Patent ID: 12208621

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a first embodiment according to a recording apparatus11which is an example of a liquid discharge apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. InFIG.1, assuming that the recording apparatus11is mounted on a horizontal plane, three virtual axes orthogonal to each other are defined as an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The X axis is a virtual axis parallel to a scanning direction of a discharge head25, which will be described later, and the Y axis is a virtual axis parallel to a transport direction of a medium at the time of recording. The Z axis is a virtual axis parallel to a vertical direction Z. Both directions parallel to the X axis indicate directions in which a recording section23including the discharge head25is reciprocally scanned. Therefore, the direction in which the recording section23is scanned is also referred to as “scanning direction X”. One direction parallel to the Y axis indicates the transport direction of a medium M at a recording position where the discharge head25performs recording on the medium M. Therefore, the transport direction of the medium M at the recording position is also referred to as “transport direction Y”. On the Y axis, the surface side of the recording apparatus11on which a display section14described later is disposed is referred to as front, and the side opposite to the front is referred to as rear. The transport path on which the medium M is transported is not parallel to the Y axis in the entire area, and the transport direction changes according to the position of the medium M on the transport path.

Configuration of Recording Apparatus

The recording apparatus11illustrated inFIG.1is a serial recording type ink jet printer. As illustrated inFIG.1, the recording apparatus11includes an apparatus main body12and a cover13provided on the upper portion of the apparatus main body12so as to be openable and closable. The apparatus main body12includes a housing12A that accommodates various mechanisms related to recording. The recording apparatus11has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. The recording apparatus11of this example is a multifunction device provided with an image reading device30(scanner) on an upper portion of the apparatus main body12. The cover13is opened and closed when a document is set in the image reading device30. When the cover13is opened, a document holder31(refer toFIG.7) having a glass plate on which the document is set in the image reading device30is exposed.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the recording apparatus11includes the display section14on the front surface. The display section14is configured with, for example, a touch panel, and configures a part of an interface function operated by a user to give an instruction to the recording apparatus11. The display section14is configured with, for example, a touch panel, and has an operation function operated when giving various instructions to the recording apparatus11, and a display function of displaying various menus and operating statuses of the recording apparatus11. The display section14is attached to the apparatus main body12to be turnable around a width direction X (left-right direction). A power button15is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body12. The recording apparatus11may include the display section14that does not have a touch panel function and a switch type operation section.

On the front right side of the apparatus main body12, one or a plurality (six in this embodiment) of liquid supply sources17are provided. The liquid supply source17is configured with, for example, an ink tank or an ink cartridge. Each of the liquid supply sources17has one or a plurality of (six in this embodiment) corresponding transparent window sections18. The window section18is made of transparent or translucent resin, and the user can visually recognize the liquid level of the liquid accommodated in the liquid supply source17through the window section18from the outside. In other words, the window section18configures a liquid remaining amount display section that displays a remaining liquid amount in the liquid supply source17.

On the front surface of the recording apparatus11, a cassette cover19is provided to be openable and closable. The cassette cover19is opened and closed by turning around a lower end. A cassette20(refer toFIGS.6and8) is inserted to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body12inside the cassette cover19at the closed position illustrated inFIG.1. A plurality of media M are accommodated in the cassette20. A first feeding section41(refer toFIG.8) for feeding the medium M from the cassette20is provided in the apparatus main body12. The medium M corresponds to an example of a recording material.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, a feeding cover21is provided to be openable and closable on the rear portion of the upper surface of the recording apparatus11. The feeding cover21is opened and closed by turning around the rear end. A feeding tray22stored at a storage position is disposed on the back surface portion of the apparatus main body12. The feeding tray22is disposed at the use position in a rearward inclined oblique posture illustrated inFIGS.3and4by pulling the feeding tray22upward from the storage position illustrated inFIGS.1and2.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the recording section23for performing recording on the medium M fed from the cassette20or the feeding tray22(refer toFIG.3) is accommodated in the apparatus main body12. The recording section23is, for example, a serial recording type. The serial recording type recording section23includes a carriage24capable of reciprocating in the scanning direction X, and the discharge head25held at the lower portion of the carriage24. In other words, the recording apparatus11includes the discharge head25that discharges a liquid to the medium M. The surface of the discharge head25facing the medium M transported along the transport path is a nozzle surface (refer toFIG.6) on which a plurality of nozzles (not illustrated) are open. The liquid supply source17and the recording section23are coupled to each other through a liquid supply tube (not illustrated), and the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply source17to the discharge head25through the liquid supply tube.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the recording apparatus11is provided facing the discharge head25, and includes a support section26that supports the medium M from below. The support section26is a long member that extends in the width direction X over a region facing the moving path of the discharge head25. The support section26supports the medium M transported by a transport section40(refer toFIG.6). In the process of moving in the scanning direction X, the discharge head25discharges a liquid such as ink to a part of the medium M supported by the support section26to perform recording on the medium M.

The discharge head25discharges a liquid such as ink from the plurality of nozzles toward the medium M while moving in the scanning direction X together with the carriage24. By alternately repeating a recording operation in which the carriage24moves once and the discharge head25performs recording one pass, and a transport operation in which the medium M is transported to the next recording position, characters or images are recorded on the medium M. The recording section23may use a line recording type. The line recording type recording section23includes the discharge head25including a line head having a plurality of nozzles capable of simultaneously discharging a liquid over the entire width of the medium having the maximum width. Since the liquid is discharged from the nozzle of the discharge head25configured with the line head with the entire width of the medium M as the discharge target with respect to the medium M transported at a constant speed, high-speed recording of an image or the like is realized.

The recording apparatus11has an edgeless recording function in which the entire surface of the medium M is a recording target without creating a margin at the end portion of the medium M. The discharge head25moves in the scanning direction X in the edgeless recording mode, and discharges an excess liquid to a region come off from the side end of the medium M to the outer side. Accordingly, even when the medium M is displaced within the allowable range in the width direction X due to skew or the like, no margin is formed at the side end portion of the medium M.

The support section26is provided with a discard absorbing member70which is an example of a first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discarded from the nozzle to the outer side of the side end of the medium M by the discharge head25in the edgeless recording mode. The discard absorbing member70is provided so as to cover a part of the surface of the support section26, which corresponds to the side ends of at least a plurality of types of specified size media M that can be transported.

The recording apparatus11illustrated inFIG.1includes a control section100that performs various types of control. The control section100performs control of the carriage24and the discharge head25, transport control of the medium M, display control of the display section14, voltage control of the power supply unit75(refer toFIG.6) described later, and the like.

As illustrated inFIG.2, on the back surface portion of the recording apparatus11, a support guide member27is disposed below the feeding tray22at the storage position in the vertical direction in a slidable state. The support guide member27is disposed at the center of the back surface of the recording apparatus11. A waste liquid box cover28is provided to be turnable at a position on the left of the lower portion of the support guide member27. The waste liquid box cover28can be opened and closed by turning left and right around the left end. At one end portion of the back surface portion of the recording apparatus11in the width direction X, a power cable33A for supplying electric power and a communication cable33B for communicating with a communication device such as a host computer (not illustrated) are electrically coupled to each other.

As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the support guide member27is disposed in a vertical posture that configures a part of the back surface portion of the apparatus main body12, and both sides of the upper end portion in the width direction are engaged with both side portions of a main support member22A in the width direction. The support guide member27is provided to be slidable in the vertical direction Z in a state where the feeding cover21is open. In a state where the feeding cover21open, the user can withdraw the feeding tray22and the support guide member27upward.FIGS.3and4illustrate a state where the support guide member27slides upward and the feeding tray22is withdrawn in a rearward inclined state. When the feeding tray22is withdrawn upward, the feeding tray22is disposed in the oblique posture in which, as the support guide member27slides upward, the feeding tray22is inclined rearward at a predetermined angle. In this manner, the feeding tray22is deployed in the oblique posture in which the medium M can be placed when the medium M is fed from the rear side.

As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the feeding tray22is configured in a multi-stage slide type. The feeding tray22is configured such that the main support member22A and a sub support member22B are slidably coupled to each other. InFIGS.3and4, the sub support member22B is slid upward with respect to the main support member22A, and the feeding tray22is in a state of being in use in a rearward inclined posture and extended to be long. The sub support member22B is used while being extended upward with respect to the main support member22A. The user sets one or a plurality of media M in the feeding tray22which is in the rearward inclined posture. A second feeding section42(refer toFIG.6) feeds the media M set in the feeding tray22one by one from the lower side into the apparatus main body12.

Furthermore, by withdrawing the support guide member27upward, a part of the waste liquid collecting unit50is exposed at the lower portion of the back surface of the apparatus main body12. In other words, in a state where the support guide member27is slid upward, an opening12C appears at the lower portion of the apparatus main body12, and a back surface frame section12B and the back surface of the waste liquid collecting unit50, which are covered with the support guide member27until this time, are exposed. However, one end portion of the back surface of the waste liquid collecting unit50in the width direction X is covered with the waste liquid box cover28at the closed position.

FIG.4illustrates an open state where the waste liquid box cover28is turned to the open position. By unfastening a screw28A fixed to the apparatus main body12, the waste liquid box cover28becomes turnable. When the waste liquid box cover28is turned to the open position, a state where the waste liquid collecting unit50can be taken out is achieved. When the user removes the waste liquid collecting unit50for replacement, maintenance, or the like, a removable state illustrated inFIG.4where the entire back surface portion thereof is exposed is achieved.

FIG.5illustrates a state where the waste liquid collecting unit50is removed. The waste liquid collecting unit50is removed from the apparatus main body12by sliding the waste liquid collecting unit50in the state illustrated inFIG.4toward the upstream in the transport direction Y and drawing out the waste liquid collecting unit50. As illustrated inFIG.5, the waste liquid collecting unit50includes: a waste liquid absorbing member50A which is an example of a second absorbing member; and a waste liquid box50B which is an example of an accommodating section that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The waste liquid collecting unit50is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body12. Therefore, even when the user is not a service person, the waste liquid collecting unit50can be replaced by the user himself or herself. The waste liquid box50B is configured in a long box shape with an open upper part in a posture of being inserted into the apparatus main body12. The waste liquid absorbing member50A accommodated in the waste liquid box50B is in a state where the upper part is exposed.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed at a position closer to one end portion in the width direction X, and includes a long first waste liquid collecting section51that extends in the transport direction Y and a long second waste liquid collecting section52that is coupled to the upstream end portion of the first waste liquid collecting section51in the transport direction Y and extends in the width direction X. The first waste liquid collecting section51and the second waste liquid collecting section52are coupled to each other at each of the end portions in a state of being orthogonal to each other, and have an L-shape in a plan view. In a state where the L-shaped waste liquid collecting unit50is inserted into the apparatus main body12, the first waste liquid collecting section51is positioned below a maintenance device60(refer toFIG.7), and the second waste liquid collecting section52is positioned below the second feeding section42.

The first waste liquid collecting section51includes a long box-shaped first waste liquid box section53with an open upper part, and a long rectangular plate-shaped first waste liquid absorbing member54accommodated in the first waste liquid box section53. The second waste liquid collecting section52includes a long box-shaped second waste liquid box section55with an open upper part, and a long rectangular plate-shaped second waste liquid absorbing member56accommodated in the second waste liquid box section55.

In other words, the waste liquid absorbing member50A includes the long rectangular plate-shaped first waste liquid absorbing member54that extends in the transport direction Y, and the long second waste liquid absorbing member56which is coupled to the upstream end portion of the first waste liquid absorbing member54in the transport direction Y and extends in the width direction X. The waste liquid box50B includes the first waste liquid box section53that accommodates the first waste liquid absorbing member54and the second waste liquid box section55that accommodates the second waste liquid absorbing member56. The first waste liquid box section53and the second waste liquid box section55are coupled to each other at a coupling section50C in a state where the first waste liquid absorbing member54and the second waste liquid absorbing member56are in contact with each other and the waste liquid can be moved therebetween. Further, a mark50D indicating that the waste liquid box50B can be taken out by the user at one end portion of the back surface of the waste liquid box50B.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the recording section23includes a first feeding section41(refer toFIG.8) and a second feeding section42which are for transporting the medium M. The first feeding section41feeds the media M accommodated in the cassette20one by one in order from the top. An opening12D capable of storing the cassette20is opened at the front portion of the apparatus main body12. The user can attach and detach the cassette20by sliding the cassette20from the opening12D along the wall surface.

The second feeding section42includes a pair of guide sections22C operated by the user for positioning the medium M set in the feeding tray22in the width direction X, and a moving mechanism22D that can be moved in the width direction X in conjunction with the pair of guide sections22C. The second feeding section42includes a feeding roller45. By the rotation of the feeding roller45, the medium M set in the feeding tray22is fed to a recording region of the recording section23.

The recording apparatus11includes a transport roller pair48that transports the medium M fed from the first feeding section41or the second feeding section42in the transport direction Y. The support section26is disposed at a position downstream of the transport roller pair48in the transport direction Y. An eject roller pair49is disposed at a position opposite to the transport roller pair48with the support section26sandwiched therebetween in the transport direction Y. The eject roller pair49nips and transports a part of the medium M on which the recording is finished by the recording section23, for example, at a position downstream of the transport roller pair48in the transport direction Y. The medium M transported from the eject roller pair49in the transport direction Y is ejected onto a stacker46. As illustrated inFIG.8, the stacker46is disposed so as to overlap the discard absorbing member70in the stored state, and is not illustrated, but when the medium M is ejected, the stacker46moves by a manual operation by the user in the Y direction or an automatic operation by a power source (not illustrated) to be in an extended state. By disposing the stacker46in this manner, it is possible to suppress the size of the recording apparatus11in the depth direction to be small in the stored state of the stacker46.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the recording section23reciprocates in the width direction X between a home position HP positioned at the right end portion in the apparatus main body12and an opposite-home position AH positioned at the left end portion in the apparatus main body12inFIG.6.

The liquid supply source17illustrated inFIG.6is provided with a cap cover38that can be opened and closed at the upper portion of the liquid supply source17. In the example, the liquid supply source17is a tank in which the liquid is accommodated. When there is the liquid supply source17, of which the remaining amount is small, through the window section18(refer toFIG.1), the user opens the cap cover38to expose a pour17A (refer toFIG.7) of the liquid supply source17. Then, the user pours the liquid from the liquid bottle into the pour17A of the liquid supply source17. The liquid supply source17is not limited to a liquid replenishment type tank in which the user replenishes the liquid from the liquid bottle, and may be a liquid pack (for example, an ink pack) or a liquid cartridge (for example, an ink cartridge) in which the liquid is accommodated. The liquid supply source17is not limited to an off-carriage type provided in the apparatus main body12, but may be an on-carriage type mounted on the carriage24.

The liquid is supplied to the recording section23from the liquid supply source17through a liquid supply tube39(refer toFIG.8). The recording section23performs recording on the medium M which is transported by the transport section40and supported by the support section26.

InFIG.6, while the recording section23reciprocates in the scanning direction X, the discharge head25performs recording on the medium M by alternately performing the recording operation in which the discharge head25discharges the liquid toward the medium M supported by the support section26and the recording is performed by one scanning, and the transport operation in which the medium M is transported by the roller pairs48and49to the next recording position.

The recording apparatus11has an edgeless recording mode in which the edgeless recording is possible of which the entire surface of the medium M is a recording target. When the user selects the edgeless recording mode when setting the recording conditions, the recording section23discharges the liquid from the discharge head25to the recording region that protrudes to the outer side from the side end of the medium M in the width direction X. In other words, in the recording apparatus11illustrated inFIG.6, the liquid is also discarded to the outer side from the side end of the medium M supported by the support section26in the width direction X, by the discharge head25. Accordingly, even when the transport position of the medium M in the width direction X varies within the allowable range due to skew or the like, it is possible to avoid forming a margin at the end portion of the medium M in the width direction X. The amount of protrusion that protrudes to the outer side from the side end of the medium M for discharging the liquid is set to, for example, a predetermined length within the range of 1 to 5 mm.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the recording apparatus11includes the discard absorbing member70which is an example of a first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discarded to the outer side of the medium M supported by the support section26from the discharge head25. The support section26has a plurality of ribs26A that support the medium M in a state of projecting upward at positions spaced apart from each other in the width direction X. The surface of a part of the support section26other than the rib26A is partially covered with the discard absorbing member70. The discard absorbing member70absorbs the liquid discarded to the outer side of the medium M as a waste liquid.

The maintenance device60is disposed below the recording section23when the recording section23is at the home position HP. The maintenance device60performs maintenance with respect to the discharge head25of the recording section23. The maintenance device60includes a cap61that caps the discharge head25when the carriage24is at the home position HP, and a wiper62that wipes the nozzle surface of the discharge head25. By capping the discharge head25with the cap61, thickening or drying of a liquid such as ink in the nozzle of the discharge head25is suppressed. When the liquid in the nozzle becomes thick, there are air bubbles in the liquid in the nozzle, or the nozzle is blocked by foreign matters such as paper dust, a discharge failure occurs in which the liquid cannot be discharged normally from the nozzle due to clogging of the nozzle.

The maintenance device60cleans the nozzle of the discharge head25in order to eliminate or prevent this type of discharge failure. At the time of cleaning, the maintenance device60forcibly ejects the liquid from the discharge head25to the cap61. The maintenance device60includes a suction pump63that communicates with the cap61. The maintenance device60drives the suction pump63under a capping state where the cap61is in contact with the nozzle surface of the discharge head25in a state of surrounding the nozzle. When the suction pump63is driven, the liquid is forcibly ejected from the nozzle by the negative pressure introduced into the closed space between the nozzle surface of the discharge head25and the cap61. The liquid such as ink including foreign matters such as thickened liquid, air bubbles, and paper dust is forcibly ejected from the nozzle, and accordingly, the discharge failure of the nozzle is prevented or eliminated. The cap61at the time of cleaning is held in a capping state of being in contact with the nozzle surface of the discharge head25by the urging force of a spring61A (refer toFIG.11).

The recording section23moves to the home position HP periodically or irregularly during the recording, performs idle discharge (also referred to as “flushing”) for discharging liquid droplets from all of the nozzles toward the cap61, and accordingly, the discharge failure during the recording is prevented. The liquid (waste liquid) ejected from the nozzle into the cap61by cleaning and idle discharge is sent from the cap61to the waste liquid collecting unit50through a waste liquid tube64by driving the suction pump63. Specifically, the waste liquid sent from the cap61through the waste liquid tube64by driving the suction pump63is ejected to the first waste liquid collecting section51positioned below the maintenance device60in the waste liquid collecting unit50.

As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed below the maintenance device60and the liquid supply source17. The maintenance device60and the waste liquid absorbing member50A have a part where the positions in the front-rear and left-right directions are the same, and overlap each other at the part in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the maintenance device60and the waste liquid absorbing member50A partially overlap each other in the vertical direction Z. In this manner, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed below the maintenance device60. Accordingly, the liquid such as ink scattered by the maintenance device60can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A.

As illustrated inFIG.6, there is at least a part where the positions of the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the liquid supply source17in the front-rear and left-right directions are the same position, and the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the liquid supply source17overlap each other at least at the part in the vertical direction Z. In other words, the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the liquid supply source17at least partially overlap each other in the vertical direction Z. In this manner, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed below the liquid supply source17. Accordingly, when the user replenishes a liquid such as ink from the pour17A of the liquid supply source17, even when the liquid is accidentally spilled, the waste liquid absorbing member50A thereunder can absorb the liquid.

Furthermore, since the space above the waste liquid absorbing member50A accommodated in the waste liquid box50B is empty, the drying of the liquid such as ink from the waste liquid absorbing member50A is promoted, and the capacity of the waste liquid that can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A increases.

When there accumulates a certain amount of the waste liquid absorbed by the discard absorbing member70after the liquid is discarded from the discharge head25during the edgeless recording or the like, the waste liquid flows from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid box50B by the capillary phenomenon and the action of gravity. The discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are coupled to each other in a state where the waste liquid can be delivered. The details of the mechanism for delivering the waste liquid will be described later.

As illustrated inFIG.6, at one end portion in the width direction X at the rear end portion of the recording apparatus11, the power supply unit75, which converts the electric power of a predetermined voltage supplied from the power cable33A into a predetermined voltage that can be used by the recording apparatus11, is disposed. The waste liquid absorbing member50A and the power supply unit75are disposed facing each other with the discard absorbing member70sandwiched therebetween. In other words, the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the power supply unit75are disposed at positions on both sides of the discard absorbing member70in the width direction X. The first waste liquid absorbing member54and the power supply unit75that configure the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed separately in the accommodation spaces (accommodating spaces) on both sides sandwiching a transport region FA which is the region where the medium M is transported. The support section26is disposed in the transport region FA in a plan view ofFIG.6. Since the power supply unit75and the replaceable waste liquid collecting unit50are components that occupy a large part of the accommodation space in the apparatus main body12, the entire component layout of the recording apparatus11can be further optimized by disposing the transport regions FA separately in the accommodation spaces on both sides spaced apart from each other.

The recording apparatus11illustrated inFIG.7includes the image reading device30(scanner) on the upper portion of the apparatus main body12. The image reading device30includes the document holder31having a glass plate on which a document is set, and a reading mechanism32having a movable image sensor (not illustrated) for reading the document set on the document holder31.

As illustrated inFIG.7, a main frame35extends in the width direction X in the apparatus main body12. The main frame35has a guide rail35A that guides the carriage24. The carriage24reciprocates in the scanning direction X by being guided by the guide rail35A. A moving mechanism34for moving the carriage24in the scanning direction X is provided between the main frame35and the carriage24. The moving mechanism34is, for example, a belt drive type, and includes a carriage motor36which is a driving source of the carriage24, and an endless timing belt34A stretched along the scanning direction X. The carriage24is fixed to a part of the timing belt34A. When the carriage motor36drives forwardly and reversely, the carriage24reciprocates in the scanning direction X via the timing belt34A.

The main frame35is provided with a linear encoder37for detecting the position of the recording section23in the scanning direction X. The linear encoder37includes a linear scale that extends along the scanning direction X and a sensor (not illustrated) attached to the carriage24. The sensor detects the light transmitted to the linear scale through a light transmitting section formed at a constant pitch, and outputs a pulse signal having the number of pulses proportional to the movement amount of the carriage24. The control section100(refer toFIG.1) includes a counter (not illustrated) that counts the number of pulse edges of the pulse signal input from the linear encoder37, and the position of the carriage24in the scanning direction X from the counted value of the counter, that is, the carriage position is acquired.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the recording apparatus11includes the cassette20that accommodates the medium M below the discharge head25, and the first feeding section41that feeds the media M accommodated in the cassette20one by one toward the recording position of the discharge head25. The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to partially overlap below the first feeding section41. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.8, the second waste liquid absorbing member56of the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to overlap below the first feeding section41.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the first feeding section41is disposed above the medium M accommodated in the cassette20. The first feeding section41includes a pickup roller44as a feeding roller for feeding the medium M. The first feeding section41includes a power transmission mechanism configured with a row (gear train) of a driving shaft44A that rotates by the power from the feeding motor (not illustrated), the pickup roller44, and a plurality of gears44B interposed between the driving shaft44A and the pickup roller44. A separation plate12E is disposed at a position slightly upstream of the distal end on the upstream of the cassette20in the transport direction Y. The separation plate12E separates the uppermost medium M from the subsequent medium M by abutting against the distal end portion of the medium M sent out from the cassette20by the pickup roller44. In other words, the separation plate12E prevents double feeding by separating the medium M into one sheet. The separation plate12E configures a part of the first feeding section41. After the medium M is separated into one sheet, the transport direction is changed by a reversing roller47, and the medium M is transported toward the recording position of the discharge head25. As illustrated inFIG.8, the separation plate12E that configures the first feeding section41partially overlaps the second waste liquid absorbing member56of the waste liquid box50B in the vertical direction Z. In this manner, the waste liquid absorbing member50A overlaps below the first feeding section41.

By disposing the replaceable waste liquid collecting unit50in a state of overlapping below the separation plate12E of the first feeding section41, assuming that the capacity of the absorbing member is the same, it is possible to suppress the size of the recording apparatus11in the depth direction to be small compared to a configuration in which the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed at another place.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the recording apparatus11includes the second feeding section42having the feeding tray22which is an example of a placement section on which the medium M is placed, the feeding roller45that feeds the medium M placed on the feeding tray22toward the recording position of the discharge head25, and a hopper22E that presses the medium M set on the feeding tray22against the feeding roller45. The media M pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the feeding roller45by the hopper22E are fed one by one toward the recording position of the discharge head25in a state of being nipped between the rotating feeding roller45and a retard roller45A. At this time, the medium M does not pass through the reversing roller47. The liquid supply tube39for supplying the liquid from the liquid supply source17to the recording section23is disposed at an obliquely upper position of the eject roller pair49. The liquid supply tube39is routed along the width direction X in a state of a tube bundle39B in which a plurality of tubes are bundled, and is coupled to the carriage24in a state of allowing the carriage24to move in the scanning direction X.

The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to overlap below the second feeding section42. Specifically, the second waste liquid absorbing member56of the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to overlap below the upper end portion of the hopper22E of the second feeding section42. Accordingly, the size of the recording apparatus11in the depth direction can be suppressed. In the stored state of the feeding tray22illustrated inFIG.8, the second waste liquid absorbing member56may be disposed so as to overlap below the upper end portion of the moving mechanism22D including the pair of guide sections22C (refer toFIG.6) that configure the feeding tray22. According to this configuration, the size of the recording apparatus11in the depth direction can be suppressed.

The recording apparatus11illustrated inFIG.8has a double-sided recording function capable of performing the recording on both the first surface and the second surface of the medium M. The recording apparatus11includes the reversing roller47which is an example of a reversing section that reverses the medium M, on which the recording is finished on the first surface by the discharge head25and which is switched back and transported further to the upstream of the discharge head25in the transport direction Y, such that the second surface can face the discharge head25. A plurality of driven rollers47A are provided along the outer peripheral surface of the reversing roller47. The reversing roller47is also used to bend and reverse the medium M along the transport path when the medium M is sent from the first feeding section41to the recording section23as described above. The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed in a partially overlapping state below the reversing roller47. Specifically, the second waste liquid absorbing member56that extends in the width direction X at the rear end portion of the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed in a partially overlapping state below the reversing roller47. By partially overlapping the second waste liquid absorbing member56and the reversing roller47each other in the vertical direction Z, it is possible to suppress the size of the recording apparatus11in the depth direction to be short.

FIG.9is a perspective view of the inside of the recording apparatus11when viewed from the rear part of the back surface. As illustrated inFIG.9, the waste liquid tube64that extends from the maintenance device60is disposed so as to extend along the outer side surface of the first waste liquid absorbing member54inserted into the apparatus main body12, and a joining section66fixed to the distal end portion is joined to a joined section57provided at the front end portion of the waste liquid box50B. Accordingly, the liquid (waste liquid) received by the cap61is ejected to the first waste liquid absorbing member54through the waste liquid tube64by driving the suction pump63. In this manner, the waste liquid received by the cap61is absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A through the waste liquid tube64.

As illustrated inFIG.9, a storage element58(substrate) is fixed to the front end portion of the waste liquid box50B. When the waste liquid box50B is inserted into the apparatus main body12, the storage element58is electrically coupled to the apparatus main body12side. Further, at the front end portion of the waste liquid box50B, a scattering prevention wall59is formed at a position near the joined section57.

As illustrated inFIG.9, in the discard absorbing member70that receives a liquid such as ink discarded to the outer side of the side end of the medium M during edgeless recording, one end portion on the home position HP side in the width direction X is adjacent to the maintenance device60via a small gap. It is configured that a waste liquid such as waste ink can be delivered from the discard absorbing member70toward the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The waste liquid absorbing member50A is positioned below the discard absorbing member70in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the waste liquid can be delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A by using gravity.

In this embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.10, a delivery mechanism80which is an example of a delivery section that delivers the waste liquid is disposed between the discard absorbing member70and the maintenance device60. The delivery mechanism80delivers the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A by using the gravity and the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, the delivery mechanism80can deliver the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A without using a driving source such as a pump. Since the waste liquid on the discard absorbing member70side flows to the waste liquid absorbing member50A, it is not necessary to replace the discard absorbing member70.

FIGS.10and11illustrate a structure of the delivery mechanism80that delivers the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The delivery mechanism80includes a first coupling absorbing member81and a second coupling absorbing member82coupled thereto at one end portion of the first coupling absorbing member81. The first coupling absorbing member81is coupled to one end portion of the discard absorbing member70on the maintenance device60side. The other end portion of the first coupling absorbing member81on the side opposite to the one end portion on the discard absorbing member70side is coupled to the upper end portion of the second coupling absorbing member82disposed in a posture that extends in the vertical direction Z. The first coupling absorbing member81is held in a nearly horizontal posture by being held by a holding section81A. The holding section81A may be inclined downward toward the delivery mechanism80, and accordingly, the waste liquid can easily move to the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The second coupling absorbing member82is held in a nearly vertical posture by being supported by a holding section82A.

The lower end of the second coupling absorbing member82faces a waste liquid guide section83with a space therebetween. The waste liquid guide section83has a slope83A that receives the waste liquid dripping from the lower end of the second coupling absorbing member82and guides the received waste liquid to the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The slope83A is a surface that inclines in a direction in which the height decreases toward the outer side (left side inFIG.11) in the width direction X from a position facing the lower end of the second coupling absorbing member82. In this manner, in this embodiment, the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70side is delivered to the waste liquid absorbing member50A through the slope83A via the coupling absorbing members81and82. The lower end of the second coupling absorbing member82faces the waste liquid guide section83with a space therebetween, and further, the waste liquid guide section83and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed so as to overlap each other in the width direction X. Accordingly, even when the recording apparatus11is disposed to be tilted, it is possible to prevent the movement of the waste liquid from the waste liquid absorbing member50A to the discard absorbing member70and suppress the leakage of the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the recording apparatus11includes a blocking mechanism85as an example of a blocking section capable of temporarily blocking the delivery of the liquid between the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Therefore, even when the waste liquid collecting unit50is removed from the apparatus main body12for replacement, the waste liquid delivered via the delivery mechanism80is prevented from leaking at the point disconnected from the delivery mechanism80.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the maintenance device60includes a driving mechanism63A that inputs power from a transport motor (not illustrated). The driving mechanism63A includes a group of gears and a group of cams for driving the maintenance device60. As each gear of the driving mechanism63A rotates, components such as the suction pump63, the cap61, the wiper62, a carriage lock member65, and a valve mechanism (not illustrated) are respectively driven.

The blocking mechanism85illustrated inFIG.12is driven by using power of the maintenance device60. The driving mechanism63A has a driving shaft63B that outputs power to the blocking mechanism85. The blocking mechanism85includes an intermittent gear86fixed to the distal end portion of the driving shaft63B of the driving mechanism63A, and a slide gear87that can be intermittently meshed with the intermittent gear86. In a normal state other than that when the waste liquid box50B is attached and detached, the slide gear87is disposed at the retracted position where the slide gear87is retracted rearward as illustrated inFIG.12, and the second coupling absorbing member82and the waste liquid absorbing member50A can deliver the waste liquid. In other words, in the normal state, the blocking mechanism85is switched to a state where the waste liquid can be delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the delivery mechanism80.

As illustrated inFIG.13, the intermittent gear86has an intermittent section86A at a part in the peripheral direction thereof. When the intermittent gear86is rotated in a counterclockwise direction CCW inFIG.13by the power from the driving shaft63B and the intermittent section86A of the intermittent gear86and a fitting section87A of the slide gear87are fitted to each other, the slide gear87moves to the front blocking position illustrated inFIG.14. The slide gear87at the blocking position temporarily blocks the delivery of the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A. As illustrated inFIG.13, the slide gear87has a storage section87B, and a certain waste liquid amount can be stored in a recess portion87C of the storage section87B. When the slide gear87is at the blocking position, the storage section87B is positioned between the second coupling absorbing member82and the waste liquid guide section83, and the waste liquid dripping or flowing down from the lower end portion of the second coupling absorbing member82is stored in the storage section87B. The volume of the storage section87B is set to a value that does not overflow even when the waste liquid delivered from the discard absorbing member70is stored during the estimated time required for replacing the waste liquid box50B. The waste liquid stored in the storage section87B can be stored again by removing the waste liquid with an absorbent (not illustrated) or the like in a deliverable state.

With such a configuration, when the waste liquid collecting unit50is replaced, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the waste liquid downward from the second coupling absorbing member82and the contamination of the inside of the apparatus main body12with the waste liquid. Since the blocking operation of the blocking mechanism85is performed by using power of the existing driving source for driving the maintenance device60, the cost of components can also be suppressed.

It is desirable that the blocking operation of the blocking mechanism85is performed in conjunction with various operations of the maintenance device60when the waste liquid collecting unit50is replaced. The blocking mechanism85is not a slide gear system, but the delivery mechanism80is a tube suction system that delivers the waste liquid by the suction force of the tube, and may be a blocking mechanism that blocks the delivery of the waste liquid by choking the tube using a choke mechanism.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the recording apparatus11includes a main substrate76on which the control section100that controls the discharge head25is mounted as an electronic component. The main substrate76is disposed in the accommodation space on the left side of the accommodation spaces on both sides of the transport region FA in the width direction X in the apparatus main body12, similar to the power supply unit75. Meanwhile, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is inserted into the bottom portion of the accommodation space on the right side. The discard absorbing member70is disposed below the transport region FA together with the support section26. Therefore, the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the main substrate76are disposed facing each other with the discard absorbing member70sandwiched therebetween. In other words, the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the main substrate76are disposed facing each other in the width direction X with the transport region FA, in which the discard absorbing member70is disposed, sandwiched therebetween. In this manner, the main substrate76is disposed at a position spaced apart from the waste liquid absorbing member50A by a relatively long distance corresponding to the width dimension of the discard absorbing member70, which is slightly longer than the width dimension of the transport region FA. Therefore, even when the waste liquid leaks from the waste liquid collecting unit50, the possibility that the waste liquid comes into contact with the main substrate76is extremely low. The carriage24may be provided with the control section100that controls the discharge head25. In this case, the electronic component may be a component other than the control section100.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the first waste liquid absorbing member54of the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed at the right end portion of the recording apparatus11on the arrangement position side of the maintenance device60(refer toFIG.6), and the joined section57to be joined to the joining section66serving as a waste liquid ejecting port from the maintenance device60is disposed on the front surface side of the recording apparatus11. The waste liquid collecting unit50is attached to and detached from the back surface side of the recording apparatus11.

As illustrated inFIG.15, an extended absorbing member90is disposed in the apparatus main body12behind the discard absorbing member70on the upstream in the transport direction Y. In the example illustrated inFIG.15, two extended absorbing members90, such as a first extended absorbing member90A and a second extended absorbing member90B, are disposed. The first extended absorbing member90A and the second extended absorbing member90B are disposed side by side in the width direction X behind the discard absorbing member70. Between the discard absorbing member70and the two extended absorbing members90are coupled to each other in a state where the flow of the waste liquid is possible via two coupling absorbing members91. In other words, the discard absorbing member70is coupled to the first extended absorbing member90A via one of the coupling absorbing members91, and is coupled to the second extended absorbing member90B via the other coupling absorbing member91. By providing the extended absorbing member90, the capacity of the waste liquid that can be absorbed by the absorbing member is increased per one recording apparatus.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the recording apparatus11includes the extended absorbing member90which is coupled to the discard absorbing member70such that the liquid can be delivered. The discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed facing each other with the extended absorbing member90sandwiched therebetween at a position different from that of the delivery mechanism80. Specifically, the discard absorbing member70and the second waste liquid absorbing member56that configures the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed facing each other with the extended absorbing member90sandwiched therebetween at a position different from that of the delivery mechanism80. Therefore, the capacity of the waste liquid that can be absorbed per one recording apparatus is increased, and the frequency of replacement of the waste liquid collecting unit50is reduced.

As illustrated inFIG.16, the discard absorbing member70includes an accommodating section71, a lower layer absorbing member72accommodated in the accommodating section71, and a surface layer absorbing member73that partially covers a region other than the plurality of ribs26A in the support section26. The surface layer absorbing member73forms the surface layer of the discard absorbing member70. The liquid discarded from the nozzle of the discharge head25to the outer side of the medium M lands on the surface layer absorbing member73. Accordingly, the liquid discarded from the discharge head25is first absorbed by the surface layer absorbing member73. In the support sections26, a base portion26C that supports the rib26A has gaps at a plurality of points. The surface layer absorbing member73has a plurality of coupling sections73A that extends obliquely downward. The plurality of coupling sections73A extend obliquely downward through gaps at a plurality of points of the base portion26C.

The coupling section73A that extends obliquely downward from the surface layer absorbing member73is in contact with the lower layer absorbing member72that forms the lower layer of the discard absorbing member70. At least the lower layer absorbing member72of the discard absorbing member70is supported by a bottom surface71A of the accommodating section71. The lower end portions of the plurality of coupling sections73A are pressure-welded against the upper surface of the lower layer absorbing member72. Therefore, the liquid discarded from the discharge head25to the discard absorbing member70is first absorbed by the surface layer absorbing member73, and further permeates from the surface layer absorbing member73to the lower layer absorbing member72via the coupling section73A. The permeation of the liquid through the coupling section73A is performed by the action of the capillary phenomenon and gravity.

The bottom surface71A of the accommodating section71that supports the discard absorbing member70is inclined downward toward the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The slope of this inclination may be employed as long as the liquid flows toward the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Therefore, the waste liquid that moved from the surface layer absorbing member73to the lower layer absorbing member72and accumulated in the lower layer absorbing member72flows through an inclined path that is inclined downward as approaching the waste liquid absorbing member50A side along the bottom surface71A, in a direction indicated by the broken line arrow inFIG.16. In other words, the waste liquid accumulated at the bottom of the discard absorbing member70flows toward the delivery mechanism80along the inclination of the bottom surface71A. Then, the waste liquid that flowed through the bottom of the discard absorbing member70and reached the delivery mechanism80flows to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the coupling absorbing members81and82and the slope83A.

As illustrated inFIG.16, the transport roller pair48includes a driving roller48A and a plurality of driven rollers48B. The driven roller48B is urged by a coil spring102in a direction of approaching the driving roller48A. The recording apparatus11includes a plurality of pressing members101that press the medium M, which is being transported, downward toward the support section26. The distal end portions of the plurality of pressing members101are positioned facing a recess region26B between the ribs26A in the width direction X. The pressing member101is supported to be turnable around a turning fulcrum (not illustrated) and is urged in a gravity direction −Z by a spring (not illustrated). By pressing the surface of the medium M at a position between the ribs26A in the width direction X by the plurality of pressing members101, a wave shape rippling in the width direction X is formed in the medium M. Due to this wave shape, tension that extends in the transport direction Y is applied to the medium M, and curling of the distal end portion and the rear end portion of the medium M during recording is suppressed.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the waste liquid box50B that accommodates the waste liquid absorbing member50A includes the joined section57that can be joined to the needle-shaped joining section66coupled to the distal end portion of the waste liquid tube64coupled to the maintenance device60. The joining section66is fixed to the distal end portion of the waste liquid tube64via a clamp member67. The waste liquid box50B has the scattering prevention wall59above the distal end portion on the same side as the joined section57. The waste liquid is carried from the suction pump63of the maintenance device60to the waste liquid absorbing member50A in the waste liquid box50B through the waste liquid tube64. On the apparatus main body12side, a coupling terminal69supported by a coupling frame68is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the joining section66. The storage element58coupled to the coupling terminal69is provided at a corner portion of the distal end portion of the waste liquid box50B.

FIG.18illustrates a state where the waste liquid box50B is drawn out a little, and the coupling between the waste liquid box50B and the needle-shaped joining section66, and the electrical coupling between the coupling terminal69on the apparatus main body12side and the storage element58provided at the corner portion of the distal end portion of the waste liquid box50B are released.

When the coupling between the coupling terminal69and the storage element58is released, at the distal end portion of the needle-shaped joining section66joined to the joined section of the waste liquid box50B in a punctured state, there is a possibility that air bubbles or the like of the waste liquid such as waste ink remain. When the air bubbles burst, there is a possibility that the inside of the recording apparatus11is contaminated. Accordingly, by providing the scattering prevention wall59above the distal end portion of the waste liquid box50B, contamination due to the bursting of air bubbles is prevented.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the scattering prevention wall59has a part which is at the same position in the transport direction Y (depth direction) as the waste liquid absorbing member50A, and overlaps the waste liquid absorbing member50A in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, the scattering prevention wall59also has a function of preventing the waste liquid absorbing member50A from coming off upward.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the needle-shaped joining section66is in a state of being joined to the joined section57in a state where a part on the distal end side is inserted into the waste liquid box50B through a rubber seal57A. The waste liquid absorbing member50A is configured by stacking a plurality (for example, three) of first waste liquid absorbing members54in the vertical direction Z, the distal end54B of the top one of the plurality of these members extends to be close to the joined section57, and the distal ends of the other two members are positioned to be more separated from the joined section57than the top one. Due to the stepped shape of the distal end portions of the plurality of first waste liquid absorbing members54, a space section54A is formed inside the end portion of the waste liquid box50B on the joined section57side.

Then, as illustrated inFIG.19, a distal end66A of the needle-shaped joining section66joined to the joined section57is partially in contact with the waste liquid absorbing member50A. In other words, the distal end66A of the needle-shaped joining section66joined to the joined section57of the waste liquid box50B is in contact with a part of the waste liquid absorbing member50A to the extent that a waste liquid flow path66B of the joining section66is not blocked. Specifically, the corner portion of one distal end54B positioned at the top of the plurality of first waste liquid absorbing members54that configures the waste liquid absorbing member50A is in contact with the distal end66A of the joining section66in a joined state. Since the above-described space section54A is formed, the distal end66A of the joining section66is in contact with the distal end54B of the first waste liquid absorbing member54in a state close to point contact. Accordingly, the generation of air bubbles in the waste liquid when the waste liquid box50B is attached and detached is suppressed. In a state where the distal end66A of the joining section66is in contact with the first waste liquid absorbing member54in a state of blocking the waste liquid flow path66B, when the waste liquid box50B is removed, there is a case where air bubbles are generated by the waste liquid existing during the process of separating the distal end66A of the joining section66and the first waste liquid absorbing member54from each other. When the air bubbles burst, the waste liquid scatters and contaminates the inside of the recording apparatus11. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the distal end66A of the joining section66is partially in contact with the waste liquid absorbing member50A, and is not in contact with the waste liquid absorbing member50A in a state where the waste liquid flow path66B is blocked. Therefore, when the waste liquid box50B is removed, air bubbles are less likely to be generated in the process of separating the distal end66A of the joining section66and the first waste liquid absorbing member54from each other. Therefore, contamination in the recording apparatus11due to the bursting of air bubbles when the waste liquid box50B is attached and detached is suppressed.

As illustrated inFIG.20, between the waste liquid box50B inserted into the apparatus main body12and the waste liquid box cover28which is an example of a cover that covers the waste liquid box50B, a leaf spring28B is provided as an example of an urging member that urges the waste liquid box50B in the insertion direction when the waste liquid box cover28is closed. In other words, the leaf spring28B is provided in the waste liquid box cover28, and the waste liquid box50B is urged in front of the recording apparatus11, that is, in the transport direction Y. With this structure, unless the screw28A of the waste liquid box cover28illustrated inFIG.5is fastened, the waste liquid box cover28turns and remains open, and thus, the user can easily recognize that the waste liquid box50B is not sufficiently pushed and in a half-inserted state.

In the example illustrated inFIG.20, the leaf spring28B is used, but a torsion spring or a compression spring may be used. In a case where it is detected that the coupling terminal69and the storage element58are not coupled to each other at the time of half-insertion, the liquid suction operation of the maintenance device60is prohibited, and error notification of a half-inserted state may be given on the display section14or the display section of the host device. Furthermore, a sensor for detecting the movement of the waste liquid box50B or the waste liquid box cover28is provided, and when the half-inserted state of the waste liquid box50B is detected, the liquid suction operation of the maintenance device60is prohibited, and error notification of the half-inserted state may be given on the display section14or the display section of a host device.

Electrical Configuration of Recording Apparatus

Next, an electrical configuration of the recording apparatus11will be described. The recording apparatus11is coupled to the host device (not illustrated) to be capable of communicating therewith. The control section100performs recording control based on the recorded data received from the host device. The host device is configured with, for example, any one of a personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, and the like.

The control section100performs various controls including recording control with respect to the recording apparatus11. The control section100includes one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software). The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memory stores a program code or a command configured to cause the CPU to execute processing. The control section100is not limited to the one that performs software processing. For example, the control section100may include a dedicated hardware circuit (for example, an integrated circuit for a specific application: ASIC) that performs hardware processing for at least a part of the processing executed by itself.

The discharge head25, the feeding motor, the transport motor, the carriage motor36, and the like are electrically coupled to the control section100as output systems. The control section100controls the discharge head25, the feeding motor, the transport motor, the carriage motor36, and the like. A medium detector, the linear encoder37, a rotary encoder, and the like are electrically coupled to the control section100as input systems.

The control section100feeds the medium M from the cassette20or the feeding tray22by controlling the first feeding section41or the second feeding section42. The control section100controls the transport of the medium M by the roller pairs48and49by driving and controlling the transport motor. The control section100uses a position detected by the medium detector as the origin, for example, and counts the pulse edge of the pulse signal input from the rotary encoder by a counter (not illustrated) to acquire the transport position of the medium M.

In the control section100, the carriage24uses a position when the carriage24reaches the home position HP as the origin, and counts the number of pulse edges of the detection signal input from the linear encoder37by a counter (not illustrated) to acquire the carriage position which is a position in the scanning direction X with respect to the origin position of the carriage24. The control section100controls the carriage motor36based on the counted value of the carriage position, and accordingly, the speed control and the position control of the carriage24are performed. Furthermore, the control section100controls the discharge timing of discharging the liquid from the nozzle of the discharge head25based on the recorded data. Accordingly, the discharge head25records an image based on the recorded data on the medium M.

In a case where double-sided recording is instructed, first, when performing the recording on the first surface of the medium M, the control section100drives the transport motor in the forward direction to drive the roller pairs48and49in the forward direction, and thereby transports the medium M in the transport direction Y. During this transport, the recording section23records an image or the like on the first surface of the medium M. When the recording on the first surface of the medium M is finished, the control section100drives the transport motor in the reverse direction to drive the roller pairs48and49in the reverse direction, and thereby transports the medium M reversely toward the upstream in the transport direction Y. The reversely transported medium M is reversed in a direction in which the second surface opposite to the first surface becomes the recording surface which is a recording target via the reversing roller47, and the reversed medium M is fed again in the transport direction Y.

The control section100measures or calculates the liquid amount discharged and ejected from the discharge head25based on the recorded data and maintenance information, and adds the measured or calculated liquid amount to the value of the waste liquid amount read from the storage element58, and accordingly, the current waste liquid amount of the waste liquid collecting unit50is updated. The control section100updates the latest waste liquid amount of the waste liquid collecting unit50by writing the waste liquid amount to the storage element58periodically or irregularly. When the waste liquid amount of the waste liquid collecting unit50reaches the upper limit value, the control section100notifies the user by displaying a message indicating that the replacement time is reached and promoting the replacement on the display section14or the display section of the host device, and thereby promotes the user to replace the waste liquid collecting unit50.

Next, the operation of the recording apparatus11will be described.

When the user selects the edgeless recording mode and instructs the start of recording, the medium M fed from the cassette20or the medium M placed on the feeding tray22is fed. The fed medium M is transported to the recording region by the rotation of the roller pairs48and49. By alternately performing the recording operation in which the discharge head25discharges the liquid toward the medium M while the recording section23moves in the scanning direction X and the recording is performed by one scanning, and the transport operation in which the medium M is transported by the roller pairs48and49to the next recording position, the recording on the medium M is performed.

For example, in the edgeless recording mode, the discharge head25that moves in the scanning direction X together with the recording section23discharges the liquid to a region that protrudes to the outer side of from the side end of the medium M in the width direction X. At this time, the liquid discharged from the discharge head25to the outer side from the side end of the medium M in the width direction X is discarded by the discard absorbing member70that covers a part of the surface of the support section26. The discarded liquid is absorbed as a waste liquid by the discard absorbing member70illustrated inFIGS.1and6. Specifically, the discarded liquid is absorbed by the surface layer absorbing member73disposed on the surface side of the discard absorbing member70. In this manner, during recording, the liquid discarded from the discharge head25is absorbed as a waste liquid by the discard absorbing member70, and the waste liquid gradually accumulates in the discard absorbing member70.

During recording, the recording section23periodically moves to the home position HP and performs idle discharge (flushing) in which the liquid is discharged from all of the nozzles of the discharge head25toward the cap61. The idle discharge prevents the nozzle of the discharge head25during recording from being clogged. The liquid (waste liquid) accumulated in the cap61due to idle discharge is collected in the waste liquid box50B through the waste liquid tube64by driving the suction pump63. The waste liquid sent through the waste liquid tube64is collected in the waste liquid box50B via the joining between the joining section66and the joined section57, and is absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A held in the waste liquid box50B.

When the cleaning time comes, the cleaning in which the maintenance device60forcibly ejects the liquid from the nozzle of the discharge head25is performed. Cleaning prevents or eliminates clogging of the nozzle of the discharge head25. Specifically, the recording section23is in a capping state where the cap61is in contact with the nozzle surface of the discharge head25at the home position HP. By driving the suction pump63under this capping state, the closed space surrounded by the nozzle surface and the cap61becomes a negative pressure. As a result, the liquid is forcibly ejected from the nozzle of the discharge head25. The ejected liquid is received by the cap61and is collected from the cap61into the waste liquid collecting unit50through the waste liquid tube64by the negative pressure of the suction pump63.

The joining section66fixed to the distal end portion of the waste liquid tube64is in a state of being joined to the joined section57of the waste liquid box50B. The waste liquid sent through the waste liquid tube64is collected in the waste liquid box50B. The waste liquid collected in the waste liquid box50B is absorbed by the first waste liquid absorbing member54. The waste liquid absorbed by the first waste liquid absorbing member54is delivered to the second waste liquid absorbing member56due to the capillary phenomenon or the like.

Meanwhile, the liquid discarded to the discard absorbing member70accumulates in the discard absorbing member70as a waste liquid. The waste liquid accumulated in the discard absorbing member70moves in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow inFIG.16due to the slight slope of the bottom surface71A. The waste liquid that moved to the end portion in the discard absorbing member70flows to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the delivery mechanism80due to the capillary phenomenon, gravity, or the like. Since the delivery mechanism80is in the non-blocking position (retracted position) illustrated inFIG.12, the waste liquid that flows via the coupling absorbing members81and82drips or flows down from the lower end of the second coupling absorbing member82, and further flows down on the slope83A of the waste liquid guide section83, and thereby reaches the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Then, the waste liquid that reached the waste liquid absorbing member50A is absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A.

In this manner, when the amount of the waste liquid absorbed by the discard absorbing member70exceeds a certain amount, the waste liquid flows from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the delivery mechanism80. Accordingly, the discard absorbing member70is always held in a state where the waste liquid can be absorbed without overflowing the waste liquid. The waste liquid absorbed by the discard absorbing member70flows to the waste liquid absorbing member50A positioned lower than the discard absorbing member70via the delivery mechanism80by gravity.

Further, when the waste liquid amount that flows from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the delivery mechanism80is small for the waste liquid amount discarded to the discard absorbing member70, the waste liquid accumulates a little excessively in the discard absorbing member70. In this case, the waste liquid accumulated in the discard absorbing member70temporarily flows to the extended absorbing member90(90A,90B) via the coupling absorbing member91. Therefore, the frequency with which the waste liquid excessively accumulates in the discard absorbing member70, even temporarily, is reduced. After this, even when the recording on the medium M is finished and the liquid is not discarded to the discard absorbing member70, the waste liquid is continuously delivered via the delivery mechanism80, and thus, the amount of the waste liquid gradually accumulated in the discard absorbing member70is also reduced. Then, the waste liquid that temporarily flows to the extended absorbing member90returns to the discard absorbing member70via the coupling absorbing member91again, and in a case where the waste liquid accumulated in the discard absorbing member70due to the returned waste liquid seems to be excessive, the waste liquid continues to flow from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the delivery mechanism80. In this manner, even when the liquid amount discarded to the discard absorbing member70per unit time is large, the discard absorbing member70is held in a state where the liquid can be absorbed.

Then, in the recording apparatus11, when the waste liquid collecting unit50is filled with the waste liquid due to the waste liquid ejected by recording, idle discharge, cleaning, or the like, the user replaces the waste liquid collecting unit50with a new waste liquid collecting unit50.

The control section100manages the waste liquid amount collected by the waste liquid collecting unit50. When the waste liquid amount exceeds the upper limit value, the control section100displays a message on the display section14or the display section of the host computer indicating that it is time to replace the waste liquid collecting unit50. When the waste liquid amount exceeds the upper limit value in the waste liquid collecting unit50, the control section100displays a message on the display section14or the display section of the host device indicating that it is time to replace the waste liquid collecting unit50. The user who sees this message notifies the recording apparatus11that the waste liquid collecting unit50is to be replaced, by operating the touch panel of the display section14or the input section of the host device.

When the control section100receives an instruction to replace the waste liquid collecting unit50, the control section100drives the transport motor to move the slide gear87from the retracted position to the blocking position. By disposing the slide gear87at the blocking position, the delivery path of the waste liquid via the delivery mechanism80is blocked.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the user slides the feeding tray22and the support guide member27upward to expose a part of the waste liquid collecting unit50from the opening12C at the lower portion of the back surface of the apparatus main body12. Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.4, the user removes the screw28A and opens the waste liquid box cover28from the closed position to the open position.

Then, the user draws out the waste liquid collecting unit50to the upstream in the transport direction Y and removes the waste liquid collecting unit50from the apparatus main body12. After this, the new waste liquid collecting unit50is pushed in while sliding from the opening12C in the transport direction Y (pushing direction). By this pushing, the joining section66is joined to the joined section57of the waste liquid box50B. In this manner, the waste liquid box50B is coupled to the waste liquid tube64. At this time, the coupling terminal69is electrically coupled to the storage element58.

An updated value of the waste liquid amount collected in the waste liquid collecting unit50managed by the control section100is written in the storage element58.

The control section100measures the liquid amount collected by the waste liquid collecting unit50, such as the liquid amount discharged from the nozzle of the discharge head25at the time of idle discharge and the liquid amount ejected from the nozzle at the time of cleaning. The measured liquid amount is written in the storage element58provided in the waste liquid box50B at a predetermined timing. Therefore, even when the waste liquid collecting unit50is replaced, the control section100can acquire the waste liquid amount collected in the waste liquid collecting unit50by reading the data stored in the storage element58.

According to the above-described first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The recording apparatus11which is an example of a liquid discharge apparatus includes: the discharge head25that discharges a liquid to the medium M which is an example of a recording material; the support section26provided facing the discharge head25and supporting the medium M from below; and the discard absorbing member70which is an example of a first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discarded from the discharge head25to an outer side of an end portion of the medium M supported by the support section26, as a waste liquid. Furthermore, the recording apparatus11includes: the cap61which is an example of a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid ejected from the discharge head25as a waste liquid; the waste liquid absorbing member50A which is an example of a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the cap61; and the waste liquid box50B which is an example of an accommodating section that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are coupled to each other such that the waste liquid can be delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A.

Accordingly, the liquid (waste liquid) discarded from the discharge head25to the outside of the end portion of the medium M supported by the support section26is absorbed by the discard absorbing member70. The waste liquid absorbed by the discard absorbing member70is delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A. At the time of replacement, it is sufficient to replace the waste liquid box50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A, which is a part of the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Accordingly, it is easy to replace the absorbing member, and it is possible to suppress the contamination of the recording apparatus11or the hand of the worker due to the waste liquid absorbed by the absorbing member at the time of replacement. Even when the user is not a service person, the general user can replace the waste liquid absorbing member50A by himself or herself, and thus, the usability of the recording apparatus is improved.

(2) The waste liquid absorbing member50A is positioned lower than the discard absorbing member70. Accordingly, the liquid can be delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A by using gravity. For example, even when the waste liquid absorbing member50A is replaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large waste liquid amount remains in the discard absorbing member70and is not collected. The pump and the driving section thereof can be eliminated for the delivery of the liquid, and even when a pump or the like is provided, a small size can be achieved. Therefore, the liquid can be efficiently delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A.

(3) The recording apparatus11includes the delivery mechanism80which is an example of a delivery section that delivers the liquid between the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Accordingly, even when the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are separated from each other, the waste liquid can be delivered via the delivery mechanism80. For example, since the waste liquid box50B has a shape or position that makes attachment to and detachment and from the apparatus main body12easy, there is a case where the waste liquid absorbing member50A has a shape or position that makes it difficult for the waste liquid absorbing member50A to come into contact with the discard absorbing member70. In this case, when it becomes difficult to deliver the liquid, it is necessary to replace the discard absorbing member and the waste liquid absorbing member50A separately. In this case, when only the waste liquid box50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A is replaced, a large liquid amount remains in the discard absorbing member70. On the other hand, according to this embodiment having the delivery mechanism80, even when the waste liquid box50B has a shape that is easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body12or is disposed at a position that makes attachment to and detachment and from the apparatus main body12easy, the liquid can be delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the delivery mechanism80. Therefore, for example, even when the waste liquid box50B is replaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large liquid amount remains in the discard absorbing member70. In other words, it is sufficient to replace the waste liquid box50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A.

(4) The recording apparatus11may include the blocking mechanism85capable of temporarily blocking the delivery of liquid by the delivery mechanism80between the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Accordingly, when the waste liquid box50B is replaced, the blocking mechanism85is capable of temporarily blocking the delivery of the liquid by the delivery mechanism80from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A, and thus, even when the waste liquid absorbing member50A is disconnected from the discard absorbing member70, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the waste liquid delivered from the discard absorbing member70into the apparatus main body12and the contamination of the inside of the recording apparatus11with the waste liquid.

(5) The blocking mechanism85is driven by using power of the maintenance device60and temporarily blocks the delivery of the liquid. Accordingly, since the blocking mechanism85is driven by using power of the maintenance device60, it is not necessary for the user to manually switch the blocking mechanism85between blocking and coupling. For example, when the user operates the operation switch, it is possible to switch the blocking mechanism85between the blocking and coupling by using power of the maintenance device60.

(6) The delivery mechanism80is configured to be capable of delivering the liquid in a state where the waste liquid box50B is inserted into the apparatus main body12. Therefore, in a state where the waste liquid box50B is inserted into the apparatus main body12, the delivery mechanism80can deliver the liquid between the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Accordingly, the waste liquid absorption efficiency of the entire absorbing member can be improved.

(7) The main substrate76on which the electronic components are mounted and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed facing each other with the discard absorbing member70sandwiched therebetween. In other words, the main substrate76and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed facing each other in the width direction X with the transport region FA, in which the discard absorbing member70is positioned, sandwiched therebetween. The main substrate76and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed respectively at positions spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the width dimension of the discard absorbing member70. Accordingly, even when the waste liquid leaks from the waste liquid absorbing member50A, it is unlikely that the leaked waste liquid crosses the transport region FA, reaches the main substrate76, and comes into contact with the main substrate76. For example, it is possible to suppress the contact of the waste liquid that leaked from the waste liquid absorbing member50A with the main substrate76and occurrence of an electrical failure. The discard absorbing member70is positioned closer to the main substrate76than the waste liquid absorbing member50A, but since the absorbed liquid amount is smaller than that of the waste liquid absorbing member50A, even when the waste liquid leaks from the discard absorbing member70, the waste liquid does not easily come into contact with the main substrate76.

(8) The recording apparatus11includes the extended absorbing member90which is coupled to the discard absorbing member70such that the liquid can be delivered. The discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A are disposed facing each other with the extended absorbing member90sandwiched therebetween at a position different from that of the delivery mechanism80. Accordingly, since the waste liquid absorption accommodation amount of the entire absorbing member per one recording apparatus is increased, the replacement frequency of the waste liquid absorbing member50A can be reduced. In the space between the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A, a part which is not occupied by the delivery mechanism80is used, and thus, it is easy to ensure a relatively large volume for the extended absorbing member.

(9) The recording apparatus11includes the liquid supply source17that supplies the liquid to the discharge head25, and the maintenance device60that forcibly ejects the liquid from the discharge head25to the cap61. The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed below the maintenance device60or the liquid supply source17. Accordingly, the waste liquid that fell downward from the maintenance device60when cleaning the discharge head25, or the waste liquid that fell when the liquid supply source17is replaced or when the liquid is replenished to the liquid supply source17, can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Therefore, the contamination of the waste liquid in the recording apparatus11can be suppressed.

(10) The waste liquid absorbing member50A has a function of absorbing the liquid scattered from the maintenance device60or the liquid supply source17. Therefore, the liquid scattered from the maintenance device60or the liquid supply source17can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Therefore, the contamination of the waste liquid in the recording apparatus11can be suppressed.

(11) The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to partially overlap below the first feeding section41that feeds the media M accommodated in the cassette20positioned below the discharge head25one by one toward the recording position of the discharge head25. Accordingly, the size of the recording apparatus11can be reduced.

(12) The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to overlap below the second feeding section42that feeds the medium M placed on the feeding tray22, which is an example of a placement section, toward the recording position of the discharge head25. Accordingly, the size of the recording apparatus11can be reduced.

(13) The recording apparatus11includes the reversing roller47which is an example of a reversing section that reverses the medium M, on which the recording is finished on the first surface by the discharge head25and which is switched back and transported further to the upstream of the discharge head25in the transport direction Y, such that the second surface which is an example of a surface opposite to the first surface can face the discharge head25. The waste liquid absorbing member50A is disposed so as to partially overlap below the reversing roller47. Accordingly, the size of the recording apparatus11can be reduced.

(14) The recording apparatus11includes the power supply unit75that supplies electric power to the discharge head25. The waste liquid absorbing member50A and the power supply unit75are disposed facing each other with the discard absorbing member70sandwiched therebetween. Since the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the power supply unit75are components that occupy a large accommodation space in the recording apparatus11, the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the power supply unit75are disposed separately on both sides of the discard absorbing member70in the recording apparatus11, and accordingly, it is possible to optimize the entire component layout of the recording apparatus11. Accordingly, the size of the recording apparatus11can be reduced.

(15) The bottom surface71A of the accommodating section71that holds the discard absorbing member70is inclined downward toward the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Accordingly, the waste liquid absorbed by the discard absorbing member70can easily flow toward the waste liquid absorbing member50A according to the slope of the bottom surface71A of the accommodating section71. Therefore, compared to the configuration in which the bottom surface of the accommodating section is a horizontal surface, it becomes easier to deliver the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A.

(16) The waste liquid box50B includes: the joined section57configured to be joined to the joining section66coupled to a distal end portion of the tube64coupled to the maintenance device60; and the scattering prevention wall59provided above the distal end portion on the same side as the joined section57. Accordingly, even when the air bubbles of the waste liquid formed at the distal end portion of the joining section66burst when the waste liquid box50B is attached and detached, the scattering prevention wall59can prevent the burst waste liquid from scattering.

(17) In the waste liquid box50B, the distal end of the joining section66joined to the joined section57is partially in contact with the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Accordingly, when the waste liquid box is attached and detached, the effect of suppressing the generation of air bubbles of the waste liquid at the distal end portion of the joining section can be obtained.

(18) The recording apparatus11may include: the waste liquid box cover28that covers the waste liquid box50B inserted into the apparatus main body12; and the leaf spring28B which is an example of an urging member provided between the waste liquid box50B and the waste liquid box cover28and urging the waste liquid box50B in the insertion direction when the waste liquid box cover28is closed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent half-insertion when the waste liquid box is attached and detached.

(19) The waste liquid collecting unit50, which is inserted to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body12of the recording apparatus11including the support section26, the discharge head25, the discard absorbing member70, and the cap61, includes: the waste liquid absorbing member50A that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the cap61; and the waste liquid box50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A. In a state where the waste liquid box50B is inserted into the apparatus main body12, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is coupled so as to absorb the waste liquid from the cap61, and is coupled to the discard absorbing member70so as to deliver the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70. Meanwhile, when removing the waste liquid box50B from the apparatus main body12, coupling to the waste liquid absorbing member50A for absorbing the waste liquid from the cap61is released, and coupling to the discard absorbing member70is disconnected in a state where the path of the waste liquid delivered from the discard absorbing member70is blocked. Accordingly, according to the waste liquid collecting unit50, the effect of the above-described (1) of the recording apparatus11can be obtained in the same manner.

(20) The waste liquid collecting method is a method for collecting the waste liquid in the recording apparatus11including the support section26, the discharge head25, the discard absorbing member70that absorbs the liquid discarded to the outer side of the end portion of the medium M, and the waste liquid absorbing member50A that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the cap61that receives the liquid ejected from the discharge head25as the waste liquid. The waste liquid box50B is provided to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body12. In the waste liquid collecting method, when the waste liquid box50B is inserted into the apparatus main body12, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is coupled to the waste liquid flow path so as to absorb the waste liquid sent from the cap61, and is coupled to the discard absorbing member70so as to deliver the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70, and when the waste liquid box50B is removed from the apparatus main body12, coupling between the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the waste liquid flow path of the cap61is released, and the coupling to the discard absorbing member70is disconnected in a state where the delivery of the waste liquid from the discard absorbing member70is blocked. According to the waste liquid collecting method, the same effect as the effect (1) of the recording apparatus11can be obtained.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.21. The configurations common to the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, the description thereof will be omitted, and particularly different configurations will be described. The same applies to the third and subsequent embodiments.

As illustrated inFIG.21, in the recording apparatus11of the second embodiment, an attaching/detaching direction of the waste liquid collecting unit50is different from that of the first embodiment. In other words, the waste liquid collecting unit50may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the side surface side of the recording apparatus11. In other words, the insertion direction of the waste liquid collecting unit50into the apparatus main body12is a direction parallel to the width direction X.

As illustrated inFIG.21, the waste liquid box cover110comes off from the right side surface of the recording apparatus11, and the waste liquid collecting unit50can be moved to the right side of the recording apparatus11. The waste liquid collecting unit50includes: a waste liquid absorbing member112which is an example of a second absorbing member; and a waste liquid box111which is an example of an accommodating section that holds the waste liquid absorbing member112. The waste liquid collecting unit50is configured as one unit having substantially the same shape and size as those of the first waste liquid collecting section51in the first embodiment, and since the insertion direction thereof is the width direction X, the joined section57, the storage element58, and the scattering prevention wall59are positioned on the side portion on the distal end side in the insertion direction. The joined section57and the storage element58of the waste liquid box111are coupled to and separated from each other by the movement of the waste liquid collecting unit50in the width direction X. The waste liquid box cover110and the waste liquid box111are separate components, and have a structure that can be individually attached to and detached from the opening12C of the apparatus main body12. The waste liquid box cover110and the waste liquid box111may be configured to be attachable and detachable as an integral component. According to this configuration, the amount of withdrawal operation when the user takes out the waste liquid collecting unit50is small, and thus, the waste liquid collecting unit50can be easily replaced.

The waste liquid collecting unit50illustrated inFIG.21may be used as the first waste liquid collecting section51, and may be integrally configured with the second waste liquid collecting section52. However, since the amount of withdrawal operation of the waste liquid collecting unit50increases, the length of the second waste liquid collecting section52in the width direction X may be shorter than that of the first embodiment. The second waste liquid collecting section52may be provided separately and can be attached to and detached from the back surface side of the recording apparatus11.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.22and23. The waste liquid collecting unit50may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the front surface side of the recording apparatus11. As illustrated inFIG.22, a waste liquid box cover120is provided on the front surface of the recording apparatus11. In the example ofFIG.22, the waste liquid box cover120is positioned below the liquid supply source17in the apparatus main body12. In other words, the waste liquid box cover120is positioned below the window section18indicating the liquid amount in the liquid supply source17.

As illustrated inFIG.23, the waste liquid box cover120is provided to be turnable, and the waste liquid collecting unit50can be moved so as to be withdrawn from the front surface of the recording apparatus11to the front side. In other words, the waste liquid collecting unit50is attachable to and detachable from the front surface of the apparatus main body12. The insertion direction of the waste liquid box121is a direction toward upstream in the transport direction Y. The waste liquid collecting unit50includes: a waste liquid absorbing member122which is an example of a second absorbing member; and a waste liquid box121which is an example of an accommodating section that holds the waste liquid absorbing member122. The joined section57and the storage element58of the waste liquid box121from the front surface of the recording apparatus11are coupled to and separated from each other at a rear position in the apparatus main body12, by reciprocating the waste liquid collecting unit50in the front-rear direction (depth direction). In this manner, since the waste liquid collecting unit50is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the front surface side of the recording apparatus11, it is easy for the user to access when taking out the waste liquid collecting unit50.

Since the display section14having a touch panel function is positioned in the vicinity of the upper part of the waste liquid box cover120, when the operation guide is displayed to the user on the display section14when the waste liquid collecting unit50is replaced, there is an advantage that the operation guide is nearby and it is easy for the user to see.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.24. This embodiment may be applied to the recording apparatus11in which the liquid supply source17is mounted on the upper portion of the carriage24. As illustrated inFIG.24, the waste liquid collecting unit50is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the back surface of the recording apparatus11as in the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.24, on the upper portion of the carriage24of the recording section23, the liquid supply source17provided with an ink tank capable of replenishing a liquid such as ink is mounted. The liquid supply source17individually includes the cap cover38that blocks the pour. When the remaining amount is low in the window section18, the user opens the cap cover38and inserts a nozzle-shaped supply section of a liquid bottle125into the pour to replenish the liquid supply source17such as the ink tank with liquid such as ink. In a state where the replaceable waste liquid collecting unit50is inserted into the apparatus main body12, the waste liquid absorbing member50A is positioned below the carriage24at a liquid replenishment position when the user replenishes the liquid supply source17with a liquid. The liquid replenishment position may be the home position HP, but may be a position other than the home position HP as long as the waste liquid absorbing member50A can be disposed below the liquid replenishment position.

According to this configuration, when replenishing the liquid supply source17with a liquid such as ink at the upper portion of the carriage24, even when the waste liquid is accidentally spilled from the bottle to the replaceable waste liquid collecting unit50below the bottle, the waste liquid absorbing member50A absorbs the spilled liquid. In other words, when the user accidentally spills the liquid in the operation before and after the liquid replenishment, it can be absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A of the replaceable waste liquid collecting unit50below the carriage24and the liquid supply source17. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a more reliable recording apparatus11even when the liquid is spilled during liquid replenishment.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.25. As illustrated inFIG.25, a fan unit130provided with a fan131may be provided above the replaceable waste liquid collecting unit50. An air-cooling type fan is disposed above the waste liquid absorbing member50A held in the waste liquid box50B. The fan131is driven by, for example, the power of the maintenance device60. The fan131is rotated by the power from the maintenance device60to send air toward the waste liquid absorbing member50A. Since the waste liquid box50B has an opening on the upper surface side facing the fan131, the air sent downward from the fan131hits the waste liquid absorbing member50A. When the air hits the waste liquid absorbing member50A, drying of the waste liquid absorbed by the waste liquid absorbing member50A is promoted. As a result, the apparent capacity of the waste liquid of the absorbing member is improved.

The drive timing of the fan131is synchronized with the drive of the maintenance device60, but the fan131may not be driven by the power of the maintenance device60, may be directly driven by the power of the transport motor, and may be driven by the power of the feeding motor or a dedicated power source. In this manner, the drive timing of the fan131may not be necessarily synchronized with the drive of the maintenance device60. The power of the fan131may be generated by converting a part of the operation force of the insertion operation of the cassette20or the opening/closing operation of the cover by the user into the rotational force of the fan131without using the driving force of the motor.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.26. As illustrated inFIG.26, the discard absorbing member70which is an example of a first absorbing member, the delivery mechanism80which is an example of a delivery section, the waste liquid absorbing member50A and the extended absorbing member90which are examples of a second absorbing member may form an annular path through which the liquid can be delivered.

The discard absorbing member70is coupled to the waste liquid absorbing member50A to be capable of delivering the liquid via the extended absorbing member90at a place different from the delivery mechanism80. In the example ofFIG.26, the recording apparatus11includes: a first delivery mechanism80A that delivers the liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the first waste liquid absorbing member54of the waste liquid absorbing member50A; and a second delivery mechanism80B that delivers the liquid from the discard absorbing member70to the second waste liquid absorbing member56of the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the extended absorbing member90. The first delivery mechanism80A corresponds to the delivery mechanism80of the first embodiment, and the second delivery mechanism80B basically has the same configuration as that of the delivery mechanism80. In other words, the second delivery mechanism80B includes the first coupling absorbing member81, the second coupling absorbing member82, and the waste liquid guide section83(refer to alsoFIGS.10and11).

Furthermore, the second delivery mechanism80B may also be provided with the blocking mechanism85. In other words, the blocking mechanism85may be provided to block the waste liquid delivered from the extended absorbing member90to the second waste liquid absorbing member56of the waste liquid absorbing member50A. The blocking mechanism85is controlled by the control section100, and when the waste liquid collecting unit50is removed, the blocking mechanism85is driven to be capable of blocking the waste liquid.

In the example ofFIG.26, a first path through which the waste liquid flows from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A (first waste liquid absorbing member54) via the first delivery mechanism80A, and a second path through which the waste liquid flows from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A (second waste liquid absorbing member56) via the coupling absorbing member91, the extended absorbing member90, and the second delivery mechanism80B, are formed. The first waste liquid absorbing member54and the second waste liquid absorbing member56are linked to each other to be capable of delivering the waste liquid via the coupling section50C. Accordingly, in the configuration illustrated inFIG.26, the waste liquid delivery path is formed as a loop-shaped (annular) path.

Therefore, the waste liquid of the discard absorbing member70is delivered to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the first delivery mechanism80A, and the waste liquid delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the extended absorbing member90is delivered to the waste liquid absorbing member50A via the second delivery mechanism80B. Therefore, the situation in which the waste liquid is unevenly distributed and accumulated in the discard absorbing member70and the extended absorbing member90, which are absorbing members other than the replaceable waste liquid absorbing member50A, is alleviated, and the waste liquid absorption efficiency of the entire absorbing member per one recording apparatus is improved.

InFIG.26, the first delivery mechanism80A may be eliminated, or a third delivery mechanism having the same configuration as that of the delivery mechanism80may be provided between the second extended absorbing member90B and the second waste liquid absorbing member56. In this manner, the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A may be coupled to each other at one or a plurality of points via one or a plurality of delivery sections capable of delivering the waste liquid. Then, the blocking sections may be provided in all of the plurality of delivery sections, or at least one of the delivery sections may have no blocking section.

The above-described embodiments can also be changed to a form such as the modification example illustrated below. Furthermore, a further modification example may also be an appropriate combination of the above-described embodiment and the modification examples illustrated below, or an appropriate combination of the modification examples illustrated below may be a further modification example.The coupling between the discard absorbing member70and the waste liquid absorbing member50A is not limited to the coupling by the delivery mechanism80, and any coupling capable of delivering the liquid is sufficient. The coupling may be, for example, “contact” in which the liquid can be delivered by the capillary phenomenon, or is included in the coupling as long as the liquid can be delivered via dripping of the liquid even in a case of being separated in a non-contact state. Furthermore, the coupling may be indirect coupling via an inclusion such as a delivery member which is an example of the delivery section other than the delivery mechanism80, coupling via a flow path such as a groove, a recess portion, a gutter, or a tube, or the like.In the first and fifth embodiments, the second waste liquid collecting section52may be eliminated.In each embodiment, the blocking mechanism85may be eliminated. The replacement of the waste liquid collecting unit50is performed while the recording is stopped, and the flow rate of the waste liquid delivered from the discard absorbing member70to the waste liquid absorbing member50A is often small, and thus, when the time required for replacement is short and the waste liquid does not drip during this time, the contamination of the inside of the apparatus main body12with the waste liquid can be suppressed.The first absorbing member and the second absorbing member may be positioned at the same height. For example, the bottom surface of the accommodating section that holds the first absorbing member may be an inclined surface, and the waste liquid of the first absorbing member may flow to the second absorbing member along the inclined surface by using gravity.The second absorbing member may be positioned higher than the first absorbing member. The waste liquid may be pumped up from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member by using a pump. The waste liquid may be delivered to the upper position through the groove or the porous member by using the capillary phenomenon.The waste liquid collecting unit50may not include the waste liquid box50B. For example, when the side surface and the bottom surface of the waste liquid absorbing member50A are treated with a waterproof treatment or the like that can prevent the leakage of the waste liquid, the accommodating section such as the waste liquid box50B that holds the waste liquid absorbing member50A may be eliminated.The recording apparatus11is not limited to a serial printer in which the recording section23reciprocates in the scanning direction X, and may be a lateral type printer in which the recording section23can move in two directions, such as a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction. Furthermore, the recording apparatus11may be a line printer provided with a liquid discharge head, over the entire width of the medium, which is capable of simultaneously discharging a liquid from a large number of nozzles arranged at a constant nozzle pitch over the entire width of the medium having the maximum width.The recording apparatus11may not be a multifunction device on which a reading unit is mounted, but may be a printer having only a recording function among the three functions of recording, copying, and scanning.The medium M is not limited to a paper sheet, but may be a flexible plastic film, a cloth, a non-woven fabric, or the like, or may be a laminate having a plurality of layers of synthetic resin and metal.The recording apparatus11is not limited to the recording apparatus that performs printing on the medium such as a paper sheet, and may be a textile printing machine that performs printing on cloth.The liquid discharge apparatus is not limited to the printer for printing. For example, the recording apparatus may be an apparatus that manufactures pixels of various types of displays, such as electric wiring pattern, liquid crystal, electroluminescence (EL), surface emission, or the like, on a substrate which is an example of the medium by discharging a liquid material in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. Furthermore, a liquid discharge apparatus for three-dimensional modeling may be used, in which an uncured resin liquid is discharged to form a three-dimensional object. Even in these liquid discharge apparatuses, the first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge head without going through the maintenance device and the second absorbing member that absorbs the liquid ejected from the liquid discharge head by maintenance via the maintenance device may be provided, and the second absorbing member may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body.

The technical idea grasped from the embodiments and the modification examples are described below together with the operation effects thereof.

(A) There is provided a liquid discharge apparatus including: a discharge head that discharges a liquid to a recording material; a support section provided facing the discharge head and supporting the recording material from below; a first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discarded from the discharge head to an outer side of an end portion of the recording material supported by the support section, as a waste liquid; a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid ejected from the discharge head as a waste liquid; a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section; and an accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member, in which the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member are coupled to each other so as to deliver the waste liquid from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member.

According to this configuration, the liquid discarded from the discharge head to the outer side of the end portion of the recording material supported by the support section is absorbed by the first absorbing member as a waste liquid. The waste liquid absorbed by the first absorbing member is delivered from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member. It is sufficient to replace the accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member which is a part of the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member. Accordingly, it is easy to replace the absorbing member, and it is possible to suppress the contamination of the recording apparatus or the hand of the worker due to the waste liquid absorbed by the absorbing member at the time of replacement.

The coupling between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member is sufficient as long as the coupling can deliver the liquid, may be “contact” that can deliver the liquid by the capillary phenomenon, is included in the coupling as long as only the delivery of the liquid via the dripping of the liquid is possible even in a case of being separated in the non-contact state, and includes an indirect coupling via inclusions such as a delivery member or a delivery mechanism, a coupling via a flow path such as a groove, a recess portion, a gutter, a tube and the like.

(B) In the liquid discharge apparatus, the second absorbing member may be positioned lower than the first absorbing member.

According to this configuration, the liquid can be delivered by using gravity from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member. Accordingly, the liquid can be efficiently delivered from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member. For example, even when the second absorbing member is replaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large waste liquid amount remains in the first absorbing member and is not collected. The pump and the driving section thereof can be eliminated for the delivery of the liquid, and even when a pump or the like is provided, a small size can be achieved. Therefore, the liquid can be efficiently delivered from the discard absorbing member to the waste liquid absorbing member.

(C) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a delivery section that delivers the liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, may further be provided.

According to this configuration, the waste liquid from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member is delivered by the delivery section. Accordingly, even when the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member are separated from each other, the waste liquid can be delivered via the delivery section. For example, since the accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member is formed into a shape that is easily attached to or detached from the apparatus main body or is disposed at a position that is easily attached to or detached from the apparatus main body, even when the contact between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member becomes difficult, the liquid can be delivered from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member via the delivery section. Therefore, for example, even when the accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member is replaced, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a large liquid amount remains in the first absorbing member. In other words, it is sufficient to replace the accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member.

(D) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a blocking section configured to temporarily block delivery of the liquid by the delivery section between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, may further be provided.

According to this configuration, at the time of replacing the accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member, when the delivery of the liquid from the first absorbing member to the second liquid absorbing member is temporarily blocked by the blocking section, even when the second absorbing member is disconnected from the first absorbing member, it is possible to suppress the contamination of the inside of the apparatus main body with the liquid (waste liquid) delivered from the first absorbing member.

(E) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a maintenance device that forcibly ejects the liquid from the discharge head to the waste liquid receiving section, may further be provided, and the blocking section may be driven by using power of the maintenance device.

According to this configuration, since the blocking section is driven by using power of the maintenance device, it is not necessary for the user to manually switch the blocking section between blocking and coupling. For example, when the user operates the operation switch, it is possible to switch the blocking section between the blocking and coupling by using power of the maintenance device.

(F) In the liquid discharge apparatus, an extended absorbing member coupled so as to deliver the liquid to the first absorbing member, may further be provided, and the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member may be disposed facing each other with the extended absorbing member sandwiched therebetween at a position different from that of the delivery section.

According to this configuration, the waste liquid absorption accommodation amount of the entire absorbing member per one recording apparatus is increased, and thus, the replacement frequency of the second absorbing member can be reduced. In the space between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member, a part which is not occupied by the delivery section is used, and thus, it is easy to ensure a relatively large volume for the extended absorbing member.

(G) In the liquid discharge apparatus, the delivery section may be configured to be capable of delivering a liquid in a state where the accommodating section is inserted into the apparatus main body.

According to this configuration, in a state where the accommodating section is inserted into the apparatus main body, the delivery section can deliver the liquid between the first absorbing member and the second absorbing member. Accordingly, the waste liquid absorption efficiency of the entire absorbing member can be improved.

(H) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a substrate on which electronic components are mounted, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member and the substrate may be disposed facing each other with the first absorbing member sandwiched therebetween.

According to this configuration, even when a liquid (waste liquid) such as ink leaks from the second absorbing member, it is possible to suppress application of the leaked waste liquid to the substrate. Since the liquid amount absorbed by the first absorbing member is smaller than that of the second absorbing member, it is preferable that the second absorbing member is positioned farther than the first absorbing member with respect to the substrate.

(I) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a liquid supply source that supplies the liquid to the discharge head; and a maintenance device that forcibly ejects the liquid from the discharge head to the waste liquid receiving section, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member may be disposed below the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

According to the configuration, the waste liquid that fell downward from the maintenance device when cleaning the discharge head, or the waste liquid that fell when the liquid supply source is replaced or when the liquid is replenished to the liquid supply source, can be absorbed by the second absorbing member. Accordingly, the contamination of the waste liquid in the liquid discharge apparatus can be suppressed.

(J) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a liquid supply source that supplies the liquid to the discharge head; and a maintenance device that forcibly ejects the liquid from the discharge head to the waste liquid receiving section, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member may have a function of absorbing the liquid scattered from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source.

According to this configuration, the liquid scattered from the maintenance device or the liquid supply source can be absorbed by the second absorbing member. Accordingly, the contamination of the waste liquid in the liquid discharge apparatus can be suppressed.

(K) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a cassette that accommodates the recording material at a position below the discharge head; and a first feeding section that feeds the recording materials accommodated in the cassette one by one toward a recording position of the discharge head, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member may be disposed so as to partially overlap below the first feeding section.

According to this configuration, the size of the liquid discharge apparatus can be reduced.

(L) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a second feeding section that feeds the recording material toward a recording position of the discharge head without passing through a reversing section, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member may be disposed so as to overlap below the second feeding section.

According to this configuration, the size of the liquid discharge apparatus can be reduced.

(M) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a reversing section that switches back and transports the recording material on which recording of a first surface is finished by the discharge head to an upstream in a transport direction, and reverses the recording material such that a second surface, which is a surface opposite to the first surface, faces the discharge head, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member may be disposed so as to partially overlap below the reversing section.

According to this configuration, the size of the liquid discharge apparatus can be reduced.

(N) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the discharge head, may further be provided, and the second absorbing member and the power supply unit may be disposed facing each other with the first absorbing member sandwiched therebetween.

According to this configuration, since the second absorbing member and the power supply unit are components that occupy a large accommodation space in the recording apparatus, the second absorbing member and the power supply unit are disposed across both sides with the first absorbing member sandwiched therebetween in the recording apparatus, and accordingly, it is possible to optimize the component layout of the entire recording apparatus. Accordingly, the size of the recording apparatus can be reduced.

(O) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a bottom surface of an accommodating section that holds the first absorbing member may be inclined downward toward the second absorbing member.

According to this configuration, the waste liquid absorbed by the first absorbing member can be easily flowed toward the second absorbing member by the slope of the bottom surface of the accommodating section. Accordingly, compared to the configuration in which the bottom surface of the accommodating section is a horizontal surface, it becomes easier to deliver the waste liquid from the first absorbing member to the second absorbing member.

(P) In the liquid discharge apparatus, the accommodating section that accommodates the second absorbing member may include a joined section configured to be joined to a joining section coupled to a distal end portion of a tube coupled to the maintenance device, and a scattering prevention wall provided above the distal end portion on the same side as the joined section.

According to this configuration, even when the air bubbles of the waste liquid formed at the distal end portion of the needle-shaped joining section burst when the waste liquid box is attached and detached, the scattering prevention wall can prevent the burst waste liquid from scattering.

(Q) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a distal end of the joining section joined to the joined section may be partially in contact with the second absorbing member.

According to this configuration, when the waste liquid box is attached and detached, the effect of suppressing the generation of air bubbles of the waste liquid at the distal end portion of the joining section can be obtained.

(R) In the liquid discharge apparatus, a cover that covers the accommodating section inserted into the apparatus main body, and an urging member provided between the accommodating section and the cover and urging the accommodating section in an insertion direction when the cover is closed, may further be provided.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent half-insertion when the waste liquid box is attached and detached.

(S) There is provided a waste liquid collecting unit which is inserted to be attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body of a liquid discharge apparatus including a support section that supports a recording material, a discharge head that discharges a liquid to the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discarded from the discharge head to an outer side of an end portion of the recording material supported by the support section, and a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid ejected from the discharge head as a waste liquid, the waste liquid collecting unit including: a second absorbing member that absorbs a waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section; and an accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member, in which, in a state where the accommodating section is inserted into the apparatus main body, the second absorbing member is coupled so as to absorb the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section, and is coupled to the first absorbing member so as to deliver the waste liquid from the first absorbing member, and when the accommodating section is removed from the apparatus main body, coupling between the second absorbing member and the second absorbing member for absorbing the waste liquid from the waste liquid receiving section is released, and coupling between the second absorbing member and the first absorbing member is disconnected in a state where a path of the waste liquid delivered from the first absorbing member is blocked. According to this configuration, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge apparatus can be obtained.

(T) There is provided a waste liquid collecting method for collecting a waste liquid in a liquid discharge apparatus including a support section that supports a recording material, a discharge head that discharges a liquid to the recording material, a first absorbing member that absorbs the liquid discarded from the discharge head to an outer side of an end portion of the recording material supported by the support section, a second absorbing member that absorbs the waste liquid sent from a waste liquid receiving section that receives the liquid ejected from the discharge head as a waste liquid, and an accommodating section that holds the second absorbing member, the method including: providing the accommodating section to be attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main body; coupling the second absorbing member to a waste liquid flow path so as to absorb the waste liquid sent from the waste liquid receiving section, and coupling the second absorbing member to the first absorbing member so as to deliver the waste liquid from the first absorbing member, when the accommodating section is inserted into the apparatus main body; and releasing the coupling between the second absorbing member and the waste liquid flow path of the waste liquid receiving section, and disconnecting the coupling between the second absorbing member and the first absorbing member in a state where the delivery of the waste liquid from the first absorbing member is blocked, when the accommodating section is removed from the apparatus main body. According to this method, the same effect as that of the liquid discharge apparatus can be obtained.