the first absorbent material 41 is inserted so as to be positioned in the attachment space, whereby the second absorbent material 42 and the first absorbent material 41 are attached to the accommodation space 47 of the absorber case 49. Thereafter, the third absorbent material 43 and the fourth absorbent material 44 are inserted into the accommodation space 47 from above the absorber case 49 and attached. At this time, the inserted third absorbent material 43 comes into contact with the second absorbent material 42 attached to the accommodation space 47 in the front-rear direction. Further, the inserted fourth absorbent material 44 is in contact with the third absorbent material 43 in the front-rear direction, and is in contact with the second absorbent material 42 in the front-rear direction in the region of the exposed surface 45. Therefore, as shown in the cross-sectional view on the left side of FIG. 31, the ink absorber 40 is formed between the absorbers of the respective inks in a state where all the absorbers from the first absorber 41 to the fourth absorber 44 are attached. The ink can be moved. For example, the ink absorbed by the first absorbent material 41 can be moved to another absorbent material (for example, the third absorbent material 43).

(Leave cap, carriage lock body, FL box cover drive system)
Next, as shown in FIG. 32, the maintenance device 100 of this embodiment has a drive system configured such that the leaving cap 550 is driven in the vertical direction by the rotational drive of the fifth gear 500 that meshes with the second gear 220. ing. That is, when the fifth rotation shaft J5 rotates due to the rotation of the fifth gear 500, the fifth transmission gear 530 fixed to the fifth rotation shaft J5 rotates. Then, the sixth transmission gear 540 that meshes with the fifth transmission gear 530 is rotationally driven. The sixth transmission gear 540 is fixed to the seventh rotation shaft J7, and the rotational drive of the sixth transmission gear 540 is converted into vertical movement of the leaving cap 550 by a cam mechanism provided on the seventh rotation shaft J7. It is like that. As a result, the leaving cap 550 moves up and down along the leaving cap guide rod 36 fixed to the frame structure 90, and comes into contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 (not shown) from the liquid ejecting head 30. A space between the separated positions and the separated position are separated from each other.

  Further, the drive system is configured such that the carriage lock body 590 moves in the vertical direction by the rotational drive of the sixth transmission gear 540. In other words, the cam mechanism is formed between the rod member 593 that moves approximately in the left-right direction by the rotation of the sixth transmission gear 540 and the inclined surface portion 591 formed in the carriage lock body 590 so as to move up and down. Yes.

  Further, the drive system is configured such that the FL box cover 580 moves in the front-rear direction by the rotation of the fifth transmission gear 530. That is, when the fifth transmission gear 530 rotates, a seventh transmission having a driven bevel gear 532 that meshes with a driving bevel gear 531 formed on the fifth transmission gear 530 at one end and a spur gear 533 at the other end. The gear 534 rotates. And the 8th transmission gear 535 which is a pinion which meshes with the spur gear 533 of the 7th transmission gear 534 rotates. A rack 581 is formed at the end of the FL box cover 580 on the eighth transmission gear 535 side in the front-rear direction so as to mesh with the eighth transmission gear 535. Accordingly, the FL box cover 580 is supported by the frame structure 90 by the rotation of the eighth transmission gear 535 and is guided by the cover guide shaft 38 provided along the edge opposite to the rack 581 in the front-rear direction. It is designed to move in the direction.

  In the present embodiment, the fifth gear 500 that is rotationally driven by the second gear 220 is configured such that its rotation angle is restricted. By restricting the rotation angle of the fifth gear 500, the FL box cover 580 is moved by a predetermined amount in the front-rear direction. It is like that. Of course, the amount of movement of the rod member 593 in the left-right direction and the amount of movement of the leaving cap 550 in the up-down direction are similarly regulated.

  In the present embodiment, a rotation detection wheel 508 for detecting rotation is attached to the rear end of the fifth rotation axis J5 in order to detect the rotation state of the fifth rotation axis J5. The rotation detection wheel 508 is formed with a detection cam portion 509 that bulges and protrudes rearward so as to have a step in the radial direction on the outer periphery thereof, and third detection means for outputting a detection signal by the detection cam portion 509. 83 is engaged. A specific configuration regarding this detection will be described later.

  Next, the configuration of the fifth gear 500 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 33, the fifth gear 500 has a configuration in which three gears having different shapes are stacked in the front-rear direction. That is, the fifth gear 500 is always meshed with the second gear 220 to transmit the rotation, the rotation transmission gear 501, the drive missing gear 511 that rotates in front of the rotation transmission gear 501, and the drive missing gear. There are three gears: a driven toothless gear 521 that overlaps and rotates in front of the gear 511.

  The drive missing tooth gear 511 is a portion of a missing tooth portion 514 partially in a missing tooth state and a plurality of teeth (here, three teeth) formed on both sides of the missing tooth portion. The rotation axis J5 has a thin-toothed portion 513 that is curled. The driven toothless gear 521 also has a missing tooth portion 524 that is partially missing. Note that the number of missing teeth in the missing tooth portion 524 is more than the number of missing teeth in the missing tooth portion 514 (here, 3 teeth).

  The rotation transmission gear 501 and the drive segment gear 511 can be rotated about the fifth rotation axis J5. In addition, the rotation transmission gear 501 is urged from the rear to the front by the coil spring 504, whose rearward movement is restricted by the washer 505 and the fixing ring 506, and pressed against the drive toothless gear 511. ing. The driven toothless gear 521 is fixed to the fifth rotating shaft J5. The driven intermittent gear 521 is provided with an outward projecting portion 525 having a projecting shape protruding from the center in the outer peripheral direction within a predetermined outer peripheral range. On the other hand, in the drive partial gear 511, an inward projection 515 (see FIG. 34) having a projection shape with a predetermined width protruding from the outer periphery by a predetermined amount on the front surface thereof in the center direction is the fifth rotation serving as the rotation axis. It is provided at two positions that are substantially diagonal with respect to the axis J5. Any of the inward projections 515 comes into contact with the outward projection 525 during rotation, so that the driven partial gear 521 is rotationally driven by the drive partial gear 511.

  Accordingly, the fifth gear 500 transmits the rotation of the second gear 220 to the rotation of the fifth rotation shaft by transmitting the rotation of the rotation transmission gear 501 that is always meshed with the second gear 220 to the rotation of the driven gear 521. This is transmitted to the rotation of J5. In addition, the rotation angle of the fifth gear 500 (the fifth rotation shaft J5) is regulated by the missing teeth formed in the driven missing gear 521 and the drive missing gear 511.

  Here, a mechanism for regulating the rotation angle by the three gears constituting the fifth gear 500 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 34 (a), when the driven toothless gear 521 (drive toothless gear 511) rotates CCW by the CW rotation of the second gear 220 to reach the toothless position, the driven toothless gear 521 is The two gears 220 are not driven to rotate. At this time, even if the rotation transmission gear 501 continues to rotate in the CCW direction, the rotational force (torque) that rotates the drive segment gear 511 is not transmitted. . Therefore, the driven toothless gear 521 does not rotate, and the fifth rotating shaft J5 is in a state in which CCW rotation is restricted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), when the second gear 220 is changed from CW rotation to CCW rotation, the rotation of the rotation transmission gear 501 that rotates CW by the second gear 220 is accompanied by the frictional force due to the pressure contact. The generated rotational force (torque) is transmitted to the drive toothless gear 511. As a result, the drive missing tooth gear 511 rotates CW, and the teeth formed adjacent to the missing tooth start meshing with the second gear 220. Then, when a plurality of (three in this case) teeth are engaged from the start of meshing, the inward projection 515 of the drive segment gear 511 comes into contact with the outward projection 525 of the driven segment gear 521. By this contact, the driven intermittent gear 521 is CW-rotated by the drive intermittent gear 511 and meshing with the second gear 220 is started. Thereafter, the driven intermittent gear 521 continues the CW rotation in synchronization with the drive intermittent gear 511.

  In addition, when the drive partial gear 511 rotates CW and starts meshing with the second gear, the timing of meshing may shift and the teeth may interfere with each other. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, in the drive toothless gear 511, the plurality of teeth are easily bent from the start of meshing to a plurality of (here, three) teeth in the direction of the rotation center of the gear. A thin-tooth portion 513 in which the radial center side of the gear in the portion where the teeth are formed is formed is formed. Although a detailed description of the tooth profile is omitted, the first tooth that starts meshing is formed such that the tip shape of the tooth is slightly thinner than the other teeth.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 34C, when the driven toothless gear 521 (drive toothless gear 511) rotates CW by the CCW rotation of the second gear 220 and reaches the toothless position, the driven toothless gear 521 is driven. Is not rotated by the second gear 220. At this time, even if the rotation transmission gear 501 continues to perform CW rotation, the rotational force (torque) that rotates the drive segment gear 511 is not transmitted, and the drive segment gear 511 cannot perform CW rotation. Stop rotating. Therefore, the driven toothless gear 521 does not rotate, and the fifth rotating shaft J5 is in a state where CW rotation is restricted. As described above, the rotation angle of the fifth gear 500, that is, the fifth rotation shaft J5 is restricted by restricting CCW rotation and CW rotation.

  Next, the configuration of the leaving cap 550, the carriage lock body 590, and the FL box cover 580 that are driven by the rotation of the fifth rotation shaft J5 whose rotation angle is regulated in this way will be described in order. First, a mechanism related to the vertical movement of the leaving cap 550 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the cam mechanism 560 of the leaving cap 550 has an elongated shape in a side view in which a base end portion is fixed to an intermediate portion of a seventh rotation shaft J7 that supports a sixth transmission gear 540 on one end side. A cam frame 561 having a substantially triangular shape is provided. Further, a shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is pivotally supported at the tip end portion of the cam frame 561 so as to be freely rotatable. The shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is configured to penetrate the cam frame 561 in the front-rear direction and protrude from the front-rear side surfaces of the cam frame 561 in the front-rear direction. When the sixth transmission gear 540 is rotationally driven in conjunction with the rotation of the second gear 220, the rotational drive of the sixth transmission gear 540 is transmitted to the cam frame 561 via the seventh rotation shaft J7. As a result, since the cam frame 561 rotates around the seventh rotation axis J7, the cam roller 562 pivotally supported at the tip end portion of the cam frame 561 rotates around the seventh rotation axis J7. ing. In this embodiment, the cam frame 561 in the cam mechanism 560 and the cam roller 562 on which the shaft portion 562a is supported constitute an elevating member that moves the leaving cap 550 up and down by rotating, and the leaving cap at that time As an engaging part with 550, while the cam roller 562 becomes a 1st engaging part, the axial part 562a becomes a 2nd engaging part.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, a concave portion 564 serving as a first engaged surface is formed in a substantially central portion of the bottom surface of the cap holder (holder member) 563 of the leaving cap 550 so as to open downward. Has been. A cam mechanism 560 of the leaving cap 550 is inserted into the recess 564 from below. Further, the cap holder 563 of the leaving cap 550 is provided with a substantially cylindrical guide portion 563a protruding downward at a position corresponding to the right front corner of the bottom surface. The left cap guide rod 36 fixed to the frame structure 90 is inserted into these guide portions 563a in a loosely fitted state, so that the cap holder 563 is guided while suppressing the inclination in the vertical direction. It can slide smoothly. Further, a cap member 550A of the leaving cap 550 is attached above the cap holder 563 via a coil spring 565 as an urging member. The coil spring 565 allows the cap member 550 A to move in the vertical direction relative to the cap holder 563. As described above, the leaving cap 550 as a capping device includes the cap holder 563, the coil spring 565, and the cap member 550A, which constitute a capping unit that can be moved up and down integrally. An abutting portion 550a made of an elastic material that can abut against the nozzle forming surface of the liquid jet head 30 so as to surround the nozzle is provided on the upper side of the cap member 550A for each head unit.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, the bottom surface of the concave portion 564 of the cap holder 563 has a flat surface portion 564a located on the left side, and a slope shape with a downward slope toward the right side from the flat surface portion 564a. An inclined surface portion 564b is formed. In a state where the cap holder 563 is attached to the cam mechanism 560, the cam roller 562 that is pivotally supported at the tip of the cam frame 561 brings its peripheral surface into contact with the flat portion 564 a on the bottom surface of the recess 564. The cap holder 563 is supported from below.

  As shown in FIG. 39, a pair of wall portions 566 are provided along the vertical direction on the right side of the bottom surface of the cap holder 563. These wall portions 566 include a concave surface portion 566a having a concave shape in the vicinity of the right inner surface of the concave portion 564, and a slope portion 566b extending obliquely from the concave surface portion 566a to the left obliquely upward. Have. The front ends (left ends in FIG. 39) of the slope portions 566b of these wall portions 566 are positioned to the right of the left plane portion 564a in the recess 564. That is, the cap holder 563 is a surface (a second engaged surface of the wall portion 566 facing upward so that the flat portion 564a which is a part of the bottom surface of the recess 564 facing downward is opposed to the recess 564 ( A non-overlapping region that does not overlap each other in the left-right direction perpendicular to both the ascending / descending direction of the leaving cap 550 and the axial direction of the seventh rotation axis J7. ing. These wall portions 566 are arranged at a distance approximately equal to the longitudinal dimension of the cam frame 561 in the same direction.

  Further, in a state where the cap holder 563 is attached to the cam mechanism 560, the shaft portion 562 a of the cam roller 562 is disposed in the concave surface portion 566 a of the wall portion 566. Therefore, even if the cap holder 563 is lifted upward or moved left and right in this state, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is locked to the concave surface portion 566a of the wall portion 566 from above and from the left and right. The removal operation of the cap holder 563 from the cam mechanism 560 is restricted.

  Next, the mechanism of the operation of attaching the leaving cap 550 to the cam mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40A shows a state in which the cam mechanism is spaced apart from the cap holder 563 in the vertical direction while the cam roller 562 is disposed at the uppermost position.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 40B, when the cap holder 563 is moved vertically downward from this state, the cam roller 562 of the cam mechanism 560 is inserted from below into the recess 564 of the cap holder 563. In this case, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is located inside the recessed portion 564 through the space below the planar portion 564a that is a non-overlapping region that does not overlap the wall portion 566 in the left-right direction in the recessed portion 564 of the cap holder 563. Inserted into. Then, the circumferential surface of the cam roller 562 comes into contact with the flat portion 564a of the concave portion 564 of the cap holder 563 and supports the cap holder 563 from below.

  As shown in FIG. 40C, when the seventh rotation shaft J7 rotates in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 40C, the cam roller 562 rolls along the inclined surface portion 564b of the recess 564. . Then, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is disposed so as to face the inclined surface portion 566b of the wall portion 566 of the cap holder 563 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the cap holder 563 is lifted upward in this state, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is locked to the inclined surface portion 566b of the wall portion 566 from above, so that the cap holder 563 from the cam mechanism 560 is retained. Is removed.

  As shown in FIG. 40C, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 draws a downward trajectory that is a direction away from the liquid ejecting head 30 about the seventh rotation axis J7. When moved, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 applies a pressing force from the left diagonally upward direction to the right diagonally downward direction to the inclined surface portion 566b of the wall portion 566 of the cap holder 563. That is, when the cap holder 563 descends while being guided in the vertical direction by the leaving cap guide bar 36, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is pressed against the inclined surface portion 566b of the wall portion 566 of the cap holder 563 from above. The cap holder 563 is pressed downward. As a result, the lowering operation of the cap holder 563 is reliably performed.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 40D, when the seventh rotation shaft J7 further rotates in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 40D, the cam roller 562 supports the inclined surface portion 564b of the recess 564. Falls down vertically. The shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 is opposed to the concave surface portion 566a on the right side of the wall portion 566 of the cap holder 563 in the vertical direction. Further, in this state, the cam frame 561 has a base end peripheral surface that comes into contact with the flat portion 564a of the recess 564 from below. That is, the bottom surface of the concave portion 564 of the cap holder 563 is supported at two locations from below by the cam roller 562 and the cam frame 561.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 40 (e), when the seventh rotation shaft J7 further rotates in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 40 (e), the peripheral surface of the base end portion of the cam frame 561 causes the recess 564 to With respect to the cap holder 563 supported by the flat surface portion 564a, the cam roller 562 rotates around the seventh rotation axis J7 so as to be spaced downward from the inclined surface portion 564b of the recess 564. Then, the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562 engages with the inner surface of the concave surface portion 566a of the wall portion 566 in the cap holder 563 from above. Then, in the cap holder 563, the flat surface portion 564a of the concave portion 564 is supported from below by the proximal end portion of the cam frame 561, while the concave surface portion 566a of the wall portion 566 is locked from above by the shaft portion 562a of the cam roller 562. Therefore, the cam mechanism is connected in a state in which rattling in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction is suppressed.

  Next, a mechanism related to the vertical movement of the carriage lock body 590 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 41, the carriage lock body 590 moves up and down by a predetermined amount as the sixth transmission gear 540 rotates by a predetermined angle by the fifth transmission gear 530. Yes.

  That is, a gear 541 is formed in a predetermined range on the outer periphery of the sixth transmission gear 540 so as to mesh with the fifth transmission gear 530 and rotate by a predetermined angle. In addition, an arc-shaped groove portion 542 in which a groove portion having a predetermined width is formed in an arc shape is provided in the outer peripheral end region of the sixth transmission gear 540. The maintenance device 100 includes a rod member 593 having a columnar first protrusion 595 at the first end 594 on the right side thereof so as to engage with the arcuate groove 542. The carriage lock body 590 is formed with a linear groove portion 592 having a predetermined width and inclined from the upper right to the lower left. A slope portion 591 is formed along the upper side of the linear groove portion 592 so as to protrude rearwardly (toward the front side of the drawing) in a bowl shape. The second end portion 596 on the left side of the rod member 593 is in sliding contact with the slope portion 591, and the second end portion 596 is also provided with a cylindrical second protrusion 597, which is formed on the carriage lock body 590. The linear groove 592 is slid. Note that the rod member 593 is restricted from moving in the vertical direction by the cylindrical surfaces of the two cylindrical ribs 99 extending in the front-rear direction in the frame structure 90. Further, the carriage lock body 590 can be slid in the vertical direction along a guide portion (not shown) similarly provided in the frame structure 90.

  With this configuration, the carriage lock body 590 is a cam formed between the inclined surface portion 591 and the second end portion 596 when the second end portion 596 of the rod member 593 moves leftward. The mechanism is moved upward by a mechanism to be in a locked state in which the movement of the carriage 14 (see FIG. 1) provided with the liquid jet head 30 is restricted in the left-right direction. The mechanism of this locked state will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 42, when the arcuate groove 542 rotates CCW along with the CCW rotation of the sixth transmission gear 540, the first protrusion 595 of the first end 594 is left by the right end of the arcuate groove 542. It is moved in the direction. In this movement, since the rod member 593 is restricted from moving downward by the cylindrical rib 99, the second end portion 596 moves substantially to the left without moving downward. As a result, the carriage lock body 590 starts to move upward when the inclined surface portion 591 is lifted by the second end portion 596 moving in the left direction.

  As shown in FIG. 43, when the sixth transmission gear 540 rotates CCW to the end of the predetermined rotation angle, the first protrusion 595 of the first end 594 is further leftward by the right end of the arc-shaped groove 542. Pressed to move. With this movement, the second end portion 596 of the rod member 593 slides along the inclined surface portion 591 of the carriage lock body 590, and the second protruding portion 597 having a columnar shape extends straight to the end of the inclined surface. It moves until it is located at the left end of the groove portion 592. As a result, with the movement of the second end 596, the carriage lock body 590 moves the slope portion 591 upward by a predetermined amount from the position before the movement start, and engages with the carriage 14 provided with the liquid ejecting head 30. Thus, the movement of the carriage 14 in the left-right direction is restricted, so that a so-called locked state is obtained.

  Thereafter, although not shown, the carriage lock body 590 is moved downward from the state where the carriage lock body 590 is moved upward by a predetermined amount, so that the carriage lock body 590 is moved downward and the carriage 14 is locked. Is to be canceled. That is, the carriage lock body 590 is moved downward by the cam mechanism formed between the second protruding portion 597 formed at the second end portion 596 of the rod member 593 and the linear groove portion 592. Yes. At this time, the upward movement of the rod member 593 is restricted by the cylindrical rib 99.

  Next, a mechanism related to the back and forth movement of the FL box cover 580 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 44 (a), the FL box cover 580 moves the meshing racks from the rear to the front as the eighth transmission gear 535 rotates CCW when viewed from above. As a result, the FL box cover 580 in which the rack is formed moves forward from a state in which the upper side of the FL box is not covered to a state in which the FL box 380 is covered. As described above, the rotation angle of the fifth rotation shaft J5 is regulated by the fifth gear 500. Accordingly, the FL box cover 580 moves from a state where the FL box 380 is not covered to a position where the FL box 380 is covered when the fifth rotation shaft J5 rotates by the restricted rotation angle.

  As shown in FIG. 44B, the FL box cover 580 has a cover roller 582 that is rotatably supported on the lower surface side at the right end. When the FL box cover 580 covers the FL box 380, the roller surface of the cover roller 582 is in contact with the guide rib 385a formed in a wall shape in the vertical direction at the right end of the FL box 380 from above. It has become. By this contact, the cover roller 582 pushes down the FL box 380 downward as indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure. Accordingly, when the FL box cover 580 moves above the FL box 380, the FL box cover 580 and the FL box 380 are not engaged.

(Suction pump drive system)
Next, as shown in FIG. 45, the suction pump 650 of this embodiment has a drive system configured to be rotationally driven by the rotational drive of the sixth gear 600 that meshes with the second gear 220. That is, the ninth transmission gear 610 that meshes with the sixth gear 600 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the sixth gear 600. The ninth transmission gear 610 is fixed to the sixth rotation shaft J6, and the suction pump 650 is operated by the rotation of the sixth rotation shaft J6 as the ninth transmission gear 610 rotates. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the suction pump 650 sucks ink in the suction cap 350 through the pipe 63 and sucks ink in the FL box 380 through the pipe 64. The sucked ink is discharged to a waste ink tank or the like (not shown) through a discharge pipe 61.

  In the present embodiment, in sucking ink in the suction cap 350, in addition to sucking ink from the liquid ejecting head 30 by reducing the pressure of the closed space formed by the suction cap 350 contacting the liquid ejecting head 30. In addition, the suction to the atmosphere is performed so that the closed space is opened to the atmosphere through the pipe 65.

  The atmosphere in the closed space is released by opening an atmosphere release valve 66 provided at the end of the pipe 65. The mechanism of opening the air release valve 66 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 46A, the air release valve 66 is sandwiched between arms formed so as to protrude leftward in the valve opening / closing member 67. The valve opening / closing member 67 is rotatably supported by the frame structure through a shaft hole 68. And the protrusion part 69 is provided in the lower end.

  As shown in FIG. 46 (b), the protrusion 69 abuts against a cam-shaped portion 317 (see FIG. 12) provided on the front side of the clutch plate 315 as the clutch plate CCW rotates. The cam-shaped portion 317 rotates CW around the shaft hole 68. By the rotation of the projecting portion 69, the valve opening / closing member 67 raises the air release valve 66 that is sandwiched to open the end of the pipe 65 to the atmosphere.

  As described above, the maintenance device 100 is configured with a plurality of drive systems for operating a plurality of functional components by switching gears driven by the rotation of one motor 110. In the present embodiment, the maintenance device 100 detects the rotation states of the first gear 210, the second gear 220, and the fifth rotating shaft J5 in order to operate these drive systems at appropriate timing. Is provided.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47, the maintenance device 100 is provided with first detection means 81, second detection means 82, and third detection means 83 that detect the respective rotation states. The first detection means 81 is output as a detection signal by the first hook portion 71, the second detection means 82 is output by the first gear, and the third detection means 83 is output by the rotation detection wheel 508 as a detection signal. It is like that. These are provided on the circuit board 50 attached to the frame structure 90 as described above. In this embodiment, each detection means uses a small switch that controls the short circuit and interruption of the electric circuit by the displacement (swing) of the detection lever.

  The first detection means 81 outputs a detection signal depending on the degree of engagement between the detection lever 81 a and the first hook portion 71. In other words, in a state where the first gear 210 is stopped while being restricted in rotation, the first detection means 81 is not engaged with the first hook portion 71 and thus does not output a voltage. On the other hand, when the first gear 210 is rotating, the first detection means 81 detects the first hook portion 71 by CW rotation about the second rotation axis J2 and engaging with the detection lever 81a. The lever 81a is displaced to output a predetermined voltage. In this way, it is possible to detect whether the first gear 210 is rotating or the second gear 220 is rotating based on the detection signal of the first detecting means 81.

  The second detection unit 82 outputs a detection signal according to the rotation state of the first gear 210 around the first rotation axis J1. That is, when the first cam shape 241 and the second cam shape 242 that are formed to protrude outward in the radial direction in the first gear 210 are engaged with the detection lever 82a of the second detection means 82, the detection lever 82a is displaced. As a result, the second detection means 82 outputs a predetermined voltage, but does not output a voltage when not engaged. When the suction cap 350 reaches a suction position for sucking the closed space formed by contacting the liquid ejecting head 30, the second detection means 82 is engaged with the first cam shape 241 to obtain a predetermined position. Voltage is output. Further, when the wiper unit 420 starts to move, the second detection means 82 engages with the second cam shape 242 and the detection lever 82a is displaced so that a predetermined voltage is output. Yes. Further, during the movement of the wiper unit 420, a predetermined voltage is continuously output.

  The third detection means 83 outputs a detection signal indicating the rotation state of the fifth rotation shaft J5 according to the rotation state of the rotation detection wheel 508 attached to the fifth rotation shaft J5. That is, in a state where the detection cam portion 509 formed to project in the radial direction in the rotation detection wheel 508 is engaged with the third detection means 83, the third detection means 83 is displaced as shown in FIG. While the voltage is output, the voltage is not output when not engaged. Then, after the movement of the FL box cover 580 is started, when the rotation detection wheel 508 rotates by a predetermined angle, the third detection unit 83 changes from the engaged state to the disengaged state with the detection cam portion 509, thereby outputting the output. The predetermined voltage is not output. Further, the third detection means 83 does not engage the detection cam portion 509 from the time when the rotation angle of the rotation detection wheel 508 until the movement of the FL box cover 580 is completed reaches a predetermined angle. From the state, the state is engaged. Thus, the third detection means 83 outputs a predetermined voltage that has not been output until then.

(Operation in maintenance equipment)
As described above, in the maintenance apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the gears rotated by driving one motor 110 are switched, and the functional components corresponding to the rotating gears are operated. Therefore, the operation (action) of the functional components performed in the maintenance device 100 will be described in order according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 49 to 53 with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

  In the following description, in the maintenance device 100, an open state in which the leaving cap 550 and the carriage lock body 590 are lowered and the FL box cover 580 is positioned rearward is referred to as a suction home position (suction HP). . On the other hand, in the maintenance device 100, a closed state in which the leaving cap 550 and the carriage lock body 590 are raised and the FL box cover 580 is positioned forward is called a maintenance home position (maintenance HP). Therefore, the maintenance device 100 maintains and recovers the function of ejecting ink from the liquid ejecting head 30 so that the ink is correctly ejected to the liquid ejecting head 30 that is in the state of forming an image on the paper S in the suction HP. It is ready to operate. In the maintenance HP, the liquid ejecting head 30 that is not in the state of forming an image on the paper S is covered with the leaving cap 550, the carriage 14 that conveys the liquid ejecting head 30 is locked, and the FL box cover 580 is used to lock the FL box. 380 is covered. In such a state, for example, the ejection characteristics of ink from the liquid ejection head 30 can be maintained for a long time.

(Transition from maintenance HP to suction HP)
First, assuming that the maintenance device 100 is currently in the maintenance HP, the transition operation from the maintenance HP to the suction HP in order to form an image on the paper S will be described according to the flowchart showing the rotation operation of the gear train shown in FIG. . Note that, including this operation, the rotation operation of the gear train in the maintenance device 100 described below is performed by the control device of the printer 11 described above. Since the operation of the functional component is controlled by changing the rotation direction of one motor 110, for convenience of explanation, the CCW rotation of the motor is referred to as normal rotation and the CW rotation is referred to as reverse rotation. .

  When this transition operation starts, reverse rotation driving (CW rotation) of the motor is performed (step S11). That is, the control device applies a reverse drive voltage to the motor 110. Accordingly, the operation from the maintenance HP shown on the left side of the timing chart to the suction HP shown on the right side along the broken arrow indicating the CW rotation of the motor 110 operates as shown in the timing chart. That is, first, the first gear 210 rotates CCW (step S12). By this rotation, the wiping member 450 moves backward. Thereafter, the first gear 210 is fully rotated to stop the CCW rotation, and then the second gear 220 is CW rotated (step S13). By this rotation, as shown in the timing chart, the leaving cap 550 and the carriage lock body 590 move downward. Further, the FL box cover 580 is moved open.

  Then, an open signal indicating the open state of the FL box cover 580 is detected (step S14). As described above, the control device detects the predetermined voltage output by the third detection means 83 when the FL box cover 580 is in the open state. The motor 110 continues to be driven in reverse until a voltage is output from the third detection means 83 and a detection signal is detected (step S14: NO). When the detection signal is detected (step S14: YES), the control device Then, the driving voltage is cut off and the driving of the motor 110 is stopped (step S15). By this operation, the maintenance device 100 shifts from the maintenance HP to the suction HP.

(FL box suction operation)
Next, an operation of sucking ink in the FL box 380 in the suction HP will be described according to a flowchart shown in FIG. 50 with reference to a timing chart. Note that in the suction operation of the ink in the FL box 380, the suction cap 350 is also suctioned in an open state separated from the liquid ejecting head 30 at the same time.

  When this operation starts, the motor 110 is first reversely driven (CW rotation) (step S21). That is, the control device applies a reverse drive voltage to the motor 110. Due to the CW rotation of the motor 110, the first gear 210 does not rotate and the second gear 220 rotates CW (step S22). As a result, as shown in the suction HP on the right side of the timing chart, the suction pump 650 rotates CW by the rotation of the second gear 220 and the suction operation is performed. In this suction operation, if the FL box cover 580 is in a state before the opening movement is completed (for example, a closed state), the opening operation is performed simultaneously with the suction operation as shown in the timing chart.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the motor 110 has reversed a predetermined number of times (step S23). In the present embodiment, the control device counts the number of pulses output from the rotary encoder 108 of the motor 110, and determines whether the motor 110 has been reversed a predetermined number of times depending on whether the predetermined count has been reached. . Then, the motor 110 is driven in reverse until it is reversed a predetermined number of times (step S23: NO). When the motor 110 is reversed a predetermined number of times (step S23: YES), the control device cuts off the drive voltage and stops driving the motor 110 (step S24). . By this operation, ink in the FL box 380 (and ink in the suction cap 350) is sucked.

(Transition from suction HP to maintenance HP)
Next, it is assumed that the maintenance device 100 is currently in the suction HP, and the operation of shifting from the suction HP to the maintenance HP because no image is formed on the paper S is shown in FIG. 51 with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG. The description will be given according to the flowchart shown.

  When this transition operation starts, the forward rotation drive (CCW rotation) of the motor 110 is performed (step S31). The control device applies a driving voltage for normal rotation to the motor 110. Thus, the operation from the suction HP shown on the right side of the timing chart to the maintenance HP shown on the left side along the thick solid line arrow indicating the CCW rotation of the motor 110 operates as shown in the timing chart. That is, first, the first gear 210 performs CW rotation (step S32). By this rotation, the suction cap 350 moves up and down, and then the wiping member 450 moves forward. Thereafter, the first gear 210 is fully rotated to stop CW rotation, and then the second gear 220 is CCW rotated (step S33). By this rotation, as shown in the timing chart, the leaving cap 550 and the carriage lock body 590 are moved upward. Further, the FL box cover 580 is closed.

  Then, a close signal indicating the closed state of the FL box cover 580 is detected (step S34). As described above, the control device detects the predetermined voltage output by the third detection means 83 when the FL box cover 580 is closed. Then, the forward rotation driving of the motor 110 is continued until a voltage is output from the third detection means 83 and a detection signal is detected (step S34: NO), and when the detection signal is detected (step S34: YES), the control device Stops driving the motor 110 by stopping the driving voltage (step S35). By this operation, the maintenance device 100 shifts from the suction HP to the maintenance HP.

(Liquid ejecting head 30 cleaning operation)
Next, when the maintenance device 100 is at the suction HP, the operation for cleaning the liquid jet head 30 performed to maintain or restore the jet characteristics of the liquid jet head 30 at this suction HP is shown in the timing chart of FIG. Referring to FIG. 52 and the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When this cleaning operation is started, the motor 110 is rotated forward (CCW rotation) (step S41). The control device applies a driving voltage for normal rotation to the motor 110. Accordingly, the suction HP shown on the right side of the timing chart operates as shown in the timing chart along the thick solid line arrow indicating the CCW rotation of the motor 110. That is, first, the first gear 210 rotates CW (step S42). By this rotation, the suction cap 350 moves upward.

  Next, a suction position signal is detected (step S43). The control device detects a predetermined voltage initially output from the second detection means 82 as a suction position signal. Then, the forward rotation drive of the motor 110 is continued until the voltage is output from the second detection means 82 and the detection signal is detected (step S43: NO), and when the detection signal is detected (step S43: YES), the control device Switches the drive voltage to drive the motor 110 in reverse (CW rotation) (step S44). As a result, the first gear 210 rotates CCW. At this time, when the clutch mechanism 310 provided in the third gear 300 functions as a one-way clutch, the suction cap 350 maintains the raised position, that is, the state in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30.

  Thereafter, the first gear 210 is fully rotated to stop CCW rotation, and then the second gear 220 is CW rotated (step S45). As a result, as shown in the suction HP on the right side of the timing chart, the suction pump 650 rotates CW by the rotation of the second gear 220 and the suction operation is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the motor 110 has reversed a predetermined number of times (step S46). The control device counts the number of pulses output from the rotary encoder 108 of the motor 110 and determines whether or not the motor 110 has been reversed a predetermined number of times depending on whether or not the predetermined count number has been reached. Then, the motor 110 is driven in reverse until it is reversed a predetermined number of times (step S46: NO). When the motor 110 is reversed a predetermined number of times (step S46: YES), the control device switches the drive voltage again to drive the motor 110 in the normal rotation (CCW rotation). (Step S47). As a result, the second gear 220 stops and the first gear 210 immediately starts CW rotation (step S48). In the CW rotation of the first gear 210, the suction cap 350 is already in the raised position, and the raised position is maintained.

  Next, the suction position signal is detected again (step S49). The control device detects a predetermined voltage (that is, the second voltage) output from the second detection means 82 as the suction position signal. Then, after the suction position signal is detected, the motor 110 is driven to rotate forward (CCW rotation) for a predetermined number of rotations (step S50). Here, the control device rotationally drives the motor until the number of pulses output from the rotary encoder 108 reaches a predetermined number of pulses. As a result of this rotational drive, the maintenance device 100 opens the atmosphere release valve 66 by the cam-shaped portion 317 of the clutch plate 315 and opens the closed space in the suction cap 350 to the atmosphere as shown in the timing chart. It becomes.

  Next, at this valve open position, the control device switches the drive voltage to drive the motor 110 in reverse (CW rotation) (step S51). As a result, the first gear 210 rotates CCW. At this time, the clutch mechanism 310 provided in the third gear 300 similarly functions as a one-way clutch, so that the suction cap 350 continuously maintains the raised position, that is, the state in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30.

  Thereafter, the first gear 210 is completely rotated to stop the CCW rotation, and then the second gear 220 is CW rotated (step S52). As a result, as shown in the suction HP on the right side of the timing chart, the suction pump 650 rotates CW by the rotation of the second gear 220, and the suction operation is performed again. In this case, the closed space formed by the suction cap 350 contacting the liquid jet head 30 is sucked through the pipes 63 and 65 while being opened to the atmosphere.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the motor 110 has reversed a predetermined number of times (step S53). The control device counts the number of pulses output from the rotary encoder 108 of the motor 110 and determines whether or not the motor 110 has been reversed a predetermined number of times depending on whether or not the predetermined count number has been reached. Then, the motor 110 is driven in reverse until it is reversed a predetermined number of times (step S53: NO). When the motor 110 is reversed a predetermined number of times (step S53: YES), the control device switches the drive voltage again to drive the motor 110 in the normal direction (CCW rotation). (Step S54). As a result, the second gear 220 stops and the first gear 210 immediately starts CW rotation (step S55). The suction cap 350 moves downward after reaching the valve closing position again by the CW rotation of the first gear 210. Then, after the lowering of the suction cap 350 is completed, the fourth gear 400 is rotated this time, so that the wiper unit 420 moves to the movement end position Pe, whereby the wiping member 450 moves forward. As a result, the wiper blade 451 wipes the liquid ejecting head 30.

  Next, an end signal of CW rotation of the first gear 210 is detected (step S56). The control device detects an end signal indicating the end position of the CW rotation of the first gear 210 by detecting when the voltage output from the first detection means 81 is not output. Then, the forward rotation driving (CCW rotation) of the motor 110 is continued until no voltage is output from the first detection means 81 (step S56: NO), and when no voltage is output (step S56: YES), the control device Then, the drive voltage is switched to drive the motor 110 in reverse (CW rotation) (step S57). As a result, the first gear 210 rotates CCW this time (step S58).

  As shown in the timing chart, this rotation causes the fourth gear 400 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the wiper unit 420 moves to the movement start position Ps, whereby the wiping member 450 moves backward. Then, after the wiping member 450 completes the backward movement, the third gear 300 is rotated. As shown in the timing chart, the clutch mechanism 310 provided on the third gear 300 is at this time one-way. By functioning as a clutch, the suction cap 350 is maintained in the lowered position.

  Then, an end signal of CCW rotation of the first gear 210 is detected (step S59). The control device detects an end signal indicating the CCW rotation end position of the first gear 210 by detecting when the voltage output from the first detection means 81 is not output. Then, the reverse rotation driving (CW rotation) of the motor 110 is continued until the voltage is not output from the first detection means 81 (step S59: NO), and when the voltage is not output (step S59: YES), the control device The drive of the motor 110 is stopped (step S60). As a result, the cleaning operation is completed, and the maintenance device 100 becomes the suction HP.

(FL box height adjustment operation)
Next, when the maintenance device 100 is in the suction HP, an inspection (that is, an ink ejection inspection) is performed by using a voltage change accompanying the ejection of ink to determine whether or not ink is actually ejected from the liquid ejection head 30. Is done. In the present embodiment, ink is ejected onto the FL box 380 to perform an ink ejection test. For this reason, in the maintenance device 100, the distance between the FL box 380 and the liquid ejecting head 30, that is, the vertical direction. It is designed to adjust the height. The height adjustment operation of the FL box 380 will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 54 with reference to the timing chart shown in FIG.

  When this operation starts, the forward rotation drive (CCW rotation) of the motor 110 is performed (step S61). The control device applies a driving voltage for normal rotation to the motor 110. Accordingly, the suction HP shown on the right side of the timing chart operates as shown in the timing chart along the thick solid line arrow indicating the CCW rotation of the motor 110. That is, first, the first gear 210 performs CW rotation (step S62). By this rotation, as shown in the timing chart, the FL box 380 continues to descend from an upper position (reference position), which is the normal position in the suction HP, until the suction cap 350 rises and descends. And it becomes the lowest position in the position where the suction cap 350 finished the descent.

  Next, the lowering end signal of the suction cap 350 is detected (step S63). The control device detects a predetermined voltage output by the second detection unit 82 engaged with the second cam shape 242 as a drop end signal. Then, the forward rotation driving of the motor 110 is continued until a voltage is output from the second detection means 82 and an end signal is detected (step S63: NO). When the end signal is detected (step S63: YES), the controller Performs reverse rotation driving (CW rotation) of the predetermined rotation speed motor 110 (step S64). The control device reverses the motor 110 a predetermined number of times by counting the number of pulses output from the rotary encoder 108 of the motor 110.

  As a result, the first gear 210 rotates CCW by a predetermined angle (step S65), and the FL box 380 rises by a predetermined amount to adjust the distance from the liquid ejecting head 30 to a distance suitable for the ink ejection inspection. At this time, the third gear 300 is rotated by CCW rotation of the first gear 210. However, the suction cap 350 is lowered by the clutch mechanism 310 provided in the third gear 300 functioning as a one-way clutch. The position is maintained. Accordingly, the liquid ejecting head 30 can be moved to a position facing the FL box 380. Then, an ink ejection test is carried out in a state where the adjusted separation distance is suitable (step S66).

  Next, after the end of the ink ejection inspection, the motor 110 is again driven in reverse (CW rotation) (step S67). As a result, the first gear 210 rotates CCW again (step S68). As a result, the FL box 380 moves up and returns to the reference position.

  Then, an end signal of CCW rotation of the first gear 210 is detected (step S69). The control device detects an end signal indicating the CCW rotation end position of the first gear 210 by detecting when the voltage output from the first detection means 81 is not output. Then, the reverse rotation driving (CW rotation) of the motor 110 is continued until the voltage is not output from the first detection means 81 (step S59: NO), and when the voltage is not output (step S59: YES), the control device The drive of the motor 110 is stopped (step S70). As a result, the height adjustment operation of the FL box 380 is completed, and the maintenance device 100 becomes the suction HP.

According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the leaving cap 550 is attached / detached, the cam roller 562 in the cam mechanism 560 has a flat portion 564a which is a non-overlapping region between the concave portion 566a of the wall portion 566 and the slope portion 566b among the concave portion 564 on the bottom surface of the cap holder 563. The cap unit is moved so that the flat portion 564a is spaced upward from the cam roller 562 in a state of corresponding arrangement. Then, the concave surface portion 566a and the inclined surface portion 566b of the wall portion 566 become the cam roller 562. (2) In the leaving cap 550, when the cam roller 562 in the cam mechanism 560 comes closest to the liquid ejecting head 30, the cam roller 562 The cap unit 563 engages with the flat portion 564a of the recess 564 from below, and the cap unit is also closest to the liquid jet head 30. In such a case, the cap unit is normally brought into contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 from below with the contact portion 550a of the cap member 550A, and therefore the cap unit is moved up and down by the liquid ejecting head 30 and the cam roller 562. It becomes the state pinched from both sides, and it can control that it falls out carelessly.

  (3) In the neglected cap 550, the engaging portion that engages with the concave portion 564 as the first engaged surface and the concave portion 566a and the inclined surface portion 566b as the second engaged surface that are separated in the ascending / descending direction in the cap holder 563. Compared to the case where there is only one, it is possible to shorten the time required for the transition from the state in which the cam roller 562 is engaged with the concave portion 564 to the state in which the shaft portion 562a is engaged with the concave surface portion 566a and the inclined surface portion 566b. The cap unit can be moved up and down.

  (4) When the cap holder 563 further rises in a state where the contact portion 550a of the leaving cap 550 is in contact with the liquid jet head 30, the coil spring 565 interposed between the cap holder 563 and the cap member 550A. Is compressed to increase the urging force against the cap member 550A. As a result, the contact portion 550 a of the leaving cap 550 can be brought into close contact with the liquid ejecting head 30 based on the biasing force of the coil spring 565.

  (5) The ink that scatters when the wiping member 450 moves away from the first absorbent material 41 can be received on the lower side in the direction of gravity, which is the direction in which the wiping member 450 scatters. Further, since the absorbing surface (exposed surface) that receives and absorbs ink is wider than the wiping width of the wiping means in accordance with the spread of the flying ink in the flying direction, the absorbing ink is reliably received by the absorbing surface. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to suppress contamination by ink.

  (6) Since the ink absorber 40 can absorb the total volume of the liquid that can be absorbed by the first absorber 41 and the volume of the liquid that can be absorbed by the second absorber 42, the ink absorber 40 More ink can be absorbed than the absorption capacity of the first absorbent material 41. Accordingly, the probability of occurrence of ink contamination is reduced. Further, since the ink absorbed by the first absorbent 41 can be moved through the second absorbent 42, the ink captured by the wiping member 450 by the first absorbent 41 is always absorbed. Can do.

  (7) The ink that scatters when the wiping member 450 moves away from the liquid ejecting head 30 can be received on the wiping direction side, which is the direction in which the wiping member 450 scatters. Further, since the wall surface portion 48 has a width wider than the wiping width of the wiping member 450 according to the spread in the flying direction of the scattered ink, it is possible to reliably receive the scattered ink. Then, after being received by the wall surface portion 48, the ink absorber that suppresses the contamination by the ink can be realized by absorbing the ink that descends along the wall surface portion 48 in the gravity direction by the third absorbent material 43. it can.

  (8) The ink absorber 40 can absorb the ink of the total capacity that is the sum of the capacity of the ink that can be absorbed by the first absorbent material 41 and the capacity of the ink that can be absorbed by the third absorbent material 43. Alternatively, it is possible to absorb the ink corresponding to the total volume that is the sum of the volume of ink that can be absorbed by the second absorbent 42 and the volume of ink that can be absorbed by the third absorbent 43. Alternatively, it is possible to absorb the ink for the total volume that is the sum of the volume of ink that can be absorbed by the first absorber 41, the volume of ink that can be absorbed by the second absorber 42, and the volume of ink that can be absorbed by the third absorber 43. Therefore, the ink absorber 40 can absorb the ink to the maximum according to the ink absorption capacity of each absorber, so that the probability of occurrence of contamination by the ink is lowered.

  (9) The wiping member 450 attached to the holding member 430 in a state where the shaft-shaped convex portion 456 is inserted into the concave strip portion 436 from the wiping direction side and the opening hole 457 is engaged with the convex strip portion 437 is The rotation around the portion 456 is restricted, and the axial convex portion 456 does not move in the wiping direction from the holding member 430 in the movement in the wiping direction. Therefore, the wiping member 450 can wipe the liquid jet head 30 stably. On the other hand, when the engagement between the protruding portion 437 and the opening hole 457 in the wiping member 450 is released, the tip side of the wiping member 450 is rotated so as to move in the wiping direction, and the shaft-like protruding portion 456 is moved into the recessed portion. Since the wiping member 450 can be detached from the holding member 430, the wiping member 450 can be easily detached from the holding member 430.

  (10) Since the engagement between the opening hole 457 of the wiping member 450 and the protrusion 437 of the holding member 430 can be released by the upper end portion of the knob-shaped portion 452, for example, the operation of replacing the wiping member 450 When a person displaces the upper end side portion of the knob-shaped portion 452, the wiping member 450 can be easily removed from the holding member 430 and replaced.

  (11) For example, when an operator who replaces the wiping member 450 holds the wiping member 450 by hand from both the wiping direction side and the opposite direction to the wiping direction, the upper end portion of the knob-shaped portion 452 is It can be displaced in the wiping direction. Therefore, the operator can easily remove and replace the wiping member 450 from the holding member 430 by sandwiching the wiping member 450.

  (12) When the suction cap 350 is raised so as to approach the liquid ejecting head 30, the suction cap 350 is brought into sliding contact with the second inclined surface 372 and the third inclined surface 373. The relative position with respect to the liquid jet head 30 in the plane intersecting the ascending / descending direction is positioned by the positioning unit. Accordingly, when the suction cap 350 moves in the direction approaching the liquid ejecting head 30, it can accurately contact the liquid ejecting head 30 so as to surround the nozzle.

  (13) At least one of the second inclined surface 372 and the third inclined surface 373 has a shape that is largely open toward the liquid ejecting head 30 side. Therefore, when the suction cap 350 is raised so as to approach the liquid ejecting head 30, the liquid ejecting head 30 is surely brought into sliding contact with the expanded inclined surface. Therefore, the positioning unit can reliably position the suction cap 350 relative to the liquid ejecting head 30 in the direction intersecting the ascending / descending direction.

  (14) Since the liquid jet head 30 has an enlarged plan view as viewed from the direction intersecting the ascending / descending direction as compared with the case where the protrusion 32 is not provided, the liquid ejecting head 30 is easily slidable against each sliding contact surface of the cap. Become. Therefore, the relative position of the cap with respect to the liquid ejecting head can be reliably positioned.

  (15) When the suction cap 350 is moving upward, when the suction cap 350 is prevented from rising by an obstacle, the bidirectional rotation of the third gear 300 on the drive side is the third rotation shaft on the driven side. Since it is transmitted to J3, the suction cap 350 can be pulled back during the ascent. Alternatively, if the suction cap 350 is pushed downward while the suction cap 350 is moving downward by the forward rotation drive (CCW rotation) of the motor 110, the third gear 300 rotates during the downward movement, so that the third The lowering of the suction cap 350 is braked by the rotational load of the plurality of rotation transmission gears from the gear 300 to the motor 110. Therefore, the suction cap 350 can be prevented from dropping suddenly during the downward movement without using a biasing means such as a coil spring.

  (16) By suppressing the rotation of the lever member 311 by the first suppression wall 95 or the second suppression wall 96, it is possible to set a section where the one-way clutch does not act. Therefore, it is possible to easily set a section in which the one-way clutch that transmits the bidirectional rotation of the third gear 300 to the third rotating shaft J3 does not operate without using a complicated clutch mechanism.

  (17) In a state where the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid jet head 30, the one-way clutch can be operated. Therefore, while maintaining the state in which the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid jet head 30, the rotation of the motor 110 corresponding to the rotational drive in the other direction of the third gear 300 that operates the one-way clutch is used to It becomes possible to operate a functional component (for example, the suction pump 650).

  (18) The one-way clutch can be operated in a state where the suction cap 350 is separated from the liquid jet head 30. Therefore, while maintaining the state where the suction cap 350 is separated from the liquid ejecting head 30, other functions are utilized by utilizing the rotation of the motor 110 corresponding to the rotational drive in the other direction of the third gear 300 that operates the one-way clutch. It becomes possible to operate a part (for example, the suction pump 650).

  (19) Using the rotation of the motor 110 corresponding to rotational driving in the other direction of the third gear 300 that operates the one-way clutch while maintaining the state in which the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid jet head 30, suction is performed. The pump 650 is driven. As a result, maintenance of the liquid ejecting head can be performed by reducing the pressure of the closed space formed by the suction cap 350 contacting and sucking ink from the liquid ejecting head 30. Alternatively, the suction pump 650 is utilized by utilizing the rotation of the motor 110 corresponding to the rotational drive in the other direction of the third gear 300 that operates the one-way clutch while the suction cap 350 is kept separated from the liquid jet head 30. Drive. As a result, the suction cap 350 can be maintained by sucking the ink in the suction cap 350 with the suction cap 350 open to the atmosphere.

  (20) In the printer 11 having the suction cap (first cap) 350, the leaving cap (second cap), and the wiping member 450, which contact the liquid ejecting head 30 for different functional purposes to form a closed space, With the two motors 110, the leaving cap 550 can be moved separately from the suction cap 350 and the wiping member 450. Accordingly, the rotation of one motor 110 is controlled, for example, by causing a plurality of functional parts for maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 30 to move from the suction HP to the maintenance HP, for example, depending on whether or not they are left standing. Can be moved respectively. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the head maintenance device 100 having a plurality of maintenance functions.

  (21) Since the suction cap 350 and the wiping member 450 do not move at the same time, they can be moved without interfering with each other. Therefore, it is possible to share the movement area of the suction cap 350 and the wiping member 450, and the small head maintenance device 100 can be realized.

  (22) With one motor 110, the liquid ejecting head 30 can be moved to a position facing the leaving cap 550 without interfering with the suction cap 350 and the wiping member 450. Accordingly, the suction cap 350, the wiping member 450, and the leaving cap 550 can be disposed close to each other, so that a small head maintenance device 100 having a plurality of maintenance functions can be realized.

  (23) The FL box 380 can be moved in a state where the suction cap 350 is maintained at the separated position. Accordingly, the liquid ejecting head 30 is moved to a position facing the FL box 380 without interfering with the suction cap 350, and the FL box is set so that a predetermined interval is formed between the FL box 380 and the liquid ejecting head 30. 380 can be moved. Therefore, without increasing the number of motors 110, for example, a liquid ejection test using a potential change between the liquid ejection head 30 and the FL box 380 can be reliably performed.

  (24) The receiving surface of the FL box 380 can be covered without increasing the number of motors 110. Therefore, for example, by suppressing the drying of the liquid received in the FL box 380, it is possible to realize a small head maintenance device 100 in which the maintenance function is maintained.

(25) The suction pump 650 can be driven by one motor 110 to suck ink. Therefore, a small head maintenance device 100 can be realized.
(26) The lifting mechanism (displacement mechanism) composed of the FL cam 384 and the like displaces the electrode member 381 as the detection electrode in the lifting direction in which the electrode member 381 approaches and separates from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head 30, whereby the nozzle and the electrode member It is possible to adjust the distance to the distance 381 to a distance suitable for detecting nozzle clogging. In this case, since the liquid ejecting head 30 is not displaced, the distance between the liquid ejecting head 30 and the sheet S as the medium does not change. For this reason, it is possible to immediately perform processing such as printing on the paper S after detecting clogging of the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30. That is, it is possible to detect clogging of the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 while suppressing a reduction in processing throughput.

  (27) The electrode member 381 detects clogging of the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 by receiving ink ejected from the nozzles of the liquid ejecting head 30 as waste liquid into the receiving portion of the FL box 380 that is a liquid receiving member. be able to.

  (28) The elevating mechanism (displacement mechanism) composed of the FL cam 384 and the like is such that when the eighth rotary shaft J8 rotates the FL cam 384, the FL box 380 is moved from the FL cam 384 as the FL cam 384 rotates eccentrically. A pressing force is received in a direction in which the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head 30 is separated from and contacting the nozzle. Therefore, an elevating mechanism (displacement mechanism) composed of the FL cam 384 or the like can realize a configuration in which the FL box 380 can be displaced in a direction in which the FL box 380 is moved away from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head 30.

  (29) The urging force is applied from the coil spring 386 so that the FL box 380 is always in close contact with the FL cam 384. Therefore, the elevating mechanism (displacement mechanism) including the FL cam 384 and the like can surely apply a displacement force in the direction in which the FL cam 384 is separated from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting head 30 to the FL box 380.

  (30) In the gear configuration in which the planetary gear 230 meshes with the sun gear 120 and the internal gear 222 included in the second gear 220, the planetary gear 230 rotates around the first gear by suppressing the rotation of the second gear 220. While the gear 210 is rotated, the second gear 220 is rotated by restricting the rotation of the first gear 210 and releasing the inhibition of the rotation of the second gear 220. As a result, the transmission member that transmits the rotational drive of the sun gear 120 (that is, the motor 110) can be switched to either the first gear 210 or the second gear 220. Thus, a plurality of gears can be selectively rotated by one motor 110. Moreover, since the 2nd gear 220 rotates simultaneously with the rotation stop of the 1st gear 210, the gear to drive can be switched quickly. Further, the planetary gear 230 can be prevented from skipping teeth by engaging the planetary gear 230 so as to be positioned between both the internal gear 222 and the sun gear 120 of the second gear 220. Drive can be transmitted reliably.

  (31) The second protrusion 78 of the second hook portion 72 that inhibits the rotation of the second gear 220 in conjunction with the rotation of the first gear 210 can be displaced. Therefore, when the first gear 210 is rotating, the rotation of the second gear 220 is inhibited and the rotation is stopped, so that one gear 110 can be driven to rotate. As a result, it becomes possible to select and drive a desired drive object according to, for example, a rotating gear.

  (32) Depending on the rotation direction of the sun gear 120 (motor 110), the first gear 210 and the second gear 220 can be switched to rotate. In addition, the first protrusion 77 immediately transitions between a state in which it engages with the first cam part 214 and a state in which it engages with the second cam part 215 due to the rotation of the first gear 210. The displacement of can be performed quickly. As a result, the rotation of the second gear 220 can be suppressed or released by the rapid displacement of the second protrusion 78 that is interlocked with the first protrusion 77, so that the gears rotated by one motor 110 can be quickly switched. be able to.

  (33) When the second protrusion 78 hits the tip of the external tooth 221 without being engaged with the external tooth 221 provided on the second gear 220, the second protrusion 78 becomes the first protrusion 77. It is possible to prevent the external teeth 221 or the second protrusions 78 from being damaged by rotating with respect to.

  (34) The crank mechanism 360 becomes the first connecting portion of the driven lever 362 when the drive lever 361 rotates about the third rotation axis J3 based on the driving force transmitted from the motor 110 as a driving source. One end 362 a is displaced in conjunction with the drive lever 361. Then, the other end 362b serving as the second connecting portion of the driven lever 362 is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the one end 362a, whereby the cap member 365 of the suction cap 350 is moved to the liquid ejecting head 30. It is actuated (lifted) so as to be separated from and contacting. In this case, the other end 362b of the driven lever 362 is displaced relative to the one end 362a being displaced. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a relatively large lifting stroke of the cap member 365 as compared with the case where the cap member 365 is operated only by the drive lever 361 without providing the driven lever 362. That is, with the downsizing of the drive lever 361, a large lifting stroke of the suction cap 350 can be secured while suppressing an increase in the size of the entire apparatus.

  (35) The crank mechanism 360 includes, for example, the drive lever 361 and the driven lever so that the one end 362a serving as the first coupling portion of the driven lever 362 is disposed at a lower position in the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362. When the lever 362 is overlapped in parallel with each other and the end 362a on one side of the driven lever 362 is displaced upward so as to circulate around the third rotation axis J3 in conjunction with the drive lever 361, the driven lever The other end portion 362b of the 362 is raised so as to be closer to the liquid ejecting head 30 than the drive lever 361 is. That is, the crank mechanism 360 is configured so that the other end 362b of the driven lever 362 is further displaced upward relative to the one end 362a that is displaced upward in accordance with the operation of the drive lever 361. A large lifting stroke of the member 365 can be secured.

  (36) The distance between the one end 362a serving as the first connecting portion and the other end 362b serving as the second connecting portion of the driven lever 362 is ensured to the maximum. Therefore, the driven lever 362 has a configuration in which the distance between both end portions 362a and 362b in the longitudinal direction of the driven lever 362 is larger than the distance between the third rotating shaft J3 and the one end portion 362a that is the first connecting portion. Can be realized without enlarging the size. Therefore, with the downsizing of the driven lever 362, it is possible to ensure a large lifting stroke of the suction cap 350 while suppressing an increase in the size of the entire apparatus.

In addition, you may change each said embodiment into another embodiment as follows.
In the leaving cap 550 of the above embodiment, the wall portion 566 of the cap holder 563 is not formed with the concave surface portion 566a, but only the inclined surface portion 566b is formed long in parallel with the inclined surface portion 564b of the upper concave portion 564, and the inclined surface You may make it the cam roller 562 contact the part 566b so that rolling is possible.

  -In the ink absorber 40 of the said embodiment, you may make it contact directly between the 1st absorber 41 and the 3rd absorber 43 so that an ink can move without passing through the 2nd absorber 42. . In this way, for example, the ink moves smoothly from the first absorbent material 41 to the third absorbent material 43, and the ink of the wiping member 450 is absorbed by the first absorbent material 41 to reliably clean the wiper blade 451. Can do.

  In the above embodiment, the fourth absorbent member 44 may not be provided. For example, the absorbent material having a shape in which the third absorbent material 43 is integrated with the fourth absorbent material 44 may be used. Alternatively, the second absorbent material 42 may be an absorbent material having a shape integrated with the fourth absorbent material 44.

  -In the above-mentioned embodiment, the 1st absorber 41 and the 2nd absorber 42 do not need to be connected. For example, in the case where each absorbent material has a volume capable of absorbing ink, it is not always necessary to move the ink between the first absorbent material 41 and the second absorbent material 42.

  In the above embodiment, the wall surface portion 48 and the third absorbent material 43 may not be provided. When the maintenance apparatus 100 has a configuration in which the ink captured by the wiper blade 451 is not scattered after the liquid ejecting head 30 is wiped off, the wall surface portion 48 and the third absorbent member 43 are not necessarily provided.

  In the above embodiment, the third absorbent member 43 does not necessarily have a contact configuration in which the ink can move between the first absorbent member 41 and the second absorbent member 42. For example, when the first absorbent material, the second absorbent material 42, and the third absorbent material 43 are each configured to absorb an appropriate amount of ink, such a configuration can be employed.

  In the above embodiment, when the wiping member 450 is attached to the holding member 430, the engagement portion provided on the wiping member 450 has a convex shape and the engaged member provided on the holding member 430, contrary to the above embodiment. The joint side may be concave. For example, instead of the opening hole 457, a protruding portion of the protrusion is provided on the lower end side of the knob-shaped portion 452, and a concave groove portion is provided on the shaft-shaped portion 432 of the holding member 430 instead of the protruding portion 437. Also good. Even in this configuration, the wiping member 450 can be replaced by removing the wiping member 450 from the holding member 430 in the same manner.

  In the above embodiment, the upper end side of the knob-shaped portion 452 of the wiping member 450 functions as a release portion for releasing the engagement between the opening hole 457 provided on the lower end side and the protruding portion 437 of the holding member 430. However, the upper end side of the knob-shaped portion 452 may not necessarily function as the release portion. For example, a part of the wiping member 450 such as the wiper blade 451 is pushed forward so as to rotate CCW around the shaft-like convex portion 456 so that the engagement between the opening hole 457 and the convex strip portion 437 is released. When configured, it is not always necessary to provide a release site.

  In the above embodiment, the knob-shaped portion 452 serving as the release portion does not necessarily have to be configured so that the engagement between the opening hole 457 and the protruding strip portion 437 is released by being displaced in the wiping direction. . For example, it is good also as a structure which engagement is cancelled | released by displacing in the direction which cross | intersects the wiping direction. Alternatively, the engagement may be released by displacing in the direction opposite to the wiping direction.

  In the above-described embodiment, at least one of the first inclined surface 370 and the second inclined surface 372 may not be formed on the wall portion 368 of the cap member 365 of the suction cap 350. That is, the opening side of the concave portion 369 that functions as the positioning portion of the suction cap 350 may not be expanded.

  In the above embodiment, the clutch mechanism 310 may be employed in addition to the transmission between the third gear and the third rotating shaft J3. For example, when the clutch mechanism 310 is mounted on the fifth transmission gear 530, the forward and reverse bidirectional rotations of the motor 110 are used differently depending on the one-way clutch mechanism. It becomes possible.

  In the above embodiment, one of the first suppression wall 95 and the second suppression wall 96 may not be formed. If the suction cap needs to be moved up and down only when the suction cap is raised or lowered, this configuration may be used.

  In the above embodiment, for example, when the suction cap 350 is used with the same function as the leaving cap 550, suction is not performed in a state where the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30. Therefore, in such a case, even when the suction cap 350 is in contact with the liquid ejecting head 30, the first suppression wall 95 or the first prevention wall 95 or the like prevents the one-way clutch from functioning so that the suction cap 350 can always be moved up and down. The second suppression wall 96 may be formed so as to suppress the rotation of the lever member 311.

  In the above embodiment, for example, when the maintenance device 100 has a configuration that does not perform atmospheric suction, that is, idle suction in the separated state where the suction cap 350 has reached the separated position, the one-way clutch does not necessarily function in this separated state. Absent. Therefore, in such a case, you may form the 1st suppression wall 95 or the 2nd suppression wall 96 so that rotation of the lever member 311 may be suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, the first gear 210 may mesh with both the third gear 300 and the fourth gear 400 at the same time. In the maintenance device 100, when the movement operation of the suction cap 350 and the movement operation of the wiping member 450 can be performed simultaneously, the third gear 300 and the fourth gear 400 may be driven to rotate simultaneously.

  In the above embodiment, if the suction cap 350 is in the separated position by the rotation of the first gear 210, the rotation of the first gear 210 to the second gear 220 causes the left cap 550 to rise and the contact position You may make it move to. For example, when the liquid ejecting head 30 can be moved from the position facing the suction cap 350 to the position facing the leaving cap 550 regardless of the movement operation of the wiping member 450, the first gear 210 to the second gear in this way. The rotation may be switched to 220.

  In the above embodiment, the flushing box 380 is not necessarily provided as a maintenance function component that is driven by the rotation of the third gear 300. For example, when the suction cap 350 is used also as the flushing box 380, or when the flushing box 380 is driven by a gear other than the third gear 300, or driven by a drive source other than the motor 110, Such a configuration may be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the FL box cover 580 does not necessarily have to be provided as a maintenance functional component that is driven by the rotation of the fifth gear 500. For example, when the FL box cover 580 is unnecessary and is not provided, or when the FL box cover 580 is driven by a gear other than the fifth gear 500 or driven by a drive source other than the motor 110, this Such a configuration may be adopted.

  In the above embodiment, the suction pump 650 is not necessarily provided as a maintenance functional component that is driven by the rotation of the sixth gear 600 that meshes with the second gear 220. For example, when the maintenance device 100 has a configuration in which suction is not performed, or when the suction pump 650 is driven by the rotation of the first gear 210 or is driven by a drive source other than the motor 110, Such a configuration may be adopted.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the handwheel gear 116 having the wheel 115 having a predetermined outer shape that can be manually rotated may not be provided. For example, in the maintenance device 100, when the wheel 115 is rotated by hand and the transmission drive gear 118 is rotated, the motor 110 is controlled to rotate and the transmission drive gear 118 can be rotated. There is no need for a handwheel.

  -In the said embodiment, if the FL cam 384 is a structure engaged as an eccentric cam with the cam engaging part 385 of FL box 380 at the time of rotation of the 8th rotating shaft J8, the shape of the cam surface of the surrounding surface will be implemented. It is not limited to what consists of two curved-surface parts 384a and 384b of a form, and two plane parts 384c.

  In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral groove 213 provided in the first gear 210 is formed such that the first cam portions 214 at both ends are closer to the first rotation axis J1 than the second cam portion 215. You may do it. In this case, when the first protrusion 77 reaches one end of the outer circumferential groove 213, the first hook 71 is rotated CW around the second rotation axis J2. Therefore, in this case, it is only necessary to configure so that the rotation of the second gear 220 is not restricted when the second hook portion 72 rotates CW.

  In the above embodiment, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are embodied as the first gear 210 and the second gear 220, respectively, but at least one rotating member may not be a gear. For example, a pulley or a cam may be used. The point is that the object can be driven by rotating.

  In the above embodiment, there may be one planetary gear 2301 or a plurality of three or more. In the case where there are a plurality of planetary gears 230, it is preferable that the planetary gears 230 are arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the first rotation axis J1 so as to mesh with the sun gear 120 at equal intervals. This increases the probability that the rotational force of the sun gear 120 is balanced and transmitted to the first gear 210 or the second gear 220 via the planetary gear 230, so that each rotation is stabilized.

  In the above embodiment, the rotation restriction of the second gear 220 is provided in the first cam portion 214 and the second cam portion 215 in the outer peripheral groove portion 213 provided in the first gear 210 and the first hook portion 71. Although it performed by the 1st projection part 77, of course, it is not necessarily restricted to this structure. For example, a detection sensor for detecting the rotation state of the first gear 210 is provided in the first hook portion 71, and the second hook portion 72 is CW-rotated by an actuator in accordance with the detection of the detection sensor, so that the second gear You may comprise so that rotation of 220 may be controlled.

  In the above embodiment, the rotation of the second gear 220 is restrained by the engagement between the external teeth 221 of the second gear 220 and the second protrusions 78 of the second hook portion 72, but is not necessarily limited to this configuration. Of course, it is not a thing. For example, it is good also as a structure which forms the circular hole which has a predetermined pitch in the 2nd gearwheel 220 outer peripheral surface, and inserts the cylindrical 2nd projection part 78 in this hole. Alternatively, a so-called disk brake may be configured in which a disk is formed on the outer periphery of the second gear 220 and the rotation is suppressed by sandwiching the disk from both sides.

  In the above embodiment, the drive lever 361 and the driven lever 362 of the crank mechanism 360 are such that the distance between the one end 362a and the other end 362b of the driven lever 362 is the other of the driven lever 362 of the drive lever 361. The distance may be the same as the distance between the connecting portion (first connecting portion) to the side end 362b and the third rotation axis J3 serving as the rotation center.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid ejecting apparatus is embodied in the ink jet printer 11, but may be embodied in a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects or discharges liquid other than ink. The present invention can be used for various liquid ejecting apparatuses including a liquid ejecting head that ejects a minute amount of liquid droplets. In addition, a droplet means the state of the liquid discharged from the said liquid ejecting apparatus, and shall also include what pulls a tail in granular shape, tear shape, and thread shape. The liquid here may be any material that can be ejected by the liquid ejecting apparatus. For example, it may be in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts ) And a liquid as one state of a substance, as well as a material in which particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent. Further, representative examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiment. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of the liquid ejecting apparatus, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface emitting display, a color filter, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved state. There is a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting. Alternatively, it may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic material used for biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid that is used as a precision pipette and a sample, a printing apparatus, a micro dispenser, or the like. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. A liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a liquid onto the substrate or a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as an acid or an alkali to etch the substrate may be employed. The present invention can be applied to any one of these liquid ejecting apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Printer (liquid ejecting apparatus), 30 ... Liquid ejecting head, 32 ... Protruding part, 41 ... 1st absorbent, 42 ... 2nd absorbent, 43 ... 3rd absorbent, 70 ... Switching means, 100 ... Head maintenance Device: 120 ... Sun gear 210 ... first gear 214 ... first cam portion 215 ... second cam portion 220 ... second gear 221 ... external teeth 222 ... internal gear 230 ... planet gear 300 3rd gear, 313 ... engaging claw, 321 ... one end, 322 ... other end, 329 ... coil spring (biasing means), 350 ... suction cap (cap device), 361 ... drive lever, 362 ... driven lever, 365 ... cap member, 366 ... contact portion, 380 ... flushing box (FL box), 400 ... fourth gear, 420 ... wiper unit, 430 ... holding member, 450 ... wiping member, 500 ... first Gear, 550 ... left cap (capping unit), 550A ... cap member, 550a ... contact portion, 600 ... sixth gear, 650 ... suction pump.

Claims (5)

A cap unit capable of contacting a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid so as to surround the nozzle;
An elevating member that moves based on a driving force from a driving source to move the cap unit in an elevating direction that approaches and separates from the liquid ejecting head while engaging the cap unit;
With
The lifting member is
With the rotation in one direction centered on an axis perpendicular to the ascending / descending direction, the engaging portion with respect to the cap unit becomes a first engaged surface facing the lower side of the ascending / descending direction in the cap unit. On the other hand, while engaging from below, it moves so as to draw an upward turning trajectory approaching the liquid ejecting head around the axis,
Along with the rotation in the other direction around the axis, the engaging portion with respect to the cap unit moves so as to draw a downward rotation trajectory away from the liquid ejecting head around the axis, Engaging from above with a second engaged surface facing upward at a position lower than the first engaged surface in the ascending / descending direction of the cap unit;
The first engaged surface is in a direction perpendicular to both the ascending / descending direction and the axial direction within a range of a rotation locus drawn by the engaging portion around the axis as the elevating member rotates. A capping device having a non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the second engaged surface.   The engaging portion of the elevating member moves while drawing an upward rotation trajectory approaching the liquid ejecting head around the axis, and in the state of being closest to the liquid ejecting head, The capping device according to claim 1, wherein the capping device engages with the non-overlapping region of the first engaged surface.   The elevating member separately has a first engaging portion that engages with the first engaged surface and a second engaging portion that engages with the second engaged surface. Item 3. The capping device according to item 1 or item 2. The cap unit is
A holder member having the first engaged surface and the second engaged surface;
An urging member supported by the holder member so that the urging direction is along the ascending / descending direction;
The liquid ejection is supported in the state in which the engagement member of the elevating member is engaged with the non-overlapping region of the first engaged surface of the holder member while being supported by the holder member via the biasing member. A capping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a cap member having a contact portion that contacts the head so as to surround the nozzle. A liquid ejecting head having a nozzle for ejecting liquid;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: the capping device according to claim 1.

Images