JP7794022B2 - liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from nozzles in a head to print on a sheet.

An inkjet printer, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, is a known example of a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from the nozzles of a head to print on a sheet. The inkjet printer in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a wiping mechanism that removes ink from the nozzle surface of the ink head, and a wiper cleaning mechanism that can clean the wiper. The wiper rotates around its axis of rotation and is immersed in wiper cleaning fluid, removing ink from the nozzle surface.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-198988

The wiper cleaning mechanism of the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1 requires space within the housing to move the wiper relative to the cleaning liquid tank that stores the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, movement of the wiper or cleaning liquid tank can cause the cleaning liquid to splash or leak.

The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device that is less likely to cause cleaning liquid to splash or leak onto the housing.

The liquid ejection device according to the present invention includes a head that ejects liquid from nozzles that open on a nozzle surface, an absorbent wiper, a support base that supports the absorbent wiper, a liquid flow path that extends along the absorbent wiper on the support base and opens upward at least partially along the absorbent wiper to allow impregnating liquid to flow, a tank that stores the impregnating liquid, a first pump that distributes impregnating liquid from the tank to the liquid flow path, a drive unit that moves the support base between a standby position and a maintenance position where the absorbent wiper wipes the nozzle surface, and a control unit. The control unit positions the support base at the maintenance position, drives the first pump to distribute impregnating liquid through the liquid flow path, thereby performing the wiping, and drives the first pump to discharge the impregnating liquid from the liquid flow path before moving the support base from the maintenance position to the standby position.

With the above configuration, the impregnating liquid in the liquid flow path is drained before the support base is moved from the maintenance position to the standby position, preventing the impregnating liquid from leaking from the liquid flow path due to movement of the support base.

The liquid ejection device of the present invention can prevent cleaning liquid from spilling inside the housing.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image recording apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, showing the state in which the head 38 is in the recording position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the first position, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the standby position. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the upper housing 31 in FIG. 2 is in the open position. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the head 38. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52 in the second posture. FIG. 6 is a front view of the first support mechanism 51 and the maintenance mechanism 60 in the second position. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the maintenance mechanism 60. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the maintenance mechanism 60. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid flow path 153 of the support base 61 cut along a plane parallel to the flow direction of the liquid flow path 153 . FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the image recording device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, showing the state in which the head 38 is in the capped position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the first posture, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the maintenance position. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, showing the state in which the head 38 is in the wiped position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the first posture, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the wiping position. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the II-II section of Figure 1, and shows the state in which the head 38 is in the recording position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the second posture, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in a position supported by the first support mechanism 51. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the II-II section of Figure 1, and shows the state in which the head 38 is in the recording position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the second posture, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in a position between the standby position and the maintenance position. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, showing the state in which the head 38 is in the recording position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the second posture, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the standby position. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the head 38 is in the recording position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the first position, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the standby position.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that this embodiment is merely one implementation of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the implementation can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description, the direction from the start point of an arrow to the end point is expressed as a direction, and the movement along the line connecting the start point and end point of an arrow is expressed as a direction. In the following description, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the state in which the image recording device 100 is installed and ready for use (the state shown in Figure 1), the front-to-rear direction 8 is defined with the side where the discharge outlet 33 is located as the near side (front), and the left-to-right direction 9 is defined when looking at the image recording device 100 from the near side (front).

[External Configuration of Image Recording Device 100]
The image recording apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 records an image on a sheet S in the form of a roll 37 (see FIG. 2) by an inkjet recording method.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image recording device 100 includes a housing 30. The housing 30 includes an upper housing 31 and a lower housing 32. The upper housing 31 and the lower housing 32 are generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape overall, and are large enough to be placed on a table. In other words, the image recording device 100 is suitable for use while placed on a table. Of course, the image recording device 100 may also be used while placed on the floor or in a rack.

As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 30 is divided from the outside into an internal space 31A inside the upper housing 31 and an internal space 32A inside the lower housing 32.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper housing 31 is rotatably supported by the lower housing 32. The upper housing 31 can rotate around a rotation axis 15 provided at the lower rear end and extending in the left-right direction 9 between a closed position shown in Figure 2 and an open position shown in Figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, a slit-shaped discharge opening 33 that is long in the left-right direction 9 is formed on the front surface 32F of the lower housing 32. A sheet S (see FIG. 2) with an image recorded on it is discharged from the discharge opening 33.

An operation panel 44 is provided on the front surface 31F of the upper housing 31. The user uses the operation panel 44 to input commands to operate the image recording device 100 and to confirm various settings.

[Internal configuration of image recording device 100]
2, the internal spaces 31A, 32A are provided with a holder 35, a tensioner 45, a pair of conveying rollers 36, a pair of conveying rollers 40, a head 38, a first support mechanism 51, a heater 39, a support portion 46, a second support mechanism 52, a CIS 25, a cutter unit 26, an ink tank 34, an impregnation liquid tank 76, a waste liquid tank 77, a maintenance mechanism 60, and a controller 130 (see FIG. 10). The controller 130 controls the operation of the image recording device 100.

A partition wall 41 is provided in the internal space 32A. The partition wall 41 divides the lower rear section of the internal space 32A, defining the seat storage space 32C. The seat storage space 32C is surrounded by the partition wall 41 and the lower housing 32.

A roll body 37 is stored in the sheet storage space 32C. The roll body 37 has a core tube and a long sheet S. The sheet S is wound around the core tube in a roll shape in the circumferential direction of the core tube's axis.

As shown in FIG. 2, a holder 35 extending in the left-right direction 9 is located in the sheet storage space 32C. When installed, the holder 35 supports the roll 37 so that the axis of the core tube of the roll 37 is aligned with the left-right direction 9 and the roll 37 is rotatable circumferentially around the axis. The holder 35 rotates when a driving force is transmitted from a conveyance motor (an example of a drive unit, see FIG. 10) 53. As the holder 35 rotates, the roll 37 supported by the holder 35 also rotates.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet storage space 32C opens upward at the rear. More specifically, a gap 42 is formed between the partition 41 and the rear surface 32B, i.e., above the rear end of the roll body 37. As the conveying roller pair 36, 40 rotates, the sheet S is pulled upward from the rear end of the roll body 37 and guided to the tensioner 45 via the gap 42.

The tensioner 45 is located at the rear of the internal space 32A, above the partition wall 41. The tensioner 45 has an outer peripheral surface 45A that faces the outside of the lower housing 32. The upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A is located at approximately the same vertical position as the nip D of the conveying roller pair 36 in the vertical direction 7.

The sheet S pulled out from the roll body 37 is hung on and contacts the outer peripheral surface 45A. The sheet S curves forward along the outer peripheral surface 45A, extends in the conveying direction 8A, and is guided by the conveying roller pair 36. The conveying direction 8A is forward along the front-to-rear direction 8.

A conveying roller pair 36 is located in front of the tensioner 45. The conveying roller pair 36 includes a conveying roller 36A and a pinch roller 36B. The conveying roller 36A and the pinch roller 36B abut against each other at a vertical position roughly flush with the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A, forming a nip D.

The conveying roller pair 40 is located in front of the conveying roller pair 36. The conveying roller pair 40 includes a conveying roller 40A and a pinch roller 40B. The conveying roller 40A and the pinch roller 40B come into contact with each other at a vertical position roughly coincident with the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A, forming a nip.

The conveying rollers 36A, 40A are rotated by a driving force transmitted from a conveying motor 53 (see Figure 10). The conveying roller pair 36 rotates while nipping the sheet S extending from the tensioner 45 in the conveying direction 8A, thereby sending the sheet in the conveying direction 8A along the conveying surface 43A of the conveying path 43 (described below). The conveying roller pair 40 rotates while nipping the sheet S sent out from the conveying roller pair 36, thereby sending the sheet in the conveying direction 8A. Furthermore, the rotation of the conveying roller pairs 36, 40 pulls the sheet S from the sheet storage space 32C through the gap 42 toward the tensioner 45.

As shown in FIG. 2, a transport path 43 is formed in the internal space 32A, extending from the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A to the discharge opening 33. The transport path 43 extends substantially linearly along the transport direction 8A, allowing the sheet S to pass through. Specifically, the transport path 43 extends in the transport direction 8A and the left-right direction 9 and extends along a transport surface 43A that is long in the transport direction 8A. Note that in FIG. 2, the transport surface 43A is indicated by a two-dot chain line representing the transport path 43. The transport path 43 is defined by a guide member (not shown), a head 38, a transport belt 101, a support portion 46, a heater 39, and other components that are spaced apart in the vertical direction 7. In other words, the head 38, the transport belt 101, the support portion 46, and the heater 39 are positioned along the transport path 43.

The head 38 is located above the transport path 43 and downstream of the transport roller pair 36 in the transport direction 8A. The head 38 has multiple nozzles 38A that open in the nozzle surface 50 (see Figure 4). Ink is ejected downward from the multiple nozzles 38A toward the sheet S supported by the transport belt 101. This causes an image to be recorded on the sheet S. The configuration of the head 38 will be described in detail later.

The first support mechanism 51 is located below the conveying path 43, downstream of the conveying roller pair 36 in the conveying direction 8A. The first support mechanism 51 faces the head 38 below it. The first support mechanism 51 has a conveying belt 101 and a support member 104. The conveying belt 101 supports the sheet S that has been conveyed in the conveying direction 8A by the conveying roller pair 36 and is positioned directly below the head 38. The conveying belt 101 conveys the supported sheet S in the conveying direction 8A. The support member 104 is capable of supporting the maintenance mechanism 60. The configuration of the first support mechanism 51 will be described in detail later.

The heater 39 is located below the conveying path 43, downstream of the head 38 in the conveying direction 8A and upstream of the conveying roller pair 40 in the conveying direction 8A. The heater 39 is supported by a frame forward of the first support mechanism 51 and extends in the left-right direction 9. The heater 39 includes a heat transfer plate (not shown) and a film heater (not shown). The heat transfer plate is made of metal and has a support surface extending in the front-rear and left-right directions at approximately the same vertical position as the conveying surface 108 of the conveyor belt 101. The sheet S sent from the first support mechanism 51 is conveyed forward on the support surface of the heat transfer plate. The film heater is fixed to the underside of the heat transfer plate and generates heat under the control of the controller 130. This heat is transferred to the sheet S on the heat transfer plate via the heat transfer plate. Heat from the heater 39 is collected by a duct 145 located above the heater 39.

The duct 145 is located above the conveying path 43, downstream of the head 38 in the conveying direction 8A and upstream of the conveying roller pair 40.

The support section 46 is located below the conveying path 43. The support section 46 is located downstream of the head 38 and the first support mechanism 51 in the conveying direction 8A. The heater 39 is located behind the support section 46. The front section of the support section 46 faces the conveying roller 40A. The support section 46 supports the sheet S conveyed in the conveying direction 8A by the conveying belt 101 of the first support mechanism 51.

The support portion 46 is supported by the lower housing 32 so as to be rotatable around an axis (not shown) extending in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. 3, when the upper housing 31 is in the open position, the support portion 46 can be rotated between a lying position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 3 and an upright position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 3.

When the support portion 46 is in the reclined position, the pivot tip 46B of the support portion 46 is located forward of the pivot base end 46A (downstream in the conveying direction 8A). When the support portion 46 is in the reclined position, the support portion 46 forms part of the conveying path 43 and is capable of supporting a sheet S conveyed in the conveying direction 8A by the conveyor belt 101. When the support portion 46 is in the upright position, the pivot tip 46B of the support portion 46 is located higher than when the support portion 46 is in the reclined position, allowing the maintenance mechanism 60 to be exposed to the outside. The shaft of the support portion 46 is provided at the rear end of the support portion 46 and extends in the left-right direction 9.

The second support mechanism 52 is located below the support portion 46 and is supported by the lower housing 32, thereby being fixed inside the lower housing 32. The second support mechanism 52 is capable of supporting the maintenance mechanism 60. The configuration of the second support mechanism 52 will be described in detail later.

CIS 25 is located above conveyance path 43 and downstream of conveyance roller pair 40 in conveyance direction 8A. CIS 25 can read the image on the printing surface of the sheet.

The cutter unit 26 is located above the conveying path 43 and downstream of the CIS 25 in the conveying direction 8A. The cutter unit 26 has a cutter 28 mounted on a cutter carriage 27. As the cutter 28 moves, the sheet S positioned on the conveying path 43 is cut in the left-right direction 9.

The ink tank 34 stores ink. The ink is a liquid containing pigments and other ingredients. The ink is supplied from the ink tank 34 to the head 38 through a tube (not shown).

The impregnation liquid tank 76 stores the impregnation liquid L. The impregnation liquid L is used to clean the nozzle surface 50 of the head 38. The impregnation liquid tank 76 is located below the second support mechanism 52, which will be described later. The impregnation liquid tank 76 is formed with an air communication passage 83 that connects the air layer formed inside the tank to the outside. The impregnation liquid tank 76 has an impregnation liquid flow valve (an example of a valve) 84 that opens and closes the air communication passage 83. The waste liquid tank 77 is a container from which the impregnation liquid L is discharged. Note that the impregnation liquid tank 76 and waste liquid tank 77 are omitted from Figures 11 to 16.

The maintenance mechanism 60 is used to perform maintenance on the head 38. The maintenance mechanism 60 is configured to be movable, and is moved to a position directly below the head 38 when maintenance is to be performed on the head 38 (see Figure 11).

Maintenance of the head 38 includes purging, cap cleaning, and wiping. As shown in FIG. 11, purging involves covering the nozzle surface 50 with a cap 62 (described later) of the maintenance mechanism 60, and then using a suction pump 74 (an example of a second pump) to suck ink from the nozzles 38A. As shown in FIG. 12, wiping involves wiping the nozzle surface 50 of the head 38 with an impregnating liquid L pumped into the cap 62 while the nozzle surface 50 is covered by the cap 62. As shown in FIG. 12, wiping involves wiping the nozzle surface 50 of the head 38 with a sponge wiper (an example of an absorbent wiper) 64 (described later) of the maintenance mechanism 60. The configuration of the maintenance mechanism 60 will be described in detail later.

[Head 38]
The head 38 shown in Figures 2 and 4 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction 9. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the head 38 includes a frame 48 and three discharge modules 49A, 49B, and 49C. Hereinafter, the three discharge modules 49A, 49B, and 49C will also be collectively referred to as discharge modules 49. Note that the number of discharge modules 49 is not limited to three and may be, for example, one.

2 and 4, the discharge module 49 is supported by a frame 48. Three openings are formed in a lower surface 48A of the frame 48. Each of the discharge modules 49A, 49B, and 49C is disposed so that its lower surface is positioned in one of the openings. This exposes the lower surface of each discharge module 49 downward. The discharge module 49 is disposed within the transport path 43 in the left-right direction 9.

As shown in FIG. 4, the discharge modules 49A and 49B are arranged at the same position in the conveying direction 8A. The discharge modules 49A and 49B are arranged with a gap between them in the left-right direction 9. The discharge module 49C is arranged downstream of the discharge modules 49A and 49B in the conveying direction 8A. The discharge module 49C is arranged between two adjacent discharge modules 49A and 49B in the left-right direction 9. The left end of the discharge module 49C is located to the left of the right end of the discharge module 49A. The right end of the discharge module 49C is located to the right of the left end of the discharge module 49B. In other words, the end of the discharge module 49C overlaps with the ends of the discharge modules 49A and 49B in the left-right direction 9.

Each ejection module 49A, 49B, 49C has a plurality of nozzles 38A. Each nozzle 38A opens to a nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49A, 49B, 49C. The nozzle surface 50 is a surface extending in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9. As described above, ink is ejected downward from the plurality of nozzles 38A toward the sheet S supported by the conveyor belt 101 of the first support mechanism 51, thereby recording an image on the sheet S. Note that the arrangement and number of the plurality of nozzles 38A are not limited to those shown in Figures 2 and 4.

The head 38 moves along the vertical direction 7 to the recording position shown in Figures 13 to 15, the capped position shown in Figure 11, the wiping position shown by solid lines in Figure 12, and the uncapped position shown by dashed lines in Figure 12. The recording position is the position of the head 38 when recording an image on a sheet S supported by the conveyor belt 101. The capped position is the position of the head 38 when the ejection module 49 is covered by the cap 62 of the maintenance mechanism 60. The capped position is a position above the recording position (a position farther from the first support mechanism 51 than the recording position). The wiping position is the position of the head 38 when the sponge wiper 64 of the maintenance mechanism 60 wipes the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49. The wiping position is a position above the capped position. The uncapped position is the position of the head 38 when the head 38 is completely separated from the maintenance mechanism 60. The uncapped position is a position above the wiping position.

As shown in FIG. 2, the head 38 is moved by a ball screw 29. The ball screw 29 includes a screw shaft 29A and a nut member 29B. The screw shaft 29A is supported by the lower housing 32 so that it can rotate around an axis along the vertical direction 7. The screw shaft 29A rotates when a driving force is transmitted from the head motor 54 (see FIG. 10). Note that the configuration for moving the head 38 up and down is not limited to a configuration using the ball screw 29, and various known configurations can be used.

[First support mechanism 51]
2, 5, and 6, the first support mechanism 51 includes a conveyor belt 101, a drive roller 102, a driven roller 103, a support member 104, a gear 105, and a gear 106. Note that the teeth of the gears 105 and 106 are not shown in the drawings.

The drive roller 102 and driven roller 103 are rotatably supported by a support member 104. The drive roller 102 and driven roller 103 are spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction 8 (conveying direction 8A). The conveying belt 101 is an endless belt. The conveying belt 101 is stretched over the drive roller 102 and driven roller 103. The conveying belt 101 is disposed within the conveying path 43 in the left-to-right direction 9.

The drive roller 102 rotates due to the driving force provided by the conveying motor 53 (see Figure 10), causing the conveying belt 101 to rotate. The rotation of the conveying belt 101 causes the driven roller 103 to rotate. The conveying belt 101 has a conveying surface 108. The conveying surface 108 is the upper portion of the outer circumferential surface of the conveying belt 101 and extends along the conveying direction 8A. The conveying surface 108 faces the nozzle 38A of the head 38 across the conveying path 43. The drive roller 102 rotates so that the conveying surface 108 moves in the conveying direction 8A. The conveying surface 108 also applies a conveying force to the sheet S while supporting the sheet S from below as it is conveyed between the pair of conveying rollers 36, 40. As a result, the conveying belt 101 conveys the sheet S located on the conveying path 43 in the conveying direction 8A along the conveying surface 108.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the support member 104 has a shaft 109A. The shaft 109A is rotatably supported by the lower housing 32. The shaft 109A extends in the left-right direction 9 (a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction 8A and parallel to the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49). The shaft 109A is located upstream of the drive roller 102 in the conveying direction 8A. The shaft 109A is located below the conveying roller pair 36.

The shaft 109A rotates when a driving force is transmitted from the shaft motor 59 (see Figure 10). As the shaft 109A rotates, the support member 104 rotates around the shaft 109A. The rotation tip 51A of the first support mechanism 51 is located downstream of the shaft 109A in the conveying direction 8A.

Note that the configuration for rotating the support member 104 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the lower housing 32 may be provided with an axis 109A, and the axis 109A may fit into a hole provided in the support member 104, causing the support member 104 to rotate around the axis 109A. In this case, the support member 104 has a virtual axis.

The support member 104 can be changed between a first position (see Figure 2) parallel to the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 and a second position (see Figure 13) tilted from the first position around the axis 109A, with the tip 51A of the rotation positioned below the axis 109A.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the first support mechanism 51 is in the first position, the conveying surface 108 of the conveying belt 101 extends along the front-to-rear direction 8. This allows the conveying belt 101 to convey the sheet S located in the conveying path 43 forward and send it to the support portion 46.

As shown in Figures 2 and 13 to 15, when the first support mechanism 51 is in the second position, the conveying surface 108 of the conveying belt 101 extends along an inclined direction 6 that slopes downward as it moves forward. Note that the inclined direction 6 is perpendicular to the left-right direction 9 and intersects with the conveying direction 8A.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support member 104 includes a main body 109 and standing walls 110 and 111. In the following description of the support member 104, it is assumed that the first support mechanism 51 is in the second position. The main body 109 is a generally plate-shaped member and includes a shaft 109A. The standing wall 110 extends upward from the left end of the main body 109. The standing wall 111 extends upward from the right end of the main body 109. The standing walls 110 and 111 extend along the inclination direction 6.

The standing walls 110 and 111 are positioned outside the conveying path 43 in the left-right direction 9. The standing walls 110 and 111 rotatably support the drive roller 102 and the driven roller 103.

The standing wall 110 has an upper surface 110A. The standing wall 111 has a first upper surface 111A and a second upper surface 111B. The second upper surface 111B is located at a different position from the first upper surface 111A in the left-right direction 9. The upper surface 110A and the first upper surface 111A support the maintenance mechanism 60, allowing the maintenance mechanism 60 to slide freely. As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the second upper surface 111B is located in a position that can face the rack 154 (described below) of the maintenance mechanism 60. An opening 112 is formed in the second upper surface 111B. A portion of the gear 105A protrudes upward from the opening 112. The gear 105A can mesh with the rack 154 located in the opposing position.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, gears 105 and 106 are rotatably supported by support member 104 of first support mechanism 51. Gear 105 is composed of gears 105A and 105B aligned in the left-right direction 9. Gears 105A and 105B are arranged coaxially. Gear 105A rotates integrally with gear 105B. Gear 105B meshes with gear 106. Gear 106 is connected to first motor 55 (see Figure 10) directly or via another gear, and receives driving force from first motor 55.

[Second support mechanism 52]
As shown in FIG. 2 , the second support mechanism 52 is disposed so as to extend in the inclined direction 6 as a whole.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the second support mechanism 52 includes a main body 115, vertical walls 116 and 117, and gears 118, 119, and 120. Note that the teeth of gears 118, 119, and 120 are not shown in each figure.

The main body 115 is a generally plate-shaped member and is fixed to the lower housing 32. The standing wall 116 extends upward from the left end of the main body 115. The standing wall 117 extends upward from the right end of the main body 115. The standing walls 116 and 117 extend along the inclination direction 6.

The standing wall 116 is located at the same position in the left-right direction 9 as the standing wall 110 of the first support mechanism 51. The standing wall 117 is located at the same position in the left-right direction 9 as the standing wall 111 of the first support mechanism 51.

The standing wall 116 has an upper surface 116A. The standing wall 117 has a first upper surface 117A and a second upper surface 117B. The second upper surface 117B is located at a different position in the left-right direction 9 from the first upper surface 117A.

When the first support mechanism 51 is in the second position, the first upper surface 117A is aligned with the first upper surface 111A of the standing wall 111 of the first support mechanism 51 along the inclination direction 6 and is on the same plane as the first upper surface 111A. When the first support mechanism 51 is in the second position, the second upper surface 117B is aligned with the second upper surface 111B of the standing wall 111 of the first support mechanism 51 along the inclination direction 6 and is on the same plane as the second upper surface 111B.

The top surface 116A and the first top surface 117A support the maintenance mechanism 60, allowing it to slide freely during movement. The second top surface 117B is positioned so that it can face the rack 154 of the maintenance mechanism 60. As shown in FIG. 5, openings 123 and 124 are formed in the second top surface 117B. The opening 124 is located forward of the opening 123. A portion of the gear 118 protrudes upward from the opening 123. A portion of the gear 119 protrudes upward from the opening 124. The gears 118 and 119 can mesh with the rack 154 located opposite them.

As shown in Figures 2 and 5, gears 118, 119, and 120 are rotatably supported by the main body 115 of the second support mechanism 52. Gear 118 is composed of gears 118A and 118B aligned along the left-right direction 9. Gears 118A and 118B are arranged coaxially with each other. Gear 118A rotates integrally with gear 118B. Gear 119 is composed of gears 119A and 119B aligned along the left-right direction 9. Gears 119A and 119B are arranged coaxially with each other. Gear 119A rotates integrally with gear 119B. Gear 120 is meshed with gears 118B and 119B. As a result, when gear 120 rotates, gears 118 and 119 rotate in the same direction. Gear 120 is connected to second motor 56 (see Figure 10) either directly or via another gear, and receives driving force from second motor 56.

[Maintenance mechanism 60]
6 and 7, the maintenance mechanism 60 includes a support base 61 and a cap 62. In the following description of the maintenance mechanism 60, it is assumed that the maintenance mechanism 60 is supported by the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52 in the second posture.

[Support stand 61]
The support base 61 includes a base 61A, a main body 61B that is placed on the base 61A, and a wiper holder 61C that holds the sponge wiper 64 and the rubber wiper 63 on the main body 61B. The base 61A has a box-like shape that is open at the top. The base 61A includes a first bottom plate 121, a first edge plate 122 that extends upward from the periphery of the first bottom plate 121, an extension piece 125, and a rack 154 (see FIG. 8).

The first bottom plate 121 is flat and extends in the tilt direction 6 and the left-right direction 9. The upper and lower surfaces of the first bottom plate 121 are rectangular and longer in the left-right direction 9 than in the tilt direction 6. The lower surface of the first bottom plate 121 can abut from above against the upper surface 110A of the standing wall 110 of the first support mechanism 51. The lower surface of the first bottom plate 121 can abut from above against the first upper surface 111A of the standing wall 111. This allows the maintenance mechanism 60 to be supported by the first support mechanism 51. The lower surface of the first bottom plate 121 can abut from above against the upper surface 116A of the standing wall 116 of the second support mechanism 52. The lower surface of the first bottom plate 121 can abut from above against the first upper surface 117A of the standing wall 117 of the second support mechanism 52. This allows the maintenance mechanism 60 to be supported by the second support mechanism 52.

The first edge plate 122 has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. The extension piece 125 extends to the right from the lower end of the right wall of the first edge plate 122. The extension piece 125 extends from one end of the right wall of the first edge plate 122 in the inclination direction 6 to the other end.

The rack 154 is formed on the underside of the extension piece 125. As shown in FIG. 8, the rack 154 extends from one end of the extension piece 125 in the inclination direction 6 to near the other end. The rack 154 can be positioned vertically opposite the second upper surface 111B of the standing wall 111 of the first support mechanism 51 (see FIG. 6).

The rack 154 can mesh with the gear 105A protruding from the opening 112 in the second upper surface 111B. When the gear 105A rotates while the rack 154 and the gear 105A are meshed, the maintenance mechanism 60 slides along the upper surface 110A and the first upper surface 111A relative to the first support mechanism 51. In other words, the movement of the maintenance mechanism 60 is guided by the upper surface 110A and the first upper surface 111A of the first support mechanism 51.

The rack 154 can be positioned vertically opposite the second upper surface 117B of the standing wall 117 of the second support mechanism 52. The rack 154 can mesh with a gear 118A protruding from an opening 123 in the second upper surface 117B and a gear 119A protruding from an opening 124 in the second upper surface 117B. When the gear 105A rotates while the rack 154 is meshed with at least one of the gears 118A and 119A, the maintenance mechanism 60 slides along the upper surface 116A and first upper surface 117A relative to the second support mechanism 52. In other words, the movement of the maintenance mechanism 60 is guided by the upper surface 116A and first upper surface 111A of the second support mechanism 52.

As a result, the maintenance mechanism 60 can be moved to the standby position shown in Figures 2 and 15, the maintenance position shown in Figure 11, and the wiping position shown in Figure 12, as described below. The maintenance mechanism 60 in the maintenance position and wiping position faces the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 of the head 38 in the vertical direction 7.

As shown in Figure 7, the main body 61B has a generally box-like shape with an open top. The main body 61B is smaller than the base 61A. The main body 61B is fixed to the base 61A while being placed on the upper surface of the first bottom plate 121 of the base 61A. The main body 61B includes a second bottom plate 151, a second edge plate 152 extending upward from the second bottom plate 151, and a liquid flow path 153 that circulates the impregnation liquid L stored in the impregnation liquid tank 76.

As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the second bottom plate 151 is flat and extends in the tilt direction 6 and the left-right direction 9. The upper and lower surfaces of the second bottom plate 151 are formed into a rectangular shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the tilt direction 6. The second edge plate 152 has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. The second edge plate 152 has a first wall portion 152A, a second wall portion 152B, a third wall portion 152C, and a fourth wall portion 152D.

The first wall portion 152A extends along the left-right direction 9 from the edge of the second bottom plate 151 on the rearward inclined direction 4. The first wall portion 152A is positioned higher than the second wall portion 152B when the support 61 is supported by the first support mechanism 51 in the second position. The left end of the first wall portion 152A is positioned to the right and spaced apart from the left edge of the second bottom plate 151. The right end of the first wall portion 152A is positioned to the left and spaced apart from the right edge of the second bottom plate 151. Three through holes 155 are formed in the first wall portion 152A, penetrating in the inclined direction 6. The three through holes 155 are formed at equal intervals in the left-right direction 9. The three through holes 155 can be engaged with the first locking portion 194, second locking portion 195, and third locking portion 196 of the wiper holder 61C, respectively, as described below.

The second wall portion 152B extends along the left-right direction 9 from the edge of the second bottom plate 151 on the forward tilt direction 5 side. The second wall portion 152B is located lower than the first wall portion 152A when the support 61 is supported by the first support mechanism 51 in the second posture. The left end of the second wall portion 152B is located to the right and spaced apart from the left edge of the second bottom plate 151. The right end of the second wall portion 152B is located to the left and spaced apart from the right edge of the second bottom plate 151. The third wall portion 152C connects the left end of the first wall portion 152A to the left end of the second wall portion 152B. The fourth wall portion 152D connects the right end of the first wall portion 152A to the right end of the second wall portion 152B.

One end 156 of the liquid flow path 153 opens at a position lower than the water surface of the impregnation liquid L stored in the impregnation liquid tank 76. The other end 157 of the liquid flow path 153 opens at a position higher than the water surface of the impregnation liquid L stored in the impregnation liquid tank 76.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the liquid flow path 153 is formed on the upper surface of the second bottom plate 151. The liquid flow path 153 is a groove recessed downward from the upper surface of the second bottom plate 151 and opens upward. When the support member 104 is in the first position, the liquid flow path 153 opens upward, and when the support member 104 is in the second position, the liquid flow path 153 opens at an angle relative to the vertical direction 7. In a plan view, the liquid flow path 153 has a continuous U-shape that extends in the left-right direction 9 and then makes a U-turn. The liquid flow path 153 extends so as to connect in series the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C arranged in the groove. The liquid flow path 153 has a first flow path 153A, an intermediate flow path 153B, and a second flow path 153C.

The first flow path 153A is located on the upstream side of the liquid flow path 153 in the direction of flow of the impregnation liquid L. The first flow path 153A is a portion extending in the left-right direction 9 at the front side of the main body 61B. A first inclined surface 172 is formed at the downstream end of the first flow path 153A, and the depth of the groove is inclined so that it becomes shallower toward the downstream side.

The intermediate flow path 153B is located downstream of the first flow path 153A in the direction of flow of the impregnation liquid L. The intermediate flow path 153B is located on the left side of the main body 61B. More specifically, the intermediate flow path 153B extends in a forward inclined direction 5 from the downstream end of the first flow path 153A to the middle of the main body 61b in the inclined direction 6. The intermediate flow path 153B is shallower than the first flow path 153A.

The second flow path 153C is located downstream of the liquid flow path 153 in the direction of flow of the impregnation liquid L. The second flow path 153C has an upstream portion 153CA extending rightward from the downstream end of the intermediate flow path 153B, a connecting portion 153CB extending forward in the inclined direction 5 from the downstream end of the upstream portion 153CA, and a downstream portion 153CC extending rightward from the downstream end of the connecting portion 153CB. The upstream portion 153CA, connecting portion 153CB, and downstream portion 153CC are located approximately in the center of the main body 61B in the inclined direction 6. When the support base 61 is in the second posture, the upstream portion 153CA, connecting portion 153CB, and downstream portion 153CC are located lower in the up-down direction 7 than the first flow path 153A. The connecting portion 153CB has a second inclined surface 172A that slopes downward so that the groove depth increases downstream.

As shown in FIG. 9, an inlet 171, through which the impregnation liquid L flows into the first flow path 153A, opens on the inner wall surface of the recessed groove at the upstream end of the first flow path 153A. One end of a first supply tube 175 is connected to the inlet 171. The other end of the first supply tube 175 extends outside the first support mechanism 51 and is connected to the impregnation liquid tank 76, opening at a position lower than the water level of the impregnation liquid L stored in the impregnation liquid tank 76 (see FIG. 2).

An outlet 174, through which the impregnating liquid L flows out from the downstream portion 153CC, opens into the inner wall surface at the downstream end of the downstream portion 153CC of the second flow path 153C. One end of a return tube 176 is connected to the outlet 174, and opens at a position higher than the water surface of the impregnating liquid L stored in the impregnating liquid tank 76 (see Figure 2). The other end of the return tube 176 extends to the outside of the first support mechanism 51 and is connected to the impregnating liquid tank 76. A return pump 75 (an example of a first pump) is provided on the return tube 176 (see Figure 2). The operation of the return pump 75 is controlled by the controller 130.

As shown in FIG. 7, the wiper holder 61C has a sponge wiper 64 and a rubber wiper 63. The sponge wiper 64 and the rubber wiper 63 are supported on the main body 61B by the wiper holder 61C.

[Sponge Wiper 64]
The sponge wipers 64 are made of sponge. In this embodiment, three sponge wipers 64 (64A, 64B, 64C) are provided. Hereinafter, the three sponge wipers 64A, 64B, 64C will be collectively referred to as sponge wipers 64. The sponge wipers 64 are formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape whose length in the left-right direction 9 is longer than their lengths in the tilt direction 6 and the up-down direction 7. The length of the sponge wiper 64 in the up-down direction 7 is longer than its length in the tilt direction 6.

Sponge wiper 64A and sponge wiper 64B are arranged in the first flow path 153A of the liquid flow path 153. Sponge wiper 64A is arranged upstream of sponge wiper 64B. Sponge wiper 64C is arranged in the second flow path 153C of the liquid flow path 153.

Sponge wiper 64A, sponge wiper 64B, and sponge wiper 64C correspond to discharge module 49A, discharge module 49B, and discharge module 49C, respectively, in the up-down direction 7. Sponge wiper 64A and sponge wiper 64B are positioned at a distance from each other in the left-right direction 9. Sponge wiper 64C is positioned at a distance in the forward oblique direction 5 from sponge wipers 64A and 64B. Sponge wiper 64C is positioned midway between sponge wipers 64A and 64B in the left-right direction 9.

[Rubber wiper 63]
The rubber wipers 63 are made of rubber. In this embodiment, three rubber wipers 63 (63A, 63B, 63C) are provided. Hereinafter, the three rubber wipers 63A, 63B, 63C will also be collectively referred to as rubber wipers 63.

The rubber wiper 63 is formed in a flat plate shape that extends in the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9. The length of the rubber wiper 63 in the tilt direction 6 is shorter than the length of the sponge wiper 64 in the tilt direction 6. This makes it easier for the rubber wiper 63 to bend when it comes into contact with the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 during wiping. The length of the rubber wiper 63 in the left-right direction 9 is slightly longer than the length of the sponge wiper 64 in the left-right direction 9. The length of the rubber wiper 63 from the support base 61 is longer than the length of the sponge wiper 64 from the support base 61. The rubber wiper 63 is located outside the ends of the sponge wiper 64 in the left-right direction 9. The upper end of the rubber wiper 63 is tapered. This makes it easier for the upper end of the rubber wiper 63 to come into contact with the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 during wiping.

Rubber wiper 63A and rubber wiper 63B are arranged outside the first flow path 153A of the liquid flow path 153. Rubber wiper 63C is arranged outside the second flow path 153C of the liquid flow path 153.

Rubber wipers 63A, 63B, and 63C correspond to discharge modules 49A, 49B, and 49C, respectively, in the up-down direction 7. Rubber wipers 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged on support base 61 at intervals in the rearward inclination direction 4 from sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C, respectively.

[Cap 62]
As shown in Fig. 7, the cap 62 is supported by a support base 61. A plurality of caps 62 are provided. In this embodiment, the caps 62 are composed of three caps 62A, 62B, and 62C. The number of caps 62 is not limited to three and is set according to the number of ejection modules 49 of the head 38 described above. Hereinafter, the three caps 62A, 62B, and 62C will be collectively referred to as caps 62.

The cap 62 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. The cap 62 has a box-like shape with an open top.

The cap 62A corresponds to the discharge module 49A and can face the discharge module 49A in the vertical direction 7. The cap 62A is disposed at a distance 5 from the sponge wiper 64A in a forward tilt direction. The bottom plate 69 of the cap 62A is formed with an inlet (not shown) through which the impregnation liquid L flows into the cap 62A and an outlet through which the impregnation liquid L flows out of the cap 62A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 9, one end of a second supply tube 177 is connected to the inlet. The other end of the second supply tube 177 extends outside the maintenance mechanism 60 and is connected to the impregnation liquid tank 76. One end of a first waste liquid tube 178 is connected to the outlet 69A. The other end of the first waste liquid tube 178 extends outside the maintenance mechanism 60 and is connected to the waste liquid tank 77.

The cap 62B corresponds to the discharge module 49B and can face the discharge module 49B in the vertical direction 7. The cap 62B is spaced apart from the sponge wiper 64B in a forward tilt direction 5. The bottom plate 69 of the cap 62B is formed with an inlet (not shown) through which the impregnating liquid L flows into the cap 62B and an outlet 69B through which the impregnating liquid L flows out of the cap 62B. One end of a third supply tube 179 branching off from the second supply tube 177 is connected to the inlet. One end of a second waste liquid tube 180 is connected to the outlet 69B. The other end of the second waste liquid tube 180 joins the first waste liquid tube 178 outside the maintenance mechanism 60.

The cap 62C corresponds to the discharge module 49C and can face the discharge module 49C in the up-down direction 7. The cap 62C is disposed at a distance 5 from the sponge wiper 64C in a forward tilt direction. The bottom plate 69 of the cap 62C is formed with an inlet (not shown) through which the impregnating liquid L flows into the cap 62C and an outlet 69C through which the impregnating liquid L flows out of the cap 62C. One end of a fourth supply tube 201 branching off from the second supply tube 177 is connected to the inlet. One end of a third waste liquid tube 202 is connected to the outlet 69C. The other end of the third waste liquid tube 202 joins the first waste liquid tube 178 outside the maintenance mechanism 60.

A cap cleaning valve 72 (see Figure 10) is provided on the second supply tube 177 upstream of the branch point of the third supply tube 179 and the fourth supply tube 201. The cap cleaning valve 72 opens and closes the flow path of the second supply tube 177. The opening and closing of the cap cleaning valve 72 is controlled by the controller 130.

A suction pump 74 (see Figure 2) is provided in the first waste liquid tube 178 downstream of the confluence of the second waste liquid tube 180 and the third waste liquid tube 202. The operation of the suction pump 74 is controlled by the controller 130. Note that a suction pump 74 may be provided in each of the first waste liquid tube 178, the second waste liquid tube 180, and the third waste liquid tube 202.

[Controller 130]
10 , the controller 130 includes a CPU 131, a ROM 132, a RAM 133, an EEPROM 134, and an ASIC 135, which are connected by an internal bus 137. The ROM 132 stores programs for controlling various operations of the CPU 131. The RAM 133 is used as a storage area for temporarily recording data, signals, etc. used when the CPU 131 executes the programs, or as a work area for data processing. The EEPROM 134 stores settings, flags, etc. that should be retained even after the power is turned off.

The ASIC 135 is connected to the transport motor 53, head motor 54, first motor 55, second motor 56, return pump motor 47, suction pump motor 58, shaft motor 59, valve motor 71, and valve motor 73.

The ASIC 135 generates drive signals to rotate each motor and controls each motor based on these drive signals. Each motor rotates forward or reverse based on the drive signal from the ASIC 135. The controller 130 controls the drive of the transport motor 53 to rotate the holder 35, transport roller 36A, transport roller 40A, and drive roller 102. The controller 130 controls the drive of the head motor 54 to rotate the screw shaft 29A and move the head 38 in the vertical direction 7. The controller 130 controls the drive of the first motor 55 to rotate the gear 106 of the first support mechanism 51. The controller 130 controls the drive of the second motor 56 to rotate the gear 120 of the second support mechanism 52. The controller 130 controls the drive of the suction pump motor 58 to drive the suction pump 74. The controller 130 controls the drive of the valve motor 71 to open and close the cap cleaning valve 72. The controller 130 controls the drive of the valve motor 73 to open and close the impregnation liquid flow valve 84. The controller 130 controls the drive of the shaft motor 59 to rotate the first support mechanism 51. The controller 130 controls the drive of the return pump motor 47 to drive the return pump 75.

A piezoelectric element (not shown) is connected to the ASIC 135, and operates when power is supplied from the controller 130 via a drive circuit (not shown). The controller 130 controls the power supply to the piezoelectric element, causing ink droplets to be selectively ejected from the multiple nozzles 38A.

The operation of the maintenance mechanism 60 to supply and discharge the impregnating liquid L to the liquid flow path 153 will be described below, along with the operation of the maintenance mechanism 60, the first support mechanism 51, and the head 38. The supply and discharge of the impregnating liquid L to the liquid flow path 153 is performed in conjunction with the purging process, immersion process, wiping process, and image recording process.

[Purging and soaking treatments]
When the image recording process is not being performed, the image recording device 100 is in a standby state. In the standby state, as shown in Fig. 11, the head 38 is in the capped position, the first support mechanism 51 is in the first posture while supporting the maintenance mechanism 60, and the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the maintenance position. At this time, the cap 62 covers the nozzle surface 50.

When in standby mode, the controller 130 executes the purge process at a predetermined timing or when an external command is received. The following describes the process that occurs when the image recording device 100 is in standby mode and the controller 130 receives an external command to execute the purge process.

During the purge process, the controller 130 drives the suction pump 74 with the cap cleaning valve 72 closed. This causes the ink in the nozzle 38A to be sucked out and discharged from the space formed by the cap 62 and the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 through the first waste liquid tube 178, the second waste liquid tube 180, and the third waste liquid tube 202 into the waste liquid tank 77. Because the cap cleaning valve 72 is closed at this time, the impregnating liquid L is not supplied from the impregnating liquid tank 76 to the caps 62A, 62B, and 62C through the second supply tube 177, the third supply tube 179, and the fourth supply tube 201.

The controller 130 executes the immersion process at a predetermined timing or when it receives an external command. The following describes the process that the controller 130 executes when the image recording device 100 is in a standby state and the purging process is performed.

During the immersion process, the controller 130 drives the suction pump 74 with the cap cleaning valve 72 open. This causes the impregnation liquid L to be supplied from the impregnation liquid tank 76 to the caps 62A, 62B, and 62C through the second supply tube 177, third supply tube 179, and fourth supply tube 201, immersing the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 in the impregnation liquid L. As a result, the ink adhering to the nozzle surface 50 dissolves in the impregnation liquid L and is discharged together with the impregnation liquid L into the waste liquid tank 77.

When the immersion process is completed, the controller 130 moves the head 38 to the uncapped position and separates it from the maintenance mechanism 60 at the maintenance position. However, before this, the controller 130 activates the impregnation liquid flow valve 84 to close the atmosphere communication passage 83 and activates the return pump 75. This causes the impregnation liquid L to be supplied from the impregnation liquid tank 76 to the support base 61 through the first supply tube 175. The impregnation liquid L supplied to the support base 61 flows into the first flow path 153A of the liquid flow path 153 through the inlet 171. The impregnation liquid L that has flowed into the first flow path 153A flows sequentially through the intermediate flow path 153B and the second flow path 153C before being discharged from the outlet 174. At this time, the impregnation liquid L soaks the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C, and the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C become sufficiently saturated with the impregnation liquid L.

The controller 130 drives the impregnating liquid flow valve 84 to open the atmosphere communication passage 83 and drives the return pump 75. This causes the impregnating liquid L discharged from the outlet 174 to return to the impregnating liquid tank 76 through the return tube 176.

[Wiping process]
The controller 130 executes the wiping process, which will be described below.

The controller 130 moves the head 38 downward from the uncapped position shown by the dashed line in FIG. 12 to the wiped position shown by the solid line. This separates the cap 62 from the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49.

The controller 130 moves the maintenance mechanism 60 from the maintenance position to the wiping position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the maintenance mechanism 60 in the maintenance position is supported by the first support mechanism 51. At this time, the rack 154 is engaged with the gear 105. In this state, when the first motor 55 is driven and the gear 106 rotates clockwise in FIG. 11, the gear 105 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 11. As a result, the maintenance mechanism 60 in the maintenance position moves forward (downstream in the conveying direction 8A) along the front-to-rear direction 8 (conveying direction 8A) and reaches the wiping position (see FIG. 12).

As the maintenance mechanism 60 moves from the maintenance position to the wiping position, the tips (upper ends) of the sponge wiper 64 and rubber wiper 63 slide relative to the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection module 49 while abutting against the nozzle surface 50. Specifically, the sponge wipers 64A, 64B, 64C and rubber wipers 63A, 63B, 63C slide in contact with the nozzle surface 50 of the ejection modules 49A, 49B, 49C. This wipes the nozzle surface 50 of each ejection module 49A, 49B, 49C. As a result, foreign matter is removed from the nozzle surface 50 and the nozzles 38A opening in the nozzle surface 50.

When the maintenance mechanism 60 is in the wiping position, the first motor 55 is driven, causing the gear 106 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 12, which in turn causes the gear 105 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 12. As a result, the maintenance mechanism 60 in the wiping position moves backward (upstream in the conveying direction 8A) and reaches the maintenance position (see FIG. 11).

The controller 130 drives the axial motor 59 to change the position of the first support mechanism 51 from the first position to the second position. As a result, the impregnation liquid L in the liquid flow path 153 flows from the first flow path 153A to the second flow path 153C and is stored in the second flow path 153C.

The controller 130 drives the impregnation liquid flow valve 84 to open the atmosphere communication passage 83 and drives the return pump 75. This causes the impregnation liquid L stored in the second flow path 153C to be discharged from the outlet 174 through the return tube 176 to the impregnation liquid tank 76.

[Movement of the maintenance mechanism 60]
13 to 15, the maintenance mechanism 60 can move to a standby position along the inclined direction 6 by sliding relative to the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52 in the second posture while being supported by the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52. In other words, the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52 can support the maintenance mechanism 60 at the maintenance position, the standby position, and between these positions.

Specifically, the controller 130 first drives the first motor 55. This causes the gear 106 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 13, which in turn causes the gear 105 to rotate counterclockwise. The maintenance mechanism 60 in the maintenance position then moves in the forward tilt direction 5 and is transferred onto the second support mechanism 52 (see FIG. 14).

The controller 130 drives the second motor 56. This causes the gear 120 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 14, causing the gears 118 and 119 to rotate counterclockwise, and the maintenance mechanism 60, which has slid from the first support mechanism 51, reaches its standby position on the second support mechanism 52 (see FIG. 15).

[Image recording processing]
The process when an image is recorded on the sheet S (image recording process) will be described below.

When the controller 130 receives a command to record an image on the sheet S from an external device, such as the operation panel 44 or an information processing device connected to the image recording device 100 via a LAN or the like, it moves the maintenance mechanism 60 from the maintenance position to the standby position as described above.

The controller 130 drives the shaft motor 59 to change the position of the first support mechanism 51 from the second position to the first position.

Next, the controller 130 moves the head 38 downward, moving it from the capped position to the recording position (see Figure 16). Then, conveyance of the sheet S begins, and ink is ejected from the nozzles 38A when the sheet S is positioned directly below the head 38. This records an image on the sheet S. The ink adhering to the sheet S is fixed to the sheet S by the heat from the heater 39. The conveyed sheet S is then checked for the recorded image by the CIS 25, and then cut to a specified size by the cutter unit 26 and discharged.

After the image recording process on the sheet S, when the maintenance mechanism 60 moves to the maintenance position, the above-mentioned process is performed in reverse.

Specifically, first, the controller 130 drives the shaft motor 59 to change the position of the first support mechanism 51 from the first position to the second position (see Figure 15). At this time, the maintenance mechanism 60 is supported by the second support mechanism 52, and the rack 154 is engaged with both gears 118 and 119. In this state, when the second motor 56 (see Figure 10) is driven and the gear 120 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 15, the gears 118 and 119 rotate clockwise in Figure 15. As a result, the maintenance mechanism 60 in the standby position moves to the rearward tilt orientation 4 (see Figure 14).

The controller 130 drives the first motor 55. This causes the gear 106 to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 14, which in turn causes the gear 105 to rotate clockwise, causing the maintenance mechanism 60, which has slid from the second support mechanism 52, to reach the first support mechanism 51 (see FIG. 13).

With the maintenance mechanism 60 supported by the first support mechanism 51, the shaft motor 59 (see Figure 10) is driven to rotate the first support mechanism 51 from the second position to the first position. The head 38 is then moved from the wiped position to the capped position. This positions the maintenance mechanism 60 at the maintenance position (see Figure 11). The maintenance mechanism 60 in the maintenance position is located between the head 38 and the first support mechanism 51 in the first position.

[Effects of the embodiment]
Before the support base 61 is moved from the maintenance position where the sponge wiper 64 wipes the nozzle surface 50 to the standby position, the return pump 75 is driven to discharge the impregnating liquid L from the liquid flow path 153. This makes it possible to prevent the impregnating liquid L from leaking from the liquid flow path 153 when the support base 61 moves.

When the support base 61 is moved from the maintenance position to the standby position, the return pump 75 is driven to discharge the impregnating liquid L from the liquid flow path 153, allowing the impregnating liquid L in the liquid flow path 153 to be discharged over time. This prevents the impregnating liquid L from remaining in the liquid flow path 153.

By opening and closing the impregnation liquid flow valve 84 to connect the impregnation liquid tank 76 to the outside or to close it from the outside, it is possible to switch between circulating the impregnation liquid L between the impregnation liquid tank 76 and the liquid flow path 153, or discharging the impregnation liquid L from the liquid flow path 153 to the impregnation liquid tank 76.

Multiple sponge wipers 64 can be connected in series with a single liquid flow path 153, allowing the impregnating liquid L to be supplied to multiple sponge wipers 64 at once.

By setting the position of the support base 61 to the second position using the first support mechanism 51, the support base 61 can be slid in the tilted direction.

The first support mechanism 51 is changed to the second position to discharge the impregnating liquid L from the liquid flow path 153 of the support base 61 in an inclined state, thereby preventing the impregnating liquid L from leaking from the liquid flow path 153 when the support base 61 moves in an inclined state.

By placing the first support mechanism 51 in the second position, the second flow path 153C of the support base 61 is positioned lower than the first flow path 153A, causing the impregnating liquid L in the liquid flow path 153 to flow from the first flow path 153A to the second flow path 153C. As the impregnating liquid L accumulates in the second flow path 153C, it is discharged to the impregnating liquid tank 76 by the return pump 75 located in the second flow path 153C without any residue.

Because the impregnating liquid L is supplied to the sponge wiper 64 before the support base 61 moves to the uncap position, sufficient time is ensured for the sponge wiper 64 to be soaked in the impregnating liquid L. This ensures that the sponge wiper 64 is soaked in the impregnating liquid L before wiping the nozzle surface 50. Furthermore, during the purging process, the impregnating liquid L is supplied before the support base 61 moves to the uncap position, ensuring that the sponge wiper 64 is soaked in the impregnating liquid L.

[Variations]
In the image recording device 100, the liquid flow path 153 is formed in a U-shape that extends in the left-right direction 9 and makes a U-turn, but the shape is not limited to a U-shape as long as the impregnating liquid L flowing through the liquid flow path 153 can come into contact with the sponge wiper 64. The liquid flow path 153 may be formed, for example, in a straight line that extends in the left-right direction 9.

In the image recording device 100, the sponge wipers 64 include three sponge wipers 64A, 64B, and 64C, but the number of sponge wipers 64 is not limited to three as long as it corresponds to the number of ejection modules 49A. For example, the number of sponge wipers 64 may be four or more, or two or less.

In the image recording device 100, three rubber wipers 63A, 63B, and 63C are provided on the support base 61, but the number of rubber wipers 63 is not particularly limited as long as it corresponds to the number of ejection modules 49A. For example, the number of rubber wipers 63 may be four or more, or two or less. Furthermore, the rubber wipers 63 may be omitted.

In the image recording device 100, the maintenance mechanism 60 moves from the maintenance position forward to the wiping position, but it may also move from the maintenance position backward to the wiping position. In this case, the sponge wiper 64 may be positioned behind the rubber wiper 63.

In the image recording device 100, during the wiping process, the sponge wiper 64 and rubber wiper 63 move relative to the head 38 while the head 38 is in the wiped position. However, the head 38 may also move relative to the sponge wiper 64 and rubber wiper 63 while the positions of the sponge wiper 64 and rubber wiper 63 are fixed.

In the image recording device 100, the maintenance mechanism 60 is supported by the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52, and is handed over between the first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52 as the maintenance mechanism 60 moves between the maintenance position and the standby position. However, this configuration is not limited to this. The first support mechanism 51 and the second support mechanism 52 may be integrally formed and capable of changing their position between the first and second positions, and the maintenance mechanism 60 may be supported thereby.

38: head 38A: nozzle 50: nozzle surface 51: first support mechanism (support member)
53...Transport motor (drive unit)
61: Support base 62: Cap 64: Sponge wiper (water-absorbent wiper)
74...Suction pump (second pump)
75...Return pump (first pump)
76... Impregnation liquid tank (tank)
77: Waste liquid tank 100: Image recording device (liquid ejection device)
130: Controller (control unit)
83: Atmosphere communication passage 84: Impregnation liquid flow valve (valve)
153: Liquid flow path 153A: First flow path 153C: Second flow path 178: First waste liquid tube (waste liquid flow path)
L...Impregnation liquid

Claims (10)

a head that ejects liquid from nozzles that open on a nozzle surface;
an absorbent wiper;
a support base for supporting the water-absorbent wiper;
a liquid flow path extending along the absorbent wiper on the support base and opening upward at least in a portion along the absorbent wiper, through which the impregnating liquid flows;
a tank for storing the impregnation liquid;
a first pump that causes the impregnation liquid to flow from the tank to the liquid flow path;
a drive unit that moves the support base between a standby position and a maintenance position where the water-absorbent wiper wipes the nozzle surface;
a control unit; and
The control unit
positioning the support base at the maintenance position, driving the first pump to circulate the impregnating liquid through the liquid flow path, and performing the wiping;
before moving the support base from the maintenance position to the standby position, driving the first pump to discharge the impregnating liquid from the liquid flow path ;
The liquid discharge device moves the support base from the maintenance position to the standby position, and drives the first pump to discharge the impregnating liquid from the liquid flow path . a valve for opening and closing an atmosphere communication passage that connects the tank with the outside,
the liquid flow path is a flow path for circulating the impregnation liquid to the tank,
The control unit
2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 , wherein the valve is opened when the impregnating liquid is discharged from the liquid flow path to the tank, and the valve is closed when the impregnating liquid is supplied from the tank to the liquid flow path. a head that ejects liquid from nozzles that open on a nozzle surface;
an absorbent wiper;
a support base for supporting the water-absorbent wiper;
a liquid flow path extending along the absorbent wiper on the support base and opening upward at least in a portion along the absorbent wiper, through which the impregnating liquid flows;
a tank for storing the impregnation liquid;
a first pump that causes the impregnation liquid to flow from the tank to the liquid flow path;
a drive unit that moves the support base between a standby position and a maintenance position where the water-absorbent wiper wipes the nozzle surface;
a valve for opening and closing an atmosphere communication passage that connects the tank with the outside;
a control unit; and
the liquid flow path is a flow path for circulating the impregnation liquid to the tank,
The control unit
positioning the support stand at the maintenance position, closing the valve, and driving the first pump to circulate the impregnating liquid through the liquid flow path, thereby performing the wiping;
a liquid discharge device that opens the valve and drives the first pump to discharge the impregnating liquid from the liquid flow path to the tank before moving the support base from the maintenance position to the standby position; The apparatus further includes a support member that slidably supports the support base,
4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the support member changes its position between a first position in which the opening of the liquid flow path faces upward and a second position in which the opening of the liquid flow path is inclined relative to the vertical direction. a head that ejects liquid from nozzles that open on a nozzle surface;
an absorbent wiper;
a support base for supporting the water-absorbent wiper;
a liquid flow path extending along the absorbent wiper on the support base and opening upward at least in a portion along the absorbent wiper, through which the impregnating liquid flows;
a tank for storing the impregnation liquid;
a first pump that causes the impregnation liquid to flow from the tank to the liquid flow path;
a drive unit that moves the support base between a standby position and a maintenance position where the water-absorbent wiper wipes the nozzle surface;
a support member that slidably supports the support base;
a control unit; and
The control unit
positioning the support base at the maintenance position, driving the first pump to circulate the impregnating liquid through the liquid flow path, and performing the wiping;
before moving the support base from the maintenance position to the standby position, driving the first pump to discharge the impregnating liquid from the liquid flow path;
The liquid ejection device wherein the support member changes its position between a first position in which the opening of the liquid flow path faces upward and a second position in which the opening of the liquid flow path is inclined relative to the up-down direction. 6. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit changes the position of the support member from the first position to the second position, and drives the first pump to discharge the impregnation liquid from the liquid flow path. the liquid flow path includes a first flow path upstream of the water-absorbent wiper and a second flow path downstream of the water-absorbent wiper;
the support base is inclined in the second attitude so that the second flow path is positioned lower than the first flow path,
7. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4 , wherein the first pump is located in the second flow path. The support base supports a plurality of the absorbent wipers,
8. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flow path extends so as to connect a plurality of the water-absorbent wipers in series. a cap supported by the support base;
a second pump that discharges the impregnating liquid from inside the cap;
A waste tank;
a waste liquid flow path connecting the cap and the waste liquid tank,
the support base is movable between a cap position where the cap comes into contact with the nozzle face of the head and an uncapped position where the cap is separated from the nozzle face of the head,
The control unit
moving the support base to the cap position and performing a purge process by driving the second pump;
9. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the first pump is driven to supply the impregnation liquid to the liquid flow path before the support base is moved to the uncapped position. a head that ejects liquid from nozzles that open on a nozzle surface;
an absorbent wiper;
a support base for supporting the water-absorbent wiper;
a liquid flow path extending along the absorbent wiper on the support base and opening upward at least in a portion along the absorbent wiper, through which the impregnating liquid flows;
a tank for storing the impregnation liquid;
a first pump that causes the impregnation liquid to flow from the tank to the liquid flow path;
a drive unit that moves the support base between a standby position and a maintenance position where the water-absorbent wiper wipes the nozzle surface;
a cap supported by the support base;
a second pump that discharges the impregnating liquid from inside the cap;
A waste tank;
a waste liquid flow path connecting the cap and the waste liquid tank;
a control unit; and
the support base is movable between a cap position where the cap comes into contact with the nozzle face of the head and an uncapped position where the cap is separated from the nozzle face of the head,
The control unit
moving the support base to the cap position and performing a purge process by driving the second pump;
before moving the support base to the uncapped position, driving the first pump to supply the impregnating liquid to the liquid flow path;
positioning the support base at the maintenance position, driving the first pump to circulate the impregnating liquid through the liquid flow path, and performing the wiping;
The liquid discharge device drives the first pump to discharge the impregnating liquid from the liquid flow path before the support base is moved from the maintenance position to the standby position.