Positioning structure, liquid ejection head, and liquid ejection recording apparatus

Abstract

The liquid jet head is positioned with good precision relative to the head setting part of the liquid jet recording device. The positioning structure (100) includes a positioning pin (40) disposed on the carriage (29) and a position adjustment mechanism (60) disposed on the inkjet head (5). The position adjustment mechanism (60) includes: an abutting member (80) abutting against the positioning pin (40); and a displacement mechanism (90) that causes the abutting member (80) to be displaced along a displacement axis (O2) extending in an inclined direction that intersects the vertical direction of the setting surface (29a). The abutting portion (41) of the positioning pin (40) is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis (O1) intersecting the setting surface (29a) as the central axis. Furthermore, the abutting portion (81) of the abutting member (80) is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis (O3) intersecting the imaginary plane including the vertical axis (first intersecting axis (O1)) extending in the vertical direction of the setting surface (29a) and the displacement axis (O2) and not parallel to the first intersecting axis (O1) as the central axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a positioning structure, a liquid jet head, and a liquid jet recording device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a head unit in which multiple heads (liquid jet heads) with multiple nozzles that eject liquid droplets are arranged on an array base component (head mounting part). The head unit has a positioning structure in which the inclined surface of an inclined member abuts against the end of a plate component that holds the head, and the inclined member is moved up and down by bolts to finely adjust the position of the head relative to the array base component.

[0003] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-14972. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve In the above positioning structure, the inclined surface of the inclined member abuts against the end of the plate member, thus making line contact between the inclined member and the plate member. However, due to minor unevenness caused by machining precision and other factors, the two members are in multi-point contact. With this multi-point contact, errors at each contact point can easily accumulate, making it difficult to accurately position the liquid injection head relative to the head mounting portion.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to accurately position the liquid jet head relative to the head setting part of the liquid jet recording device.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem (1) One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a positioning structure for positioning a liquid jet head relative to a head mounting portion of a liquid jet recording device. It includes a protrusion provided on one of the head mounting portion and the liquid jet head, and a position adjustment mechanism provided on the other of the head mounting portion and the liquid jet head and adjusted relative to the protrusion in the direction of the mounting surface of the head mounting portion. The position adjustment mechanism includes: an abutting member abutting against the protrusion; and a displacement mechanism that displaces the abutting member along a displacement axis extending in an inclined direction intersecting the vertical direction of the mounting surface. One of the abutting portions of the protrusion and the abutting member is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis intersecting the mounting surface as its central axis, and the other abutting portion is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis intersecting an imaginary plane including the vertical axis extending in the vertical direction of the mounting surface and the displacement axis as its central axis.

[0007] According to the positioning structure described in this embodiment, if the abutting member is displaced in an inclined direction intersecting the vertical direction of the mounting surface by a displacement mechanism, the protrusion abutting the abutting member is pressed in along the direction of the mounting surface, and the liquid injection head is displaced relative to the head mounting portion. Here, one abutting portion is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis intersecting the mounting surface as its central axis, and the other abutting portion is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis intersecting an imaginary plane including a vertical axis extending in the vertical direction of the mounting surface and a displacement axis, and not parallel to the first intersecting axis as its central axis. The central axes of the mutual curved shapes of the abutting portions are in a torsional positional relationship, so that the protrusion and the abutting member abut at one point. By abutting the protrusion and the abutting member at one point, errors caused by multiple abutments between the protrusion and the abutting member can be avoided, and the liquid injection head can be positioned with good accuracy relative to the head mounting portion.

[0008] (2) In the positioning structure of (1), one of the aforementioned abutting parts may include a first cylindrical surface with the aforementioned first intersecting axis as the central axis, and the other of the aforementioned abutting parts may include a second cylindrical surface with the aforementioned second intersecting axis as the central axis.

[0009] In this case, one of the abutting portions of the protrusion and the abutting member has a first cylindrical surface with the first intersecting axis as the central axis, and the other abutting portion has a second cylindrical surface with the second intersecting axis as the central axis. The central axes of the two (the first intersecting axis and the second intersecting axis) intersect each other, so that the protrusion and the abutting member can always stably abut at point 1.

[0010] (3) In the positioning structure of (2), the aforementioned abutting portion of the aforementioned protrusion may include the aforementioned first cylindrical surface extending in the vertical direction of the aforementioned setting surface, and the aforementioned abutting portion of the aforementioned abutting member may include the aforementioned second cylindrical surface extending parallel to the aforementioned setting surface.

[0011] In this case, the abutting portion of the protrusion includes a first cylindrical surface extending in the vertical direction of the setting surface, and the abutting portion of the abutting member includes a second cylindrical surface extending parallel to the setting surface. Thus, the protrusion and the abutting member always stably abut at point 1, and it is possible to prevent the abutting member that abuts at point 1 relative to the protrusion from shifting relative to the protrusion in the direction along the setting surface.

[0012] (4) In any of the positioning structures in (1) to (3), the aforementioned displacement mechanism may have a guide portion that extends along the aforementioned inclined direction and guides the aforementioned abutting member.

[0013] In this case, the contacting part can be accurately displaced along the guide in the inclined direction.

[0014] (5) In the positioning structure of (4), the aforementioned abutting member may have a clamping part that clamps the aforementioned guide part in a direction orthogonal to the aforementioned displacement axis.

[0015] In this case, by using the clamping part provided on the abutting member to clamp the guide part, it is possible to prevent the abutting member from rotating around the displacement axis.

[0016] (6) In the positioning structure of (4) or (5), the aforementioned displacement mechanism may also include: a bolt that extends along the aforementioned displacement axis and is threaded to the aforementioned abutting member; a first support portion that is disposed at one end of the aforementioned guide portion, supports the head of the aforementioned bolt, and has a first insertion through hole through which the shaft portion of the aforementioned bolt is inserted; and a compression spring disposed between the aforementioned first support portion and the aforementioned abutting member.

[0017] In this case, if the bolt, which serves as the displacement axis, is rotated, the abutment member, which has a clamping portion and whose rotation relative to the guide portion is restricted, is threadedly fed. At this time, the gap between the first support portion and the abutment member widens, but because the compression spring extends to fill the gap, it is possible to prevent the bolt head from floating off the first support portion.

[0018] (7) In the positioning structure of (6), the aforementioned displacement mechanism may have a second support portion, which is provided at the other end of the aforementioned guide portion and forms a second insertion through hole through which the shaft portion of the aforementioned bolt is inserted.

[0019] In this case, by inserting the shaft portion of the bolt into the second insertion through hole that extends to the second support portion, both ends of the bolt can be supported by the shaft of the first support portion and the second support portion, thereby suppressing the axial rocking of the bolt and enabling the abutting part to be displaced with high precision.

[0020] (8) In any of the positioning structures in (1) to (7), the aforementioned position adjustment mechanism may also include a pre-pressing mechanism that applies pre-pressing to the aforementioned protrusion in the direction along the aforementioned setting surface from the side opposite to the side where the aforementioned abutting member is disposed.

[0021] In this case, a pre-compression mechanism applies pre-compression to the protrusion, causing the abutting member against the protrusion to displace in the direction of the applied pre-compression, thereby enabling the base member to move in accordance with the displacement of the abutting member. This pre-compression mechanism eliminates the need for abutting members and displacement mechanisms on both sides of the protrusion, thus simplifying, lightening, and saving space in the structure of the position adjustment mechanism.

[0022] (9) The liquid injection head according to one aspect of the present disclosure has the aforementioned position adjustment mechanism and any one of the aforementioned protrusions of the positioning structure of any one of (1) to (8).

[0023] Based on the liquid jet head involved in this form, a liquid jet head capable of high-precision printing can be obtained.

[0024] (10) The liquid jet recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a positioning structure of any one of (1) to (8).

[0025] Based on the liquid jet recording device described in this embodiment, a liquid jet recording device capable of high-precision printing can be obtained.

[0026] (11) A liquid jet recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a liquid jet head; a carriage on which the liquid jet head is disposed; and a positioning structure of any one of (1) to (8) that positions the liquid jet head relative to the carriage.

[0027] According to the liquid jet recording device of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately position the liquid jet head relative to the carriage of the liquid jet recording device to perform high-precision printing.

[0028] The effects of the invention According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid jet head can be positioned with good accuracy relative to the head setting part of the liquid jet recording device. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer configuration according to one implementation method.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inkjet head and ink circulation mechanism involved in one implementation method.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the configuration of an inkjet head disposed on a carriage according to one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the positioning structure of an inkjet head according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the positioning structure of the inkjet head according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a top view of the positioning structure of an inkjet head according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7This is a perspective view of the first position adjustment unit according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second position adjustment unit involved in one embodiment.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of IX-IX.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the curved shape of the contact portion involved in one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process after the inkjet head is positioned according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the positioning structure involved in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] In the embodiments or variations described below, the same symbols are sometimes used for corresponding configurations and the descriptions are omitted. In addition, in the following description, expressions such as "parallel" or "orthogonal", "center", "coaxial" and other relative or absolute configurations not only indicate such a configuration strictly, but also indicate a state of relative displacement by angle or distance with tolerance or to the extent that the same function can be obtained.

[0043] In the following embodiments, an inkjet printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a printer) that uses ink (liquid) to record on a recording medium is illustrated by way of example. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component has been appropriately altered to allow for identification of the size of each component.

[0044] [Printer 1] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer 1 according to one embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the printer 1 (liquid jet recording device) of this embodiment includes a pair of conveying mechanisms 2 and 3, an ink tank 4, an inkjet head 5 (liquid jet head), an ink circulation mechanism 6, and a scanning mechanism 7.

[0046] In the following description, an orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z will be used as needed. The X direction is the transport direction of the recording medium P (e.g., paper, etc.) (sub-scanning direction). The Y direction is the scanning direction of the scanning mechanism 7 (main scanning direction). The Z direction is the height direction (gravity direction) orthogonal to the X and Y directions. Furthermore, the X direction is the printing width direction of the inkjet head 5.

[0047] Furthermore, in the following explanation, the sides of the X, Y, and Z directions indicated by the arrows in the diagram will be considered positive (+), and the sides opposite to the arrows will be considered negative (-). In this embodiment, the +Z side corresponds to the area above the direction of gravity, and the -Z side corresponds to the area below the direction of gravity.

[0048] The conveying mechanisms 2 and 3 convey the recording medium P towards the +X side. The conveying mechanisms 2 and 3 each include, for example, a pair of rollers 11 and 12 extending along the Y direction. Multiple ink tanks 4 are provided, each containing ink of one of four colors: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

[0049] The inkjet head 5 is configured to dispense four colors of ink—yellow, magenta, cyan, and black—depending on the ink tank 4 it is connected to.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inkjet head 5 and ink circulation mechanism 6 involved in one embodiment.

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the ink circulation mechanism 6 circulates ink between the ink tank 4 and the inkjet head 5. Specifically, the ink circulation mechanism 6 includes: a circulation path 23 having an ink supply pipe 21 and an ink discharge pipe 22; a pressure pump 24 connected to the ink supply pipe 21; and a suction pump 25 connected to the ink discharge pipe 22.

[0052] The pressure pump 24 pressurizes the ink supply tube 21 and delivers ink to the inkjet head 5 through the ink supply tube 21. As a result, the ink supply tube 21 is under positive pressure relative to the inkjet head 5.

[0053] The suction pump 25 depressurizes the ink discharge tube 22, drawing ink from the inkjet head 5 through it. This creates a negative pressure on the ink discharge tube 22 side relative to the inkjet head 5. The ink circulates between the inkjet head 5 and the ink tank 4 via the circulation path 23, driven by the pressure pump 24 and the suction pump 25.

[0054] like Figure 1As shown, the scanning mechanism 7 causes the inkjet head 5 to reciprocate scanning along the Y direction. The scanning mechanism 7 includes: a guide rail 28 extending along the Y direction; a carriage 29 (head mounting portion) movably supported by the guide rail 28; and a drive device that moves the carriage 29. The drive device consists of, for example, a motor, pulleys, belts, etc.

[0055] <Inkjet Head 5> The inkjet head 5 is mounted on the carriage 29. The inkjet head 5 of this embodiment is an electromechanical conversion inkjet head that ejects ink from a head chip including an actuator plate formed of a piezoelectric element such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0056] In this inkjet head 5, to eject ink, a voltage is applied between the electrodes of the drive wall formed in the ejection channel of the actuator plate, causing the drive wall to undergo thickness slip deformation. As a result, through the volume change within the ejection channel, the ink in the ejection channel is ejected through the nozzle orifice. Furthermore, the liquid ejection method is not limited to the electromechanical conversion type described above; it can also be an electrically controlled method, a pressurized vibration method, an electrothermal conversion method, an electrostatic attraction method, etc.

[0057] The charged control method involves applying a charge to the material using charged electrodes and controlling its flight direction using deflection electrodes, causing the material to be ejected from the nozzle. Alternatively, the pressurized vibration method involves applying ultra-high pressure to the material, causing it to be ejected towards the tip of the nozzle. Without a control voltage, the material travels in a straight line and is ejected from the nozzle; however, if a control voltage is applied, electrostatic repulsion occurs between the materials, causing them to scatter and not be ejected from the nozzle.

[0058] In addition, the electrothermal conversion method involves rapidly vaporizing the material using a heater placed within the storage space to generate bubbles, and then using the pressure of the bubbles to expel the material from the space. The electrostatic attraction method involves applying a small pressure to the storage space, forming a meniscus of material at a nozzle, and then applying electrostatic attraction in this state to draw the material out. Furthermore, techniques utilizing changes in fluid viscosity due to an electric field or using sparks for splashing can also be applied.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the configuration of the inkjet head 5 disposed on the carriage 29 according to one embodiment.

[0060] like Figure 3As shown, a plurality of inkjet heads 5 are provided on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. The inkjet head 5 has a generally rectangular shape extending along the X direction when viewed from above. On one side of the X direction (+X side), an inlet port 5a connected to the ink supply pipe 21 is provided, and on the other side of the X direction (-X side), an outlet port 5b connected to the ink discharge pipe 22 is provided.

[0061] The inkjet heads 5 are disposed on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29 with their long sides extending along the X direction and their short sides extending along the Y direction. The inkjet heads 5 are disposed at predetermined intervals along the X direction on the mounting surface 29a. A connection connector (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface of each inkjet head 5, which is electrically connected to the printer 1 via a cable (not shown).

[0062] In the carriage 29, an insertion hole 29b is formed for inserting the lower end of the inkjet head 5. The insertion hole 29b is a rectangular elongated hole extending along the X direction when viewed from above, and penetrates the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29 along the thickness direction (Z direction). The insertion hole 29b is formed to be slightly larger than the lower end of the inkjet head 5 to ensure clearance for adjusting the position of the inkjet head 5. Each inkjet head 5 is adjusted in the X direction, Y direction, and rotation angle in the XY plane by the positioning structure 100 described below and is fixed to the carriage 29.

[0063] <Positioning Structure 100> Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the positioning structure 100 of the inkjet head 5 according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the positioning structure 100 of the inkjet head 5 according to one embodiment. Figure 6 This is a top view of the positioning structure 100 of the inkjet head 5 according to one embodiment.

[0064] As shown in these figures, the inkjet head 5 includes: a head body 5A (ejection section) that ejects ink; and a base member 30 that supports the head body 5A and is disposed on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the head body 5A has a rectangular box shape, and its lower surface has a row of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink. The base component 30 is connected to the lower end of the head body 5A. The base component 30 includes: a plate portion 31, which is mounted on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29; and a base portion 32, which surrounds the lower end of the head body 5A.

[0066] The base portion 32 has a rectangular box shape with an opening on the upper side. An elongated hole (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface of the base portion 32, exposing the nozzle array of the head body 5A. The plate portion 31 has a plate shape extending from the upper opening edge of the base portion 32 to both sides in the X direction. The plate portion 31 is fixed to the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29 by screw members 101 mounted via spring washers 101a. A fixing hole 29d is provided on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29, into which the screw members 101 are threaded.

[0067] In the plate portion 31 of the base member 30, a first through portion 33 for locating the positioning pin 40 (protrusion) and a second through portion 34 for locating the screw member 101 are formed. The first through portion 33 has an elongated hole shape extending in the X direction and is formed a size larger than that of the positioning pin 40. Similarly, the second through portion 34 has an elongated hole shape extending in the X direction and is formed a size larger than that of the shaft portion of the screw member 101.

[0068] Through these gaps, the base component 30 can be adjusted to a fixed position along the direction (XY plane direction) of the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. Furthermore, a plurality of fixing holes 35 for fixing the position adjustment unit 50 (described later) are formed between the first through portion 33 and the second through portion 34 in the plate portion 31. Internal threads are formed on the inner wall surface of the fixing holes 35, into which the screw component 102 for fixing the position adjustment unit 50 is threaded.

[0069] The positioning structure 100 includes: a positioning pin 40 disposed on the carriage 29; and a position adjustment unit 50 disposed on the inkjet head 5, which adjusts the position of the base component 30 relative to the positioning pin 40 in the direction along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. The positioning structure 100, as the positioning pin 40, includes a first positioning pin 40A and a second positioning pin 40B configured to clamp the head body 5A in the X direction.

[0070] The first positioning pin 40A is disposed on the +X side of the head body 5A. The second positioning pin 40B is disposed on the -X side of the head body 5A. In addition, the positioning structure 100, as a position adjustment unit 50, includes: a first position adjustment unit 50A, which adjusts the position of the base member 30 relative to the first positioning pin 40A; and a second position adjustment unit 50B, which adjusts the position of the base member 30 relative to the second positioning pin 40B.

[0071] <Position Adjustment Unit 50> Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the first position adjustment unit 50A according to one embodiment. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the second position adjustment unit 50B according to one embodiment. Figure 9 yes Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of IX-IX.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the first position adjustment unit 50A includes a frame member 51 and two position adjustment mechanisms 60 in the X and Y directions supported by the frame member 51. In the following description, the basic structure of the position adjustment mechanism 60 will first be described based on the position adjustment mechanism 60 in the Y direction (hereinafter referred to as the second position adjustment mechanism 60B).

[0073] The second position adjustment mechanism 60B adjusts the position of the base member 30 along the Y direction of the mounting surface 29a relative to the positioning pin 40 provided on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. The second position adjustment mechanism 60B includes: a preload mechanism 70 that applies preload to the positioning pin 40 in the Y direction along the mounting surface 29a; an abutment member 80 that abuts against the positioning pin 40 from the side opposite to the side (-Y side) where the preload mechanism 70 is located (Y direction) in the Y direction in which the preload mechanism 70 applies preload (Y direction); and a displacement mechanism 90 that displaces the abutment member 80 in the Y direction in which the preload mechanism 70 applies preload (Y direction).

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, the preload mechanism 70 includes two leaf springs 71 and 72. Leaf spring 71 is bent in a crank shape, with its top end abutting against the -Y side of the locating pin 40. Leaf spring 72 is bent in an L-shape and overlaps with the back side of leaf spring 71, thereby adjusting the biasing force of the preload mechanism 70. Alternatively, multiple leaf springs 72 may overlap leaf spring 71. Furthermore, leaf spring 72 may be omitted if the biasing force of leaf spring 71 is sufficient.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, leaf springs 71 and 72 are fixed to the bottom 52 of frame member 51 by screw member 103. Near screw member 103, a plurality of third through portions 52a are formed, which penetrate the leaf springs 71 and 72 and the bottom 52 of frame member 51 in the Z direction. In the third through portions 52a, as... Figure 9 As shown, a screw component 102 is provided to fix the second position adjustment unit 50B. The screw component 102 is threaded into a fixing hole 35 formed in the plate portion 31 of the base component 30. That is, the second position adjustment unit 50B (two position adjustment mechanisms 60) is detachably mounted relative to the base component 30 by means of the screw component 102.

[0076] The displacement mechanism 90 displaces the abutment member 80, which abuts against the locating pin 40 on the +Y side, along a displacement axis O2 extending in an inclined direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z direction) of the mounting surface 29a. The frame member 51 includes a mounting portion 53 on which the displacement mechanism 90 is mounted. The mounting portion 53 is bent at a right angle relative to the bottom 52, and further bends towards the bottom 52 side (locating pin 40 side) from approximately the middle position in the height direction (Z direction) at the same angle as the displacement axis O2. An opening 54 is formed in the mounting portion 53 to prevent interference with the lower end of the guide portion 91 of the displacement mechanism 90. The back side of the guide portion 91 is fixed to the mounting portion 53 via a screw member 104.

[0077] The guide portion 91 is a track member that extends along the displacement axis O2 in an inclined direction and guides the abutment member 80. The guide portion 91 has an inclined surface that abuts against the back side (+Y side) of the abutment member 80. The abutment member 80 has a clamping portion 82 that clamps the guide portion 91 in a direction orthogonal to the displacement axis O2 (X direction). That is, the abutment member 80 can slide relative to the inclined surface and two side surfaces of the guide portion 91 and simultaneously move along the guide portion 91 in an inclined direction.

[0078] The displacement mechanism 90 includes the aforementioned guide portion 91, bolt 92, compression spring 93, first support portion 94, and second support portion 95. The abutment member 80 is threadedly engaged with the bolt 92 in a thread-feedable manner. The bolt 92 extends along the displacement axis O2, and the abutment member 80 is threadedly fed by rotation about the displacement axis O2. The first support portion 94 is provided at the upper end (one end) of the guide portion 91, supporting the head of the bolt 92. A first insertion through-hole 94a is formed in the first support portion 94, through which the shaft portion of the bolt 92 is inserted. The first insertion through-hole 94a supports the unthreaded portion (neck portion) of the shaft portion of the bolt 92.

[0079] The compression spring 93 is, for example, a coil spring disposed around the bolt 92, between the first support portion 94 and the abutment member 80. The compression spring 93 expands and contracts to fill the gap between the abutment member 80 and the first support portion 94 that varies due to the threaded feed of the bolt 92. The second support portion 95 is provided at the lower end (other end) of the guide portion 91. In the second support portion 95, a second insertion through hole 95a is formed through which the shaft portion of the bolt 92 is inserted. The second insertion through hole 95a supports the unthreaded tip portion of the shaft portion of the bolt 92. The guide portion 91, the first support portion 94, and the second support portion 95 are integrally formed and have a generally C-shaped overall.

[0080] The locating pin 40 is vertically erected relative to the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. The locating pin 40 includes an abutment portion 41 and a chamfered portion 42 (see reference). Figure 7) and screw part 43 (see reference) Figure 9 The screw portion 43 is located at the lower end of the locating pin 40 and is threaded into the fixing hole 29c formed on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, the chamfered portion 42 chamfers at least two parallel surfaces of a portion of the circumferential surface of the locating pin 40, enabling threaded rotation of the locating pin 40. That is, the locating pin 40 is detachably mounted relative to the carriage 29. Furthermore, the chamfered portion 42 may be a chamfered portion with four or six chamfers.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the locating pin 40 has a curved abutment portion 41 that abuts against the abutment member 80. Similarly, the abutment member 80 has a curved abutment portion 81 that abuts against the locating pin 40. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 10 The relationship between the curved shapes of the mutual contact portions 41 and 81 of the locating pin 40 and the contacting component 80 will be explained.

[0082] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the curved shape of the contact portions 41 and 81 involved in one embodiment.

[0083] like Figure 10 As shown, the abutment portion 41 of the positioning pin 40 is formed in a curved shape with the first intersecting axis O1 intersecting the mounting surface 29a as the central axis. In this embodiment, the first intersecting axis O1 intersects the mounting surface 29a perpendicularly (at a right angle), but it may also intersect obliquely relative to the mounting surface 29a.

[0084] The contact portion 41 in this embodiment includes a first cylindrical surface with the first intersecting axis O1 as its central axis. Furthermore, "first cylindrical surface" refers to a surface formed with a certain radius relative to the first intersecting axis O1. Regarding "including the first cylindrical surface," it is sufficient that at least the portion abutting against the contact member 80 is the first cylindrical surface; in addition to this abutting portion, a flat surface (e.g., ...) may also exist. Figure 7 The chamfered portion 42 shown in the figure, etc.

[0085] In contrast, the abutting portion 81 of the abutting member 80 is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis O3, which is not parallel to the first intersecting axis O1, as its central axis. The second intersecting axis O3 intersects an imaginary plane 110 that includes a vertical axis O4 (which in this embodiment may also be the first intersecting axis O1) extending in the vertical direction along the mounting surface 29a and the displacement axis O2 of the abutting member 80. In this embodiment, the second intersecting axis O3 extends parallel to the mounting surface 29a and intersects the imaginary plane 110 perpendicularly (at a right angle), but it may also intersect obliquely relative to the imaginary plane 110.

[0086] The abutting portion 81 in this embodiment includes a second cylindrical surface with the second intersecting axis O3 as its central axis. Furthermore, "second cylindrical surface" refers to a surface formed with a certain radius relative to the second intersecting axis O3. Regarding "including the second cylindrical surface," it is sufficient that at least the portion abutting the locating pin 40 is the second cylindrical surface; in addition to this abutting portion, a flat surface (e.g., ...) may also exist. Figure 7 The parallel surfaces above and below and the inclined surfaces to the left and right of the contact portion 81 shown in the figure.

[0087] However, assuming the positioning pin 40 is a block-shaped protrusion and the abutting portion 81 of the abutting member 80 is an inclined surface, when the inclined surface abuts against the corner of the protrusion, the corner and the inclined surface make line contact. However, there are slight irregularities at the corner and the inclined surface due to machining precision, so the corner and the inclined surface abut at multiple points. Regarding this multi-point abutment state, errors at each abutment point are prone to accumulate, making it difficult to accurately position the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29.

[0088] Conversely, based on the above configuration, the central axes (first intersecting axis O1 and second intersecting axis O3) of the mutually curved surfaces of the abutting parts 41 and 81 are in a torsional positional relationship, thus the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 abut at a single point. By abutting the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 at a single point, errors caused by multiple abutments between the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 can be avoided, and the inkjet head 5 can be accurately positioned relative to the carriage 29. In addition, the displacement axis O2 extends in an inclined direction relative to the setting surface 29a, thereby reducing the amount of displacement of the abutting member 80 along the setting surface 29a per revolution of the bolt 92, enabling the abutting member 80 to undergo minute displacements with high precision.

[0089] The above describes the basic structure of the position adjustment mechanism 60.

[0090] exist Figure 8 The second position adjustment unit 50B shown also has the same configuration as the Y-direction position adjustment mechanism 60 (second position adjustment mechanism 60B) of the first position adjustment unit 50A. Furthermore, the X-direction position adjustment mechanism (first position adjustment mechanism 60A) is configured to be divided into the first position adjustment unit 50A and the second position adjustment unit 50B. Details will be explained later, but... Figure 7 The first position adjustment unit 50A shown is provided with an abutment member 80 and a displacement mechanism 90 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A. Figure 8The second position adjustment unit 50B shown is provided with a preload mechanism 70 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A. The preload mechanism 70 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A is composed of a leaf spring 70A, which is fixed to the side wall portion 56 erected on the -X side of the frame member 51 via a screw member 105.

[0091] <Configuration of Positioning Structure 100> like Figure 6 As shown, the positioning structure 100 includes: a first position adjustment mechanism 60A, which adjusts the position of the base member 30 along the X direction (first direction) of the setting surface 29a; and a pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B, which are arranged at intervals relative to the base member 30 along the X direction, and respectively adjust the position of the base member 30 along the Y direction (second direction) orthogonal to the X direction of the setting surface 29a.

[0092] Additionally, the positioning structure 100 includes a first positioning pin 40A (first protrusion) and a second positioning pin 40B (second protrusion) configured to clamp the head body 5A in the X direction. One of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B (the second position adjustment mechanism 60B on the side of the first position adjustment unit 50A) adjusts the position of the base member 30 in the Y direction relative to the first positioning pin 40A. The other of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B (the second position adjustment mechanism 60B on the side of the second position adjustment unit 50B) adjusts the position of the base member 30 in the Y direction relative to the second positioning pin 40B.

[0093] The preload mechanism 70 (leaf spring 70A) of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A is provided on the side of the second position adjustment unit 50B, and applies preload to the second positioning pin 40B in the X direction. In addition, the abutment member 80 and the displacement mechanism 90 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A are provided on the side of the first position adjustment unit 50A. The abutment member 80 abuts against the first positioning pin 40A in the X direction from the side opposite to the side (-X side) where the preload mechanism 70 (leaf spring 70A) is provided, and is displaced in the X direction.

[0094] Each position adjustment mechanism 60 is supported by the base member 30, and at least a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 60 is disposed inside the outer shape of the base member 30 when viewed from above from the vertical direction (Z direction) along the setting surface 29a. Furthermore, "inside the outer shape of the base member 30" refers to the inner side of the outer contour of the plate portion 31 that forms the outermost shape of the base member 30 when viewed from above from the vertical direction (Z direction) along the setting surface 29a.

[0095] In addition, each locating pin 40 is also disposed on the inner side of the outer shape of the base component 30. That is, as shown in the figure. Figure 5As shown, a first through portion 33 for which a positioning pin 40 is disposed is formed on the inner side of the plate portion 31 of the base component 30. That is, the positioning pin 40 is disposed through the base component 30, and the base component 30 supports the position adjustment mechanism 60, so that the positioning structure 100 is mostly overlapped within the coverage area of ​​the inkjet head 5.

[0096] On the plate portion 31 of the base component 30, there are pushing portions 36 and 37 (tenons) that protrude toward the side of the pre-pressing mechanism 70 that receives a reaction force from the positioning pin 40 in the direction in which the pre-pressing mechanism 70 applies pre-pressing. The pushing portion 36 is provided in the Y direction of the pre-pressing mechanism 70 of the second position adjustment mechanism 60B applying pre-pressing, toward the side of the pre-pressing mechanism 70 that receives a reaction force from the positioning pin 40 (-Y side). In addition, the pushing portion 37 is provided in the X direction of the pre-pressing mechanism 70 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A applying pre-pressing, toward the side of the pre-pressing mechanism 70 that receives a reaction force from the positioning pin 40 (-X side).

[0097] On the other hand, the carriage 29 is provided with receiving portions 36A and 37A that are used to press the pressing portions 36 and 37. The receiving portions 36A and 37A roughly position the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29 when the pressing portions 36 and 37 are pressed. Furthermore, while it is possible to position the inkjet head 5 while the pressing portions 36 and 37 are pressed by the receiving portions 36A and 37A, high-precision machining of the pressing portions 36 and 37 or the receiving portions 36A and 37A is necessary, this incurs costs, and therefore, in almost all cases, fine-tuning of the inkjet head 5 is required. Therefore, the positioning structure 100 described above is needed to adjust the position of the inkjet head 5 along the direction of the mounting surface 29a.

[0098] <Inkjet head 5 positioning method> For example, in making Figure 6 When the inkjet head 5, as shown, moves parallel to the +X side relative to the carriage 29, the bolt 92 of the displacement mechanism 90 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A rotates, causing the abutment member 80 to move relative to the displacement mechanism 90 towards the -X side. As a result, the base member 30, to which the displacement mechanism 90 is fixed, receives a reaction force from the first positioning pin 40A and moves parallel to the +X side along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29 against the bias pressure of the preload mechanism 70. Through this process, the inkjet head 5 can be moved parallel to the +X side relative to the carriage 29.

[0099] When the inkjet head 5 is moved parallel to the -X side relative to the carriage 29, the bolt 92 of the displacement mechanism 90 of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A is rotated, causing the abutment member 80 to displace relative to the displacement mechanism 90 towards the +X side. As a result, the base member 30, to which the displacement mechanism 90 is fixed, experiences a reaction force from the biasing force of the preload mechanism 70 on the second positioning pin 40B, and moves parallel to the -X side along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. Through this process, the inkjet head 5 can be moved parallel to the -X side relative to the carriage 29.

[0100] When the inkjet head 5 is moved parallel to the +Y side relative to the carriage 29, the bolts 92 of the respective displacement mechanisms 90 of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B are rotated, causing the abutment member 80 to be displaced relative to the displacement mechanism 90 to the -Y side. As a result, the base member 30, to which the displacement mechanism 90 is fixed, receives a reaction force from each of the positioning pins 40, resisting the bias pressure of the preload mechanism 70, and moves parallel to the +Y side along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. Through this process, the inkjet head 5 can be moved parallel to the +Y side relative to the carriage 29.

[0101] When the inkjet head 5 is moved parallel to the -Y side relative to the carriage 29, the bolts 92 of the respective displacement mechanisms 90 of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B are rotated, causing the abutment member 80 to be displaced relative to the displacement mechanism 90 to the +Y side. Then, the base member 30, to which the displacement mechanism 90 is fixed, experiences a reaction force from the biasing force of the preload mechanism 70 on its respective locating pin 40, and moves parallel to the -Y side along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. Through this process, the inkjet head 5 can be moved parallel to the -Y side relative to the carriage 29.

[0102] When the inkjet head 5 is rotated relative to the carriage 29 in the XY plane, the bolts 92 of the displacement mechanisms 90 of each of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B are rotated, causing different displacements (adjustments) in the Y direction of the respective abutment members 80. As a result, the base member 30, to which the displacement mechanisms 90 are fixed, receives different reaction forces from the locating pins 40 and rotates along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. Through this process, the inkjet head 5 can be rotated relative to the carriage 29 in the XY plane.

[0103] As part of the procedure for positioning the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29, firstly, the spring washer 101a between the screw component 101 and the base component 30 is tightened to a certain extent using the screw component 101. The biasing force of the spring washer 101a temporarily fixes the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29 (temporary fixing process). Next, a pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B are used to adjust the rotation angle of the inkjet head 5. Then, the first position adjustment mechanism 60A and a pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B are used to move the inkjet head 5 parallel to the X and Y directions. After positioning the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29, the screw component 101 is tightened, and the base component 30 is fixed to the carriage 29. Through the above, the setting of the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29 is completed.

[0104] Furthermore, the positioning of the inkjet head 5 in the Y direction can be adjusted based on the ink ejection timing. Therefore, if positioning of the inkjet head 5 in the Y direction is not required, positioning is achieved through two steps: rotation of the inkjet head 5 and parallel movement of the inkjet head 5 in the X direction. If positioning of the inkjet head 5 in the Y direction is required, positioning is achieved through three steps: rotation of the inkjet head 5, parallel movement of the inkjet head 5 in the Y direction, and parallel movement of the inkjet head 5 in the X direction.

[0105] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the process after the inkjet head 5 is positioned according to one embodiment.

[0106] Alternatively, after positioning the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, the positioning structure 100 is disassembled. Specifically, the positioning structure 100 is disassembled. Figure 9 The screw component 102 shown is removed to detach the position adjustment unit 50 from the base component 30. Next, using a tool such as a screwdriver, the locating pin 40, which has a chamfered portion 42, is threaded and removed from the carriage 29. Finally, another screw component 101 is threaded into the fixing hole 29c where the locating pin 40 is fixed, and the base component 30 is fixed to the carriage 29. The locating structure 100 removed here can be used for the positioning of another inkjet head 5.

[0107] The positioning structure 100 described above can also be adapted as shown in the following variations. Furthermore, in the following description, the same symbols are used for configurations that are identical or equivalent to those described above, and their descriptions are simplified or omitted.

[0108] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the positioning structure 100 according to one embodiment.

[0109] Figure 12The positioning structure 100 shown in the figure differs from the positioning structure 100 described above in the following aspects: a positioning pin 40 is provided on the base component 30 side of the inkjet head 5, and a position adjustment mechanism 60 (position adjustment unit 50) is provided on the carriage 29 side.

[0110] Figure 12 The base component 30 shown is fixed to the downward-facing mounting surface 29e of the carriage 29 by a screw component 101 mounted via a spring washer 101a. The carriage 29 is provided with: a fourth through portion 29g, which extends along the Z direction and has a locating pin 40 disposed on the base component 30; and a groove 29h, which communicates with the -Z side of the fourth through portion 29g to avoid interference with the flange portion 44 of the locating pin 40 and the screw component 106.

[0111] The locating pin 40 has a flange 44 at its lower end, which is fixed to the upper surface of the base component 30 via a screw component 106. A fixing hole 38 is formed in the base component 30 for threaded engagement of the screw component 106. A fixing hole 29f is formed on the mounting surface 29a (upper surface) of the carriage 29 for fixing the position adjustment unit 50. The position adjustment unit 50 is detachably mounted to the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29 via a screw component 102 threaded into the fixing hole 29f.

[0112] In the above configuration, by displacing the abutting member 80 along the displacement axis O2, the position of the base member 30 along the direction of the setting surface 29a can also be adjusted.

[0113] Based on the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0114] like Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment includes: a head body 5A that ejects ink; a base member 30 that supports the head body 5A and is disposed on a mounting surface 29a of a carriage 29; and a position adjustment mechanism 60 that adjusts the position of the base member 30 along the mounting surface 29a relative to a positioning pin 40 disposed on the mounting surface 29a. The position adjustment mechanism 60 is supported by the base member 30, and at least a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 60 is disposed inside the outer shape of the base member 30 when viewed from above from a vertical direction.

[0115] According to this configuration, the position adjustment mechanism 60, which positions the inkjet head 5 relative to the positioning pin 40 provided on the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29, is supported by the base member 30 together with the head body 5A. Furthermore, at least a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 60 is positioned inside the outer shape of the base member 30 when viewed from above from a vertical direction, allowing it to be positioned within the coverage area of ​​the inkjet head 5, thus reducing the area required for mounting the inkjet head 5. This suppresses the length of the inkjet head 5 in the printing width direction (X direction), shortening the length of the carriage 29 in the printing width direction (X direction) required when multiple inkjet heads 5 are mounted.

[0116] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the base component 30 has a first through portion 33 on the inner side of its outer shape, where the positioning pin 40 is disposed. According to this configuration, by providing the first through portion 33 in the base component 30, the positioning pin 40 can be disposed within the coverage area of ​​the inkjet head 5, and the area required for the inkjet head 5 can be further reduced.

[0117] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the position adjustment mechanism 60 includes: a pre-pressing mechanism 70 that applies pre-pressing to the positioning pin 40 in the direction along the setting surface 29a; an abutting member 80 that abuts against the positioning pin 40 from the side opposite to the side where the pre-pressing mechanism 70 is located in the direction in which the pre-pressing mechanism 70 applies pre-pressing; and a displacement mechanism 90 that displaces the abutting member 80 in the direction in which the pre-pressing mechanism 70 applies pre-pressing. According to this configuration, the pre-pressing mechanism 70 applies pre-pressing to the positioning pin 40, causing the abutting member 80 abutting against the positioning pin 40 to displace in the direction of the applied pre-pressing, thereby enabling the base member 30 to move following the displacement of the abutting member 80. Because of the pre-pressing mechanism 70, it is unnecessary to provide the abutting member 80 and the displacement mechanism 90 on both sides clamping the positioning pin 40, thus simplifying, lightening, and saving space in the structure of the position adjustment mechanism 60.

[0118] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 60 (position adjustment unit 50) is detachably mounted relative to the base component 30. With this configuration, after the inkjet head 5 has been positioned and set, the position adjustment mechanism 60 (position adjustment unit 50) can be detached from the base component 30 and reused for positioning another inkjet head 5, thus helping to reduce costs.

[0119] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the position adjustment mechanism 60 includes: a first position adjustment mechanism 60A, which adjusts the position of the base member 30 along the X direction (first direction) of the mounting surface 29a; and a pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B, which are spaced apart from the base member 30 along the X direction and respectively adjust the position of the base member 30 along the Y direction (second direction) orthogonal to the X direction of the mounting surface 29a. According to this configuration, the positions of the base member 30 along the X and Y directions of the mounting surface 29a can be adjusted by the first position adjustment mechanism 60A and the second position adjustment mechanisms 60B. Furthermore, by making the adjustment amounts of the Y-direction positions of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B different, the rotation angle of the base member 30 can be adjusted.

[0120] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, the positioning pin 40 includes a first positioning pin 40A and a second positioning pin 40B configured to clamp the head body 5A in the X direction. One of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B (the second position adjustment mechanism 60B on the side of the first position adjustment unit 50A) adjusts the position of the base member 30 in the Y direction relative to one of the first positioning pin 40A and the second positioning pin 40B (the first positioning pin 40A). The other of the pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B (the second position adjustment mechanism 60B on the side of the second position adjustment unit 50B) adjusts the position of the base member 30 in the Y direction relative to the other of the first positioning pin 40A and the second positioning pin 40B (the second positioning pin 40B). Based on this configuration, instead of providing three positioning pins 40 corresponding to each of the three position adjustment mechanisms 60 (first position adjustment mechanism 60A and a pair of second position adjustment mechanisms 60B), the inkjet head 5 can be positioned using two positioning pins 40. This reduces the number of positioning pins 40 disposed in the coverage area of ​​the inkjet head 5, further reducing the area required for setting up the inkjet head 5.

[0121] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, the first position adjustment mechanism 60A includes: a pre-pressure mechanism 70, which applies pre-pressure to one of the first positioning pin 40A and the second positioning pin 40B (the second positioning pin 40B) in the X direction; an abutment member 80, which abuts against the other of the first positioning pin 40A and the second positioning pin 40B (the first positioning pin 40A) in the X direction from the side opposite to the side where the pre-pressure mechanism 70 is disposed; and a displacement mechanism 90, which displaces the abutment member 80 in the X direction. According to this configuration, by disposing the pre-pressure mechanism 70 relative to the abutment member 80 and the displacement mechanism 90 on the side opposite to the clamping head body 5A, compared to the case where all three components (pre-pressure mechanism 70, abutment member 80, and displacement mechanism 90) are disposed on one side of the head body 5A, the length of the base member 30 in the printing width direction (X direction) can be suppressed. This ensures the freedom of space for the inkjet head 5.

[0122] Furthermore, in the inkjet head 5 of this embodiment, the base component 30 is provided with pushing portions 36 and 37 that protrude toward the side of the pre-pressure mechanism 70 receiving a reaction force from the positioning pin 40 in the direction in which the pre-pressure mechanism 70 applies pre-pressure. With this configuration, if the pushing portions 36 and 37 have high precision, the inkjet head 5 can be easily positioned by using the reaction force received by the pre-pressure mechanism 70 from the positioning pin 40 to push the pushing portions 36 and 37 toward the carriage 29. Alternatively, if the pushing portions 36 and 37 lack sufficient precision, the position of the inkjet head 5 can be adjusted by displacing the abutment member 80 toward the pushing direction of the pushing portions 36 and 37, thereby enabling the inkjet head 5 to be positioned.

[0123] The printer 1 according to this embodiment includes the inkjet head 5 described above and a carriage 29 that houses the inkjet head 5. Based on this printer 1, by reducing the area required to house the inkjet head 5, a compact printer 1 capable of high-precision printing can be obtained.

[0124] Furthermore, in the printer 1 of this embodiment, the positioning pin 40 is detachably mounted relative to the carriage 29. With this configuration, after the inkjet head 5 is positioned and set, the positioning pin 40 can be removed from the carriage 29 and used for positioning another inkjet head 5, thus allowing the positioning pin 40 to be reused and helping to reduce costs. Additionally, the base component 30 can be fixed to the carriage 29 using the portion where the positioning pin 40 is removed.

[0125] like Figure 12 As shown in the figure, the printer 1 involved in the modified example of this embodiment includes an inkjet head 5; and a carriage 29, which is provided with the inkjet head 5, the inkjet head 5 having a head body 5A, which ejects ink; a base member 30, which supports the head body 5A, and is provided on the mounting surface 29e of the carriage 29; and a positioning pin 40, which protrudes from the base member 30 toward the carriage 29. The carriage 29 has a position adjustment mechanism 60 that adjusts the position of the base member 30 in the direction along the mounting surface 29e relative to the positioning pin 40. At least a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 60 is disposed inside the outer shape of the base member 30 when viewed from above from the vertical direction of the mounting surface 29a.

[0126] According to the printer 1, a positioning pin 40 is provided in the inkjet head 5, and a position adjustment mechanism 60 is provided in the carriage 29. At least a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 60 is positioned inside the outer shape of the base component 30 of the inkjet head 5 when viewed from above from the vertical direction of the setting surface 29e. Therefore, the position adjustment mechanism 60 can be positioned so that it falls within the coverage area of ​​the inkjet head 5, thereby reducing the area required for setting the inkjet head 5. As a result, the length of the inkjet head 5 in the printing width direction can be suppressed, and the length of the carriage 29 in the printing width direction required when multiple inkjet heads 5 are set can be shortened.

[0127] Furthermore, based on the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0128] The positioning structure 100 of this embodiment is a positioning structure 100 for positioning the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29 of the printer 1. It includes a positioning pin 40 disposed on one of the carriage 29 and the inkjet head 5, and a position adjustment mechanism 60 disposed on the other of the carriage 29 and the inkjet head 5 and adjusted relative to the positioning pin 40 in the direction along the mounting surface 29a of the carriage 29. The position adjustment mechanism 60 includes: an abutting member 80 that abuts against the positioning pin 40; and a displacement mechanism 90 that displaces the abutting member 80 along a displacement axis O2 extending in an inclined direction intersecting the vertical direction of the mounting surface 29a. One of the abutting portions 41, 81 of the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis O1 intersecting the mounting surface 29a as the central axis. The other abutting portion 41, 81 is formed relative to an imaginary plane 110 (refer to) including the vertical axis O4 (first intersecting axis O1) extending in the vertical direction of the mounting surface 29a and the displacement axis O2. Figure 10 A curved surface is formed with a second intersecting axis O3, which is not parallel to the first intersecting axis O1, as the central axis.

[0129] According to this configuration, if the abutting member 80 is displaced in an inclined direction intersecting the vertical direction of the setting surface 29a by the displacement mechanism 90, the positioning pin 40 abutting the abutting member 80 is pressed in in the direction along the setting surface 29a, and the inkjet head 5 is displaced relative to the carriage 29. Here, one of the abutting portions 41 and 81 is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis O1 intersecting the setting surface 29a as the central axis, and the other of the abutting portions 41 and 81 is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis O3 intersecting the imaginary plane 110, which includes the vertical axis extending in the vertical direction of the setting surface 29a and the displacement axis O2, and which is not parallel to the first intersecting axis O1, as the central axis. The central axes of the mutual curved shapes of the abutting portions 41 and 81 are in a torsional positional relationship, so the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 abut at point 1. By abutting the positioning pin 40 and the abutting part 80 at one point, errors caused by multiple abutting points between the positioning pin 40 and the abutting part 80 can be avoided, and the inkjet head 5 can be accurately positioned relative to the carriage 29.

[0130] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, one of the abutting portions 41 and 81 (abutting portion 41) includes a first cylindrical surface with the first intersecting axis O1 as the central axis, and the other of the abutting portions 41 and 81 (abutting portion 81) includes a second cylindrical surface with the second intersecting axis O3 as the central axis. According to this configuration, the abutting portion 41 of the positioning pin 40 has a first cylindrical surface with the first intersecting axis O1 as the central axis, and the abutting portion 81 of the abutting member 80 has a second cylindrical surface with the second intersecting axis O3 as the central axis. The central axes of the two (the first intersecting axis O1 and the second intersecting axis O3) intersect each other, so that the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 can always stably abut at point 1.

[0131] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, the abutting portion 41 of the positioning pin 40 includes a first cylindrical surface extending in the vertical direction of the setting surface 29a, and the abutting portion 81 of the abutting member 80 includes a second cylindrical surface extending parallel to the setting surface 29a. According to this configuration, since the abutting portion 41 of the positioning pin 40 includes a first cylindrical surface extending in the vertical direction of the setting surface 29a, and the abutting portion 81 of the abutting member 80 includes a second cylindrical surface extending parallel to the setting surface 29a, the positioning pin 40 and the abutting member 80 are always stably abutted at a single point, and it is possible to prevent the abutting member 80, which abuts the positioning pin 40 at a single point, from shifting relative to the positioning pin 40 in the direction along the setting surface 29a (XY plane direction).

[0132] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, the displacement mechanism 90 has a guide portion 91 that extends along the displacement axis O2 in an inclined direction and guides the abutment member 80. With this configuration, the abutment member 80 can be displaced with good accuracy along the guide portion 91 in the inclined direction.

[0133] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, the abutting member 80 has a clamping part 82 that clamps the guide part 91 in a direction orthogonal to the displacement axis O2. According to this configuration, by using the clamping part 82 provided on the abutting member 80 to clamp the guide part 91, it is possible to prevent the abutting member 80 from rotating about the displacement axis O2.

[0134] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, the displacement mechanism 90 includes: a bolt 92 extending along the displacement axis O2 and threadedly fed to the abutment member 80; a first support portion 94 provided at one end of the guide portion 91, supporting the head of the bolt 92, and having a first insertion through hole 94a through which the shaft portion of the bolt 92 is inserted; and a compression spring 93 disposed between the first support portion 94 and the abutment member 80. According to this configuration, if the bolt 92, which forms the displacement axis O2, is rotated, the abutment member 80, which has a clamping portion 82 and whose rotation relative to the guide portion 91 is restricted, is threadedly fed. At this time, the gap between the first support portion 94 and the abutment member 80 widens, but since the compression spring 93 extends to fill this gap, it is possible to prevent the head of the bolt 92 from floating off the first support portion 94.

[0135] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, the displacement mechanism 90 has a second support portion 95, which is provided at the other end of the guide portion 91 and has a second insertion through hole 95a through which the shaft portion of the bolt 92 is inserted. According to this configuration, by inserting the shaft portion of the bolt 92 into the second insertion through hole 95a through the second support portion 95, both ends of the bolt 92 can be supported by the first support portion and the second support portion 95, thereby suppressing the axial rocking of the bolt 92 and enabling the abutment member 80 to be displaced with high precision.

[0136] Furthermore, in the positioning structure 100 of this embodiment, the position adjustment mechanism 60 includes a pre-pressing mechanism 70, which applies pre-pressing to the positioning pin 40 from the side opposite to the side where the abutment member 80 is disposed, in the direction along the setting surface 29a. According to this configuration, the pre-pressing mechanism 70 applies pre-pressing to the positioning pin 40, causing the abutment member 80 abutting against the positioning pin 40 to displace in the direction of the applied pre-pressing, thereby enabling the base member 30 to move following the displacement of the abutment member 80. With this pre-pressing mechanism 70, it is unnecessary to provide abutment members 80 and displacement mechanisms 90 on both sides clamping the positioning pin 40, thus simplifying, lightening, and saving space in the structure of the position adjustment mechanism 60.

[0137] The inkjet head 5 according to this embodiment includes either the position adjustment mechanism 60 or the positioning pin 40 of the positioning structure 100 described above. Based on this inkjet head 5, an inkjet head 5 capable of high-precision printing can be obtained.

[0138] The printer 1 according to this embodiment includes the positioning structure 100 described above. Based on this printer 1, high-precision printing is possible.

[0139] The printer 1 according to this embodiment includes: an inkjet head 5; a carriage 29 on which the inkjet head 5 is disposed; and the aforementioned positioning structure 100, which positions the inkjet head 5 relative to the carriage 29. Based on this printer 1, the inkjet head 5 can be precisely positioned relative to the carriage 29 of the printer 1 for high-precision printing.

[0140] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered limited by the foregoing description but by the claims.

[0141] For example, in the above embodiment, a detachable positioning pin 40 is shown as the protrusion of the positioning structure 100, but this configuration is not limited to it. The protrusion of the positioning structure 100 may also be integrally provided to the inkjet head 5 or the carriage 29 and cannot be detached.

[0142] Additionally, for example, in the above embodiment, a position adjustment unit 50 is shown that unitizes a portion of the first position adjustment mechanism 60A and the second position adjustment mechanism 60B, but this configuration is not limited. The first position adjustment mechanism 60A and the second position adjustment mechanism 60B may also be mounted relative to the inkjet head 5 or the carriage 29, respectively.

[0143] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the abutment portion 41 of the locating pin 40 and the abutment portion 81 of the abutment member 80 were illustrated in a manner in which they mutually comprise cylindrical surfaces, but this configuration is not limited to. If the abutment portions 41 and 81 contact each other at a single point, they can be any curved surface. That is, regarding "curved surface," it can be not only a curved surface with a circular cross-section formed from the central axis with a certain radius, but also, for example, a curved surface with an elliptical cross-section or a curved surface that can be defined by a quadratic function, etc.

[0144] Additionally, as an example of a liquid jet recording device described above, an inkjet printer 1 was illustrated, but it is not limited to a printer. For example, it could also be a fax machine or an on-demand printer.

[0145] In the above embodiments, a configuration in which the inkjet head moves relative to the recorded medium during printing (a so-called reciprocating print machine) has been described as an example, but it is not limited to this configuration. The configuration disclosed herein can also be used in a configuration in which the recorded medium moves relative to the inkjet head while the inkjet head is fixed (a so-called fixed-head print machine).

[0146] In the above embodiments, the case where the recording medium P is paper has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. The recording medium P is not limited to paper, but may also be a metal material, a resin material, or even food, etc.

[0147] In the above embodiments, the configuration of the liquid jet head mounted on the liquid jet recording device has been described, but the configuration is not limited to this. That is, the liquid jetted from the liquid jet head is not limited to the liquid hitting the recording medium, but may also be, for example, a medicine liquid prepared in a dispensing solution, or a food additive such as seasonings or spices added to food, or a fragrance sprayed into the air.

[0148] In the above embodiments, a configuration in which the Z-direction is aligned with the direction of gravity has been described, but it is not limited to this configuration; the Z-direction may also be aligned with the horizontal direction.

[0149] In the above embodiments, a configuration in which the first direction is consistent with the X direction and the second direction is consistent with the Y direction has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The first direction and the second direction may also be determined to be different from the X direction and the Y direction.

[0150] Symbol Explanation 1... Printer (Liquid Jet Recording Device) 5... Inkjet head (liquid jet head) 5A...Head body (jet section) 29……Carriage (Head Mounting Section) 29a……Settings 29e……Settings 30……Base components 33……First Through Section (Through Section) 36……Pushing section 37……Pushing section 40……Positioning pin (protrusion) 40A……First locating pin (first protrusion) 40B……Second locating pin (second protrusion) 41...butt part 60……Position Adjustment Mechanism 60A……First Position Adjustment Mechanism 60B...Second Position Adjustment Mechanism 70……Preloading mechanism 80……Abutting parts 81…butt part 82……Clamping section 90... Displacement Mechanism 91……Guidance Department 92... Bolt 93……Compression spring 94……First Support Section 94a……First insertion through hole 95……Second Support Section 95a……Second insertion through hole 100……Positioning Structure 110...Imaginary plane O1……First Intersecting Axis O2……Displacement axis O3……Second Cross Axis O4……Vertical axis.

Claims

1. A positioning structure for positioning a liquid jet head relative to the head mounting portion of a liquid jet recording device, characterized in that, have: A protrusion provided on one of the head setting portion and the liquid injection head; and A position adjustment mechanism is provided on the other side of the head setting part and the liquid injection head, and its position is adjusted relative to the protrusion along the setting surface of the head setting part. The position adjustment mechanism includes: The abutting member abuts against the protrusion; and A displacement mechanism that displaces the abutting member along a displacement axis extending in an inclined direction intersecting the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface. One of the abutting portions of the protrusion and the abutting member is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis intersecting the setting surface as its central axis, and the other abutting portion is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis intersecting an imaginary plane including a vertical axis extending in the vertical direction along the setting surface and the displacement axis, and not parallel to the first intersecting axis as its central axis. One of the abutting portions includes a first cylindrical surface with the first intersecting axis as its central axis. Another part of the abutment includes a second cylindrical surface with the second intersecting axis as the central axis. The abutting portion of the protrusion includes the first cylindrical surface extending in the vertical direction of the setting surface. The abutting portion of the abutting member includes the second cylindrical surface that extends parallel to the setting surface.

2. The positioning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism has a guide portion that extends along the inclined direction and guides the abutting member.

3. The positioning structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The abutting member has a clamping portion that clamps the guide portion in a direction orthogonal to the displacement axis.

4. A positioning structure for positioning a liquid jet head relative to the head mounting portion of a liquid jet recording device, characterized in that, have: A protrusion provided on one of the head setting portion and the liquid injection head; and A position adjustment mechanism is provided on the other side of the head setting part and the liquid injection head, and its position is adjusted relative to the protrusion along the setting surface of the head setting part. The position adjustment mechanism includes: The abutting member abuts against the protrusion; and A displacement mechanism that displaces the abutting member along a displacement axis extending in an inclined direction intersecting the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface. One of the abutting portions of the protrusion and the abutting member is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis intersecting the setting surface as its central axis, and the other abutting portion is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis intersecting an imaginary plane including a vertical axis extending in the vertical direction along the setting surface and the displacement axis, and not parallel to the first intersecting axis as its central axis. The displacement mechanism has a guide portion that extends along the inclined direction and guides the abutting member. The abutting member has a clamping portion that clamps the guide portion in a direction orthogonal to the displacement axis.

5. The positioning structure according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism has: A bolt, which extends along the displacement axis, and provides threaded feed to the abutment member; A first support portion, disposed at one end of the guide portion, supports the head of the bolt and has a first insertion through hole through which the shaft portion of the bolt is inserted; and A compression spring is disposed between the first support and the abutting member.

6. A positioning structure for positioning a liquid jet head relative to the head mounting portion of a liquid jet recording device, characterized in that, have: A protrusion provided on one of the head setting portion and the liquid injection head; and A position adjustment mechanism is provided on the other side of the head setting part and the liquid injection head, and its position is adjusted relative to the protrusion along the setting surface of the head setting part. The position adjustment mechanism includes: The abutting member abuts against the protrusion; and A displacement mechanism that displaces the abutting member along a displacement axis extending in an inclined direction intersecting the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface. One of the abutting portions of the protrusion and the abutting member is formed in a curved shape with a first intersecting axis intersecting the setting surface as its central axis, and the other abutting portion is formed in a curved shape with a second intersecting axis intersecting an imaginary plane including a vertical axis extending in the vertical direction along the setting surface and the displacement axis, and not parallel to the first intersecting axis as its central axis. The displacement mechanism has: A guide portion that extends along the inclined direction and guides the abutting member; A bolt, which extends along the displacement axis, and provides threaded feed to the abutment member; A first support portion, disposed at one end of the guide portion, supports the head of the bolt and has a first insertion through hole through which the shaft portion of the bolt is inserted; and A compression spring is disposed between the first support and the abutting member.

7. The positioning structure according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The displacement mechanism has a second support portion, which is disposed at the other end of the guide portion and forms a second insertion through hole through which the shaft portion of the bolt is inserted.

8. The positioning structure according to any one of claims 1-4 or claim 6, characterized in that, The position adjustment mechanism includes a pre-pressure mechanism that applies pre-pressure to the protrusion from the side opposite to the side where the abutment member is disposed in a direction along the setting surface.

9. A liquid injection head, characterized in that, The position adjustment mechanism and the protrusion are provided with any one of the positioning structures according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. A liquid jet recording device, characterized in that, It has a positioning structure according to any one of claims 1-8.

11. A liquid jet recording device, characterized in that, have: Liquid injection head; The carriage, which is provided with the liquid injection head; and The positioning structure according to any one of claims 1-8 positions the liquid injection head relative to the carriage.

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