Patent Publication Number: US-9849680-B2

Title: Liquid discharge apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-021368, filed on Feb. 5, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to liquid discharge apparatuses for discharging liquid from nozzles. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     As an example of liquid discharge apparatuses for discharging liquid from nozzles, conventionally, there are publicly known image recording apparatuses for discharging inks from nozzles to carry out recording. Such a publicly known image recording apparatus can move a cap for covering the nozzles of a recording head between a position in contact with the recording head to cover the nozzles, and a position separate from the recording head. Further, when the recording is not carried out, the cap is positioned to cover the nozzles, and a carriage locker (a projection) moving integrally with the cap is arranged in such a position as able to overlap with the carriage in a scanning direction. By virtue of this, the carriage locker restrains the carriage from moving in the scanning direction. Then, when an instruction is issued to start a recoding, then the cap is moved to the position separate from the recording head and the carriage locker is also moved along with the cap. By virtue of this, the carriage locker no longer overlaps with the carriage in the scanning direction, so that the carriage is released from the restraint of moving in the scanning direction. 
     SUMMARY 
     Here, in the image recording apparatus mentioned above, the carriage locker is configured to be movable in an inclined manner. Therefore, when the cap is moved from the position covering the nozzles to the position being separate from the recording head, the carriage locker may incline. When the carriage locker does not incline, then at the time of moving the cap from the position covering the nozzles through a predetermined distance, the carriage locker no longer overlaps with the carriage in the scanning direction. That is, the above restraint is released. However, according to the inclination manner of the carriage locker, even at the time of moving the cap through the predetermined distance, the carriage locker still overlaps with the carriage in the scanning direction. In such a case, the above restraint is not released. Therefore, it is necessary to assume the inclination of the carriage locker, and move the cap through a longer distance than the predetermined distance before starting to move the carriage. As a result, a longer time is inevitably needed from the instruction of starting a recording to the performance of the recording. 
     It is an object of the present teaching to provide a liquid discharge apparatus capable of suppressing the inclination of the carriage locker for restraining the carriage from moving when the cap is moved. 
     According to an aspect of the present teaching, there is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including: 
     a liquid discharge head including a nozzle surface having a nozzle; 
     a carriage mounting the liquid discharge head thereon and being movable in a first direction; 
     a cap configured to contact with the liquid discharge head to cover the nozzle; and a cap moving mechanism configured to move the cap in a second direction intersecting the nozzle surface to locate the cap in a capping position in contact with the liquid discharge head to cover the nozzle, and in an uncapping position separated away from the liquid discharge head, the cap moving mechanism including:
         a moving member holding the cap to be rotatable about a first rotational axis orthogonal to the nozzle surface and configured to move integrally with the cap in the second direction;   a carriage locker provided on the moving member to rotate integrally with the moving member and configured to restrain the carriage from moving in the first direction, the carriage locker overlapping with the carriage in the first direction with the cap in the capping position, and not overlapping with the carriage in the first direction with the cap in the uncapping position; and   a restraint portion configured to restrain the moving member from rotating about a second rotational axis orthogonal to the second direction;       

     wherein the restraint portion restrains the moving member from rotating such that when the cap arrives in the uncapping position, a rotating range of the carriage locker rotated with the moving member does not overlap with the carriage in the first direction. 
     The restraint portion restrains the moving member from rotation such that the carriage locker may not overlap with the carriage in the first direction corresponding to the scanning direction even when the carriage locker rotates along with the moving member to incline. Therefore, it is not necessary to assume the inclination of the carriage locker, and the carriage locker does not restrain the carriage from moving even when the carriage starts to move at the point of the carriage having arrived in the uncapping position. As a result, from the state of the plurality of nozzles being covered by the cap, it is possible to separate the cap from the nozzle, thereby shortening the time of switching the carriage to the movable state. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present teaching; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view depicting a schematic configuration of a sub-tank and an ink jet head; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a capping unit; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a peripheral part of a nozzle cap of the capping unit; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of extracting a part of the capping unit, corresponding to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB of  FIG. 4 , excluding a base member; 
         FIG. 6A  is a lateral view of observing  FIG. 5A  from the left side; 
         FIG. 6B  is a lateral view of observing  FIG. 5A  from the right side; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a cap holder, corresponding to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a plan view of the cap holder; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a cap lift holder, corresponding to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of observing the cap lift holder from another direction than that of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a plan view of the cap lift holder; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a cap lift base, corresponding to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of observing the cap lift base from another direction than that of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a plan view of the cap lift base; 
         FIG. 10B  is a lateral view of observing the cap lift base from the left side; 
         FIG. 10C  is a lateral view of observing the cap lift base from the right side; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the base member, corresponding to  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of observing the base member from another direction than that of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  corresponds to  FIG. 6A , with the nozzle cap separated from an ink jet surface; 
         FIG. 12B  also corresponds to  FIG. 6A , with the nozzle cap further separated from the ink jet surface than in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIGS. 13A to 13C  schematically depict a positional relation between respective members of the capping unit, wherein  FIG. 13A  depicts an ordinary state,  FIG. 13B  depicts a state of a carriage and the like moved by an external force, and  FIG. 13C  depicts a state after  FIG. 13B ; and 
         FIGS. 14A to 14D  schematically depict a positional relation between the respective members of the capping unit according to a comparative example, wherein  FIG. 14A  depicts an ordinary state,  FIG. 14B  depicts a state of the carriage and the like moved by an external force.  FIG. 14C  depicts a state after  FIG. 14B , and  FIG. 14D  depicts a state after  FIG. 14C . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     Hereinbelow, an embodiment of the present teaching will be explained. 
     (A Schematic Configuration of a Printer) 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a printer  1  includes a platen  2 , a carriage  3 , a sub-tank  4 , an ink jet head  5 , a cartridge holder  6 , a conveyance roller  7 , a paper discharge roller  8 , a maintenance unit  9 , and the like. Further, a controller  100  controls the operation of the printer  1 . 
     The platen  2  supports recording paper P which is a recording medium conveyed by the conveyance roller  7  and the paper discharge roller  8 . Further, two guide rails  11  and  12  are provided above the platen  2  to extend in parallel with a scanning direction. The two guide rails  11  and  12  are supported, respectively, by frames  13  and  14  at two opposite ends in the scanning direction. The carriage  3  is configured to be movable in the scanning direction along the two guide rails  11  and  12 . The carriage  3  is connected to an endless drive belt  15 , and the drive belt  15  is driven by a carriage motor  16 . Thus, the carriage  3  moves in the scanning direction. Further, the following explanation will be made with the right side and the left side in the scanning direction defined as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     The sub-tank  4  is mounted on the carriage  3 . As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a tube joint  17  is provided on the upper surface of the sub-tank  4 . The tube joint  17  is connected to the cartridge holder  6  via four tubes  19 . Further, in order to discharge air bubbles mixed into liquid channels in the sub-tank  4 , an air release unit  27  is provided on the right lateral surface of the sub-tank  4 . A detailed explanation will be made later on a configuration of the sub-tank  4  and the air release unit  27 . 
     The cartridge holder  6  includes four cartridge installation portions  6   a  aligning in the scanning direction. Each of the cartridge installation portions  6   a  is provided with an ink cartridge C. Pigment inks of black, yellow, cyan and magenta are retained in order in the ink cartridges C installed in the cartridge installation portions  6   a  from the right side to the left side in  FIG. 1 . Then, via the four tubes  19 , the sub-tank  4  is supplied with the above four color inks retained in the four ink cartridges C installed in the four cartridge installation portions  6   a.    
     The ink jet head  5  is fitted under the sub-tank  4 . The ink jet head  5  has ink channels including a plurality of nozzles  18  formed in an ink jet surface  5   a  which is the lower surface of the ink jet head  5 . The ink jet head  5  is supplied with the inks from the sub-tank  4  and jets the inks from the plurality of nozzles  18 . Four nozzle rows  10  are arranged in the ink jet head  5 . Each of the nozzle rows has a plurality of the nozzles  18  aligned in a conveyance direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. The four nozzle rows  10  align in the scanning direction to jet the inks of the different colors according to each of the nozzle rows  10 . In particular, the four nozzle rows  10  jet the inks of magenta, cyan, yellow and black in order from the left side to the right side in the scanning direction. 
     The maintenance unit  9  is arranged in a maintenance position on the right side of the platen  2  in the scanning direction. The maintenance unit  9  serves to carry out a maintenance operation to maintain and restore the ink jet head  5  for its jet function. A detailed configuration of the maintenance unit  9  will be explained later on. 
     (The Sub-Tank) 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the sub-tank  4  has a main body  20  extending along a horizontal plane, and a connecting part  21  extending vertically downward from the end of the main body  20  on the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The sub-tank  4  is formed with four ink supply channels  22  through which the four color inks flow to correspond to the four nozzle rows  10 . Further, in order to simplify the drawing of  FIG. 2 , only one of the four ink supply channels  22  is illustrated entirely whereas the other three ink supply channels  22  are illustrated as partially omitted. 
     Each of the ink supply channels  22  includes a damper chamber  24  formed in the main body  20  and a communication channel  25  formed in the connecting part  21 . Flexible films  23  are attached respectively to the upper and lower surfaces of the main body  20  to cover the channel including the damper chamber  24  formed in the main body  20 . The damper chamber  24  has a more flattened cross section than the channel part of the ink supply channel  22  connected on the upstream side and the downstream side of the damper chamber  24 . The damper chamber  24  absorbs a pressure variation of the ink flowing through the ink supply channel  22  by way of deformation of the flexible films  23 . The connecting part  21  of the sub-tank  4  is connected to the ink jet head  5 . The ink flowing through the ink supply channel  22  is supplied to the ink jet head  5  from the communication channel  25  formed in the connecting part  21 . 
     Further, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the main body  20  is formed with four air release channels  26  connected respectively to the four ink supply channels  22 . Further, in order to simplify the drawing,  FIG. 2  only illustrates one of the four air release channels  26  entirely whereas the other three air release channels  26  are illustrated as partially omitted. 
     Each of the air release channels  26  extends to the air release unit  27  provided on the right lateral surface of the sub-tank  4 . Further, the channel parts positioned inside the air release unit  27  of the air release channels  26  extend in a vertical direction. The lower ends of the channel parts of the air release channels  26  serve as opening portions  26   a . By virtue of this, in an air release surface  27   a , that is, the lower surface of the air release unit  27 , the four opening portions  26   a  corresponding to the four air release channels  26  align in one row in the conveyance direction. Further, an unshown valve is provided in the vertically extending part of each of the air release channels  26  for opening and closing the air release channel  26 . Here, the vertical direction refers to the direction of gravity action. 
     (The Maintenance Unit) 
     The maintenance unit  9  includes, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a capping unit  31 , a suction pump  32 , a switch device  33 , and a waste liquid tank  34 . 
     (The Capping Unit) 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ,  FIGS. 5A and 5B , and  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the capping unit  31  includes a nozzle cap  36 , an air release cap  37 , a cap holder  50 , a cap lift holder  60 , a cap lift base  70 , a base member  80 , a slide cam  90 , and the like. 
     The nozzle cap  36  is formed of, for example, a rubber material. As depicted in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , and  FIGS. 5A and 5B , The nozzle cap  36  has a cap portion  36   a  and another cap portion  36   b  arranged on the left side of the cap portion  36   a . When the carriage  3  moves to the maintenance position, then the cap portion  36   a  faces the rightmost nozzle row  10  while the cap portion  36   b  faces the three nozzle rows  10  on the left. Further, suction ports  36   c  and  36   d  are provided respectively in upstream ends of the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b  in the conveyance direction. The cap portions  36   a  and  36   b  are connected respectively with the switch device  33  via tubes at the suction ports  36   c  and  36   d.    
     The air release cap  37  is formed of, for example, a rubber material. As depicted in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , and  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the air release cap  37  is arranged on the right side of the nozzle cap  36 . When the carriage  3  moves to the maintenance position, then the air release cap  37  faces the air release surface  27   a  of the air release unit  27 . Further, a suction port  37   a  is provided in the upstream end of the air release cap  37  in the conveyance direction. The air release cap  37  is connected with the switch device  33  via a tube at the suction port  37   a . Further, the air release cap  37  is shorter than the nozzle cap  36  in the conveyance direction. Then, the nozzle cap  36  and the air release cap  37  have approximately the same position at the upstream ends in the conveyance direction. 
     (The Cap Holder) 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ,  FIGS. 5A and 5B , and  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the cap holder  50  is approximately rectangular in planar view, and is formed into a concave shape opening at the upper surface. The nozzle cap  36  is contained in the concave cap holder  50  to be held by the cap holder  50 . To explain in more detail, the nozzle cap  36  is placed on an upper surface  51   a  of a bottom wall portion  51  forming a lower portion of the concave cap holder  50 . Further, the nozzle cap  36  is enclosed throughout the circumference by such an edge wall portion  52  of the bottom wall portion  51  as projecting upward from the edge on the outer side of the nozzle cap  36 . Further, the edge wall portion  52  is not limited to completely enclosing the nozzle cap  36  throughout the circumference. For example, the edge wall portion  52  may be partially absent to enclose part of the nozzle cap  36 . Much the same is true on an edge wall portion  62  of the cap lift holder  60  and an edge wall portion  102  of the cap lift base  70  which will both be described later on. Further, the upper end of an inner wall surface  52   a  of the edge wall portion  52  serves as a taper portion  52   al  in such a taper shape that the farther toward the lower side, the farther toward the inner side. That is, the upper end of the inner wall surface  52   a  is formed of the taper portion  52   al  in such a taper shape that the closer to the nozzle cap  36 , the farther toward the inner side. 
     Further, the bottom wall portion  51  has such a right end in the scanning direction on the downstream side in the conveyance direction as to extend to the right side of the other parts of the bottom wall portion  51 . Then, that end of the bottom wall portion  51  is positioned on the right side of the nozzle cap  36  and on the downstream side of the air release cap  37 . Then, in this part of the bottom wall portion  51 , a discharge port  54  is formed for discharging the inks spilt into the cap holder  50  from the nozzle cap  36 . The discharge port  54  is arranged at such a position of the cap holder  50 . By virtue of this, a border line  55  between the bottom wall portion  51  and the edge wall portion  52  is connected directly with a wall surface  54   a  of the discharge port  54  without mediating a part on the inner side of the border line  55  of the upper surface  51   a  of the bottom wall portion  51 , or a part above the border line  55  of the wall surface  52   a  of the edge wall portion  52 . 
     Further, a cylindrical portion  53  is provided in such a part of the bottom wall portion  51  as at the lower surface overlapping vertically with the discharge port  54 . The cylindrical portion  53  is formed into an approximately rectangular cylinder extending downward to the bottom wall portion  51  such that its inner space  53   a  is connected with the discharge port  54 . Further, the right end of the cylindrical portion  53  serves as a projection  53   b  projecting downward below the other parts of the cylindrical portion  53 . 
     Further, three projections  56   a  are provided to align in the conveyance direction at the downstream end of the edge wall portion  52  in the conveyance direction. Further, three projections  56   b  are provided to align in the conveyance direction at the downstream end of the edge wall portion  52  in the conveyance direction. 
     (The Cap Lift Holder) 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIGS. 5A and 5B , and  FIGS. 8A to 8C , the cap lift holder  60  is approximately rectangular in planar view, and is formed into a concave shape opening at the upper surface. The cap holder  50  is contained in the concave cap lift holder  60  to be held by the cap lift holder  60 . In more detail, a coil spring  97  is provided in an approximately central portion of an upper surface  61   a  of a bottom wall portion  61  of the concave cap lift holder  60  to form a lower portion. The cap holder  50  is fitted on an upper end of the coil spring  97  to be biased upward by the coil spring  97 . Further, the cap holder  50  is enclosed throughout the circumference by such an edge wall portion  62  of the bottom wall portion  61  as projecting upward from an edge on the outer side of the cap holder  50 . 
     Further, the edge wall portion  62  of the cap lift holder  60  is provided with three fitting portions  63   a  to fit the three projections  56   a , and three fitting portions  63   b  to fit the three projections  56   b . Then, the projections  56   a  engage with the fitting portions  63   a  while the projections  56   b  engage with the fitting portions  63   b . By virtue of this, the cap holder  50  and the cap lift holder  60  are connected with each other. Further, the projections  56   a  and  56   b  are movable vertically in the fitting portions  63   a  and  63   b . However, when moving in the fitting portions  63   a  and being positioned on the uppermost side, the projections  56   a  are positioned below the projections  56   b  when moving in the fitting portions  63   b  and being positioned on the uppermost side. By virtue of this, with the nozzle cap  63  separated from the ink jet surface  5   a , at the projections  56   a  and  56   b , the fitting portions  63   a  and  63   b  restrain the cap holder  50  biased upward by the coil spring  97  from moving upward. Hence, the nozzle cap  36  and the cap holder  50  are inclined with respect to the conveyance direction (see  FIGS. 12A and 12B ) such that the farther toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, the farther positioned on the lower side. That is, the fitting portions  63   a  and  63   b  restrain the cap holder  50  from moving upward such that the part of the cap holder  50  on the downstream side in the conveyance direction may come below the part on the upstream side. 
     Further, a contact portion  64  projecting upward is provided at each end of a right end portion of the edge wall portion  62 , on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The contact portions  64  serve to contact with the right end of the ink jet head  5 , with the carriage  3  in the maintenance position. 
     Further, an ink receiving portion  65  is provided in such a part of the cap lift holder  60  as overlapping vertically with the discharge port  54 , for receiving the inks discharged from the discharge port  54 . The ink receiving portion  65  is formed into a concave shape opening at the upper surface. Here, the concave ink receiving portion  65  has a lower part formed of a part of the bottom wall portion  61 . Then, the ink receiving portion  65  is able to receive the inks on its upper surface  65   a . Further, the bottom wall portion  61  has an enclosure wall  65   b  projecting upward from the part forming the edge of the upper surface  65   a  of the ink receiving portion  65 , to enclose the upper surface  65   a . By virtue of this, the inks received on the upper surface  65   a  are prevented from flowing out of the ink receiving portion  65 . Further, a discharge port  67  opening at the upper surface  65   a  is provided in the right end of the ink receiving portion  65 . Further, a cylindrical portion  66  is provided in such a part of a lower surface  61   c  of the bottom wall portion  61  as overlapping with the discharge port  67 . The cylindrical portion  66  is formed into an approximately rectangular cylinder extending downward, and its inner space  66   a  is connected with the discharge port  67 . 
     Here, when the cap holder  50  inclines as described earlier on, then because the cap holder  50  moves relative to the cap lift holder  60 , the discharge port  54  deviates horizontally from the ink receiving portion  65 . In this embodiment, no matter how the positional relation changes due to such a relative movement between the cap holder  50  and the cap lift holder  60 , the discharge port  54  constantly overlaps vertically with the upper surface  65   a  of the ink receiving portion  65 . That is, the relative movement between the cap holder  50  and the cap lift holder  60  is restricted to such an area that the discharge port  54  overlaps vertically with the upper surface  65   a  of the ink receiving portion  65 . On this occasion, the projection  53   b  of the cylindrical portion  53  may be arranged to constantly overlap vertically with the discharge port  67 . That is, the relative movement between the cap holder  50  and the cap lift holder  60  may be restricted to the area where the discharge port  54  overlaps vertically with the discharge port  67 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, with the cylindrical portion  53 , at least the lower end of the projection  53   b  is positioned constantly below the upper end of the enclosure wall  65   b  of the ink receiving portion  65 . That is, the projection  53   b  is positioned on the inner side of the enclosure wall  65   b , and overlaps vertically in position with the enclosure wall  65   b  (has a part positioned at the same height). 
     Further, four pawls  68  are provided to project downward, at the four corners of the lower surface  61   c  of the bottom wall portion  61  of the cap lift holder  60 . Further, spring fitting portions  69  are provided respectively in such parts of the upper surface  61   a  of the bottom wall portion  61  as overlapping vertically with the two left pawls  68  of the four pawls  68 . The spring fitting portions  69  are fitted with coil springs  98 , respectively. Further, an opening portion  59  is formed in such a part of the bottom wall portion  61  and edge wall portion  62  as positioned on the left side of each of the spring fitting portions  69 . The coil springs  98  are drawn out of the opening portions  59  to the outer side of the cap lift holder  60 . 
     Further, the cap lift holder  60  is formed of, for example, a comparatively low hardness material such as polyacetal or the like. 
     (The Cap Lift Base) 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ,  FIGS. 5A and 5B ,  FIGS. 9A and 9B , and  FIGS. 10A to 10C , the cap lift base  70  has a frame portion  71  and a locker stand portion  72 . The frame portion  71  is formed into a concave shape opening at the upper surface, and the cap lift holder  60  is contained in the frame portion  71  to be held by the frame portion  71 . In more detail, the cap lift holder  60  is placed on the upper surface of a bottom wall portion  101  of the concave frame portion  71  to form a lower portion. Further, the cap lift holder  60  is enclosed throughout the circumference by the edge wall portion  102  projecting upward from such an edge of the bottom wall portion  101  as on the outer side of the cap lift holder  60 . Further, the air release cap  37  is also held by the cap lift base  70 . 
     Further, four through holes  103  are formed in the bottom wall portion  101  of the frame portion  71  to fit the respective pawls  68 . The through holes  103  extend in the scanning direction, and the pawls  68  are movable in the scanning direction in the through holes  103 . Further, spring fitting portions  109  are provided in the vicinity of the left two through holes  103  of the four through holes  103 , in an upper surface  101   a  of the bottom wall portion  101 . The spring fitting portions  109  are fitted with such ends of the coil springs  98  as at the opposite side from the spring fitting portions  69 . The coil springs  98  are extension springs and the cap lift holder  60  is biased leftward by the biasing force of the coil springs  98 . 
     Then, the cap lift holder  60  is biased leftward by the coil springs  98  while the four pawls  68  of the cap lift holder  60  are movable in the four through holes  103 . By virtue of this, the cap lift holder  60  is able to move parallel within a horizontal plane and to rotate within the horizontal plane with respect to the frame portion  71 . Here, the pawls  68  are movable only within the area where the through holes  103  are arranged. By virtue of this, the cap lift holder  60  is restricted in the range of the parallel moving within a horizontal plane and rotating within the horizontal plane with respect to the cap lift base  70 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is provided with the through holes  103 . However, instead of the through holes  103 , recesses may be provided to fit the pawls  68 . Further, projections may be provided on the upper surface of the frame portion  71  to project upward, while through holes or recesses opening at the lower surface may be provided in the bottom wall portion  61  of the cap lift holder  60 . 
     Further, an ink receiving portion  104  is provided in such a part of the frame portion  71  as positioned below the cylindrical portion  66 . The ink receiving portion  104  is formed into a concave shape opening at the upper surface. Here, the concave ink receiving portion  104  has a lower part formed of a part of the bottom wall portion  101 . Then, the ink receiving portion  104  is able to receive the inks on its upper surface  104   a . Further, the bottom wall portion  101  has an enclosure wall  104   b  projecting upward from a part forming an edge of the upper surface  104   a  of the ink receiving portion  104 , so as to enclose the upper surface  104   a  By virtue of this, the inks received on the upper surface  104   a  are prevented from flowing out of the ink receiving portion  104 . Further, a discharge port  106  is provided at the right end of the ink receiving portion  104  to open at the upper surface  104   a . Further, a cylindrical portion  105  is provided on such a part of the upper surface  101   a  of the bottom wall portion  101  as to overlap with the discharge port  106 . The cylindrical portion  105  is formed into an approximately rectangular cylinder extending downward, and its inner space  105   a  is connected with the discharge port  106 . 
     Here, as described above, the cap lift holder  60  is rotatable within the horizontal plane with respect to the frame portion  71 . In this embodiment, even when the cap lift holder  60  rotates within the horizontal plane with respect to the frame portion  71  such that their positional relation may change in any way, the discharge port  67  of the cap lift holder  60  still constantly overlaps vertically with the upper surface  104   a  of the ink receiving portion  104  of the frame portion  71 . That is, the relative movement between the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  is restricted to the area where the discharge port  67  overlaps vertically with the upper surface  104   a  of the ink receiving portion  104 . Further, on this occasion, the discharge port  67  may constantly overlap with the discharge port  106 . That is, the relative movement between the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  may be restricted to the area where the discharge port  67  overlaps vertically with the discharge port  106 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, even when the cap lift holder  60  rotates within the horizontal plane with respect to the frame portion  71  such that their positional relation may change in any way, the lower end of the cylindrical portion  66  is constantly positioned below the upper end of the enclosure wall  104   b  of the ink receiving portion  104 . That is, the cylindrical portion  66  and the ink receiving portion  104  overlap in the vertical position and have parts positioned at the same height. 
     Further, ribs  107  are provided on the lower surface of the bottom wall portion  101  of the frame portion  71  to project downward and extend in the conveyance direction, respectively, in the vicinity of the parts overlapping with the two ends of the nozzle cap  36  in the scanning direction. A projection  107   a  is provided on the outer end surface of each of the ribs  107  in the scanning direction to project outward in the scanning direction. These two projections  107   a  align in the scanning direction. Further, two projections  108  are provided to align in the scanning direction, on the upstream end surface of the frame portion  71  in the conveyance direction. Each of the projections  108  projects toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction, and extends vertically. 
     The locker stand portion  72  is formed into an approximately cuboid shape elongated in the vertical direction. The locker stand portion  72  is provided at the left end on the outer circumference of the frame portion  71  on the downstream side in the scanning direction. Further, the locker stand portion  72  is provided with a carriage locker  111  to stand upward from its upper surface. The carriage locker  111  restrains the carriage  3  from moving in the scanning direction. The carriage locker  111  is formed into a cuboid shape. The carriage  3  is provided with a recess  3   a  larger in size than the carriage locker  111 . With a leading end part of the carriage locker  111  contained in the recess  3   a , the carriage  3  is restrained from moving in the scanning direction. In other words, the carriage locker  111  overlaps with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction, thereby restraining the carriage  3  from moving in the scanning direction. That is, when the carriage  3  attempts to move, then the inner wall surface of the recess  3   a  will contact with the right lateral surface of the carriage locker  111  on the right side in the scanning direction such that the carriage  3  is restrained from moving. Because the right lateral surface and the inner wall surface extend vertically parallel to each other, when the carriage  3  moves leftward to interfere with the carriage locker  111 , then the carriage  3  is less likely to keep moving to let the inner wall surface slide upward to move relative to the right lateral surface. Therefore, even when the carriage  3  is caused to keep moving leftward, the carriage  3  will still not come up to cause the carriage locker  111  to come off the recess  3   a . Hence, it is possible for the carriage locker  111  to restrain the carriage  3  from moving in the scanning direction. Further, the recess  3   a  may not be formed in the carriage  3 . In such a case, the carriage locker  111  may contact with the left lateral surface of the carriage  3  to restrain the carriage  3  from moving. 
     Further, approximately cylindrical bosses  112   a  and  112   b  are provided to stand, respectively, in the vicinity of the upper end of the locker stand portion  72  and in the vicinity of the lower end on the left side from the left end. The bosses  112   a  and  112   b  overlap with the carriage locker  111  in the position in the conveyance direction. Further, ribs  113   a  and  113   b  are provided to stand on the left side in such parts of the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  as adjacent to the two sides in the conveyance direction, at the end on the left side of the locker stand portion  72 . Here, the boss  112   a  and the rib  113   a  are positioned above the projection  107   a . On the other hand, the boss  112   b  and the rib  113   b  are positioned more or less below the projection  107   a . Further, a rib  114  is provided at the right end of the locker stand portion  72  to stand on the right side and extend vertically. 
     Further, the cap lift base  70  is formed of a higher hardness material than the cap lift holder  60  such as a resin mixture of polyphenylenether, polystyrene and glass fiber, etc. 
     (The Base Member) 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the base member  80  has a containing portion  121  for containing the cap lift base  70 . The containing portion  121  supports the cap lift base  70  to be movable vertically. To explain in more detail, the containing portion  121  is provided with two guide portions  122  extending vertically and being arranged to sandwich the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  therebetween in the conveyance direction. The bosses  112   a  and  112   b  slide against the guide portions  122  to be guided vertically. Further, the containing portion  121  has a guide surface  124  which contacts with the leading end of the rib  114  and extends in the vertical and conveyance directions. The rib  114  is guided vertically along the guide surface  124 . Further, the containing portion  121  is provided with two guide portions  123  extending to sandwich the two projections  108  of the frame portion  71  therebetween in the scanning direction. By virtue of this, the projections  108  slide with the guide portions  123  to be guided vertically. Then, due to those mechanisms, the cap lift base  70  is supported by the containing portion  121  to be movable vertically. Further, although the containing portion  121  has other configurations than the above configuration for supporting the cap lift base  70  to be movable vertically. 
     Further, the two bosses  112   a  and  112   b  aligning vertically are sandwiched between the two guide portions  122  in the conveyance direction. By virtue of this, the two bosses  112   a  and  112   b  are restrained from moving in the conveyance direction. By virtue of this, the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  are restrained from deviating in the conveyance direction such that the cap lift base  70  including the locker stand portion  72  is restrained from rotating about an axis along the scanning direction. 
     Further, the leading ends of the guide portions  122  are in contact with the ribs  113   a  and  113   b . On the other hand, as described earlier on, the leading end of the rib  114  is in contact with the guide surface  124 . By virtue of this, the locker stand portion  72  is sandwiched in the scanning direction between the guide portions  122  and the guide surface  124 , respectively, in the part at the height where the rib  113   a  is arranged and in the part at the height where the rib  113   b  is arranged. Thereby, the locker stand portion  72  is restrained from moving in the scanning direction. By virtue of this, the locker stand portion  72  is restrained from the deviation in the scanning direction between the part at the height where the rib  113   a  is arranged and the part at the height where the rib  113   b  is arranged, such that the cap lift base  70  including the locker stand portion  72  is restrained from rotating about an axis along the conveyance direction. 
     Then, due to those mechanisms, the cap lift base  70  is restrained from rotating about an axis orthogonal to the vertical direction. 
     Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  are restrained from moving in the conveyance direction, while the locker stand portion  72  and the projections  108  are restrained from moving in the scanning direction. By virtue of this, the cap lift base  70  is also restrained from rotating within the horizontal plane. 
     Here, the base member  80  is fitted on the guide rails  11  and  12  of  FIG. 1  and the frame  14  on the right side. However, the members fitted with the base member  80  are not limited to those. For example, the base member  80  may be fitted on some of the guide rails  11  and  12  and frame  14 . Alternatively, the base member  80  may be fitted on a member supporting the frame from below (or a member for containing the recording paper P, etc.). 
     Further, a through hole  125  is formed in such a part of the containing portion  121  as to overlap vertically with the cylindrical portion  105 . An ink foam  120  for absorbing the inks is arranged below the base member  80  at a position overlapping vertically with at least the through hole  125 . 
     Here, in this embodiment, when the nozzle cap  36  is inclined, etc., as will be described later on, then the inks may spill from the nozzle cap  36  into the cap holder  50 . On this occasion, the inks spilt into the cap holder  50  are received by the upper surface  51   a  of the bottom wall portion  51  of the cap holder  50 . Further, those inks flow to the discharge port  57  along the border line  55  between the bottom wall portion  51  and the edge wall portion  52 , so as to be discharged downward from the discharge port  54 . The inks discharged from the discharge port  54  are received by the upper surface  65   a  of the ink receiving portion  65  of the cap lift holder  6 ). Then, the inks pass through the discharge port  67  and the inner space  66   a  of the cylindrical portion  66  to be discharged downward. The inks discharged from the discharge port  67  and the cylindrical portion  66  are received by the upper surface  104   a  of the ink receiving portion  104  of the cap lift base  70  and, thereafter, pass through the discharge port  106  and the inner space  105   a  of the cylindrical portion  105  to be discharged downward. Then, the inks discharged from the discharge port  106  and the inner space  105   a  of the cylindrical portion  105  pass through the through hole  125 , and reach the ink foam  120  to be absorbed by the ink foam  120 . 
     As described above, the base member  80  has not only the containing portion  121  for supporting the cap lift base  70  to be movable vertically but also a part fitted with the switch device  33  and the suction pump  32 . 
     (The Slide Cam) 
     The slide cam  90  is a member extending along the conveyance direction, and can be moved reciprocatingly in the conveyance direction by an unshown drive mechanism. The slide cam  90  is supported by a plurality of ribs provided on such an inner bottom surface of the base member  80  as to form the containing portion  121 , and configured to be slidable against the plurality of ribs. The slide cam  90  has two guide grooves  131  corresponding to the two projections  107   a  of the cap lift base  70 . Through each of the guide grooves  131  is inserted the corresponding projection  107   a . Each of the guide grooves  131  has three parallel portions  132   a  to  132   c , and two inclined portions  133   a  and  133   b.    
     The parallel portion  132   a  extends in parallel with the conveyance direction. The parallel portion  132   b  also extends in parallel with the conveyance direction and is arranged below the parallel portion  132   a  and on the upstream side from the parallel portion  132   a  in the conveyance direction. The parallel portion  132   c  also extends in parallel with the conveyance direction and is arranged below the parallel portion  132   b  and on the upstream side from the parallel portion  132   b  in the conveyance direction. The inclined portion  133   a  is arranged between the parallel portion  132   a  and the parallel portion  132   b  in the conveyance direction. The inclined portion  133   a  extends inclined with respect to the conveyance direction such that the farther toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, the farther toward the upper side, and connects the parallel portion  132   a  and the parallel portion  132   b . The inclined portion  133   b  is arranged between the parallel portion  132   b  and the parallel portion  132   c  in the conveyance direction. The inclined portion  133   b  extends inclined with respect to the conveyance direction such that the farther toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction, the farther toward the upper side, and connects the parallel portion  132   b  and the parallel portion  132   c.    
     Then, when the projection  107   a  is positioned inside the parallel portion  132   a , then the nozzle cap  36 , air release cap  37 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and cap lift base  70  are positioned at the uppermost side in the movable range. With the carriage  3  positioned in the maintenance position, when the nozzle cap  36  and the air release cap  37  are brought to that position, then the nozzle cap  36  is in close contact with the ink jet surface  5   a . On this occasion, the rightmost nozzle row  10  is covered by the cap portion  36   a  while the left three nozzle rows  10  are covered by the cap portion  36   b . Further, the opening portion  26   a  of the air release channel  26  is covered by the air release cap  37 . Further, the position of the nozzle cap  36  on this occasion will be referred to below as the capping position. 
     Further, when the nozzle cap  36  and the like are moved to that position, then the contact portion  64  of the cap lift holder  60  comes to contact with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. By virtue of this, in accordance with the inclination of the ink jet head  5 , the cap lift holder  60  rotates within the horizontal plane with respect to the cap lift base  70 . As a result, the nozzle cap  36 , which rotates within the horizontal plane along with the cap lift holder  60 , is adjusted in position to the inclination of the ink jet head  5 . 
     Further, in this state, the carriage locker  111  provided on the cap lift base  70  is also positioned on the uppermost side in the moving range. Then, in this state, the carriage locker  111  overlaps with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. In this state, the carriage locker  111  restrains the carriage  3  in the maintenance position from moving leftward in the scanning direction. 
     From this state, when the slide cam  90  is moved downstream in the conveyance direction, then the projection  107   a  slides against an inner wall surface  131   a  of the groove  131 , and moves from the parallel portion  132   a  to the inclined portion  133   a . By virtue of this, as depicted in  FIG. 12A , the nozzle cap  36 , air release cap  37 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and cap lift base  70  descend to separate the nozzle cap  36  from the ink jet surface  5   a . Then, when the projection  107   a  moves to the parallel portion  132   b , the nozzle cap  36  is positioned at a predetermined height away from the ink jet surface  5   a . Further, the position of the nozzle cap  36  on this occasion will be referred to below as the intermediate position. 
     When the slide cam  90  is moved further downstream in the conveyance direction, then the projection  107   a  slides against the inner wall surface  131   a  of the groove  131 , and moves from the parallel portion  132   a  to the inclined portion  133   b . By virtue of this, as depicted in  FIG. 12B , the nozzle cap  36 , air release cap  37 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and cap lift base  70  further descend. Then, when the projection  107   a  moves to the parallel portion  132   c , the nozzle cap  36  is positioned at the lowermost height in the moving range. Further, the position of the nozzle cap  36  on this occasion will be referred to below as the retreat position. 
     Further, from this state, when the slide cam  90  is moved upstream in the conveyance direction, then contrary to the above situation, the projection  107   a  slides against the inner wall surface  131   a  of the groove  131 , and moves in the following order to the parallel portion  132   c , the inclined portion  133   b , the parallel portion  132   b , the inclined portion  133   a , and the parallel portion  132   a . Thereby, the nozzle cap  36 , air release cap  37 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  ascend from the retreat position to the capping position via the intermediate position. 
     Here, when the cap lift base  70  ascends or descends, then the carriage locker  111  also ascends or descends. Then, with the nozzle cap  36  above a predetermined uncapping position between the intermediate position and the retreat position, the descending carriage locker  111  overlaps with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction, thereby restraining the carriage  3  from moving in the scanning direction. On the other hand, as depicted in  FIG. 12B , with the nozzle cap  36  below the predetermined uncapping position between the intermediate position and the retreat position, the carriage locker  111  does not overlap with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. When the nozzle cap  36  is in the uncapping position, the carriage locker  111  does not overlap with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. That is, the arrival of the nozzle cap  36  at the uncapping position starts releasing the carriage  3  from the restraint from moving in the scanning direction due to the carriage locker  111 . 
     Further, with the nozzle cap  36  separate from the ink jet surface  5   a , as depicted in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  and as described above, the nozzle cap  36  and the cap holder  50  are inclined with respect to the conveyance direction such that the downstream parts in the conveyance direction are positioned below the upstream parts. That is, the nozzle cap  36  and the cap holder  50  are inclined such that the downstream parts in the conveyance direction may come away from the ink jet surface  5   a . Further, the cap lift holder  60  is also more or less inclined. To explain in more detail, when it is supposed to strictly restrain the cap lift holder  60  from inclination with respect to the conveyance direction, then the cap lift holder  60  is liable to be hindered from a smooth rotation within the horizontal plane with respect to the cap lift base  70 . Therefore, it is not possible to strictly restrain the cap lift holder  60  from inclination in the conveyance direction. Hence, the cap lift holder  60  is more or less inclined in the conveyance direction. 
     When the cap lift holder  60  is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction, then the cap lift holder  60  moves relative to the cap lift base  70  such that the discharge port  67  and the cylindrical portion  66  deviate from the ink receiving portion  104  in the conveyance direction. In this embodiment, the nozzle cap  36  is in contact with the ink jet surface  5   a , so that when the nozzle cap  36  and the like are not inclined, then the discharge port  67  of the cap lift holder  60  overlaps vertically with the upper surface  104   a  of the ink receiving portion  104  of the frame portion  71 . Further, even when the nozzle cap  36  is separate from the ink jet surface  5   a  such that the nozzle cap  36  and the like are inclined, the discharge port  67  of the cap lift holder  60  still overlaps vertically with the upper surface  104   a  of the ink receiving portion  104  of the frame portion  71 . 
     The switch device  33  is, as described earlier on, connected with the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b  and the air release cap  37 . Further, the switch device is connected with the suction pump  32  via the tube. The switch device  33  switches the connection of the suction pump  32  with the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b  and the air release cap  37 . The waste liquid tank  34  is connected to the suction pump  32  on the opposite side from the switch device  33 . Then, under the control of the controller  100 , the printer  1  can carry out a suction purge. In the suction purge, the suction pump  32  is driven after connecting either of the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b  with the suction pump with the nozzles  18  covered by the nozzle cap  36 . By virtue of this, the inks in the ink jet head  5  is discharged from the nozzles  18  into the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b . Further, after the suction purge, it is possible to drive the suction pump  32  after the nozzle cap  36  is brought to the intermediate position. By virtue of this, it is possible to carry out an air suction to discharge the liquid accumulated in the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b . Further, the suction pump  32  is driven after the air release cap  37  is connected with the suction pump  32 , with the nozzles  18  covered by the nozzle cap  36 . By virtue of this, it is possible to carry out an air purge to release the air from the air release channel  26 . The waste liquid tank  34  retains the inks discharged in the suction purge and the air suction. 
     Here, when the printer  1  is in a standby state without carrying out any printing, the carriage  3  is placed in the maintenance position while the nozzle cap  36  is placed in the capping position. Then, as soon as a print instruction is inputted to the printer  1 , firstly as described above, the nozzle cap  36  and the like are caused to descend. Then, when the nozzle cap  36  descends to a position lower than the uncapping position, then the carriage locker  111  no longer overlaps with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. That is, the carriage locker  111  no longer overlaps with the carriage  3  as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction. Thereafter, the carriage  3  is moved to start printing. Further, in this embodiment, after starting printing in this manner, the nozzle cap  36  further descends down to the retreat position. 
     Further, in this embodiment, when each of the projections  107   a  of the cap lift base  70  passes the inclined portions  133   a  and  133   b  of the groove  131  of the slide cam  90 , a force is applied to the projection  107   a  from such a part of the inner wall surface  131   a  of the groove  131  as to form the inclined portions  133   a  and  133   b . By virtue of this, the cap lift base  70  moves vertically. On this occasion, the force applied to the projection  107   a  includes a component along the conveyance direction, in addition to the vertical component. Further, in this embodiment, the projection  107   a  is only inserted through the groove  131 . 
     Suppose that the cap lift base  70  is not restrained from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the conveyance direction. In this case, when the force having the component along the conveyance direction is applied to the projection  107   a  as described above, the projection  107   a  is liable to revolve in the groove  131  about an axis along the scanning direction. Further, along with this, the cap lift base  70  is liable to rotate about an axis along the scanning direction. Thus, the carriage locker  111  is more likely to incline. 
     Ordinarily, with the carriage locker  111  being not inclined, when the nozzle cap  36  descends through a predetermined descending distance, then the upper end of the carriage locker  111  moves below the recess  3   a . On this occasion, the carriage locker  111  does not overlap with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. However, according to the configuration as depicted in the above one example, when the nozzle cap  36  and the like descend, the carriage locker  111  is liable to incline. In this case, according to the way of inclination, even at the point of the nozzle cap  36  having descended through the predetermined descending distance, the upper end of the carriage locker  111  is still positioned in the recess  3   a . That is, the upper end of the carriage locker  111  overlaps with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. Therefore, it is indispensable to consider that the carriage locker  111  may incline. That is, the carriage  3  must start to move after the carriage locker  111  has moved through the predetermined descending distance or more. That is, considering the inclination of the carriage locker  111 , it is necessary to start moving the carriage  3  after the carriage locker  111  has descended through a descending distance set to be longer than the predetermined descending distance through which the carriage locker  111  without inclination descends below the recess  3   a . As a result, because the carriage  3  is able to move after a print instruction is inputted, a longer time is spent before the print is started. 
     In contrast to the above situation, in this embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is restrained from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction as described earlier on. Then, the carriage locker  111  is provided on the cap lift base  70  restrained from such rotation. By virtue of this, it is possible to prevent the carriage locker  111  from inclination when the nozzle cap  36  and the like descend. That is, in this embodiment, when the nozzle cap  36  arrives at the uncapping position, the cap lift base  70  is restrained from rotation such that the rotating range of the carriage locker  111  may not overlap with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to assume the inclination of the carriage locker  111 . Hence, the carriage  3  and the carriage locker  111  will not interfere with each other even when the carriage  3  starts to move at the point of the carriage locker  111  having descended through a predetermined descending distance which is the minimum descent for the carriage locker  111  not to overlap with the carriage  3 . As a result, it is not necessary for the carriage  3  to start moving after the carriage locker  111  has descended through such a descending distance as set to be longer than the predetermined descending distance. That is, it is possible for the carriage  3  to start moving at the point of the carriage locker  111  having descended through the predetermined descending distance. By virtue of this, it is not necessary for the carriage  3  to wait to start moving for the time to descend through an extra distance in addition to the predetermined descending distance as in a conventional manner. Hence, it is possible to for the carriage  3  to start moving earlier than conventional. Therefore, after the print instruction is inputted, it is possible to shorten the time from the carriage  3  being able to move to the print being started. 
     Further, in this embodiment, the cap lift holder  60  is fitted to be rotatable within the horizontal plane with respect to the cap lift base  70 , and the cap lift base  70  is restrained from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction with respect to the base member  80 . That is, the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  play the respective roles of the function of rotating within the horizontal plane according to the inclination of the ink jet head  5  and the function of transmitting the power to raise and lower the cap holder  50  in the vertical direction. Then, the carriage locker  111  is provided on the cap lift base  70  which is not required to rotate smoothly within the horizontal plane. By virtue of this, it is possible to reliably prevent the carriage locker  111  from inclination by strictly restraining the cap lift base  70  from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction. 
     Further, in this embodiment, in order for the carriage locker  111  not to contact with the ink jet surface  5   a , the locker stand portion  72  is provided on the outer side of the frame portion  71  of the cap lift base  70 , while the carriage locker  111  is provided on the locker stand portion  72 . Further, the locker stand portion  72  is provided with the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  and the ribs  113   a ,  113   b  and  114  for restraining the cap lift base  70  from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction. 
     By virtue of this, the boss  112   a  and the rib  113   a , as well as part of the rib  114 , are arranged closer to the carriage locker  111  than the projection  107   a  to which the force is applied from the slide cam  90 , in both the conveyance direction and the vertical direction. Therefore, at the position close to the carriage locker  111 , the cap lift base  70  is restrained from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction such that it is easier to prevent the carriage locker  111  from inclination than the case of restraining the cap lift base  70  from the rotation at a position farther away from the carriage locker  111 . 
     Further, because it is possible for the carriage locker  111  to collide with the carriage  3 , the carriage locker  111  is required to have a high strength to a certain degree. On the other hand, when rotating within the horizontal plane for position adjustment to the inclination of the ink jet head  5 , the cartridge holder  6  slides against the ink jet head  5 . Hence, the cap lift holder  60  cannot be formed of a material of so high a hardness. In contrast to this, because of not sliding against the ink jet head  5 , the cap lift base  70  can be formed of a material of a high hardness. Here, in this embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is formed of a material of a higher hardness than the cap lift holder  60 . By virtue of this, it is possible to raise the strength of the carriage locker  111  provided on the cap lift base  70 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, with the carriage  3  in the maintenance position and the nozzle cap  36  in the capping position, as depicted in  FIG. 13A , an interspace  151  is formed between the carriage  3  and the carriage locker  111 . Further, backlashes  152  and  153  are present, respectively, between the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  and between the cap lift base  70  and the base member  80 . The backlash  153  between the cap lift base  70  and the base member  80  is set such that when the carriage locker  111  is inclined by the cap lift base  70  rotating about the axis orthogonal to the conveyance direction, the carriage locker  111  may not overlap with the carriage  3  in the scanning direction. Further, in the scanning direction, the length L 1  of the interspace  151  between the carriage  3  and the carriage locker  111  is shorter than the length L 2  of the backlash  152  between the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  (the length of the backlash between the cap and the moving member of the present teaching). Further, in  FIG. 13A  and the like, for the sake of convenience, one member depicts the combination of the carriage  3  and the ink jet head  5  while another one member depicts the combination of the nozzle cap  36  and the cap holder  50 . Further, in this state, the right end of the carriage  3  is in contact with one frame  99  of the printer  1  such that the carriage  3  cannot move further rightward (in  FIG. 1  and the like, illustration of the frame  99  is omitted). The frame  99  is, for example, such a member as provided either integrally with the ends of the guide rails  11  and  12  or separately from the guide rails  11  and  12  to serve as a reference for detecting the origin position of the carriage  3 . 
     Here, with the carriage  3  in the maintenance position and the nozzle cap  36  in the capping position, due to the detent torque of the carriage motor  16 , a force produced in the cap lift holder  60  is larger than the biasing force of the coil springs  98 . Hence, due to the biasing force of the coil springs  98 , the cap lift holder  60  does not move leftward so as to maintain such a positional relation as depicted in  FIG. 13A  between the carriage  3 , the nozzle cap  36 , the cap holder  50 , the cap lift holder  60 , the cap lift base  70 , and the base member  80 . 
     In this state, consider a case where due to accidently dropping the printer  1  in transportation or the like, for example, an external force is applied to the cap lift holder  60  and is larger than the force produced therein due to the detent torque of the carriage motor  16 . In such a case, the cap lift holder  60  is pulled by the biasing force of the coil springs  98 . Thereby, the carriage  3 , nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50  and cap lift holder  60  move leftward. 
     Here, as depicted in  FIG. 14A , consider such a case that the length L 1  of the interspace between the carriage  3  and the carriage locker  111  is longer than the length L 2  of the interspace between the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70  (this example is taken as a comparative example). 
     In the case of the comparative example, as described above, when the cap lift holder  60  is pulled due to the biasing force of the coil springs  98 , the carriage  3 , nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50  and cap lift holder  60  move integrally leftward. On this occasion, as depicted in  FIG. 14B , those members first move leftward until the cap lift holder  60  comes to contact with the cap lift base  70 . 
     Further, thereafter as depicted in  FIG. 14C , the carriage  3  moves leftward independently from the nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50  and cap lift holder  60 , until contacting with the carriage locker  111 . On this occasion, a positional deviation arises between the ink jet surface  5   a  and the nozzle cap  36 . When such a deviation arises, then the nozzles  18  are liable to contact with such a part of the nozzle cap  36  as in contact with the ink jet surface  5   a , or the nozzles  18  are liable to move beyond the cap portions  36   a  and  36   b.    
     Further, in the case of the comparative example, after the carriage  3 , nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50  and cap lift holder  60  move integrally and, further, because the carriage  3  moves independently from the nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50  and cap lift holder  60 , the carriage  3  mounted with the comparatively heavy ink jet head  5  moves through a longer distance until contacting with the carriage locker  111 . When the carriage  3  moves through a longer distance, then the carriage locker  111  is subject to a larger impact when the carriage  3  comes into contact with the carriage locker  111 . 
     Further, in the case of the comparative example, thereafter as depicted in  FIG. 14D , the carriage  3 , nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and cap lift base  70  move integrally until contacting with the base member  80 . On this occasion, too, when the heavy carriage  3  moves through a long distance to contact with the carriage locker  111 , then the base member  80  is subject to a larger impact. 
     In contrast to the above, in this embodiment, as mentioned earlier on, the length L 1  is shorter than the length L 2 . As described above, when the cap lift holder  60  is pulled due to the biasing force of the coil springs  98 , the nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50  and cap lift holder  60  move leftward. On this occasion, as depicted in  FIG. 13B , those members move until the carriage  3  comes into contact with the carriage locker  111 . Since the carriage  3  is in contact with the contact portion  64  of the cap lift holder  60 , the carriage  3  thereafter will not move relative to the cap lift holder  60  in the scanning direction. Therefore, there is no positional deviation between the ink jet surface  5   a  and the nozzle cap  36 . Further, in this case, it is possible to for the carriage  3  to have a shorter moving distance until contacting with the carriage locker  111  than in the case of the comparative example. By virtue of this, when the carriage  3  comes into contact with the carriage locker  111 , it is possible to reduce the impact on the carriage locker  111 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, too, thereafter as depicted in  FIG. 13C , the carriage  3 , nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and cap lift base  70  move integrally until contacting with the base member  80 . In this embodiment, because the carriage  3  moves through a short distance to contact with the carriage locker  111 , it is possible to reduce the impact on the base member  80  at that time. 
     Further, in this embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is not only restrained from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction but also restrained from rotating within the horizontal plane. By virtue of this, it is possible to restrain the nozzle cap  36  from rotation and/or deviation due to other factors than the rotation of the cap lift holder  60 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, the printer  1  corresponds to the liquid discharge apparatus of the present teaching. Further, the ink jet head  5  corresponds to the liquid discharge head of the present teaching. Further, the combination of the cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60 , cap lift base  70 , base member  80  and slide cam  90  corresponds to the cap moving device of the present teaching. Further, the cap lift holder  60  corresponds to the cap holding member of the present teaching. Further, the cap lift base  70  corresponds to the moving member of the present teaching. Further, the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  and the ribs  113   a ,  113   b  and  114  correspond to the contact portion of the present teaching. Further, the guide portions  122  and  123  and the guide surface  124  play both roles of the guide portion and the restraint portion of the present teaching. Further, the projections  107   a  correspond to the drive force receiving portion of the present teaching. Further, the slide cam  90  corresponds to the cam portion of the present teaching while the inner wall surface  131   a  of the groove  131  corresponds to the cam surface of the present teaching. Further, the vertical direction or the directional term “vertical/vertically” corresponds to the first direction of the present teaching. Further, the scanning direction corresponds to the second direction of the present teaching. Further, the conveyance direction corresponds to the third direction of the present teaching. 
     Next, explanations will be made on a few modifications applying various changes to the above embodiment. 
     In the above embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is restrained both from the rotation about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction and from the rotation within the horizontal plane. However, without being limited to this, the cap lift base  70  may be restrained only from the rotation about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is formed of a higher hardness material than the cap lift holder  60 . However, without being limited to this, for example, the cap lift base  70  may be formed of the same material as the cap lift holder  60 . Further, the cap lift base  70  may be formed of a lower hardness material than the cap lift holder  60 . 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the bosses  112   a  and  112   b  and the ribs  113   a ,  113   b  and  114  are provided on the locker stand portion  72  arranged on the outer side of the frame portion  71  for the carriage locker  111  to stand thereon, so as to contact with the base member  80  for restraining the cap lift base  70  from rotating. However, without being limited to this, for example, at least some parts of those members may be provided on other parts than the locker stand portion  72  of the cap lift base  70  such as on the frame portion  71  and the like. 
     Further, in such cases, such a part of the cap lift base  70  as in contact with the base member  80  for the rotation restraint may not include the part arranged at a farther position from the carriage locker  111  than the projections  107   a  subject to the force from the slide cam  90 , in the conveyance direction and the vertical direction. That is, all parts of the cap lift base  70  in contact with the base member  80  for the rotation restraint may be arranged at farther positions from the carriage locker  111  than the projections  107   a , in either the conveyance direction or the vertical direction. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is provided with the two projections  107   a  to be subjected to the force from the slide cam  90 . However, without being limited to this, for example, the cap lift base  70  may be provided with one projection  107   a  or three or more projections  107   a  aligning in one row in the scanning direction while one groove  131  or three or more grooves  131  may be provided in the slide cam  90  to correspond to the respective projections  107   a.    
     Further, the moving direction of the slide cam  90  is not limited to the conveyance direction. The moving direction of the slide cam  90  may be another horizontal direction. Further, in such a case, the two projections  107   a  align in such a direction as horizontal and orthogonal to the moving direction of the slide cam  90 . 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the cap lift base  70  is raised and lowered by way of applying a force to the projections  107   a  from the inner wall surfaces  131   a  of the grooves  131  of the slide cam  90 . However, without being limited to this, for example, such an arm as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-208271 may be provided to apply a force to the projections  107   a . In this case, too, because the force applied to the projections  107   a  has not only the vertical component but also a component along the conveyance direction. Therefore, when the cap lift base  70  is not restrained from rotation, then the cap lift base  70  is liable to rotate due to the force applied to the projections  107   a . Further, in this case, the parts to which the force is applied for moving the cap lift base  70  may be configured in another form than projections. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the force applied for raising and lowering the cap lift base  70  has the component along the direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. However, without being limited to this, the force applied for raising and lowering the cap lift base  70  may have only the vertical component. In this case, too, it is necessary to restrain the cap lift base  70  from rotation due to other factors than the force applied for the raising and lowering. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the guide portions  122  and  123  and the guide surface  124  for guiding the cap lift base  70  of the base member  80  along the vertical direction serve also as the restraint portion to restrain the cap lift base  70  from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction. However, the present teaching is not limited to such an aspect. The base member  80  may be provided respectively with a guide portion for guiding the cap lift base  70  in the vertical direction and a restraint portion to restrain the cap lift base  70  from rotating about the axis orthogonal to the vertical direction. Further, in this case, the restraint portion is not limited to being provided on the base member  80  having the guide portion. The restraint portion may be provided on another member than the base member  80  having the guide portion. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the length L 1  of the interspace  151  between the carriage  3  and the carriage locker  111  is shorter than the length L 2  of the backlash  152  between the cap lift holder  60  and the cap lift base  70 . However, the present teaching is not limited to such an aspect. The length L 1  of the interspace  151  may be set as not longer than the length L 2  of the backlash  152 . 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the cap holder  50  and the cap lift holder  60  are different members. However, the present teaching is not limited to such an aspect. A single member may be provided to integrate the cap holder  50  and the cap lift holder  60 . Further, in this case, the above single member corresponds to the cap holding member of the present teaching. Alternatively, the nozzle cap  36  may be held directly on the cap lift base  70  to be rotatable within the horizontal plane. In this case, the length L 1  of the interspace  151  may be shorter than the length of a backlash between nozzle cap  36  and the cap lift base  70 . 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the nozzle cap  36 , cap holder  50 , cap lift holder  60  and cap lift base  70  are moved in the vertical direction. However, those members may be moved in another direction which intersects the liquid jet surface and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. 
     Further, in the above embodiment, the uncapping position is located between the intermediate position and the retreat position. However, the present teaching is not limited to such an aspect. For example, the uncapping position may be located between the capping position and the intermediate position. Further, there may be no such intermediate position as in the above embodiment, and the uncapping position may be located between the capping position and the retreat position. 
     Further, the above explanation is made on an example of applying the present teaching to an ink jet printer jetting inks from nozzles to carry out printing. However, the present teaching is not limited to such an aspect. For example, it is also possible to apply the present teaching to liquid discharge apparatuses jetting a liquid other than inks such as a wiring pattern material for a wiring substrate.