JP2018030263A - Liquid jet device - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus capable of detecting a leak at an early stage even when the liquid leaks is provided. A liquid having a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, a liquid supply channel 27 that supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting head, an absorption unit that can absorb the liquid, and a detection unit that detects adhesion of the liquid. The first contact part A where the absorption part 60 and the detection part 62 are in contact with each other is provided with the detector 63. The absorption part 60 is provided so as to be in contact with the detection part 62 and the liquid supply flow path 27. It is provided on the gravitational direction side with respect to the second contact portion B in contact with the supply flow path 27. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, there is an ink jet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink (liquid) from a liquid ejecting head to a target. Some of these printers include a collection unit (liquid receiving unit) that collects leaked ink and a detector (liquid detector) that detects that ink is collected in the collection unit ( For example, Patent Document 1).

  That is, the recovery unit includes an absorber that absorbs ink that has leaked and dropped from above, on the entire bottom surface of the printer. The detector detects whether or not the ink is absorbed and held in the absorber based on the change in the electrical resistance between the electrode terminals according to the amount of ink absorbed and held in the absorber.

JP 2007-160825 A

  By the way, for example, when the amount of leaking ink is small, the ink may flow so as to travel along the member without dropping. Therefore, when ink is detected by the detector, there is a possibility that a wide range in the apparatus is contaminated with ink.

Such a problem is not limited to ink jet printers that eject ink, but is generally common in liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid.
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus capable of detecting a leak at an early stage even when the liquid leaks.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
A liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the above problems includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, a liquid supply channel that supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting head, an absorption unit that can absorb the liquid, and the adhesion of the liquid. A liquid detector having a detection unit for detection, wherein the absorption unit is provided so as to be in contact with the detection unit and the liquid supply flow path, and the first contact unit where the absorption unit and the detection unit are in contact with each other, It is provided on the gravity direction side with respect to the second contact portion where the absorbing portion and the liquid supply flow channel are in contact.

  According to this structure, since the absorption part is in contact with the liquid supply flow path, the liquid transmitted through the liquid supply flow path can be absorbed by the absorption part. That is, even when a very small amount of liquid that does not drip leaks, the liquid flowing through the liquid supply channel can be detected by the liquid detector. Therefore, even if the liquid leaks, the leak can be detected at an early stage.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus, the liquid supply flow path includes a connection portion that connects the upstream flow path and the downstream flow path, and the absorption portion supplies the liquid on the gravity direction side of the connection portion. It is preferable to contact the flow path.

  When liquid leakage occurs from the connecting portion, the liquid flows in the direction of gravity. In this respect, according to this configuration, since the absorption unit is in contact with the liquid supply flow path on the gravity direction side of the connection unit, the liquid detector can detect the liquid leaking from the connection unit.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus is further provided with a liquid receiving portion that is provided on the gravity direction side of the liquid supply flow path and can receive the liquid, and the absorbing portion is provided so as to be in contact with the liquid receiving portion. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, the liquid that leaks and drops from the liquid supply channel is received by the liquid receiving unit, and the liquid that travels through the liquid supply channel is absorbed by the absorption unit. And since the absorption part is also in contact with the liquid receiving part, both the dropped liquid and the liquid transmitted through the liquid supply channel can be detected by the same liquid detector.

  In the liquid ejecting apparatus, of the third contact portion where the liquid receiving portion and the absorption portion are in contact with each other and the second contact portion, one contact portion located on the gravity direction side and the first contact portion The first distance in the gravitational direction is preferably shorter than the second distance in the gravitational direction between the other contact portion and the first contact portion.

  The liquid absorbed by the absorption part is easily transmitted to the gravity direction side. And according to this structure, since the 1st distance of the contact part located in the gravity direction side and the 1st contact part is short among the 2nd contact part and the 3rd contact part, for example, the 1st contact part is the 1st contact part. Even if it is a case where it is located above the 2 contact part or the 3rd contact part, a leak can be detected at an early stage.

Preferably, the liquid ejecting apparatus further includes a waste liquid storage unit that stores the liquid discharged from the liquid jet head, and the liquid detector is provided in the waste liquid storage unit.
According to this configuration, the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit can be detected by the liquid detector that detects the liquid leaking from the liquid supply channel. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed as compared with the case where a liquid detector for detecting the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit is provided individually.

In the liquid ejecting apparatus, it is preferable that the waste liquid storage unit includes an absorption member, and at least a part of the absorption member is in contact with the absorption unit.
According to this configuration, since the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage part is transmitted to the absorption part via the absorption member, the liquid storage part before the liquid exceeding the absorbable amount of the absorption member is discharged from the liquid ejecting head. The liquid contained in the can be detected by the liquid detector.

  A liquid ejecting apparatus that solves the above problem is provided with a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid, a liquid supply channel that supplies the liquid to the liquid ejecting head, and a gravity direction side of the liquid supply channel. And a liquid detector having a detection unit that detects adhesion of the liquid, and the detection unit is disposed in the middle of a path along which the liquid moves to the liquid reception unit.

  According to this configuration, even when the liquid leaks from the liquid supply channel, the liquid detector can detect the liquid before the liquid receiving unit receives the liquid. Therefore, even if the liquid leaks, the leak can be detected at an early stage.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the liquid ejecting apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an internal structure of the liquid ejecting apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid supply channel provided in the liquid ejecting apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a liquid detector provided in the liquid ejecting apparatus of FIG. 1. The schematic diagram of the waste-liquid storage part and absorption part with which the liquid injection apparatus of 2nd Embodiment is provided. The schematic diagram of the absorption part of a 1st modification. The schematic diagram of the waste liquid storage part and liquid receiving part of a 2nd modification. The schematic diagram of the waste liquid storage part and liquid receiving part of a 3rd modification. The schematic diagram of the waste liquid accommodating part and liquid receiving part of a 4th modification. The schematic diagram of the waste liquid storage part and liquid receiving part of a 5th modification.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a liquid ejecting apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid ejecting apparatus is an ink jet printer that performs recording (printing) by ejecting ink, which is an example of liquid, on a medium such as paper.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped exterior body 12. The front portion of the exterior body 12 accommodates, in order from the bottom side to the top, a rotatable front lid 15 that covers a mounting portion 14 to which the container 13 is detachably mounted, and a medium S (see FIG. 2). A mounting port 17 in which a possible medium container 16 is mounted is arranged. Further, a discharge tray 18 for discharging the medium S and an operation panel 19 for operating the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 are arranged above the mounting opening 17. Note that the front surface of the exterior body 12 refers to a side surface that has a height and a width and that mainly performs operations on the liquid ejecting apparatus 11.

  One or a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) containers 13 can be mounted on the mounting portion 14 of the present embodiment. The liquid container 20 is detachably mounted on these containers 13. The liquid containers 20 store liquids of different types (for example, inks having different colors such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). The container 13 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 14 even in a single state that does not hold the liquid container 20, and is a constituent element that the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 includes.

  In the present embodiment, the direction that intersects (preferably orthogonally) the movement path when the container 13 is mounted on the mounting portion 14 is the width direction, and the direction in which the movement path extends is the depth direction. The width direction and the depth direction are substantially along the horizontal plane. In the drawing, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z axis on the assumption that the exterior body 12 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the moving direction when the container 13 is attached to the attachment portion 14 is indicated by the Y axis. The width direction is indicated by the X axis orthogonal to the Z axis and the Y axis. That is, the width direction, the gravity direction, and the depth direction intersect with each other (preferably orthogonally), and are directions in which the width, the height, and the depth length are written, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the exterior body 12, there are a liquid receiving unit 22, a mounting unit 14, a medium storage unit 23, a transport unit 24, and a recording unit 25 that can receive liquid in order from the bottom to the top. Contained. Further, at a position above the liquid receiving unit 22, a maintenance unit 26 that performs maintenance of the recording unit 25, a liquid supply channel 27 that supplies a liquid to the recording unit 25, and a liquid stored in the liquid container 20. And a supply mechanism 28 for supplying the liquid to the liquid supply flow path 27. That is, the liquid receiving unit 22 is provided on the gravity direction side of the mounting unit 14, the recording unit 25, the maintenance unit 26, and the liquid supply channel 27. Further, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 includes a control unit 29 that controls the operation of the recording unit 25 and the like.

  The mounting portion 14 includes a frame body 31 that forms a storage space in which the container 13 can be stored. The frame 31 forms an insertion port 32 communicating with the accommodation space from the front side. The container 13 and the liquid container 20 are mounted on the mounting unit 14 by moving in the depth direction along a moving path that extends toward the ridge and enters the storage space through the insertion port 32.

  A hollow needle-shaped supply portion 33 is provided in the back of the housing space formed by the frame body 31. When the liquid container 20 is attached to the attachment part 14, the supply port 34 of the liquid container 20 and the supply part 33 are connected, and the liquid ejecting apparatus passes the liquid contained in the liquid container 20 through the supply part 33. 11 is ready to be supplied. The supply unit 33 is provided for each type of liquid used in the recording unit 25.

The medium storage unit 23 includes a drawer-type medium storage body 16 that stores the medium S, and a guide frame 35 that guides the movement of the medium storage body 16.
The transport unit 24 includes a medium support unit 36 that supports the medium S. The transport unit 24 takes out the medium S stored in the medium storage unit 23 one by one from the medium storage unit 23 and transports it, and arranges it on the medium support unit 36.

  The recording unit 25 includes a liquid ejecting head 39 having a nozzle 38 that ejects liquid, and a carriage 40 that holds the liquid ejecting head 39. A guide shaft 41 extending along the width direction is installed inside the exterior body 12. The carriage 40 reciprocates in the width direction along the guide shaft 41, and printing is performed by the liquid ejecting head 39 ejecting liquid onto the medium S on the medium support portion 36 during the reciprocating movement.

The maintenance unit 26 performs maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 39 by discharging the liquid from the liquid ejecting head 39.
The liquid supply channel 27 is a channel for supplying a liquid from the liquid container 20 to the liquid ejecting head 39, and is provided for each type of liquid (in this embodiment, color). The liquid supply channel 27 preferably includes an upstream channel 43, a downstream channel 44, and a connection portion 45 that connects the upstream channel 43 and the downstream channel 44. The upstream flow path 43 is a flow path from the supply section 33 to the connection section 45 including the supply section 33, and the downstream flow path 44 is a flow path from the connection section 45 to the liquid ejecting head 39. .

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upstream flow path 43 of this embodiment includes a flexible supply tube 47 and a pump chamber (not shown) provided between the supply unit 33 and the supply tube 47. It is comprised including.

  The downstream flow path 44 includes a displacement portion 48 that bends and displaces following the movement of the carriage 40, and a fixed portion 49 that does not displace. The displacement part 48 is comprised including the flexible tube with which the several flow path through which a liquid of a different kind flows was paralleled, for example. The fixing portion 49 includes, for example, a plate-shaped flow path forming member 50 in which grooves are formed and a film 51 that seals the grooves, and the flow paths are formed by the grooves and the film.

  The supply tube 47 includes a portion disposed along the upper surface of the frame body 31. For example, in the present embodiment, four supply units 33 arranged in the width direction are arranged on the back side of the mounting unit 14. The four supply tubes 47 connected to each supply unit 33 are drawn in the horizontal direction along the upper surface of the frame 31 and are collected on the home side where the maintenance unit 26 (not shown in FIG. 3) is arranged. Then, the downstream portions of the collected four supply tubes 47 change the direction upward in the vertical direction, and then are connected to the connection portion 45.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the supply tube 47 is connected to the connection portion 45 when the portion arranged along the upper surface of the frame body 31 is locked by the locking portion 53 protruding from the frame body 31. When removed from the supply tube 47, the supply tube 47 can be moved together with the frame body 31. Thereby, the supply tube 47 can be united with the frame 31 and can be attached and detached as a unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the connecting portion 45 includes a downstream end of the supply tube 47 serving as the downstream end of the upstream flow passage 43 and an upstream end of the fixing portion 49 serving as the upstream end of the downstream flow passage 44. Are preferably connected. For example, the connection part 45 can have a plurality of connection pipes 45a that open vertically downward, and a plurality of supply tubes 47 can be attached to and detached from the connection pipe 45a. Moreover, the connection part 45 can also be set as the structure which can attach or detach the downstream flow path 44. FIG. The displacement part 48 may be detachably connected to the connection part 45. The connection part 45 may have a connection pipe 45a that opens in a plurality of directions, and the direction in which the connection pipe 45a opens is a horizontal direction (for example, a depth direction or a width direction) or a vertical direction (for example, vertically upward). It is good.

  The supply mechanism 28 includes a transformation mechanism 55, a drive source 56 for the transformation mechanism 55, a transformation chamber (not shown) partitioned via the pump chamber and a flexible membrane (not shown), the transformation mechanism 55 and the transformation chamber. And a transforming flow path 57 (see FIG. 3) to be connected.

  When the transformation mechanism 55 depressurizes the transformation chamber through the transformation flow path 57 by driving the drive source 56 (for example, a motor), the flexible membrane is deflected and displaced toward the transformation chamber, thereby reducing the pressure in the pump chamber. As the pressure in the pump chamber decreases, the liquid stored in the liquid container 20 is sucked into the pump chamber through the supply unit 33 and the supply port 34. This is called suction drive. Thereafter, when the pressure-reducing mechanism 55 releases the pressure-reducing pressure in the pressure-transforming chamber through the pressure-transforming channel 57, the flexible membrane is deflected and displaced toward the pump chamber, thereby increasing the pressure in the pump chamber. Then, as the pressure in the pump chamber increases, the liquid in the pump chamber flows out into the supply tube 47 in a pressurized state. This is called ejection driving. The supply mechanism 28 supplies the liquid stored in the liquid container 20 to the liquid supply channel 27 by alternately repeating the suction drive and the discharge drive.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 includes an absorption unit 60 that can absorb liquid, a holding unit 61 that is provided between the absorption unit 60 and the frame 31 and holds the absorption unit 60, And a liquid detector 63 having a detector 62 for detecting adhesion. The absorbing portion 60 is provided in a bent state so as to extend from the upper surface of the frame body 31 to the bottom surface of the liquid receiving portion 22 along the side surface.

  The absorber 60 is preferably provided at a position closer to the gravity direction than the connecting portion 45, and is provided so as to contact the liquid supply flow path 27 from the gravity direction side. The absorption part 60 of this embodiment is provided vertically below a portion provided along the vertical direction of the supply tube 47. That is, the absorption part 60 is provided directly below the connection part 45, and is provided directly below the conversion part 64 in which the direction in which the supply tube 47 is arranged is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction.

  For this reason, the absorption unit 60 can absorb the liquid that leaks from the liquid supply channel 27 and flows through the liquid supply channel 27 without being discharged from the nozzle 38 of the liquid ejecting head 39. The liquid detector 63 is electrically connected to the control unit 29.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid detector 63 has a support portion 65 that supports the detection portion 62. And the detection part 62 is arrange | positioned in the state inclined and supported by the support part 65. As shown in FIG. Moreover, the absorption part 60 is arrange | positioned in the state compressed by a part being pinched | interposed into the detection part 62 and the support part 65. FIG. That is, the absorption unit 60 is provided in contact with the detection unit 62. In the present embodiment, a portion where the absorption portion 60 and the detection portion 62 are in contact with each other is referred to as a first contact portion A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first contact portion A is provided closer to the gravity direction than the second contact portion B where the absorption portion 60 and the liquid supply flow path 27 are in contact. Further, the absorption part 60 is provided so as to be in contact with the liquid receiving part 22. The third contact portion C where the liquid receiving portion 22 and the absorbing portion 60 are in contact is located on the gravity direction side with respect to the first contact portion A and the second contact portion B. Of the third contact portion C and the second contact portion B, the first distance L1 in the gravity direction between one contact portion (third contact portion C) located on the gravity direction side and the first contact portion A is the other. Shorter than the second distance L2 in the direction of gravity between the first contact portion A and the second contact portion (second contact portion B).

  Further, the absorption unit 60 constitutes a path through which the liquid leaked from the liquid supply channel 27 moves to the liquid receiving unit 22. That is, the liquid absorbed in the second contact portion B diffuses in the absorption portion 60 and moves to the liquid receiving portion 22 and the liquid detector 63. The detection unit 62 of the present embodiment is provided at a position where a path (absorbing unit 60) passing through the second contact part B and the third contact part C is further extended from the third contact part C.

Next, the operation of the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 configured as described above will be described.
For example, when a connection failure occurs in the connection portion 45 or when a bonding failure of the film 51 to the flow path forming member 50 occurs, the liquid may leak from the liquid supply flow path 27. When the amount of leaked liquid is large, the liquid is dropped or dropped and received by the liquid receiving unit 22 and is also absorbed by the absorption unit 60 at the third contact unit C. When the amount of leaked liquid is small, the liquid flows in the direction of gravity so as to travel along the liquid supply flow path 27 and is absorbed by the absorption unit 60 at the second contact portion B. Then, the liquid absorbed by the absorption unit 60 diffuses in the absorption unit 60.

  When the liquid reaches the first contact portion A, the detection unit 62 detects the adhesion of the liquid, and the liquid detector 63 outputs liquid leakage information to the control unit 29. For example, the control unit 29 displays liquid leakage information on the operation panel 19 and notifies the user of an error.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Since the absorption unit 60 is in contact with the liquid supply channel 27, the liquid transmitted through the liquid supply channel 27 can be absorbed by the absorption unit 60. That is, even when a small amount of liquid that does not drip leaks, the liquid detector 63 can detect the liquid that travels through the liquid supply flow path 27. Therefore, even if the liquid leaks, the leak can be detected at an early stage.

  (2) When liquid leakage occurs from the connecting portion 45, the liquid flows in the direction of gravity. In that respect, since the absorption unit 60 is in contact with the liquid supply flow path 27 on the gravity direction side of the connection unit 45, the liquid detector 63 can detect the liquid leaking from the connection unit 45.

  (3) The liquid that leaks and drops from the liquid supply flow path 27 is received by the liquid receiving section 22, and the liquid that travels through the liquid supply flow path 27 is absorbed by the absorption section 60. Since the absorbing unit 60 is also in contact with the liquid receiving unit 22, both the dropped liquid and the liquid passing through the liquid supply channel 27 can be detected by the same liquid detector 63.

  (4) The liquid absorbed by the absorption part 60 is easily transmitted to the gravity direction side. And since the 1st distance L1 of the 3rd contact part C and the 1st contact part A which are located in the gravity direction side among the 2nd contact part B and the 3rd contact part C is short, for example, the 1st contact part A Even if it is a case where it is located above the 2nd contact part B or the 3rd contact part C, a leak can be detected at an early stage.

  (5) Since the absorption part 60 is provided so as to be in contact with a part of the liquid supply channel 27 and the liquid receiving part 22, for example, the absorption part covers the entire area of the liquid reception part 22 and the entire length of the liquid supply channel 27 Compared with the case where 60 is provided, the area of the absorption part 60 can be reduced. Therefore, the cost for providing the absorption unit 60 can be reduced. Moreover, the liquid absorbed by the absorption part 60 diffuses radially from the absorbed position. Therefore, by reducing the size of the absorption unit 60, the liquid can be moved to the detection unit 62 at an early stage when the liquid leaks from the liquid supply channel 27.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the liquid ejecting apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the arrangement of the liquid detector 63 is different from that in the first embodiment. And since it is substantially the same as 1st Embodiment in another point, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol about the same structure.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the maintenance unit 26 includes a cap 67 that can be moved relative to the liquid ejecting head 39, a discharge path 68 having an upstream end connected to the cap 67, and a middle of the discharge path 68. And a suction mechanism 69 provided. Furthermore, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 includes a waste liquid storage unit 70 that stores liquid (waste liquid) discharged from the liquid jet head 39 during maintenance (cleaning, flushing, etc.) by the maintenance unit 26.

  The liquid ejecting head 39 discharges the liquid toward the cap 67 by suction associated with driving of the suction mechanism 69, pressurized supply of liquid associated with driving of the supply mechanism 28 (see FIG. 2), or liquid ejection. In order to prevent or eliminate the injection failure. The liquid discharged to the cap 67 is stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70 and is absorbed by the absorption member 71 included in the waste liquid storage unit 70.

  The liquid detector 63 of the present embodiment is provided in the waste liquid storage unit 70 and also detects the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70. At least a part of the absorbing member 71 is in contact with the absorbing portion 60. In other words, the absorption part 60 is provided in such a manner that a part thereof is sandwiched between the absorption member 71 and the liquid detector 63. Note that the absorption unit 60 and the liquid detector 63 may be stacked on the absorption member 71.

  It is preferable that the absorption part 60 and the absorption member 71 are in contact with each other at a position away from the downstream end of the discharge path 68 in the horizontal direction or at a position vertically above. When the liquid detector 63 is arranged in this manner, the liquid detector 63 can detect the liquid before the liquid is stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70 and the liquid overflows from the waste liquid storage unit 70.

Next, the operation of the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 configured as described above will be described.
When the liquid discharged from the nozzle 38 in accordance with the maintenance of the liquid ejecting head 39 is discharged from the discharge path 68, the liquid is absorbed by the absorbing member 71. Furthermore, the waste liquid absorbed by the absorbing member 71 easily diffuses in the direction of gravity, and also diffuses in the horizontal direction from the absorbed position.

  When the absorbable amount of liquid that can be absorbed by the absorbing member 71 is discharged, the absorbing member 71 is in a state of containing liquid in the entire region. For this reason, the waste liquid also penetrates into the absorption part 60 in contact with the absorption member 71. Further, the liquid leaking from the liquid supply flow path 27 is absorbed by the absorption unit 60.

  When the liquid detector 63 detects the adhesion of the liquid (waste liquid), the liquid detector 63 outputs liquid detection information to the control unit 29. For example, the control unit 29 displays liquid detection information on the operation panel 19 and notifies the user of an error.

According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (5) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(6) The liquid detector 63 that detects the liquid leaked from the liquid supply flow path 27 can detect the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed as compared with the case where the liquid detector 63 for detecting the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70 is individually provided.

  (7) Since the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70 is transmitted to the absorption unit 60 via the absorption member 71, the waste liquid is discharged before the liquid exceeding the absorbable amount of the absorption member 71 is discharged from the liquid ejecting head 39. The liquid stored in the storage unit 70 can be detected by the liquid detector 63.

In addition, you may change the said embodiment like the example of a change shown below. Moreover, you may combine the said embodiment and the following modified example arbitrarily.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the detection unit 62 may be disposed in the middle of the absorption unit 60 that configures a path connecting the second contact unit B and the third contact unit C (first modification). According to the first modification, even when the liquid leaks from the liquid supply flow path 27, the liquid detector 63 can detect the liquid before the liquid receiving unit 22 receives the liquid. Therefore, even if the liquid leaks, the leak can be detected at an early stage. At this time, the first distance L1 is preferably shorter than the second distance L2.

  The path along which the liquid moves is not limited to the absorption unit 60. For example, the path may be formed by a groove, a tube, a thread-like member (for example, a thread, a string, a wire), a chain formed by connecting a plurality of members such as an annular shape or a ball shape, a slope, a vertical surface, or the like. Further, the entrance corner where the bottom surface and the side surface intersect inward may be continuously formed as a path. When the liquid drops or falls on the liquid receiving unit 22, the space through which the liquid passes also becomes a path. For example, the absorption unit 60 and the detection unit 62 may be arranged in the space serving as the path to detect the liquid. . In other words, the absorption unit 60 may not be in contact with the liquid supply flow path 27 and may have a configuration in which the absorption unit 60 is not provided.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 may include an introduction unit 73 that can introduce the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 22 into the waste liquid storage unit 70 (second modification). Moreover, it is preferable to provide the detection part 62 or the detected part detected by the detection part 62 at a position closer to the introduction part 73 than the downstream end of the discharge path 68 in the horizontal direction. The waste liquid storage unit 70 includes a wall 74 protruding from the bottom surface, the downstream end of the discharge path 68 is disposed on one side across the wall 74 in the horizontal direction, and the detection unit 62 and the introduction unit 73 are disposed on the other side. It is preferable to do this. The wall 74 may be provided above the detection unit 62.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the detection unit 62 may be provided so as to be positioned vertically below the absorbing member 71. That is, the liquid detector 63 may detect the liquid overflowing from the absorbing member 71 without being completely absorbed by the absorbing member 71.

  The liquid detector 63 may be a non-contact sensor. For example, the liquid detector 63 may be an optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part, and light may be applied to a detected part such as a prism installed in the waste liquid storage part 70 to detect adhesion of the liquid. Good. When the liquid detector 63 is a contact-type sensor, a region in which the detection unit 62 detects liquid or a region in which the absorbing member 71 contacts the detection unit 62 in the space in the waste liquid storage unit 70. Becomes a detected part.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the waste liquid storage unit 70 may have an engagement hole through which the discharge path 68 and the introduction unit 73 can be inserted and removed, and may be an exchangeable type that can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 (third). Modification). The waste liquid storage unit 70 may include a lid 77 that covers the upper surface of the liquid container 20.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the introduction unit 73 includes the absorbing material 75, and the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 22 is introduced to the detection unit 62 disposed in the waste liquid storage unit 70 through the absorbing material 75. (4th modification). With this configuration, since the liquid received in the liquid receiving unit 22 is introduced into the waste liquid storage unit 70 via the absorbent material 75, the flow path from the liquid reception unit 22 to the waste liquid storage unit 70 can be freely set. It is provided and design freedom can be improved.

  -As shown in FIG. 10, you may extend the absorption member 71 to the liquid receiving part 22 (5th modification). That is, at least a part of the absorbing member 71 included in the waste liquid storage unit 70 may be provided so as to contact the liquid receiving unit 22. With this configuration, since the liquid received by the liquid receiving unit 22 is introduced into the waste liquid storage unit 70 via the absorption member 71, the flow path from the liquid reception unit 22 to the waste liquid storage unit 70 can be freely set. It is provided and design freedom can be improved.

  -A plurality of absorption parts 60 may be provided. For example, you may arrange | position the absorption part 60 also in the position of the gravity direction of the supply part 33. FIG. Further, the liquid ejecting apparatus 11 may include a plurality of liquid detectors 63. That is, the liquid detectors 63 individually corresponding to the plurality of absorption units 60 or the plurality of liquid detectors 63 may be provided in one absorption unit 60.

  The absorbing unit 60 may be brought into contact with the liquid supply channel 27 at an arbitrary position in the liquid supply channel 27. That is, the absorption part 60 may be brought into contact with the connection part 45 or may be brought into contact with the downstream channel 44. Moreover, you may make the absorption part 60 contact the liquid supply flow path 27 in several positions. In the case where a plurality of second contact portions B are provided, the first contact portion A is preferably positioned between the second contact portions B in the path formed by the absorption portion 60. Furthermore, the first contact portion A is preferably provided so that the difference in distance from each second contact portion B is small.

  -You may form a convex part in the absorption part 60. FIG. For example, when a cylindrical flow path and the supply tube 47 are arranged in parallel, a concave line is formed between the flow paths, and the liquid may flow along the concave line. Therefore, by arranging the convex part of the absorption part 60 in the groove, it is possible to more easily absorb the liquid transmitted through the liquid supply flow path 27.

  The waste liquid storage unit 70 may not include the absorbing member 71. For example, the liquid detector 63 may detect the liquid stored in the waste liquid storage unit 70 by detecting light transmitted through the waste liquid storage unit 70.

-The absorption member 71 and the absorption part 60 do not need to contact.
-It is good also as a structure which is not provided with the waste liquid storage part 70. FIG. The liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting head 39 may be discharged out of the liquid ejecting apparatus 11, for example.

  -The positions of the first contact part A to the third contact part C may be arbitrarily changed. That is, for example, the third contact portion C may be provided above the second contact portion B. The first contact portion A may be provided below the third contact portion C. The first distance L1 may be the same as or longer than the second distance L2.

-It is good also as a structure which is not provided with the liquid receiving part 22. FIG. Further, the absorption unit 60 may not be in contact with the liquid receiving unit 22.
-The liquid supply flow path 27 does not need to be provided with the connection part 45. FIG. Moreover, the connection part 45 may connect the upstream flow path 43 and the downstream flow path 44 so that attachment or detachment is impossible.

The upstream channel 43 may have a connection part 45, and the downstream channel 44 may be directly connected to the connection part 45 of the upstream channel 43.
The liquid ejected by the liquid ejecting unit is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid material in which functional material particles are dispersed or mixed in the liquid. For example, recording is performed by ejecting a liquid material in which a material such as an electrode material or a color material (pixel material) used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, and a surface emitting display is dispersed or dissolved. It may be configured.

  The medium S is not limited to paper, but may be a plastic film, a thin plate, or the like, or may be a fabric used in a printing apparatus. Further, the medium S does not have to be a single sheet cut to a predetermined size. For example, the medium S may be a roll-shaped medium wound in a cylindrical shape, or a garment having an arbitrary shape such as a T-shirt. It may be a three-dimensional object of any shape such as tableware or stationery.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Liquid injection apparatus, 12 ... Exterior body, 13 ... Container, 14 ... Mounting part, 15 ... Front lid, 16 ... Medium container, 17 ... Mounting port, 18 ... Discharge tray, 19 ... Operation panel, 20 ... Liquid storage Body 22... Liquid receiving part 23. Medium accommodating part 24. Transporting part 25 25 recording part 26 maintenance part 27 liquid supply channel 28 supply mechanism 29 control part 31 frame 32 ... Insertion port, 33 ... Supply unit, 34 ... Supply port, 35 ... Guide frame, 36 ... Medium support unit, 38 ... Nozzle, 39 ... Liquid ejecting head, 40 ... Carriage, 41 ... Guide shaft, 43 ... Upstream side Flow path, 44 ... downstream flow path, 45 ... connection part, 45a ... connection pipe, 47 ... supply tube, 48 ... displacement part, 49 ... fixing part, 50 ... flow path forming member, 51 ... film, 53 ... locking Part, 55 ... transforming mechanism, 56 ... drive source, 57 ... transforming channel, 60 ... Collecting part 61 ... Holding part 62 ... Detection part 63 ... Liquid detector 64 ... Conversion part 65 ... Supporting part 67 ... Cap 68 68 Discharge path 69 ... Suction mechanism 70 ... Waste liquid storage part 71 ... absorbing member, 73 ... introducing part, 74 ... wall part, 75 ... absorbing material, 77 ... lid part, A ... first contact part, B ... second contact part, C ... third contact part, S ... medium, L1 ... 1st distance, L2 ... 2nd distance.

Claims (7)

A liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid;
A liquid supply channel for supplying the liquid to the liquid ejecting head;
An absorption part capable of absorbing the liquid;
A liquid detector having a detection unit for detecting the adhesion of the liquid,
The absorption part is provided so as to contact the detection part and the liquid supply channel, and a first contact part where the absorption part and the detection part are in contact is a first contact part where the absorption part and the liquid supply channel are in contact with each other. A liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the liquid ejecting apparatus is provided closer to the gravity direction than the two contact portions. The liquid supply flow path has a connection portion that connects the upstream flow path and the downstream flow path,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the absorption unit is in contact with the liquid supply channel on the gravity direction side of the connection unit. A liquid receiving portion that is provided on the gravity direction side of the liquid supply flow path and is capable of receiving the liquid;
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the absorption unit is provided so as to be in contact with the liquid receiving unit.   Of the third contact portion where the liquid receiving portion and the absorption portion are in contact with each other, and the second contact portion, the one contact portion located on the gravity direction side and the first contact portion in the gravity direction. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first distance is shorter than a second distance in the gravity direction between the other contact portion and the first contact portion. A waste liquid storage unit for storing the liquid discharged from the liquid jet head;
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid detector is provided in the waste liquid storage unit.   The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the waste liquid storage unit includes an absorption member, and at least a part of the absorption member is in contact with the absorption unit. A liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid;
A liquid supply channel for supplying the liquid to the liquid ejecting head;
A liquid receiving portion provided on the gravity direction side of the liquid supply flow path, and capable of receiving the liquid;
A liquid detector having a detection unit for detecting the adhesion of the liquid,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed in a middle of a path along which the liquid moves to the liquid receiving unit.

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