Recording device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a recording device capable of suppressing the rotation of a head unit and capable of driving the head unit with a smaller load. The recording device comprises: a head unit having a recording head and capable of moving between a recording position for recording a medium and a retreat position for retreating from a medium conveying path; a moving mechanism for moving the head unit; and a positioning unit for defining the position of the head unit at the recording position, wherein a torque for rotating the head unit is generated by a force applied to the head unit by the moving mechanism and a reaction force received by the head unit from the positioning unit, and a unit pressing mechanism for applying a force to the head unit in a direction that offsets the rotation of the head unit when the head unit is at the recording position, pressing the head unit in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the head unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording on a medium. Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, a structure is disclosed in which a recording head that ejects ink in an inkjet recording apparatus rotates and moves between a maintenance position and a recording position. A head holder that holds the recording head has three pins in a side view, and these pins are guided along a track so as to rotate and move between the maintenance position and the recording position. One of the three pins engages with a sliding member, and the sliding member is connected to a sliding rack gear via a spring. The sliding rack gear meshes with a drive gear, and as the drive gear rotates, the sliding rack gear and the sliding member move in the vertical direction.

[0003] When the head holder is in the recording position, due to the self-weight of the head holder, there is a tendency to rotate in the head holder, and the attitude of the head holder is likely to become unstable. However, the elastic force of the above-mentioned spring between the sliding member and the sliding rack gear acts in a manner to cancel the rotation, making the attitude of the head holder stable.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-26071

[0007] In the structure described in the above Patent Document 1, when the self-weight of the head holder increases and the attitude becomes more unstable, by increasing the elastic force of the above-mentioned spring, the attitude of the head holder can be made stable. However, since the elastic force of the above-mentioned spring acts in a direction exactly opposite to the direction in which the drive gear drives the sliding rack gear, if the elastic force of the above-mentioned spring is increased, it is also necessary to increase the rated output of the motor for driving the drive gear, resulting in a significant cost increase and an increase in power consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The recording apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problems is characterized by comprising: a medium conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording head for recording on the medium conveyed in the medium conveyance path; a head unit having the recording head and capable of moving between a recording position for recording on the medium and a retracted position retracted from the medium conveyance path; a moving mechanism for moving the head unit by applying a force along the moving direction of the head unit; and a positioning portion that abuts against a part of the head unit moving from the retracted position toward the recording position to define the position of the head unit at the recording position. A moment for rotating the head unit is generated when viewed from the medium width direction, which is a direction crossing the medium conveyance direction, by the force applied to the head unit by the moving mechanism and the reaction force received by the head unit from the positioning portion. The recording apparatus includes a unit pressing mechanism that applies a force in a direction canceling the rotation of the head unit when the head unit is at the recording position, and the unit pressing mechanism presses the head unit in a direction crossing the moving direction of the head unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the medium conveyance path of a printer and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the medium conveyance path of a printer and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the retracted position.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the head unit and the moving mechanism and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the moving mechanism and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the head unit and the moving mechanism and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the retracted position.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the head unit.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the right guide member and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the left first guide member and the left second guide member and is a diagram showing a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

[0017] Figure 9It is a diagram schematically showing the moving area and position of the head unit.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a side view of the head unit and the unit pressing mechanism, showing the state where the head unit is located near the front side of the recording position.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a side view of the head unit and the unit pressing mechanism, showing the state where the head unit is located at the recording position.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the head unit and the unit pressing mechanism, showing the state where the head unit is located at the recording position.

[0021] Figure 13 It is a side view of a part of the head unit and the unit pressing mechanism. (A) shows the state where the head unit is located near the front side of the recording position, and (B) shows the state where the head unit is located at the recording position.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a top view of the head unit and the unit pressing mechanism, showing the state where the head unit is located at the recording position.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals

[0024] 1... Inkjet printer, 2... Apparatus main body, 3... First medium cassette, 4... Second medium cassette, 5... Third medium cassette, 6... Additional unit, 8... Discharge tray, 8a... Protrusion, 8b... Support surface, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D... Ink storage parts, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D... Mounting parts, 12... Waste liquid storage part, 13... Conveyor belt, 14, 15... Pulleys, 19... Supply roller, 20... Separation roller, 21, 22, 23... Pickup rollers, 25, 26, 27... Feed roller pairs, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38... Conveyor roller pairs, 41... Baffle, 43... Wiper unit, 44... Wiper, 49... Shaft, 50... Head unit, 50a... Unit main body, 50b... Cam contact surface, 50c... Spring receiving part, 50d... Engagement pin, 50e... Spring receiving part, 51... Line head, 51a... Ink ejection surface, 52A... First guided roller, 52B... Second guided roller, 52C... Third guided roller, 52D... Fourth guided roller, 53... Lower roller, 54... Lower roller support member, 55... Spring, 58... Control part, 59... Motor, 60... Moving mechanism, 61A... Right guiding member, 61B-1... Left first guiding member, 61B-2... Left second guiding member, 61a... First rack, 61b... Right first guiding groove, 61c... Right second guiding groove, 61d... Left first guiding groove, 61e... Left second guiding groove, 61j... Third guiding groove, 61k... Fourth guiding groove, 62... Second rack forming part, 62a... Second rack, 62b... Guiding hole, 62c... Spring receiving part, 63... Second part, 64... Third rack forming part, 64a... Third rack, 65... First pinion, 67... Second pinion, 68... Rotating shaft, 69... Guiding roller, 70... Unit pressing mechanism, 71... Rotating part, 71a... First contact surface, 71b... Second contact surface, 71c... Window hole, 71d... Free end, 72... Rotating shaft, 73... Spring, 75... Support member, 76... Driven roller, 77... Rotating shaft, 78... Rotation restricting part, 78a... Rotation restricting portion, 80... Adjusting cam, 81... Eccentric shaft, S1-1, S1-2... First guiding surfaces, S2... Second guiding surface, T1... Conveying path during recording, T2... Turning path, T3... Inverting path. Detailed implementation mode

[0025] Hereinafter, the present invention will be briefly described.

[0026] The recording apparatus according to the first aspect includes: a medium conveyance path that conveys a medium; a recording head that records on the medium conveyed in the medium conveyance path; a head unit that includes the recording head and is movable between a recording position where recording is performed on the medium and a retracted position where the head unit retracts from the medium conveyance path; a moving mechanism that moves the head unit by applying a force along the moving direction of the head unit; and a positioning portion that abuts against a part of the head unit moving from the retracted position toward the recording position and defines the position of the head unit at the recording position. A moment that rotates the head unit is generated when viewed from the medium width direction, which is a direction crossing the medium conveyance direction, by the force applied to the head unit by the moving mechanism and the reaction force received by the head unit from the positioning portion. The recording apparatus includes a unit pressing mechanism that applies a force in a direction canceling the rotation of the head unit when the head unit is at the recording position, and the unit pressing mechanism presses the head unit in a direction crossing the moving direction of the head unit.

[0027] According to this aspect, since the unit pressing mechanism is provided, which applies a force in a direction canceling the rotation of the head unit when the head unit is at the recording position, it is possible to suppress the attitude instability of the head unit caused by the moment and to obtain good recording quality.

[0028] Moreover, since the unit pressing mechanism attempts to cancel the rotation of the head unit by pressing the head unit in a direction crossing the moving direction of the head unit, it is possible to suppress the unit pressing mechanism from obstructing the movement of the head unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and an increase in power consumption accompanying an increase in the rated output of a motor that is a power source for the movement of the head unit.

[0029] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the head unit includes a first guided portion at one end portion in the medium width direction, and includes a second guided portion and a third guided portion spaced apart from each other in the moving direction of the head unit at the other end portion in the medium width direction. The first guided portion is supported by a first guide surface extending along the moving direction of the head unit and is guided in the moving direction, and the second guided portion and the third guided portion are supported by a second guide surface extending along the moving direction and are guided in the moving direction. The head unit is supported by the three portions of the first guided portion, the second guided portion, and the third guided portion at least in a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

[0030] According to this mode, since the head unit is supported at the recording position by three parts, namely the first guiding part, the second guiding part, and the third guiding part, the attitude of the head unit at the recording position is stable, and good recording quality can be obtained.

[0031] The third mode is characterized in that, in the second mode, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the plane including the first position where the first guiding part contacts the first guiding surface, the second position where the second guiding part contacts the second guiding surface, and the third position where the third guiding part contacts the second guiding surface, the position where the unit pressing mechanism applies a force to the head unit is located within the triangular region formed by connecting the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0032] According to this mode, since the position where the unit pressing mechanism applies a force to the head unit is located within the triangular region formed by connecting the first position, the second position, and the third position, the first guiding part is properly pressed against the first guiding surface, the second guiding part is properly pressed against the second guiding surface, and the third guiding part is properly pressed against the second guiding surface. As a result, the attitude of the head unit is stable, and good recording quality can be obtained.

[0033] The fourth mode is characterized in that, in the third mode, the second guiding part is located at a position that floats from the second guiding surface due to the rotation of the head unit, the third guiding part is located at a position that is pressed against the second guiding surface due to the rotation of the head unit, the position where the unit pressing mechanism applies a force to the head unit is on the second position side in the medium width direction with respect to the intermediate position between the first position and the second position, and is on the second position side in the moving direction with respect to the intermediate position between the second position and the third position.

[0034] According to this mode, in the structure where the second guiding part is located at a position that floats from the second guiding surface due to the rotation of the head unit, the position where the unit pressing mechanism applies a force to the head unit is on the second position side in the medium width direction with respect to the intermediate position between the first position and the second position, and is on the second position side in the moving direction with respect to the intermediate position between the second position and the third position. Therefore, the head unit is pressed at a position close to the second guiding part. As a result, the rotation of the head unit is properly suppressed.

[0035] The fifth mode is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth modes, the unit pressing mechanism includes: a rotating member rotatably provided on the head unit and having a free end; a spring provided on the head unit and pressing the rotating member in a direction away from the head unit at the free end; and an abutting member provided independently of the head unit and abutting against the rotating member when the head unit is at the recording position, and applying a force in a direction to cancel the rotation of the head unit to the head unit by the elastic force of the spring.

[0036] According to this mode, since the unit pressing mechanism is configured to include the rotating member, the spring, and the abutting member, the unit pressing mechanism can be made into a simple structure.

[0037] The sixth mode is characterized in that, in the fifth mode, the center line of the rotation axis of the rotating member is along the medium width direction, and in the moving direction of the head unit, the free end is located on the retracted position side with respect to the rotation axis, and when the head unit moves from the retracted position to the recording position, the abutting member relatively moves from the rotation axis toward the free end with respect to the rotating member.

[0038] According to this mode, since it is a structure in which the abutting member relatively moves from the rotation axis toward the free end with respect to the rotating member when the head unit moves from the retracted position to the recording position, the force applied by the unit pressing mechanism to the head unit gradually increases when the head unit moves from the retracted position to the recording position. Thus, it is possible to suppress a large load from being suddenly applied when the head unit moves to the recording position, and the head unit can smoothly move to the recording position.

[0039] The seventh mode is characterized in that, in the sixth mode, the recording device includes a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating member in a direction away from the head unit at the free end of the rotating member.

[0040] According to this mode, since there is a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating member in a direction away from the head unit at the free end of the rotating member, the abutting angle when the abutting member abuts against the rotating member can be reduced, and it is possible to further suppress a large load from being suddenly applied when the head unit moves to the recording position.

[0041] The eighth mode is characterized in that, in any one of the first to seventh modes, the head unit includes: a unit main body having the recording head and abutting against the positioning portion; a displacement member capable of relatively displacing with respect to the unit main body along the moving direction of the head unit; and a pressing member interposed between the unit main body and the displacement member, and when the head unit is at the recording position, pressing the unit main body toward the positioning portion, and the moving mechanism applies an external force for moving the head unit to the displacement member.

[0042] According to this mode, since the moving mechanism moves the head unit via the displacement member, high precision is not required for the stop precision when the head unit is moved toward the recording position and stopped in a state where the unit main body abuts against the positioning portion, and the position control of the head unit becomes easy.

[0043] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described.

[0044] Hereinafter, an inkjet printer 1 that records by ejecting ink as an example of a liquid onto a medium typified by a recording paper will be described as an example of a recording device. Hereinafter, the inkjet printer 1 is simply referred to as the printer 1.

[0045] In addition, the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system. The Y - axis direction is a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium, that is, the medium width direction, and is also the device depth direction. In the Y - axis direction, the +Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the device toward the back surface of the device, and the -Y direction is the direction from the back surface of the device toward the front surface of the device. In addition, in the present embodiment, the Y - axis direction is an example of the width direction intersecting the moving direction of the head unit 50 described later, that is, the V - axis direction.

[0046] The X - axis direction is the device width direction. From the perspective of the operator of the printer 1, the +X direction is the left side and the -X direction is the right side. The Z - axis direction is the vertical direction, which is the normal direction with respect to the mounting surface G of the printer 1, that is, the device height direction. In the Z - axis direction, the +Z direction is the upward direction and the -Z direction is the downward direction.

[0047] Hereinafter, the direction in which the medium is conveyed is sometimes referred to as "downstream", and the opposite direction is referred to as "upstream". In addition, in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 the medium conveyance path is indicated by a dashed line. In the printer 1, the medium is conveyed through the medium conveyance path indicated by the dashed line in Figure 1 、 Figure 2 .

[0048] In addition, the F-axis direction is the medium conveyance direction between the line head 51 and the conveyor belt 13 described later, that is, in the recording area. The +F direction is the downstream of the conveyance direction, and the opposite -F direction is the upstream of the conveyance direction. In addition, the V-axis direction is the direction orthogonal to the F-axis direction and is the moving direction of the head unit 50 described later. The +V direction in the V-axis direction is the direction in which the head unit 50 retreats from the conveyance path T1 during recording, and the -V direction is the direction in which the head unit 50 faces the conveyance path T1 during recording.

[0049] In addition, in some of the figures, the F-V-Y coordinate system is sometimes used instead of the X-Y-Z coordinate system.

[0050] Hereinafter, with reference to Figure 1 the medium conveyance path in the printer 1 will be described. The printer 1 is configured such that an additional unit 6 can be connected to the lower part of the apparatus main body 2, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 indicating the state in which the additional unit 6 is connected.

[0051] The apparatus main body 2 has a first medium cassette 3 for accommodating the medium at the lower part. When the additional unit 6 is connected, a second medium cassette 4 and a third medium cassette 5 are further provided below it.

[0052] For each medium cassette, a pickup roller for sending out the accommodated medium in the -X direction is provided. The pickup rollers 21, 22, and 23 are pickup rollers provided for the first medium cassette 3, the second medium cassette 4, and the third medium cassette 5, respectively. In addition, for each medium cassette, a pair of feed rollers for feeding the medium sent out in the -X direction obliquely upward is provided. The pairs of feed rollers 25, 26, and 27 are pairs of feed rollers provided for the first medium cassette 3, the second medium cassette 4, and the third medium cassette 5, respectively.

[0053] In addition, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the so-called "roller pair" is composed of a driving roller driven by a motor (not shown) and a driven roller that rotates idly in contact with the driving roller.

[0054] The medium sent out from the third medium cassette 5 is conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 29, 28 to the pair of conveying rollers 38. In addition, the medium sent out from the second medium cassette 4 is conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 28 to the pair of conveying rollers 38. The medium is clamped by the pair of conveying rollers 38 and conveyed to the pair of conveying rollers 31.

[0055] The medium sent out from the first medium cassette 3 is conveyed to the pair of conveying rollers 31 by the pair of feed rollers 25 without passing through the pair of conveying rollers 38.

[0056] In addition, the supply roller 19 and the separation roller 20 provided near the pair of conveying rollers 38 are Figure 1 、 Figure 2 a pair of rollers for sending out the medium from a supply tray (not shown in the figure).

[0057] The medium that receives the conveying force from the conveying roller pair 31 is conveyed between the line head 51, which is an example of a recording head, and the conveyor belt 13, that is, to the position facing the line head 51. In addition, hereinafter, the medium conveying path from the conveying roller pair 31 to the conveying roller pair 32 is referred to as the conveying path T1 during recording.

[0058] The line head 51 constitutes the head unit 50. The line head 51 performs recording by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the surface of the medium. The line head 51 is an ink jet head configured such that the nozzles for ejecting ink cover the entire area in the width direction of the medium, and is an ink jet head configured to be able to perform recording over the entire width of the medium without accompanying movement in the width direction of the medium. However, the ink jet head is not limited to this, and may also be of a type mounted on a carriage that ejects ink while moving in the width direction of the medium.

[0059] The head unit 50 is arranged to be able to move forward and backward relative to the conveying path T1 during recording, and is arranged to be able to move between a recording position where it advances toward the conveying path T1 during recording to record the medium and a retracted position where it retracts from the conveying path T1 during recording.

[0060] Figure 1 Indicates the state where the head unit 50 is located at the recording position, and recording of the medium is performed in this state. Figure 2 Indicates the state where the head unit 50 is located at the retracted position. In addition, Figure 2 Indicates the position of the head unit 50 when wiping the ink ejection surface 51a of the line head 51.

[0061] Here, with reference to Figure 9 the movement range of the head unit 50 will be described. Figure 9 Schematically shows the movement range of the head unit 50. In addition, in Figure 9 the position of the head unit 50 in the V-axis direction is based on the position of the ink ejection surface 51a in the V-axis direction.

[0062] In Figure 9 the position V1 is the position where the head unit 50 advances to the maximum extent to the conveying path T1 during recording, which is an example of the recording position, and corresponds to the position of the head unit 50 shown in Figure 1 . In addition, the recording position can be adjusted by an adjustment cam 80 (refer to Figure 10 ), and the position V1b is the position closest to the +V direction in the adjustment range of the recording position. In Figure 9 the illustration of the line head 51 located at the position V1b is omitted. When the head unit 50 is located at the position V1 or the position V1b, or between the position V1 and the position V1b, recording of the medium is performed.

[0063] Position V4 is a position where the head unit 50 is farthest from the conveyance path T1 during recording in the +V direction, and is an example of a retracted position. When the head unit 50 is at position V4, the head unit 50 can be loaded and unloaded. The loading and unloading of the head unit 50 will be described again later.

[0064] Position V2 is a position where the ink ejection surface 51a of the line head 51 is wiped, and is an example of a retracted position. Figure 2 Indicates the state where the head unit 50 is at position V2. In Figure 2 , reference numeral 43 is a wiper unit, and reference numeral 44 is a wiper provided on the wiper unit 43. The wiper 44 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber or an elastomer, and can be elastically pressed against the ink ejection surface 51a.

[0065] The wiper unit 43 is arranged to be movable in the Y-axis direction, which is the direction along the ink ejection surface 51a, by a motor (not shown). Taking the end position in the +Y direction in the movable area as the starting position, it is located at the starting position except during wiping. By moving the wiper unit 43 in the Y-axis direction, the ink ejection surface 51a is wiped by the wiper 44.

[0066] Figure 9 Position V3 is a position where the ink ejection surface 51a is covered by a cover (not shown), and is an example of a retracted position. Position V3b is a position where a flushing operation is performed on the cover (not shown), that is, ink is ejected from all the ink ejection nozzles (not shown) of the line head 51, and is an example of a retracted position. In Figure 9 , the illustration of the line head 51 at position V3b is omitted.

[0067] Return to Figure 1 And Figure 2 , reference numerals 10A, 10B, 10C, and reference numeral 10D are ink storage portions as liquid storage portions. The ink ejected from the line head 51 is supplied to the line head 51 from each ink storage portion via a pipe (not shown). The ink storage portions 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D are arranged to be detachable from the mounting portions 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D, respectively.

[0068] In addition, reference numeral 12 is a waste liquid storage portion that stores the waste ink ejected from the line head 51 toward a flushing cover (not shown) for maintenance.

[0069] The conveyor belt 13 is an endless belt wound around a pulley 14 and a pulley 15, and at least one of the pulley 14 and the pulley 15 is rotated by a motor (not shown). The medium is adsorbed on the belt surface of the conveyor belt 13 and is conveyed at a position facing the line head 51. The adsorption of the medium by the conveyor belt 13 can adopt a known adsorption method such as an air suction method or an electrostatic adsorption method.

[0070] Here, the conveyance path T1 at the time of recording at the position facing the line head 51 is configured to convey the medium upward while crossing both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Thus, the V-axis direction, which is the moving direction of the head unit 50, also crosses both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and the inclination angle α of the V-axis direction with respect to the horizontal direction is less than 45°, and more specifically, is approximately 15°.

[0071] With such a configuration, it is possible to achieve a balance between the horizontal and vertical sizes of the space required for the movement of the head unit 50, and it is possible to suppress the device from becoming extremely large in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0072] In addition, the V-axis direction is not limited to the above configuration and may be parallel to the horizontal direction.

[0073] In addition, a discharge tray 8 that forms a support surface 8b for supporting the medium discharged from the medium conveyance path is provided above the head unit 50. The support surface 8b extends along the moving direction of the head unit 50, that is, the V-axis direction. Thus, in the relationship between the discharge tray 8 and the moving area of the head unit 50, no useless space is formed, and the enlargement of the device can be suppressed.

[0074] In addition, since a part of the head unit 50 overlaps with the ink storage portions 10A to 10D in the Z-axis direction, the device size in the Z-axis direction can be suppressed.

[0075] Next, the medium on which the line head 51 has performed recording on the first surface is further conveyed upward by the conveying roller pair 32 located downstream of the conveyor belt 13.

[0076] A baffle 41 is provided downstream of the conveying roller pair 32, and the conveying direction of the medium is switched by the baffle 41. In the case of directly discharging the medium, the conveying path of the medium is switched by the baffle 41 to the upward conveying roller pair 35, and the medium is discharged to the discharge tray 8 by the conveying roller pair 35.

[0077] In the case of recording on the second surface in addition to the first surface of the medium, the conveying direction of the medium faces the branch position K1 through the baffle 41. Then, the medium passes through the branch position K1 and enters the turning path T2. In the present embodiment, the turning path T2 is the upper medium conveying path starting from the branch position K1. Conveying roller pairs 36 and 37 are provided in the turning path T2. The medium that has entered the turning path T2 is conveyed upward by the conveying roller pairs 36 and 37, and after the lower edge of the medium passes through the branch position K1, the rotation directions of the conveying roller pairs 36 and 37 are switched, whereby the medium is conveyed downward.

[0078] The turning path T2 is connected to a flipping path T3. In the present embodiment, the flipping path T3 is a medium conveyance path that reaches the pair of conveying rollers 38 from the branch position K1 through the pair of conveying rollers 33 and 34.

[0079] The medium conveyed downward from the branch position K1 receives the conveying force from the pair of conveying rollers 33 and 34, reaches the pair of conveying rollers 38, is bent and flipped, and is conveyed to the pair of conveying rollers 31.

[0080] The second surface of the medium, which is on the side opposite to the first surface on which recording has already been performed and is conveyed again to the position facing the line head 51, faces the line head 51. Thus, recording based on the line head 51 can be performed on the second surface of the medium.

[0081] Next, the moving mechanism 60 that moves the head unit 50 in the V-axis direction will be described.

[0082] The moving mechanism 60 includes Figure 4 , Figure 5 the right guiding member 61A, the left second guiding member 61B-2, the second member 63, the first pinion 65, Figure 3 the third rack forming member 64, and the second pinion 67 shown in the figure. The first pinion 65 is configured to apply an external force in the moving direction to the second rack forming member 62 that constitutes the head unit 50.

[0083] The second rack forming member 62 is an example of a displacement member and, together with the unit main body 50a, constitutes the head unit 50. The head unit 50 is configured to include the unit main body 50a having the line head 51 and the second rack forming member 62.

[0084] The second rack forming member 62 and the unit main body 50a can be displaced relative to each other in the V-axis direction, which will be described again later.

[0085] In addition, a left first guiding member 61B-1 shown in the figure is provided in the -V direction with respect to the left second guiding member 61B-2. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the right guiding member 61A, the left first guiding member 61B-1, and the left second guiding member 61B-2, they are sometimes collectively referred to as "guiding member 61". Figure 8

[0086] The guiding member 61 is fixedly provided on the frame (not shown) of the apparatus.

[0087] Figure 3 Hereinafter, first, the structure for guiding the head unit 50 in the V-axis direction will be described. As Figure 3As shown, on the -Y direction side in the Y-axis direction of the head unit 50, that is, the side facing the right guide member 61A, a second guided roller 52B and a third guided roller 52C are provided. The second guided roller 52B and the third guided roller 52C are respectively provided on a shaft 49 protruding in the -Y direction. The second guided roller 52B and the third guided roller 52C are bearings configured to be rotatable freely relative to the shaft 49. The second guided roller 52B and the third guided roller 52C are arranged at intervals along the V-axis direction, and the second guided roller 52B is located in the -V direction relative to the third guided roller 52C.

[0088] The second guided roller 52B is an example of a second guided portion, and the third guided roller 52C is an example of a third guided portion.

[0089] In addition, as Figure 6 shown, on the +Y direction side in the Y-axis direction of the head unit 50, that is, the side facing the left first guide member 61B-1 and the left second guide member 61B-2, a first guided roller 52A and a fourth guided roller 52D are provided. In addition, in Figure 6 it, the illustration of the moving mechanism 60 shown in Figure 3 is omitted, and only the head unit 50 is illustrated.

[0090] The first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D are respectively provided on a shaft 49 protruding in the +Y direction. The first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D are bearings configured to be rotatable freely relative to the shaft 49. The first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D are arranged at intervals along the V-axis direction, and the first guided roller 52A is located in the -V direction relative to the fourth guided roller 52D.

[0091] The first guided roller 52A is an example of a first guided portion.

[0092] As Figure 7 shown, on the right guide member 61A disposed opposite to the -Y direction side of the head unit 50, a right first guide groove 61b is formed along the V-axis direction. The above-described second guided roller 52B and third guided roller 52C provided on the -Y direction side of the head unit 50 enter the right first guide groove 61b, whereby the -Y direction side of the head unit 50 is guided along the V-axis direction by the right first guide groove 61b.

[0093] In addition, reference numeral S2 is the lower surface of the right first guide groove 61b, and hereinafter, it will be referred to as the second guide surface. The second guided roller 52B and the third guided roller 52C are supported by the second guide surface S2 and receive a reaction force from the second guide surface S2.

[0094] The vertical resistance force received by the second guided roller 52B from the second guide surface S2 is inFigure 10 is indicated by an arrow labeled with the reference numeral H2. Additionally, in Figure 10 , the vertical resistance force received by the third guided roller 52C from the second guide surface S2 is indicated by an arrow labeled with the reference numeral H3. Furthermore, in Figure 10 , the arrow labeled with the reference numeral W2 is the force that causes the second guided roller 52B to vertically contact the second guide surface S2 due to the self-weight of the head unit 50, and the arrow labeled with the reference numeral W3 is the force that causes the third guided roller 52C to vertically contact the second guide surface S2 due to the self-weight of the head unit 50.

[0095] As the inclination angle α formed between the V-axis direction and the horizontal direction increases, the vertical resistance forces H2, H3 and the forces W2, W3 all decrease.

[0096] Next, as shown in Figure 8 , on the left first guide member 61B-1 and the left second guide member 61B-2 disposed opposite to the +Y direction side portion of the head unit 50, a left first guide groove 61d is formed in the V-axis direction. The left first guide member 61B-1 is located in the -V direction with respect to the left second guide member 61B-2, and the left first guide member 61B-1 and the left second guide member 61B-2 are provided at an interval G1 in the V-axis direction. Therefore, the left first guide groove 61d is in a state of being truncated within the range of the interval G1. In Figure 8 , the left first guide groove formed in the left first guide member 61B-1 is labeled with the reference numeral 61d-1, and the left first guide groove formed in the left second guide member 61B-2 is labeled with the reference numeral 61d-2. However, hereinafter, they are sometimes collectively referred to as the left first guide groove 61d.

[0097] The interval G1 is an interval for allowing the wiper unit 43 for reference Figure 2 explanation to move in the Y-axis direction between the left first guide member 61B-1 and the left second guide member 61B-2.

[0098] The first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D provided on the +Y direction side portion of the head unit 50 enter the left first guide groove 61d, whereby the +Y direction side portion of the head unit 50 is guided in the V-axis direction by the left first guide groove 61d.

[0099] Furthermore, the reference numeral S1-1 is the lower surface of the left first guide groove 61d-1. Additionally, the reference numeral S1-2 is the lower surface of the left first guide groove 61d-2. Hereinafter, the surfaces S1-1, S1-2 are both referred to as the first guide surface. The first guide surfaces S1-1, S1-2 are surfaces parallel to the second guide surface S2.

[0100] The first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D are supported by the first guide surface S1-1 or the first guide surface S1-2, and receive reaction forces from the first guide surface S1-1 or the first guide surface S1-2.

[0101] Here, Figure 8 represents the state where the head unit 50 is located at the recording position. In this state, as shown in the figure, the first guided roller 52A is located inside the left first guide groove 61d-1 and is supported by the first guide surface S1-1. However, the fourth guided roller 52D is located inside the gap G1 and is not supported by either of the first guide surfaces S1-1 and S1-2.

[0102] Therefore, when the head unit 50 is located at the recording position, the head unit 50 is supported at one point by the first guided roller 52A on the +Y direction side portion, and is supported at two points by the second guided roller 52B and the third guided roller 52C on the -Y direction side portion, and is supported at a total of three points.

[0103] In addition, by Figure 8 It can be seen that when the head unit 50 moves from the recording position to the retracted position, the first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D enter the left first guide groove 61d-2 and are supported by the first guide surface S1-2.

[0104] Since the gap G1 is smaller than the V-axis direction gap between the first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D, at least one of the first guided roller 52A and the fourth guided roller 52D is supported by the first guide surface S1-1 or the first guide surface S1-2 on the +Y direction side portion of the head unit 50.

[0105] In addition, in the left second guide member 61B-2, a third guide groove 61j and a fourth guide groove 61k are formed in a direction intersecting the left first guide groove 61d. When the head unit 50 has moved to the retracted position closest to the +V direction, the first guided roller 52A faces the third guide groove 61j, and the fourth guided roller 52D faces the fourth guide groove 61k. Moreover, in this state, the first guided roller 52A can move upward along the third guide groove 61j, and the fourth guided roller 52D can move upward along the fourth guide groove 61k.

[0106] When referring to Figure 7The right guide member 61A of the description, similarly, is formed with a third guide groove 61j and a fourth guide groove 61k in a direction intersecting the right first guide groove 61b. When the head unit 50 moves to the retracted position closest to the +V direction, the second guided roller 52B faces the third guide groove 61j, and the third guided roller 52C faces the fourth guide groove 61k. Moreover, in this state, the second guided roller 52B can move upward along the third guide groove 61j, and the third guided roller 52C can move upward along the fourth guide groove 61k.

[0107] In addition, the third guide groove 61j and the fourth guide groove 61k are slightly angled with respect to the F-axis direction but are formed substantially along the F-axis direction.

[0108] As described above, when the head unit 50 moves to the retracted position closest to the +V direction, the head unit 50 can be removed upward. In addition, by a step opposite to the case of removing the head unit 50, it can be installed on the device main body 2. The third guide groove 61j and the fourth guide groove 61k function as guide portions for guiding the head unit 50 in the loading and unloading direction.

[0109] In this way, since the head unit 50 can be loaded and unloaded with respect to the device main body 2, the maintenance and replacement of the head unit 50 become easy.

[0110] Next, as Figure 4 , Figure 5 shown, in the guide member 61, on the side facing the head unit 50, a first rack 61a is formed along the V-axis direction.

[0111] Second rack forming members 62 are provided at both ends of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, and a second rack 62a is formed along the V-axis direction in the second rack forming members 62. Moreover, the first rack 61a and the second rack 62a face each other, and a first pinion 65 is disposed between the first rack 61a and the second rack 62a, and the first pinion 65 meshes with both the first rack 61a and the second rack 62a.

[0112] In addition, the teeth of the first rack 61a, the second rack 62a, and the first pinion 65 are such that the tooth width direction is along the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the head unit 50, that is, the F-axis direction.

[0113] The first pinion 65 is rotatably provided in the second member 63. In the second member 63, as Figure 3 shown, lower roller support members 54 are provided on both sides in the Y-axis direction, and two lower rollers 53 are provided at intervals along the V-axis direction in the lower roller support members 54. The lower rollers 53 are driven rollers freely rotatably supported by the lower roller support members 54.

[0114] AsFigure 7 As shown, two lower rollers 53 provided on the -Y direction side portion of the head unit 50 enter the right second guide groove 61c formed in the right guide member 61A along the V-axis direction, and are guided in the V-axis direction by the right second guide groove 61c.

[0115] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, two lower rollers 53 provided on the +Y direction side portion of the head unit 50 enter the left second guide groove 61e formed in the left second guide member 61B-2 along the V-axis direction, and are guided in the V-axis direction by the left second guide groove 61e.

[0116] As Figure 3 shown, a third rack forming member 64 is provided on the lower side of the second member 63, and a third rack 64a is formed along the V-axis direction on the lower side of the third rack forming member 64. The tooth width direction of the third rack 64a is along the Y-axis direction. Moreover, a second pinion 67 meshes with the third rack 64a.

[0117] In addition, the third rack forming member 64 is provided at both ends in the Y-axis direction on the lower side of the second member 63. Further, the second pinion 67 is provided at a position opposed to the third rack 64a on a rotary shaft 68 having a rotary shaft center parallel to the Y-axis direction, and is configured such that the two second pinions 67 rotate simultaneously by the rotation of the rotary shaft 68. In addition, the power of the motor 59 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 68 via a gear mechanism (not shown in Figure 3 ).

[0118] In Figure 3 , reference numeral 58 is a control unit that controls the motor 59. The control unit 58 can grasp the V-axis direction position of the head unit 50 based on the signal received from a reference position sensor (not shown) and the driving amount of the motor 59.

[0119] In the above structure, when the second pinion 67 rotates by the power of the motor 59, the second member 63 moves in the V-axis direction. Here, since the guide member 61, that is, the first rack 61a shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 is fixedly provided, the first pinion 65 provided on the second member 63 that moves in the V-axis direction rotates based on the meshing with the first rack 61a.

[0120] Moreover, since the first pinion 65 meshes with the second rack 62a provided on the head unit 50, the head unit 50 moves in a manner of being pushed out in the V-axis direction by the rotation of the first pinion 65.

[0121] For example, in a state where the head unit 50 is at the recording position shown in Figure 4 , when the second member 63 moves in the +V direction by the power of the motor 59,Figure 4 The first pinion gear 65 on the right side of Figure 4 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 4 The first pinion gear 65 on the left side of Figure 4 rotates clockwise in . Thus, the head unit 50 moves in the +V direction.

[0122] In addition, when the head unit 50 is in the retracted position shown in Figure 5 and the second component 63 moves in the -V direction by the power of the motor 59, Figure 5 The first pinion gear 65 on the right side of Figure 5 rotates clockwise in Figure 5 The first pinion gear 65 on the left side of Figure 5 rotates counterclockwise in . Thus, the head unit 50 moves in the -V direction.

[0123] Furthermore, strictly speaking, a force that tends to move the head unit 50 in the -V direction acts on the head unit 50 due to the action of gravity. This is because the -V direction includes a -Z direction component. Therefore, when the head unit 50 moves in the -V direction, the moving mechanism 60 applies a force in the +V direction to the head unit 50, and a state is formed that restricts the movement of the head unit 50 in the -V direction caused by the action of gravity. However, after the head unit 50 abuts against an adjustment cam 80 (refer to Figure 10 ), the moving mechanism 60 applies a force in the -V direction to the head unit 50, which will be described again later.

[0124] When the head unit 50 moves in the +V direction, the moving mechanism 60 applies a force in the +V direction to the head unit 50.

[0125] Here, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the range in the V-axis direction indicated by the reference numeral M1 is the movement range of the second component 63 based on the rotation axis center of the first pinion gear 65. In addition, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the range in the V-axis direction indicated by the reference numeral M2 is the movement range of the head unit 50 based on the -V direction end position of the second rack forming member 62.

[0126] As described above, the head unit 50 moves in the V-axis direction by the rotation of the first pinion gear 65, but the first pinion gear 65 itself also moves in the V-axis direction. Therefore, the movement range M2 of the head unit 50 is larger than the movement range M1 of the second component 63. In the present embodiment, the movement range M2 is about twice the size of the movement range M1.

[0127] As described above, the moving mechanism 60 includes: a guiding member 61 having a first rack 61a formed along the moving direction of the head unit 50; a first pinion 65 meshing with the first rack 61a; a second rack 62a disposed at a position on the head unit 50 opposite to the first rack 61a, which is a rack formed along the V-axis direction as the moving direction of the head unit 50 and meshes with the first pinion 65; and a second member 63 rotatably provided with the first pinion 65 and capable of moving in the V-axis direction by receiving the power of the motor 59. Moreover, by the rotation of the first pinion 65 moving in the V-axis direction, the moving amount of the head unit 50 is increased compared to the moving amount of the second member 63. In other words, since the moving amount of the second member 63 can be suppressed and the moving amount of the head unit 50 can be ensured, the enlargement of the mechanism for moving the second member 63 can be suppressed. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the length of the third rack 64a in the V-axis direction can be suppressed. As a result, the enlargement of the printer 1 can be suppressed.

[0128] In addition, since the moving mechanism 60 is disposed on both sides of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction, the moving amounts of one end side and the other end side of the head unit 50 in the V-axis direction in the Y-axis direction can be made equal. Thereby, the head unit 50 can be moved in the V-axis direction while appropriately maintaining the attitude of the head unit 50.

[0129] In addition, the tooth width directions of the first rack 61a, the second rack 62a, and the first pinion 65 are along the F-axis direction, and the F-axis direction is substantially along the loading and unloading direction of the head unit 50. Thus, when loading and unloading the head unit 50, the meshing of the first rack 61a, the second rack 62a, and the first pinion 65 does not cause interference, and the head unit 50 can be easily loaded and unloaded.

[0130] In addition, even when the first pinion 65 vibrates in the tooth width direction during the movement of the second member 63, the vibration is hardly transmitted to the second rack 62a, that is, the head unit 50, and the head unit 50 can be protected from the vibration, and the failure of the head unit 50 can be suppressed.

[0131] In addition, the tooth width directions of the first rack 61a, the second rack 62a, and the first pinion 65 are along the F-axis direction. In the present embodiment, although it forms some angles with respect to the loading and unloading direction of the head unit 50, it may also be parallel to the loading and unloading direction of the head unit 50.

[0132] In addition, Figure 3 As shown, since a plurality of third racks 64a and second pinions 67 are provided in the Y-axis direction, the second member 63 can be moved in the V-axis direction while appropriately maintaining the attitude of the second member 63. Thereby, the head unit 50 can also be moved while appropriately maintaining the attitude of the head unit 50.

[0133] Next, the structure of the head unit 50 will be further described.

[0134] As described above, the head unit 50 includes: a unit main body 50a having a line head 51; and a second rack forming member 62 as an example of a displacement member.

[0135] As a portion that engages with the second rack forming member 62, the unit main body 50a has engagement pins 50d on both side portions in the Y-axis direction ( Figure 10 see reference). Two engagement pins 50d are provided at intervals in the V-axis direction on both side portions of the unit main body 50a in the Y-axis direction. On the second rack forming member 62, two guide holes 62b extending in the V-axis direction are provided at intervals in the V-axis direction. By inserting the engagement pins 50d into the guide holes 62b, the unit main body 50a and the second rack forming member 62 are connected and can be displaced relative to each other in the V-axis direction.

[0136] A spring 55 as an example of a pressing member is provided between the unit main body 50a and the second rack forming member 62 (also see Figure 6 ). In the present embodiment, the spring 55 is a compression coil spring. However, as long as the spring 55 can exert a force F3 (see Figure 11 ) described later between the unit main body 50a and the second rack forming member 62, it is not limited to a compression coil spring and may also be a tension coil spring or a torsion coil spring, etc.

[0137] In Figure 10 , reference numeral 50c is a spring receiving portion provided in the unit main body 50a, and reference numeral 62c is a spring receiving portion provided in the second rack forming member 62. The spring 55 exerts a pressing force between the spring receiving portion 50c and the spring receiving portion 62c, and this pressing force acts to separate the spring receiving portion 50c and the spring receiving portion 62c.

[0138] In a state where the head unit 50 is not in contact with an adjustment cam 80 described later, the spring 55 is in a state of being maximally extended between the spring receiving portion 50c and the spring receiving portion 62c, and the engagement pins 50d are located in the -V direction in the guide holes 62b.

[0139] Next, an adjustment cam 80 is provided in the -V direction with respect to the head unit 50. The adjustment cam 80 is provided so as to be able to receive power from a motor (not shown) and rotate about an eccentric shaft 81. As Figure 14 shown, the adjustment cam 80 is provided on both side portions of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction. In Figure 14 , for the convenience of illustration, the adjustment cam 80 is hatched.

[0140] Moreover, a cam contact surface 50b that contacts the adjustment cam 80 is provided on the head unit 50. As Figure 14 shown, the cam contact surface 50b is also provided on both side portions of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction.

[0141] The head unit 50 contacts the adjustment cam 80 through the cam contact surface 50b to define the recording position. That is, the adjustment cam 80 contacts a part of the head unit 50 moving from the retracted position toward the recording position and functions as a positioning portion that defines the position of the head unit 50 at the recording position.

[0142] Here, since the adjustment cam 80 rotates about the eccentric shaft 81, by rotating the adjustment cam 80, the position of the cam contact surface 50b in the V-axis direction can be adjusted, that is, the recording position can be adjusted. The adjustment of the recording position is performed, for example, according to the thickness of the medium on which recording is performed.

[0143] The control unit 58 (refer to Figure 3 ) further drives the motor 59 to move the second rack forming member 62 in the -V direction when driving the motor 59 to move the head unit 50 to the recording position. At this time, since the cam contact surface 50b of the unit main body 50a contacts the adjustment cam 80 and does not move in the -V direction, as shown by the change from Figure 10 to Figure 11 , only the second rack forming member 62 moves in the -V direction. Due to such relative movement between the unit main body 50a and the second rack forming member 62, the spring 55 contracts, and a force F3 as shown in Figure 11 acts on the unit main body 50a.

[0144] In this way, the head unit 50 includes: a unit main body 50a having a line head 51; a second rack forming member 62 that can be displaced relative to the unit main body 50a in the moving direction of the head unit 50; and a spring 55 as a pressing member interposed between the unit main body 50a and the second rack forming member 62, which presses the unit main body 50a against the adjustment cam 80 when the head unit 50 is at the recording position. The moving mechanism 60 is a structure that applies a force for moving the head unit 50 to the second rack forming member 62. Accordingly, high precision is not required for the stop precision when the head unit 50 is moved to the recording position by the moving mechanism 60 and stops in a state where the unit main body 50a contacts the adjustment cam 80, and the position control of the head unit 50 becomes easy.

[0145] In Figure 11 the state shown, the first pinion 65 applies a force F1 in the -V direction to the second rack forming member 62. To maintain this state, the control unit 58 (refer to Figure 3 ) may perform holding control of the motor 59.

[0146] In addition, in this state, the unit main body 50a receives a reaction force F2 in the +V direction from the adjustment cam 80 at the position of the cam contact surface 50b.

[0147] Since the direction of the force F1 is opposite to that of the reaction force F2 and the acting positions are separated, a moment Ma that tends to rotate counterclockwise is generated on the head unit 50. Figure 11 in the

[0148] Furthermore, both the force F1 and the reaction force F2 act on the side portions in the +Y direction and the -Y direction. In the present embodiment, the magnitude of the force F1 acting on the side portion in the +Y direction is substantially the same as the magnitude of the force F1 acting on the side portion in the -Y direction. Additionally, the magnitude of the reaction force F2 acting on the side portion in the +Y direction is substantially the same as the magnitude of the reaction force F2 acting on the side portion in the -Y direction. Therefore, the moment Ma is generated with substantially the same magnitude on the side portions in the +Y direction and the -Y direction.

[0149] This moment Ma acts as a pressing force R3 pressing on the second guide surface S2 with respect to the third guided roller 52C, and also acts as a floating force R2 floating from the second guide surface S2 with respect to the second guided roller 52B.

[0150] Since the pressing force R3 promotes the force W3 with which the third guided roller 52C contacts the second guide surface S2 due to the self-weight of the head unit 50, the third guided roller 52C does not float from the second guide surface S2. In contrast, since the floating force R2 acts in a manner to cancel the force W2 with which the second guided roller 52B contacts the second guide surface S2 due to the self-weight of the head unit 50, when the floating force R2 overcomes the force W2, the second guided roller 52B floats from the second guide surface S2. As a result, the attitude of the head unit 50 becomes inappropriate, which may have an adverse effect on the recording quality.

[0151] In addition, since the head unit 50 is supported by a part of the first guided roller 52A on the +Y direction side, the first guided roller 52A does not float from the first guide surface S1-1. However, since it is in a state where it is easy to rotate with the first guided roller 52A as a fulcrum, due to the influence of the moment Ma, the attitude becomes unstable.

[0152] In addition, the moment Ma increases as the force F1 increases. Also, the moment Ma increases as the force F3 increases. Additionally, the greater the distance between the acting positions of the force F1 and the reaction force F2 in the F-axis direction, the greater the moment Ma.

[0153] In the present embodiment, in order to suppress the attitude of the head unit 50 from becoming unstable due to the moment Ma, a unit pressing mechanism 70 that applies a pressing force F4 in a direction that cancels the rotation caused by the moment Ma to the head unit 50 is provided. In the present embodiment, as Figure 14 shown, the unit pressing mechanism 70 is provided near the -Y direction end of the head unit 50 in the Y-axis direction.

[0154] As Figure 12 shown, the unit pressing mechanism 70 includes: a rotating member 71 that is rotatably provided on the head unit 50 and has a free end 71d; a spring 73 (refer to Figure 13 ), which is a member provided on the head unit 50 and presses the rotating member 71 in a direction away from the head unit 50 (+F direction) of the free end 71d; and a driven roller 76, which is a member independently provided from the head unit 50 and abuts against the rotating member 71 when the head unit 50 is in the recording position. The driven roller 76 is an example of an abutting member that abuts against the rotating member 71.

[0155] In this way, since the unit pressing mechanism 70 is configured to include the rotating member 71, the spring 73, and the driven roller 76, the unit pressing mechanism 70 can have a simple structure.

[0156] More specifically, the driven roller 76 is rotatably provided on the support member 75 via a rotating shaft 77. In the present embodiment, one driven roller 76 is provided at a position engaging with the rotating member 71 in the Y-axis direction.

[0157] In Figures 10 to 13 , the rotating member 71 is rotatably provided on the unit main body 50a about a rotating shaft 72. The axis center line of the rotating shaft 72 is along the Y-axis direction, and the free end 71d is located in the +V direction with respect to the rotating shaft 72.

[0158] As Figure 13 shown, the spring 73 is provided on the lower side of the rotating member 71 and presses the rotating member 71 in a direction away from the head unit 50 (+F direction) of the free end 71d. By the elastic force of the spring 73, the rotating member 71 is pressed in the Figure 13 clockwise direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the spring 73 is a compression coil spring, but as long as it is a spring that can press the rotating member 71 in the Figure 13 clockwise direction, it is not limited to a compression coil spring, and may also be a tension coil spring or a torsion coil spring, etc.

[0159] As Figure 13As shown, the unit main body 50a is provided with a rotation restricting member 78. The rotation restricting member 78 is provided with a protruding rotation restricting portion 78a, and the rotation restricting portion 78a enters a window hole 71c formed in the rotating member 71. Thus, in a state where the rotating member 71 is separated from the driven roller 76, as shown in (A) of Figure 13 , the lower edge of the window hole 71c abuts against the rotation restricting portion 78a, and the clockwise rotation of the rotating member 71 in Figure 13 is restricted.

[0160] When the head unit 50 moves from this state to the recording position, as shown by the change from (A) of Figure 13 to (B) of Figure 13 , the rotating member 71 abuts against the driven roller 76 and rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the spring 73 is compressed, and the elastic force of the spring 73 acts on the spring receiving portion 50e that receives the spring 73. This elastic force becomes the pressing force F4 shown in Figure 11 .

[0161] The elastic force of the spring 73 counteracts the lifting force R2 and is set to a magnitude such that the second driven roller 52B does not lift from the second guide surface S2.

[0162] As described above, the printer 1 is provided with a unit pressing mechanism 70 that applies a pressing force F4 (refer to Figure 11 ) in a direction that cancels the rotation of the head unit 50 when the head unit 50 is located at the recording position. Due to the pressing force F4 of the unit pressing mechanism 70, regardless of the lifting force R2, the second driven roller 52B is pressed against the second guide surface S2. Thus, it is possible to suppress the attitude of the head unit 50 from becoming unstable due to the moment Ma, and good recording quality can be obtained.

[0163] Moreover, since the unit pressing mechanism 70 presses the head unit 50 in a direction crossing the moving direction of the head unit 50 to cancel the rotation of the head unit 50, it is possible to suppress the unit pressing mechanism 70 from hindering the movement of the head unit 50 along the V-axis direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and power consumption associated with increasing the rated output of the motor 59 (refer to Figure 3 ), which is the power source for the movement of the head unit 50.

[0164] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pressing direction of the unit pressing mechanism 70 on the head unit 50 is the -F direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the V-axis direction, which is the moving direction of the head unit 50, but it is not limited thereto, and any direction crossing the V-axis direction, which is the moving direction of the head unit 50, is acceptable.

[0165] In addition, the head unit 50 is provided with a first guided roller 52A at one end portion in the Y-axis direction (+Y direction end portion), and is provided with a second guided roller 52B and a third guided roller 52C at the other end portion in the Y-axis direction (-Y direction end portion) at intervals in the moving direction of the head unit 50. The first guided roller 52A is supported by first guide surfaces S1-1, S1-2 (refer to Figure 8 ) extending along the moving direction of the head unit 50 and is guided in the moving direction, and the second guided roller 52B and the third guided roller 52C are supported by a second guide surface S2 (refer to Figure 7 ) extending along the moving direction and are guided in the moving direction. Moreover, the head unit 50 is supported at at least three positions of the first guided roller 52A, the second guided roller 52B, and the third guided roller 52C in a state of being located at the recording position. Thereby, the attitude of the head unit 50 at the recording position is stabilized, and good recording quality can be obtained.

[0166] In addition, in Figure 14 , reference numeral Q1 is a first position where the first guided roller 52A contacts the first guide surface S1-1, reference numeral Q2 is a second position where the second guided roller 52B contacts the second guide surface S2, and reference numeral Q3 is a third position where the third guided roller 52C contacts the second guide surface S2. In addition, reference numeral Q4 is a fourth position where the unit pressing mechanism 70 applies a pressing force F4 to the head unit 50. In the present embodiment, when viewed from a direction (+F direction) orthogonal to the plane including the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3, the fourth position Q4 is located inside the triangular region At connecting the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3.

[0167] Thereby, the first guided roller 52A is appropriately pressed against the first guide surface S1-1, the second guided roller 52B is appropriately pressed against the second guide surface S2, and further the third guided roller 52C is appropriately pressed against the second guide surface S2. As a result, the attitude of the head unit 50 is stabilized, and good recording quality can be obtained.

[0168] However, the fourth position Q4 may also be located on the outer edge of the region At, or may be located outside the fourth position Q4.

[0169] In addition, in Figure 14 , reference numeral Q5 is the center of gravity position of the head unit 50 when viewed from a direction (+F direction) orthogonal to the plane including the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3. The center of gravity position Q5 is located inside the triangular region At connecting the first position Q1, the second position Q2, and the third position Q3. Thereby, the attitude of the head unit 50 is stabilized.

[0170] Further, as described above, the second guided roller 52B is located at a position where it floats from the second guide surface S2 due to the rotation of the head unit 50 caused by the moment Ma, and the third guided roller 52C is located at a position where it is pressed against the second guide surface S2 due to the rotation of the head unit 50 caused by the moment Ma. Moreover, the fourth position Q4 where the unit pressing mechanism 70 applies the pressing force F4 to the head unit 50 is on the second position Q2 side with respect to the intermediate position Yc between the first position Q1 and the second position Q2 in the Y-axis direction. Further, in the V-axis direction, it is on the second position Q2 side with respect to the intermediate position Vc between the second position Q2 and the third position Q3.

[0171] Thus, the head unit 50 is pressed at a position close to the second guided roller 52B, thereby appropriately suppressing the rotation of the head unit 50.

[0172] However, the fourth position Q4 may be located at the intermediate position Yc in the Y-axis direction or on the first position Q1 side with respect to the intermediate position Yc. Further, it may be located at the intermediate position Vc in the V-axis direction or on the third position Q3 side with respect to the intermediate position Vc.

[0173] Further, the axis center line of the rotation axis 72 of the rotating member 71 is along the Y-axis direction. In the V-axis direction, the free end 71d is located on the +V direction side with respect to the rotation axis 72, that is, the retracted position side. Moreover, it is structured as follows: when the head unit 50 moves from the retracted position to the recording position, the driven roller 76 relatively moves from the rotation axis 72 to the free end 71d with respect to the rotating member 71. Thus, when the head unit 50 moves from the retracted position to the recording position, the force applied by the unit pressing mechanism 70 to the head unit 50 gradually increases. That is, it is possible to suppress a sudden application of a large load when the head unit 50 moves to the recording position, and the head unit 50 can smoothly move to the recording position.

[0174] In addition, as Figure 13 shown, the surface of the rotating member 71 that contacts the driven roller 76 is composed of a first contact surface 71a and a second contact surface 71b that forms a predetermined angle with the first contact surface 71a. When the head unit 50 moves to the recording position, the first contact surface 71a initially contacts the driven roller 76. When switching from the state of Figure 13 (A) to the state of Figure 13 (B), the first contact surface 71a functions to guide the driven roller 76 to the second contact surface 71b. Thus, the head unit 50 can move to the recording position more smoothly.

[0175] In addition, the unit pressing mechanism 70 includes a rotation restricting portion 78a that restricts the rotation of the rotary member 71 in a direction in which the free end 71d of the rotary member 71 moves away from the head unit 50. Thereby, the contact angle when the driven roller 76 contacts the rotary member 71 can be reduced, and a large load suddenly applied when the head unit 50 moves to the recording position can be further suppressed.

[0176] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the contact member that contacts the rotary member 71 is the driven roller 76, the load applied to the rotary member 71 is reduced. However, other fixed members may be used as the contact member instead of the driven roller 76.

[0177] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims. Of course, these modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recording apparatus, characterized in that, it comprises: a medium conveyance path for conveying a medium; a recording head for recording on the medium conveyed in the medium conveyance path; a head unit having the recording head, and the head unit being movable between a recording position where recording is performed on the medium and a retracted position where the head unit retracts from the medium conveyance path; a moving mechanism for moving the head unit by applying a force along the moving direction of the head unit; and a positioning portion that abuts against a part of the head unit moving from the retracted position toward the recording position and defines the position of the head unit at the recording position, a moment that causes the head unit to rotate is generated when viewed from the direction crossing the medium conveyance direction, i.e., the medium width direction, by the force applied to the head unit by the moving mechanism and the reaction force received by the head unit from the positioning portion, the recording apparatus includes a unit pressing mechanism that applies a force in a direction canceling the rotation of the head unit when the head unit is at the recording position, the unit pressing mechanism presses the head unit in a direction crossing the moving direction of the head unit.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, the head unit has a first guided portion at one end portion in the medium width direction, and has a second guided portion and a third guided portion spaced apart in the moving direction of the head unit at the other end portion in the medium width direction, the first guided portion is supported by a first guiding surface extending along the moving direction of the head unit and is guided in the moving direction, the second guided portion and the third guided portion are supported by a second guiding surface extending along the moving direction and are guided in the moving direction, the head unit is supported by three portions, i.e., the first guided portion, the second guided portion, and the third guided portion, at least in a state where the head unit is at the recording position.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when viewed from a direction orthogonal to a plane including a first position where the first guided portion contacts the first guiding surface, a second position where the second guided portion contacts the second guiding surface, and a third position where the third guided portion contacts the second guiding surface, the position where the unit pressing mechanism applies a force to the head unit is located within a region of a triangle formed by connecting the first position, the second position, and the third position.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, the second guided portion is located at a position where it floats from the second guiding surface due to the rotation of the head unit, the third guided portion is located at a position where it is pressed against the second guiding surface due to the rotation of the head unit. The position where the unit pressing mechanism applies a force to the head unit is on the second position side with respect to the intermediate position between the first position and the second position in the medium width direction, and is on the second position side with respect to the intermediate position between the second position and the third position in the moving direction.

5. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the unit pressing mechanism includes: a rotating member rotatably provided on the head unit and having a free end; a spring provided on the head unit and pressing the rotating member in a direction away from the head unit at the free end; and a contact member provided independently of the head unit and contacting the rotating member when the head unit is in the recording position, applying a force in a direction to cancel the rotation of the head unit by the elastic force of the spring.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, the center line of the rotation axis of the rotating member is along the medium width direction, in the moving direction of the head unit, the free end is on the retracted position side with respect to the rotation axis, when the head unit moves from the retracted position to the recording position, the contact member relatively moves from the rotation axis toward the free end with respect to the rotating member.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, the recording apparatus includes a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the rotating member in a direction away from the head unit at the free end of the rotating member.

8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, the head unit includes: a unit main body having the recording head and the unit main body contacting the positioning portion; a displacement member capable of relatively displacing along the moving direction of the head unit with respect to the unit main body; and a pressing member interposed between the unit main body and the displacement member and pressing the unit main body toward the positioning portion when the head unit is in the recording position, the moving mechanism applying an external force for moving the head unit to the displacement member.

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