Printer and absorption body

A printer that includes a platen, a head, a support plate, and an absorption body. A print medium is placed on the platen. The head includes a nozzle surface and is configured to discharge ink, in a discharge direction, from the nozzle surface. The support plate is configured to support the head. The absorption body is provided on the discharge direction of the support plate. The absorption body is exposed to the platen and is configured to absorb liquid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-091965, filed May 31, 2021. The disclosure of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a printer and an absorption body provided in the printer.

A printer is provided with a discharge head, a carriage, and a platen portion. The discharge head is mounted to the carriage. The carriage moves in a reciprocating manner over a sheet of paper supported on the platen portion. As a result of the discharge head discharging ink when the carriage is moving in the reciprocating manner, the printer performs printing.

SUMMARY

In the printer, there is a possibility that some of the ink discharged by the discharge head may become a mist. There is a possibility that the mist may become attached to the carriage. The mist that has attached to the carriage develops into droplets. There is a possibility that the droplets may fall onto a print medium supported by the platen portion, and may contaminate the print medium.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a printer and an absorption body provided in the printer, which can reduce a possibility of droplets falling and contaminating a print medium.

Various embodiments herein provide a printer that includes a platen, a head, a support plate, and an absorption body. A print medium is placed on the platen. The head includes a nozzle surface and is configured to discharge ink, in a discharge direction, from the nozzle surface. The support plate is configured to support the head. The absorption body is provided on the discharge direction of the support plate. The absorption body is exposed to the platen and is configured to absorb liquid.

According to the first aspect, the absorption body is provided at the support plate. The absorption body is exposed to the platen. Using the absorption body, the printer can reduce a possibility of the liquid falling onto the print medium placed on the platen. Thus, the printer can reduce a possibility of the print medium becoming contaminated.

Various embodiments also provide an absorption body that is provided in a printer. The printer includes a platen, a head, and a support plate. A print medium is placed on the platen. The head includes a nozzle surface and discharges ink in a discharge direction from the nozzle surface. The support plate supports the head. The absorption body is provided on the discharge direction of the support plate. The absorption body is exposed to the platen and is configured to absorb liquid.

The absorption body can reduce a possibility of the liquid falling onto the print medium. Thus, the absorption body can reduce a possibility of the print medium becoming contaminated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A printer1according to the present disclosure will be described. The upper side, the lower side, the lower left side, the upper right side, the lower right side, and the upper left side inFIG.1are, respectively, an upper side, a lower side, a front side, a rear side, a right side, and a left side of the printer1. Note that mechanical elements of the present embodiment represented in the drawings indicate an actual scale.

Overview of Printer1

The printer1is an inkjet printer that discharges a liquid and performs printing on a print medium, which is a cloth such as a T-shirt, paper, or the like. The printer1prints a color image on the print medium, for example, by discharging, downward, five different types of ink (white, black, yellow, cyan, and magenta), which are the liquid.

In the following description, of the five colors of ink, the white-colored ink is referred to as “white ink.” Of the five colors of ink, when the four colors of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta ink are collectively referred to, or when one specific color is not specified, they are referred to as “color inks.” When the white ink and the color inks are collectively referred to, or when one specific color is not specified, they are referred to simply as “ink” or “inks.” The white ink is used in printing as a portion representing white color in an image, or as a base for the color inks. The color inks are discharged directly onto the print medium, or are discharged onto the base formed by the white ink. The color inks are used in printing a color image.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the printer1is provided with a housing11, a platen12, a platen drive mechanism14, a mounting portion16, and the like. The housing11is a cuboid shape and the front surface thereof includes an opening. Hereinafter, a region that is inside the housing11is referred to as a region inside the printer1. A region that is outside the housing11is referred to as a region outside the printer1.

A sub-scanning drive portion (not illustrated) is built into the platen drive mechanism14. The sub-scanning drive portion moves the platen12using driving of a platen motor (not illustrated). The platen12is a plate shape that is rectangular in a plan view. The print medium is placed on the upper surface of the platen12. The mounting portion16is provided at the right of the housing11. Cartridges16A are connected to the mounting portion16. A liquid stored in the cartridges16A is supplied to heads31and32to be described later.

As illustrated inFIG.2, a frame body20, guide shafts21A and21B, a carriage30, a cap mechanism40, and a cleaning assembly5are provided inside the housing11(refer toFIG.1). The frame body20is a lattice-shaped structural body. The guide shafts21A and21B are supported on the upper ends of the frame body20. The platen drive mechanism14is supported at the center, in the left-right direction, of the frame body20. The frame body20supports the platen drive mechanism14at a position lower than the guide shafts21A and21B, in the up-down direction.

The guide shafts21A and21B extend in the left-right direction. The guide shafts21A and21B are arranged in parallel to each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. The guide shafts21A and21B support the carriage30such that the carriage30is movable in the left-right direction (hereinafter also referred to as a main scanning direction).FIG.2andFIG.3illustrate a state in which the carriage30has moved to a right end. The carriage30includes the heads31and32(refer toFIG.3, hereinafter collectively referred to as heads3when no distinction is made therebetween) that discharge the ink. In the present embodiment, the heads3include a piezoelectric element. The heads3may include a heater, in place of the piezoelectric element, as a mechanism that discharges the ink. A drive belt210is provided along the guide shaft21A. The drive belt210moves in the main scanning direction due to driving of a main scanning motor (not illustrated). The carriage30is coupled to the drive belt210. The carriage30is moved in the main scanning direction by the drive belt210. A region sandwiched, from the front and rear directions, between the guide shafts21A and21B corresponds to a movement path of the carriage30.

The platen drive mechanism14includes guide rails14A and14B at the upper surface thereof. The guide rails14A and14B extend in the front-rear direction. The guide rails14A and14B are arranged in parallel to each other with an interval therebetween in the left-right direction. The guide rails14A and14B support the platen12such that the platen12is movable in the front-rear direction (hereinafter also referred to as a sub-scanning direction). A region positioned between the guide rails14A and14B in the left-right direction corresponds to a movement path of the platen12. The platen12is moved in the front-rear direction with respect to the carriage30by the driving of the platen motor.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the platen12moves along the guide rails14A and14B. The carriage30moves along the guide shafts21A and21B. The movement path of the platen12intersects, in the front-rear direction, the movement path of the carriage30, below a central portion, in the main scanning direction, of the movement path of the carriage30. Hereinafter, a region in which the movement path of the platen12intersects the movement path of the carriage30in the up-down direction is referred to as a printing region20R. The printing region20R is positioned at the center of the region inside the printer1, in the left-right direction.

The frame body20is provided with frames22A and22B. The frames22A and22B extend in the front-rear direction. The frames22A and22B are disposed below the guide shafts21A and21B. The frame22A is disposed to the right of the printing region20R. The frame22B is disposed to the left of the printing region20R. The cap mechanism40and the cleaning assembly5are provided to the left of the frame22B and below the movement path of the carriage30. The cap mechanism40is disposed to the left of the cleaning assembly5.

The printer1moves the carriage30in the main scanning direction in a reciprocating manner, while moving the print medium placed on the platen12, in the sub-scanning direction. At this time, by discharging the ink from the heads3onto the print medium placed on the platen12that is at the printing region20R, the printing on the print medium is performed.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the carriage30includes the heads31and32, and a support plate34. The heads31and32are each supported by the support plate34. A detailed description of the support plate34will be given below. The head31includes a first head31A and a second head31B that have a common structure. The first head31A is disposed to the right of the second head31B, with an interval therebetween.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the first head31A includes a protrusion55A. The second head31B includes a protrusion55B. The protrusions55A and55B protrude further downward than the support plate34. The shape of each of the protrusions55A and55B is a cuboid body. A nozzle surface57A is formed at the lower surface of the protrusion55A. A nozzle surface57B is formed at the lower surface of the protrusion55B. The positions of the nozzle surfaces57A and57B are respectively aligned in the up-down direction. A plurality of nozzles (not illustrated) are provided in each of the nozzle surfaces57A and57B. The plurality of nozzles are openings. The plurality of nozzles discharge the ink downward.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the head32includes a first head32A and a second head32B. The first head32A is disposed to the front of the first head31A. The second head32B is disposed to the front of the second head31B. The first head32A is disposed to the right of the second head32B, with an interval therebetween.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the first head32A includes a protrusion56A. The second head32B includes a protrusion56B. The protrusions56A and56B protrude further downward than the support plate34. The shape of each of the protrusions56A and56B is a cuboid body. A nozzle surface58A is formed at the lower surface of the protrusion56A. A nozzle surface58B is formed at the lower surface of the protrusion56B. The positions, in the up-down direction of the nozzle surfaces58A and58B are aligned with the positions, in the up-down direction, of the nozzle surfaces57A and57B. A plurality of nozzles (not illustrated) are provided in each of the nozzle surfaces58A and58B. The plurality of nozzles are openings. The plurality of nozzles discharge the ink downward. As illustrated inFIG.3, when no distinction is made between the first heads31A and32A, they are collectively referred to as first heads3A. When no distinction is made between the second heads31B and32B, they are collectively referred to as second heads3B.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the cap mechanism40includes caps41and42that cover the heads3. Hereinafter, when no distinction is made between the caps41and42, they are referred to as caps4. The cap mechanism40includes a support portion40A that supports the caps4. The support portion40A is moved up and down by a cap drive portion (not illustrated). The cap41includes a first cap41A and a second cap41B. The cap42includes a first cap42A and a second cap42B.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first cap41A includes a frame body411A and a covering portion414A. The frame body411A is an angular cylindrical shape. The upper end and lower end of the frame body411A are open. In a plan view, a size of the inside the frame body411A is the same as the size of the protrusion55A (refer toFIG.4). The frame body411A includes protrusions412A and413A. The protrusion412A is a rear left end portion of the frame body411A. The protrusion413A is a front left end portion of the frame body411A. The upper ends of the protrusions412A and413A are positioned higher than the end portion of the covering portion414A in the up-down direction. The upper end of the frame body411A other than the protrusions412A and413A is positioned lower than the upper end of the covering portion414A in the up-down direction. The covering portion414A is housed inside the frame body411A. The upper end and the lower end of the covering portion414A are open. In a plan view, the size of the inside of the covering portion414A is the same as the size of the nozzle surface57A (refer toFIG.4). The structures of the second cap41B, the first cap42A, and the second cap42B are the same as that of the first cap41A.

In a state in which the carriage30has moved to the left end of the movement path, the first cap41A is positioned below the first head31A. The second cap41B is positioned below the second head31B. The first cap42A is positioned below the first head32A. The second cap42B is positioned below the second head32B. Hereinafter, the position of the carriage30that has moved to the left end of the movement path is referred to as a first reference position.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the cleaning assembly5is positioned between the cap mechanism40and the frame22B in the main scanning direction. The cleaning assembly5includes a cleaning fluid vessel51, and a wipe mechanism6. The cleaning fluid vessel51stores a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid vessel51is box shaped. Openings52A and52B are provided in the upper portion of the cleaning fluid vessel51.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the wipe mechanism6includes two first wipers60A, and two second wipers60B. The two first wipers60A and the two second wipers60B are housed in the interior of the cleaning fluid vessel51(refer toFIG.14). The two first wipers60A and the two second wipers60B can rotate around axes extend in the left-right direction in the interior of the cleaning fluid vessel51. The two first wipers60A are disposed side by side in the front-rear direction with an interval therebetween. The front-side first wiper60A wipes the nozzle surface58A illustrated inFIG.4. The rear-side first wiper60A wipes the nozzle surface57A illustrated inFIG.4.

The two second wipers60B are disposed side by side in the front-rear direction with an interval therebetween. The front-side second wiper60B is provided to the front and left of the front-side first wiper60A. The front-side second wiper60B wipes the nozzle surface58B illustrated inFIG.4. The rear-side second wiper60B is provide to the front and left of the rear-side first wiper60A. The rear-side second wiper60B wipes the nozzle surface57B illustrated inFIG.4.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the first wipers60A includes a first foam wiper62A and a first rubber wiper63A. The first foam wiper62A has a plate shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and extends orthogonally to the left-right direction. The first foam wiper62A is a wiper formed of a porous material, such as a resin foam or the like, and has absorbent properties. The first rubber wiper63A is disposed to the right of the first foam wiper62A. The first rubber wiper63A is made of rubber.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the second wipers60B includes a second foam wiper62B and a second rubber wiper63B. The second foam wiper62B is formed of the same material as the first foam wiper62A, and has the same shape. The second rubber wiper63B is formed of the same material as the first rubber wiper63A, and has the same shape.

The first wipers60A and the second wipers60B move, by rotating, between a contact position and a non-contact position. As illustrated inFIG.2, the contact position of the first wipers60A is a position in which the first foam wiper62A and the first rubber wiper63A protrude upward from the opening52A. The contact position of the second wipers60B is a position in which the second foam wiper62B and the second rubber wiper63B protrude upward from the opening52B. The non-contact position of the first wipers60A is a position in which the first foam wiper62A and the first rubber wiper63A have rotated around the axis by 180° from the contact position, inside the cleaning fluid vessel51(refer toFIG.14). The non-contact position of the second wipers60B is a position in which the second foam wiper62B and the second rubber wiper63B have rotated around the axis by 180° from the contact position, inside the cleaning fluid vessel51(refer toFIG.14). When the first wipers60A are positioned at the non-contact position, the first foam wiper62A and the first rubber wiper63A do not protrude upward from the opening52A. When the second wipers60B are positioned at the non-contact position, the second foam wiper62B and the second rubber wiper63B do not protrude upward from the opening52B. A position, in the up-down direction, of the leading ends of the first wipers60A positioned in the contact position is the same as a position, in the up-down direction, of the leading ends of the second wipers60B positioned in the contact position.

As illustrated inFIG.2toFIG.4, the support plate34supports the heads3from below. The rear end of the support plate34is supported by the guide shaft21A such that the support plate34can move in the main scanning direction. The front end of the support plate34is supported by the guide shaft21B such that the support plate34can move in the main scanning direction.

The support plate34is formed of a non-magnetic metal, such as aluminum or the like. As illustrated inFIG.4, the support plate34is provided with plate portions35A,35B, and35C, and a plate portions36A and36B. The plate portions35A,35B, and35C are flat plates that extend in the front-rear direction. The plate portions35A,35B, and35C are disposed in parallel to each other with intervals therebetween in the left-right direction. The plate portion35B is disposed to the left of the plate portion35A. The plate portion35C is disposed to the left of the plate portion35B.

The plate portions36A and36B are flat plates that extend in the left-right direction. The plate portions36A and36B are disposed in parallel to each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. The plate portion36B is disposed to the front of the plate portion36A. The front end portion of the plate portion36A is connected to the rear end portions of the plate portions35A,35B, and35C. The rear end portion of the plate portion36B is connected to the front end portions of the plate portions35A,35B, and35C.

The support plate34includes holes37A and37B that penetrate in the up-down direction. The hole37A is a space surrounded by the left end portion of the plate portion35A, the right end portion of the plate portion35B, the front end portion of the plate portion36A, and the rear end portion of the plate portion36B. The hole37B is a space surrounded by the left end portion of the plate portion35B, the right end portion of the plate portion35C, the front end portion of the plate portion36A, and the rear end portion of the plate portion36B. The protrusions55A and56A penetrate the hole37A. The nozzle surfaces57A and58A are disposed lower than the support plate34in the up-down direction. The protrusions55B and56B penetrate the hole37B. The nozzle surfaces57B and58B are disposed lower than the support plate34in the up-down direction.

The support plate34is provided with magnets38A to38F, and positioners34A and34B. The magnet38A is disposed below the plate portion36A. The magnet38A is disposed to the rear of the plate portion35A. The magnet38B is disposed below the plate portion36B. The magnet38B is disposed to the front of the plate portion35A. The magnets38A and38B are arranged alongside each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. The magnets38C and38D are disposed below the plate portion35B. The magnets38C and38D are disposed at a center portion of the plate portion35B in the front-rear direction. The magnet38D is disposed to the front of the magnet38C. The magnet38E is disposed below the plate portion36A. The magnet38E is disposed to the rear of the plate portion35C. The magnet38F is disposed below the plate portion36B. The magnet38F is disposed to the front of the plate portion35C. The magnets38E and38F are disposed alongside each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction.

The positioners34A extend downward from the plate portion35A. The number of the positioners34A is not limited, but in the present embodiment, the number of the positioners34A is two. The two positioners34A are disposed alongside each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. The positions of the two positioners34A in the left-right direction are disposed further to the right than the positions of the magnets38A and38B in the left-right direction.

The positioners34B extend downward from the plate portion35C. The number of the positioners34B is not limited, but in the present embodiment, the number of the positioners34B is two. The two positioners34B are disposed alongside each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. The positions of the two positioners34B in the left-right direction are disposed further to the left than the positions of the magnets38E and38F in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the two positioners34B are disposed at the left end portion of the plate portion35C. The interval in the left-right direction between the positioners34A and the positioners34B is equal to a size, in the left-right direction, of an absorption fixture7to be described later.

As illustrated in5, the absorption fixture7is provided downward of the support plate34. The absorption fixture7is exposed to the platen12(refer toFIG.1). Here, “exposed to” indicates a state in which, when the print medium is not placed, there is no obstruction between the platen12and the absorption fixture7in the up-down direction. The absorption fixture7is provided with a holder71and an absorption body72. The holder71holds the absorption body72. The holder71is a flat plate that extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The holder71is made of a magnetic metal, such as ferritic stainless steel, or the like. The absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34as a result of the holder71being attracted to the magnets38A to38F. In contrast, the absorption fixture7is removed from the support plate34by removing the holder71from the magnets38A to38F. In other words, the absorption fixture7is detachably provided on the support plate34.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the holder71includes notched portions711A,711B,712A, and712B, and holes713A,713B,714A, and714B. The notched portion711A is formed by cutting out the rear left end of the holder71. The notched portion711B is formed by cutting out the front left end of the holder71. The notched portion712A is formed by cutting from the rear end of the holder71toward the front. The notched portion712B is formed by cutting from the front end of the holder71toward the rear.

The holes713A,713B,714A, and714B penetrate the holder71in the up-down direction. The holes713A and714A are disposed alongside each other in the front-rear direction with an interval therebetween. The holes713B and714B are disposed alongside each other in the front-rear direction with an interval therebetween. The hole713B is disposed to the front and left of the hole713A. The hole714B is disposed to the left and the front of the hole714A. As illustrated inFIG.5, in a state in which the absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34, the protrusion55A is inserted through the hole713A. The protrusion55B is inserted through the hole713B. The protrusion56A is inserted through the hole714A. The protrusion56B is inserted through the hole714B.

As illustrated inFIG.7, the absorption body72is disposed on the holder71. One part of the absorption body72is disposed on the lower surface of the holder71. The absorption body72has absorbent properties. The absorption body72is a porous material, such as a resin foam or the like. In the present embodiment, the absorption body72is formed by a porous material of a melamine resin. The absorption body72absorbs a liquid, such as mist formed in some of the ink discharged from the heads3, or droplets or the like of the cleaning fluid stored in the cleaning fluid vessel51that are caused to fly by the wipe mechanism6, for example. Compared to the absorption body72before absorbing the liquid, the absorption body72after absorbing the liquid is not deformed by its own weight and the volume thereof does not increase excessively. The absorption body72is adhered over the whole lower surface of the holder71, via an adhesive agent (not illustrated). The adhesive agent is, for example, double-sided tape.

Other part of the absorption body72is folded over at a left end71A of the holder71. A folded over absorption body72A is adhered to the upper surface of the holder71via an adhesive agent. Since the left end71A of the holder71is covered by the absorption body72A, the left end71A does not come into contact with the support plate34and the nozzle surface57A.

The absorption body72includes holes723A,723B,724A, and724B. The holes723A,723B,724A, and724B each penetrate the absorption body72in the up-down direction. The positions of the holes723A,723B,724A, and724B in a plan view respectively correspond to the positions of the holes713A,713B,714A, and714B in a plan view. In other words, in the state in which the absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34, the protrusion55A is inserted through the hole723A. The protrusion55B is inserted through the hole723B. The protrusion56A is inserted through the hole724A. The protrusion56B is inserted through the hole724B. Hereinafter, the holes713A and723A are referred to together as holes73A. The holes713B and723B are referred to together as holes73B. The holes714A and724A are referred to together as holes74A. The holes714B and724B are referred to together as holes74B. In the state in which the absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34, the absorption body72is disposed to the front, the rear, the right, and the left of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B.

As illustrated inFIG.8toFIG.12, when attaching the absorption fixture7to the support plate34, assistance members23A and23B guide the absorption fixture7. The assistance members23A and23B are respectively provided on the frame22A. The assistance members23A and23B are disposed alongside each other with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction. The assistance member23A is disposed to the rear of the assistance member23B. The structure of the assistance member23B and the structure of the assistance member23A are front-rear symmetrical to each other. Hereinafter, only the structure of the assistance member23A will be described, and a description of the structure of the assistance member23B will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG.8toFIG.10, the assistance member23A includes plate portions231A (refer toFIG.10),232A,233A,234A,235A,236A, and237A. As illustrated inFIG.10, the plate portion231A is fixed to the upper surface of the frame22A. The plate portion232A extends upward and to the right from the right end of the plate portion231A. As illustrated inFIG.8, the plate portion233A extends downward and to the right from the right end of the plate portion232A. The right end of the plate portion233A is positioned further to the right than the right end of the frame22A, in the left-right direction. The plate portion234A extends downward and to the right from the right end of the plate portion233A. The right end of the plate portion234A is positioned further downward than the right end of the plate portion233A, in the up-down direction.

The plate portion235A extends upward from the rear end of the plate portion233A. The plate portion236A extends to the front from the upper end of the plate portion235A. In interval between the plate portion233A and the plate portion236A in the up-down direction is constant. The front end of the plate portion236A is positioned further to the rear than the front end of the plate portion233A, in the front-rear direction. The length of the plate portion236A in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length, in the front-rear direction, of the notched portions712A and712B (refer toFIG.6) of the holder71. The plate portion237A extends upward from the front end of the plate portion236A.

As illustrated inFIG.10, the upper end of the plate portion237A is positioned further upward than the upper end of the nozzle surface58B, in the up-down direction. The right end of the plate portion237A is positioned further to the right than the right end of the nozzle surface58B, in the left-right direction.

Plate portions233B,235B, and236B of the assistance member23B respectively correspond to the plate portions233A,235A, and236A of the assistance member23A.

Attachment of Absorption Fixture7

In a state in which the carriage30is positioned at a second reference position, the absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34using the assistance members23A and23B. The second reference position is a position further to the right than the printing region20R on the movement path of the carriage30. In the state in which the carriage30is positioned at the second reference position, the position of the absorption fixture7attached to the support plate34is referred to as an attachment position.

As illustrated inFIG.9andFIG.10, in a state in which the absorption body72is positioned below the holder71, a user moves the absorption fixture7to the left toward the assistance members23A and23B. The user inserts the left end portion of the absorption fixture7with respect to the assistance members23A and23B, from the right. The rear left end portion of the absorption fixture7is inserted into a space surrounded by the plate portions233A,235A, and236A. The front left end portion of the absorption fixture7is inserted into a space surrounded by the plate portions233B,235B, and236B.

When the absorption fixture7is positioned at a position different from the attachment position, the notched portions711A and711B are separated, to the right, from the positioners34B. In this state, when the user moves the absorption fixture7upward toward the support plate34, the absorption fixture7comes into contact with the plate portion236A and236B. When the absorption fixture7is positioned at a position different from the attachment position, the user cannot attach the absorption fixture7to the support plate34.

As illustrated inFIG.11andFIG.12, when the absorption fixture7is positioned at the attachment position, the notched portions711A and711B come into contact with the positioners34B. In this way, the absorption fixture7is positioned with respect to the support plate34. In this case, the notched portions712A and712B are disposed below the plate portions236A and236B. In this state, when the user moves the absorption fixture7upward toward the support plate34, the absorption fixture7does not come into contact with the plate portions236A and236B. When the absorption fixture7moves further upward toward the support plate34, the holder71is attracted to the magnets38A to38F. In this way, the absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34.

During a period in which the printing on the print medium is not performed, the printer1disposes the carriage30at the first reference position. As illustrated inFIG.13, the printer1moves the support portion40A upward. When the support portion40A moves upward, the right surfaces of the protrusions412A and413A of the second caps41B and42B respectively come into contact with the left surfaces of the protrusions55B and56B. When the support portion40A moves further upward, the protrusions412A and413A are inserted into gaps45between the inner surfaces of each of the holes73B and74B and the side surfaces of the protrusions55B and56B. The covering portions414A of each of the second caps41B and42B are guided by the protrusions412A and413A, and respectively face the nozzle surfaces57B and58B in the up-down direction.

Although not illustrated, when the support portion40A moves upward the right surfaces of the protrusions412A and413A of the first caps41A and42A respectively come into contact with the left surfaces of the protrusions55A and56A. When the support portion40A moves further upward, the protrusions412A and413A are inserted into gaps between the inner surfaces of each of the holes73A and74A and the side surfaces of the protrusions55A and56A. The covering portions414A of each of the first caps41A and42A are guided by the protrusions412A and413A, and respectively face the nozzle surfaces57A and58A in the up-down direction.

The first cap41A covers the nozzle surface57A (refer toFIG.5). The first cap42A covers the nozzle surface58A (refer toFIG.5). The second cap41B covers the nozzle surface57B. The second cap42B covers the nozzle surface58B. As a result of the caps4covering each of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B, the ink is suppressed from drying out during the period in which the printing on the print medium is not performed. In the state in which the first caps41A and42A and the second caps41B and42B are covering each of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B, the liquid that has attached to the holder71or the inner surface of the hole74A come into contact with the protrusions412A and413A. The liquid that has come into contact with the protrusions412A and413A flows, under its own weight, along the protrusions412A and413A downward from the holder71and the absorption body72.

Wiping Operation by Wipe Mechanism6

A wiping operation of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B by the wipe mechanism6will be described with reference toFIG.14toFIG.19. InFIG.14toFIG.19, only the wiping operation of the nozzle surfaces58A and58B is illustrated, but the wiping of the nozzle surfaces57A and57B is also performed in a similar manner to that of the nozzle surfaces58A and58B. Hereinafter, the wiping operation of the nozzle surface58A by the front-side first wiper60A, of the two first wipers60A, and the wiping operation of the nozzle surface58B by the front-side second wiper60B, of the two second wipers60B, will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the printer1moves the first wiper60A and the second wiper60B to the non-contact position. The printer1moves the carriage30that is at the first reference position to the right toward the wipe mechanism6(an arrow Y13).

As illustrated inFIG.15, the printer1moves the first wiper60A from the non-contact position to the contact position. Note that the second wiper60B is maintained at the non-contact position. When the first wiper60A moves upward from the non-contact position toward the contact position, the first wiper60A passes through the liquid surface of the cleaning fluid. In a state in which the first wiper60A is positioned at the contact position and is not in contact with the nozzle surface58A, a position H1, in the up-down direction, of the nozzle surface58A, a position H2, in the up-down direction, of the leading end of the first wiper60A, and a position H3, in the up-down direction, of the lower end of the absorption body72are aligned in order from below. Even if the absorption body72is in a state of having absorbed liquid, the positional relationship of the positions H1, H2, and H3does not change.

As illustrated inFIG.16, the printer1moves the carriage30to the right (an arrow Y23). In the course of the movement of the carriage30, the first heads3A passes over the first wiper60A that is at the contact position. The first wiper60A comes into contact with the nozzle surface58A in the order of the first foam wiper62A and the first rubber wiper63A. The first wiper60A wipes the nozzle surface58A from the right to the left.

As illustrated inFIG.17, after wiping the nozzle surface58A, the printer1moves the first wiper60A from the contact position to the non-contact position. When the first wiper60A moves downward from the contact position toward the non-contact position, the first wiper60A passes through the liquid surface of the cleaning fluid. The printer1moves the second wiper60B from the non-contact position to the contact position. When the second wiper60B moves upward from the non-contact position to the contact position, the second wiper60B passes through the liquid surface of the cleaning fluid.

As illustrated inFIG.18, the printer1moves the carriage30to the right (an arrow Y51). In the course of the movement of the carriage30, the second heads3B passes over the second wiper60B that is at the contact position. The second wiper60B comes into contact with the nozzle surface58B in the order of the second foam wiper62B and the second rubber wiper63B. The second wiper60B wipes the nozzle surface58B from the right to the left.

As illustrated inFIG.19, after wiping the nozzle surface58B, the printer1moves the second wiper60B from the contact position to the non-contact position. When the second wiper60B moves downward from the contact position toward the non-contact position, the second wiper60B passes through the liquid surface of the cleaning fluid. The printer1stops the movement of the carriage30.

Actions and Effects of Present Embodiment

The absorption fixture7is provided downward of the support plate34. The absorption fixture7is exposed to the platen12. The absorption fixture7is provided with the absorption body72. The absorption body72has absorbent properties. The printer1can reduce the possibility of liquid falling onto the print medium placed on the platen12, by the absorption body72absorbing the liquid (ink that has turned to mist, for example). Thus, the printer1can reduce the possibility of the print medium becoming contaminated.

The position in the up-down direction of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B is a position lower than the position in the up-down direction of the support plate34. The position H3, in the up-down direction, of the lower end of the absorption body72is positioned higher than the position H1, in the up-down direction, of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B. Thus, the printer1can reduce the possibility of the ink discharged from the nozzles of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B being absorbed by the absorption body72before attaching to the print medium.

There is no excessive expansion in the shape and the volume of the absorption body72as a result of its own weight before and after absorbing the liquid. Thus, even when the absorption body72has absorbed the liquid, the positional relationship of the position H3and the position H1does not change. Thus, even when the absorption body72is in the state of having absorbed the liquid, the printer1can reduce the possibility of the ink discharged from the nozzles of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B being absorbed by the absorption body72before attaching to the print medium.

In the up-down direction, the position H3is positioned higher than the position H2, in the up-down direction, of the leading ends of the first wipers60A and the second wipers60B. Thus, the printer1can reduce the possibility of the first wipers60A or the second wipers60B transferring the liquid absorbed by the absorption body72to the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B.

The first wipers60A wipe the nozzle surfaces57A and58A from the right to the left. The second wipers60B wipe the nozzle surfaces57B and58B from the right to the left. The absorption body72is disposed to the right and the left of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B. Thus, the printer1can absorb the liquid dispersed from the wipe mechanism6, using the absorption body72.

The platen12moves in the front-rear direction (the sub-scanning direction) with respect to the carriage30, by the driving of the platen motor. The absorption body72is disposed to the front and the rear of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B. Thus, the printer1can absorb the liquid, using the absorption body72, when the platen12moves relatively in the sub-scanning direction.

The absorption body72is provided so as to be replaceable on the support plate34. Thus, by replacing the absorption body72, the printer1can reduce the possibility of liquid absorbed by the absorption body72falling onto the print medium.

The holder71holds the absorption body72. The holder71is formed of a magnetic metal. The magnets38A to38F are provided on the lower surface of the support plate34. The absorption body72is attached to the support plate34by the holder71being attracted by the magnets38A to38F. The absorption body72is removed from the support plate34by the holder71being removed from the magnets38A to38F. Thus, the user can easily replace the absorption body72.

The support plate34is provided with the positioners34A and34B. When attaching the absorption body72to the support plate34, the notched portions711A and711B and the positioners34B come into contact with each other, and the absorption body72is thus positioned with respect to the support plate34. When the absorption body72is not positioned with respect to the support plate34, since the positional relationship between the absorption body72and the support plate34changes, there is a case in which an excessive force is applied to the magnets38A to38F that attract the holder71. In this case, the attachment of the absorption body72to the support plate34becomes unstable. In the printer1, since the absorption body72is positioned by the positioners34A and34B, the absorption body72is attached to the support plate34in a stable manner. Further, in the state in which the absorption body72is attached to the support plate34, each of the positioners34A and34B restricts the movement in the left-right direction (the main scanning direction) of the absorption fixture7. Thus, the absorption body72is attached to the support plate34in the stable manner, without the holder71becoming displaced from the magnets38A to38F.

When attaching the absorption fixture7to the support plate34, the user inserts the rear left end portion of the absorption fixture7into the space surrounded by the plate portions233A,235A, and236A. The user inserts the front left end portion of the absorption fixture7into the space surrounded by the plate portions233B,235B, and236B. When the absorption fixture7is positioned at a position different from the attachment position, the plate portions236A and236B restrict the absorption fixture7from moving upward toward the support plate34. By the user moving the absorption fixture7to the left and upward along the plate portions233A and233B, the absorption fixture7is positioned at the attachment position. When the absorption fixture7is positioned at the attachment position, the notched portions712A and712B are disposed below the plate portions236A and236B. In this state, the user can move the absorption fixture7upward toward the support plate34without restriction by the plate portions236A and236B. Thus, the printer1can reduce the possibility of the absorption body72being attached to the support plate34at position different from the attachment position.

The caps4are provided further to the left than the printing region20R, of the region inside the printer1. The protrusions412A and413A of the first cap41A receive the liquid attached to the support plate34or to the inner surface of the hole74A of the absorption fixture7, and cause the liquid to escape downward toward the support portion40A. The printer1can reduce the possibility of the liquid contaminating the print medium, by causing the liquid attached to at least one of the absorption body72or the holder71to escape using the protrusions412A and413A.

The protrusions412A and413A are respectively disposed in the gaps45between the inner surfaces of the holes73B and74B and the side surfaces of the protrusions55B and56B. Thus, the printer1can cause the liquid attached to the inner surfaces of the holes73B and74B of the absorption fixture7to escape via the protrusions412A and413A.

The holder71is the flat plate that extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The left end71A of the holder71is covered by the absorption body72A. Thus, the absorption body72can reduce the possibility that the left end71A of the holder71comes into contact with the support plate34, the nozzle surface57A, and the like.

The left end71A of the holder71is covered by folding back the part of the absorption body72. In this way, the configuration for covering the left end71A of the holder71can be formed using the absorption body72. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a separate member for covering the left end71A of the holder71.

Modified Examples

Various modification can be made to the present disclosure from the above-described embodiment. Various modified examples to be described below can be combined insofar as no contradictions occur. The respective movement mechanisms of the heads3and the platen12are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. For example, the heads3and the platen12may each be moved by a movement mechanism such as a roller, a ball screw, or the like. The heads3may be line heads. It is sufficient that the heads3be able to move in the left-right direction relative to the caps4, the first wipers60A, the second wipers60B, and the platen12. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which the carriage30is fixed to the frame body20, and the caps4, the first wipers60A, the second wipers60B, and the platen12are able to move in the left-right direction. When the platen12is able to move to in the left-right direction, a configuration may be adopted in which some of the caps4, the first wipers60A, the second wipers60B, and the platen12, such as the caps4, for example, are able to move in the left-right direction. A configuration may be adopted in which the platen12is fixed to the frame body20, and the heads3are able to move in the front-rear direction.

The cap mechanism40and the cleaning assembly5may be provided further to the right than the printing region20R, of the region inside the printer1. A positional relationship in the left-right direction of the cap mechanism40and the cleaning assembly5may be changed as appropriate.

The platen12and the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B may face each other in the left-right direction, or may face each other in the front-rear direction. For example, when the platen12and the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B face each other in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction, the heads3may move in the up-down direction relative to the platen12.

The printer1may include a third head in addition to the first head31A and the second head31B. The first head31A and the second head31B may have mutually different structures. The first head31A and the second head31B may discharge a common ink. In the above-described embodiment, the structure of the first head32A and the second head32B, the type of ink discharged, and the mutual positional relationship are the same as for the first head31A and the second head31B of the head31, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, the positions of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B in the up-down direction may be mutually different.

The protrusion412A may protrude upward from the upper end of the rear right end portion of the frame body411A. In addition to the protrusions412A and413A, the first cap41A may be provided with a member that causes the liquid attached to the support plate34or the inner surface of the hole74A of the absorption fixture7to escape. The direction in which the protrusions412A and413A cause the liquid to escape is not limited to the downward direction. The protrusions412A and413A of the first cap41A may receive the liquid attached to the support plate34and to the inner surface of the hole74A of the absorption fixture7, and cause the liquid to escape downward toward the support portion40A.

The absorption body72is not limited to the porous material such as the resin foam or the like, and may be an absorbent non-woven fabric. There is a case in which, after the non-woven fabric has absorbed the liquid, the non-woven fabric hangs downward under its own weight, and it is thus preferable to use a material with which there is no excessive expansion in the shape and the volume as a result of its own weight before and after absorbing the liquid, as in the above-described embodiment.

The absorption body72may be fixed to the support plate34. In this case, the printer1need not necessarily be provided with the assistance members23A and23B.

The absorption body72may be directly attached to the support plate34. The holder71may be configured by inserting a magnetic metal into a thermoset resin. In the case of this configuration, the absorption fixture7is attached to the support plate34as a result of the inserted metal of the holder71being attracted to the magnets38A to38F. The holder71may be configured by a non-magnetic metal and magnets may be provided at the upper surface of the holder71. In this case, the support plate34may be configured by a magnetic metal.

The absorption fixture7may be attached to the support plate34by adhesion using a surface fastener, by tightening a screw, or the like, for example.

The absorption body72need not necessarily be provided over the whole of the lower surface of the holder71. For example, the absorption body72may be disposed to any one, of the front, the rear, the right, and the left of the nozzle surfaces57A,57B,58A, and58B.

An end portion (the right end portion, for example) other than the left end71A of the holder71may be covered by the absorption body72A. The left end71A of the holder71may be covered by a member other than the absorption body72. The left end71A of the holder71may be covered with an elastic material, such as rubber or the like.

The holder71may be provided with a protruding portion that protrudes from the front end toward the front or from the rear end toward the rear. The plate portions236A and236B may be provided with a recessed portion corresponding to the protruding portion. When disposing the absorption fixture7at the attachment position, the absorption fixture7may be attached to the support plate34by the protruding portion passing through the recessed portion.

The assistance members23A and23B may be provided on the carriage30. In this case, so that there is no interference with the platen12positioned in the printing region20R, it is preferable that the assistance members23A and23B be able to move between an assistance position, which is a position lower than the support plate34, in which the assistance members23A and23B assist the attachment of the absorption fixture7to the support plate34, and a retracted position that is higher than the support plate34.

An absorption fixture8will be described with reference toFIG.20. The same reference signs will be assigned to a common configuration with the absorption fixture7(refer toFIG.6) of the above-described embodiment, and a description thereof will be simplified or omitted. Portions different from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

The absorption fixture8is provided with absorption bodies82and83. The absorption bodies82and83are configured by the same material as the absorption body72, and have absorbent properties. The absorption body82differs from the absorption body72in that a part of the absorption body82is not folded over at the left end71A of the holder71.

The absorption body83is disposed on the upper surface of the holder71. The absorption body83is provided with partial absorption bodies83A,83B,83C,83D,83E, and83F. The partial absorption body83A is provided at the left end portion of the holder71. The partial absorption body83B is provided at the right end portion of the holder71. The partial absorption bodies83A and83B extend in the front-rear direction. The partial absorption bodies83C and83D are provided at the rear end portion of the holder71and extend in the left-right direction. The partial absorption body83C is provided further to the front than the notched portion712A. The partial absorption body83D is provided to the right of the notched portion712A. The partial absorption bodies83E and83F are provided at the front end portion of the holder71and extend in the left-right direction. The partial absorption body83E is provided further to the rear than the notched portion712B. The partial absorption body83F is provided further to the right than the notched portion712B. The absorption fixture8absorbs droplets accumulated in a gap formed between the holder71and the support plate34(refer toFIG.4), and suppresses the droplets from falling onto the print medium.

A left end portion82A of the absorption body82and a left end portion831A of the partial absorption body83A are positioned further to the left than the left end71A of the holder71, and are adhered together. The left end71A of the holder71is covered by the left end portions82A and831A. The left end portions82A and831A reduce the possibility of the left end71A of the holder71coming into contact with the support plate34, the nozzle surface57A (refer toFIG.4), and the like.

An absorption fixture9will be described with reference toFIG.21. The absorption fixture9is provided with a holder91, and absorption bodies92and93. Notched portions911A,911B,912A, and912B, and holes913A,913B,914A, and914B of the holder91respectively correspond to the notched portions711A,711B,712A, and712B, and the holes713A,713B,714A, and714B (refer toFIG.6) of the holder71. Notched portions915A and915B of the holder91are cut out from the right end of the holder91toward the left. The notched portion915A is disposed to the rear of the notched portion915B. In a state in which the absorption fixture9is directly attached to the support plate34, the notched portions915A and915B reduce the possibility that the holder91may come into contact with the two positioners34A (refer toFIG.4).

The absorption body92is disposed on the holder91. One part of the absorption body92is disposed on the lower surface of the holder91. The absorption body93is disposed on the upper surface of the holder91. Partial absorption bodies93A,93B,93C,93D,93E, and93F of the absorption body93have structures corresponding to those of the partial absorption bodies83A,83B,83C,83D,83E, and83F of the absorption body83(refer toFIG.20). Other part of the absorption body92is folded over at a left end91A of the holder91. A folded over absorption body92A is positioned at the upper surface of the holder91.