inkjet printers

Abstract

Provided is an inkjet printer capable of suppressing deviations in the ink landing position of ink ejected from a plurality of inkjet heads mounted on a carriage. In the inkjet printer, a plurality of inkjet heads (3) are mounted on the carriage. The inkjet printer comprises at least one of a first tilt adjustment mechanism (13) for adjusting the tilt of each inkjet head (3) relative to the carriage in a rotational direction in which the secondary scanning direction is set as the axial direction of rotation, and a second tilt adjustment mechanism (14) for adjusting the tilt of each inkjet head (3) relative to the carriage in a rotational direction in which the main scanning direction is set as the axial direction of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet printer that ejects ink to perform printing. Background Art

[0002] Inkjet printers (inkjet devices) that print by ejecting ink onto a medium are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1 includes: a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink onto a medium; a carriage that carries the plurality of inkjet heads; and a guide mechanism for moving the carriage in a main scanning direction. The carriage includes: a back portion that forms the back of the carriage; a bottom portion that forms the bottom of the carriage; and two side portions that form the side surfaces of the carriage in the main scanning direction. The back portion is fixed to a portion driven by the guide mechanism. The bottom portion carries a plurality of inkjet printers.

[0003] In the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1, the carriage includes a bottom height position adjustment unit for adjusting the inclination of the bottom portion in a rotational direction (with the sub-scanning direction, which is perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the vertical direction, serving as the rotational axis); and a θ angle adjustment unit for adjusting the inclination of the bottom portion in a rotational direction (with the main scanning direction serving as the rotational axis). Therefore, in this inkjet printer, the inclination of multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage can be adjusted simultaneously in the rotational direction (with the sub-scanning direction serving as the rotational axis) and the rotational direction (with the main scanning direction serving as the rotational axis).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-119216 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1, even if the tilt in the rotational direction (with the secondary scanning direction as the axis of rotation) of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage varies among the inkjet heads, the tilt in the rotational direction (with the secondary scanning direction as the axis of rotation) of the multiple inkjet heads cannot be adjusted for each inkjet head. Furthermore, in this inkjet printer, even if the tilt in the rotational direction (with the main scanning direction as the axis of rotation) of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage varies among the inkjet heads, the tilt in the rotational direction (with the main scanning direction as the axis of rotation) of the multiple inkjet heads cannot be adjusted for each inkjet head.

[0009] Therefore, in the inkjet printer described in Patent Document 1, if the tilt of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage in the rotational direction (with the secondary scanning direction as the rotational axis) varies among the inkjet heads, or if the tilt of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage in the rotational direction (with the main scanning direction as the rotational axis) varies among the inkjet heads, the landing positions of the ink (ink droplets) ejected from the inkjet heads and landed on the print medium may vary significantly depending on the inkjet head. Furthermore, if the landing positions of the ink on the print medium vary significantly depending on the inkjet head, the print quality of the print medium may be degraded.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet printer that can suppress the occurrence of variations in the landing position of ink ejected from a plurality of inkjet heads mounted on a carriage.

[0011] Solutions for solving problems

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inkjet printer of the present invention is characterized in that the inkjet printer is provided with: a plurality of inkjet heads for ejecting ink; a carriage carrying the plurality of inkjet heads; and a carriage driving mechanism for moving the carriage in the main scanning direction, and the inkjet printer is provided with at least either a first tilt adjustment mechanism and a second tilt adjustment mechanism, the first tilt adjustment mechanism being used to adjust the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the carriage in a rotational direction in which a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the up and down direction and the main scanning direction is set as the axial direction of rotation, and the second tilt adjustment mechanism being used to adjust the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the carriage in a rotational direction in which the main scanning direction is set as the axial direction of rotation.

[0013] The inkjet printer of the present invention has at least one of a first tilt adjustment mechanism and a second tilt adjustment mechanism, wherein the first tilt adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the slide in the rotation direction of the secondary scanning direction as the axial direction of rotation, and the second tilt adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the slide in the rotation direction of the main scanning direction as the axial direction of rotation.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention can suppress at least either the tilt of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage in the rotational direction (with the secondary scanning direction as the axis of rotation) from varying among the inkjet heads, or the tilt of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage in the rotational direction (with the main scanning direction as the axis of rotation) from varying among the inkjet heads. Consequently, the present invention can suppress the occurrence of variations in the landing position of ink ejected from the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage.

[0015] In addition, even if the inclination of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the slide in the rotational direction with the sub-scanning direction set as the axial direction of rotation causes deviation in each inkjet head, or the inclination of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the slide in the rotational direction with the main scanning direction set as the axial direction of rotation causes deviation in each inkjet head, by adjusting the ink ejection timing for each inkjet head, it is possible to suppress the ink landing position of the ink ejected from the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the slide from causing deviation in each inkjet head.

[0016] However, in this case, for example, if the thickness of the print medium being printed on changes using an inkjet head, the distance between the upper surface of the print medium and the inkjet head changes. Therefore, when the thickness of the print medium changes, it is necessary to readjust the ink ejection timing for each inkjet head. In contrast, in the present invention, even if the thickness of the print medium changes, no readjustment is required. Furthermore, for example, if the surface of the print medium has irregularities, even if the ink ejection timing is adjusted for each inkjet head, it is difficult to prevent the ink from landing at different locations on each inkjet head. However, in the present invention, even if the surface of the print medium has irregularities, it is possible to prevent the ink from landing at different locations on each inkjet head.

[0017] In the present invention, the inkjet printer preferably includes a first tilt adjustment mechanism and a second tilt adjustment mechanism. This configuration can suppress both variations in the tilt of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage in the rotational direction (with the secondary scanning direction as the rotational axis) and variations in the tilt of the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage in the rotational direction (with the main scanning direction as the rotational axis). Consequently, variations in the landing position of ink ejected from the multiple inkjet heads mounted on the carriage can be effectively suppressed.

[0018] In the present invention, for example, the first tilt adjustment mechanism includes a nozzle fixing component for fixing the inkjet head, and the second tilt adjustment mechanism includes a holding component for holding the nozzle fixing component, the holding component can be rotated relative to the slide in an axial direction to set the main scanning direction as the rotation axis, and the nozzle fixing component can be rotated relative to the holding component to set the sub-scanning direction as the rotation axis.

[0019] and a control button to move the first spring member to move the second end of the guide wheel assembly toward the control button, and a control button to move the second spring member toward the control button's control button.

[0020] In the present invention, the inkjet printer preferably includes: a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of each inkjet head relative to the carriage in the sub-scanning direction; and a third tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the carriage in a rotational direction with the vertical direction being the rotational axis; the holding member forming part of the position adjustment mechanism and being movable relative to the carriage in the sub-scanning direction; and the head fixing member forming part of the third tilt adjustment mechanism and being rotatable relative to the holding member with the vertical direction being the rotational axis. With this configuration, even if the inkjet printer includes the position adjustment mechanism and the third tilt adjustment mechanism in addition to the first and second tilt adjustment mechanisms, the structure of the inkjet printer can be simplified.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] As described above, in the inkjet printer of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of variations in the landing position of ink ejected from the plurality of inkjet heads mounted on the carriage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the inkjet printer shown.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the inkjet head and adjustment mechanism shown.

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A top view of the adjustment mechanism is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism shown.

[0028] Figure 6 It is from Figure 5 Different directions indicate Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism shown.

[0029] Figure 7 It is from Figure 5 、 Figure 6 Different directions indicate Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism shown.

[0030] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A front view of the inkjet head and adjustment mechanism is shown.

[0031] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of part E of FIG.

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 Magnified view of part F.

[0033] Figure 11 It is from Figure 5 The G-G direction shows an enlarged side view of the adjustment mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] (Schematic Structure of an Inkjet Printer)

[0036] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an inkjet printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of the inkjet printer 1 is shown.

[0037] An inkjet printer 1 (hereinafter referred to as "printer 1") according to this embodiment is, for example, a business-use inkjet printer that prints on a print medium 2. The print medium 2 is, for example, printing paper or cloth. The printer 1 includes a plurality of inkjet heads 3 (hereinafter referred to as "heads 3") that eject ink toward the print medium 2, and a carriage 4 that carries the plurality of heads 3. For example, the printer 1 according to this embodiment includes two heads 3, which are mounted on the carriage 4.

[0038] In addition, the printer 1 includes a carriage drive mechanism 5 that moves the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction ( Figure 1The guide rail 6 is used to guide the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction; the platen 7 is used to carry the printing medium 2 during printing; the medium conveying mechanism 8 is used to move in the up and down direction ( Figure 1 The Z direction of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction ( Figure 1 and a plurality of ink tanks 9, which contain ink supplied to the nozzle 3.

[0039] The platen 7 is positioned below the nozzle head 3. The nozzle head 3 ejects ink downward. A nozzle array is formed on the lower surface of the nozzle head 3. The nozzle array is composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction. The carriage drive mechanism 5 includes, for example, two pulleys; a belt mounted on the two pulleys and partially fixed to the carriage 4; and a motor that rotates the pulleys. The medium transport mechanism 8 includes, for example, a transport roller that contacts and transports the print medium 2; and a motor that rotates the transport roller.

[0040] The printer 1 also includes an adjustment mechanism 10 for adjusting the inclination and position of each of the nozzle heads 3 relative to the carriage 4. The printer 1 of this embodiment includes two adjustment mechanisms 10: one for adjusting the inclination and position of one of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4, and another for adjusting the inclination and position of the other of the two nozzle heads 3. Both adjustment mechanisms 10 are mounted on the carriage 4. The following describes the structure of the adjustment mechanism 10.

[0041] (Adjustment of the structure of the organization)

[0042] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the spray head 3 and the adjustment mechanism 10 is shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A top view of the adjustment mechanism 10 is shown. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism 10 is shown. Figure 6 It is from Figure 5 Different directions indicate Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism 10 is shown. Figure 7 It is from Figure 5 、 Figure 6 Different directions indicate Figure 3 A perspective view of the adjustment mechanism 10 is shown. Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The nozzle 3 and the adjustment mechanism 10 are shown in a front view. Figure 9 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of part E of FIG. Figure 10 yes Figure 6 Magnified view of part F. Figure 11 It is from Figure 5The GG direction of FIG. 1 shows an enlarged side view of the adjustment mechanism 10 .

[0043] In the following description, the main scanning direction (Y direction) is referred to as the "left-right direction" and the sub-scanning direction (X direction) is referred to as the "front-back direction". Figure 3 The Y1 direction side of the Figure 3 The Y2 direction side of the same is set as the "left" side, and the side in the front-back direction is set as the Figure 3 The X1 direction side of the other side is set as the "front" side, and the Figure 3 The X2 direction side of the like is set as the "rear" side.

[0044] The adjustment mechanism 10 includes a first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 for adjusting the tilt of each of the printheads 3 relative to the carriage 4 in a rotational direction with the front-to-back direction (sub-scanning direction) as the axis of rotation; and a second tilt adjustment mechanism 14 for adjusting the tilt of each of the printheads 3 relative to the carriage 4 in a rotational direction with the left-to-right direction (main scanning direction) as the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 10 includes a position adjustment mechanism 15 for adjusting the position of each of the printheads 3 relative to the carriage 4 in the front-to-back direction; and a third tilt adjustment mechanism 16 for adjusting the tilt of each of the printheads 3 relative to the carriage 4 in a rotational direction with the up-down direction as the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 10 includes a base member 17 fixed to the carriage 4.

[0045] The first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 includes a nozzle fixing member 20 that fixes the nozzle head 3. The second tilt adjustment mechanism 14 includes a holding member 21 that holds the nozzle fixing member 20. The holding member 21 can rotate relative to the base member 17, with the left and right directions being the axial direction of rotation. In other words, the holding member 21 can rotate relative to the base member 17 fixed to the slide 4, with the left and right directions being the axial direction of rotation, and can rotate relative to the slide 4, with the left and right directions being the axial direction of rotation. The nozzle fixing member 20 can rotate relative to the holding member 21, with the front-back direction being the axial direction of rotation.

[0046] The holding member 21 constitutes a portion of the position adjustment mechanism 15. The holding member 21 is movable in the front-to-back direction relative to the base member 17. That is, the holding member 21 is movable in the front-to-back direction relative to the base member 17 fixed to the carriage 4, and is also movable in the front-to-back direction relative to the carriage 4. The nozzle fixing member 20 constitutes a portion of the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16. The nozzle fixing member 20 is rotatable relative to the holding member 21, with the vertical direction being the axial direction of rotation.

[0047] The second tilt adjustment mechanism 14 includes, in addition to the holding member 21, a leaf spring 22 for biasing the holding member 21 in one direction of the rotational direction of the holding member 21 relative to the base member 17; a fulcrum holding member 23 that contacts a fulcrum portion 21f (described later) formed on the holding member 21 from the rear side; and a compression coil spring 24 for biasing the fulcrum holding member 23 forward. Furthermore, the second tilt adjustment mechanism 14 includes a second rod member 25 rotatably held on the carriage 4 via the base member 17; a leaf spring 26 for biasing the second rod member 25 in one direction of the rotational direction of the second rod member 25; and a second micrometer 27 (hereinafter referred to as "second micrometer 27") for rotating the second rod member 25 in the other direction of the rotational direction of the second rod member 25.

[0048] The fulcrum holding member 23 and the compression coil spring 24 constitute part of the position adjustment mechanism 15. In addition to the holding member 21, the fulcrum holding member 23, and the compression coil spring 24, the position adjustment mechanism 15 further includes a leaf spring 28 that urges the holding member 21 leftward, and an eccentric cam 29 for adjusting the front-rear position of the holding member 21 relative to the base member 17.

[0049] The base member 17 includes: a flat bottom plate portion 17a, which is fixed to the slide 4; a holding portion 17b, which holds the second rod member 25 and the second micrometer 27; a spring fixing portion 17c, which fixes the leaf spring 26; a spring fixing portion 17d, which fixes the leaf spring 28; and two limiting pins 17e, which limit the position of the holding member 21 in the left and right directions.

[0050] The bottom plate portion 17a is formed into a generally rectangular flat plate shape. The bottom plate portion 17a is fixed to the carriage 4 such that the thickness of the flat plate portion 17a is aligned with the vertical direction, and the longitudinal direction of the generally rectangular bottom plate portion 17a is aligned with the front-to-back direction. A rectangular opening 17f is formed in the bottom plate portion 17a for positioning the lower end of the nozzle head 3.

[0051] The retaining portion 17b, spring fixing portion 17c, and spring fixing portion 17d are formed in a block-like shape rising upward from the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 17a. The retaining portion 17b and spring fixing portion 17c are formed at the front end of the base member 17. The retaining portion 17b is formed approximately at the center of the base member 17 in the left-right direction, and the spring fixing portion 17c is formed at the left end of the base member 17.

[0052] A spring fixing portion 17d is formed at the right end of the base member 17. Furthermore, the spring fixing portion 17d is formed approximately at the center of the base member 17 in the front-to-back direction. Two restricting pins 17e are formed at the left end of the base member 17. Furthermore, the two restricting pins 17e are positioned rearward of the spring fixing portion 17c. The two restricting pins 17e are positioned at the same position in the left-right direction and are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] The holding member 21 is formed into a roughly rectangular frame shape as a whole. The holding member 21 is placed on the bottom plate portion 17a. The long side direction of the holding member 21 formed into a roughly rectangular frame shape is consistent with the front-to-back direction. The lower end portion of the nozzle 3 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the holding member 21. The holding member 21 includes: a front wall portion 21a, which constitutes the front surface of the holding member 21; a rear wall portion 21b, which constitutes the rear surface of the holding member 21; a side wall portion 21c, which is located on the right side of the holding member 21 and connects the front wall portion 21a and the rear wall portion 21b; and a side wall portion 21d, which is located on the left side of the holding member 21 and connects the front wall portion 21a and the rear wall portion 21b. The front wall portion 21a is arranged on the rear side of the holding portion 17b of the base member 17.

[0054] A protrusion 21e that protrudes toward the right is formed on the side wall portion 21c, and a protrusion 21e that protrudes toward the left is formed on the side wall portion 21d. The protrusion 21e is located further rearward than the spring fixing portion 17d. The rear end portion of the protrusion 21e forms a fulcrum portion 21f formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The fulcrum portion 21f formed in a roughly cylindrical shape is arranged so that the axial direction of the fulcrum portion 21f is aligned with the left-right direction. The fulcrum portion 21f formed on the side wall portion 21c and the fulcrum portion 21f formed on the side wall portion 21d are located at the same position in the front-to-back direction. The two fulcrum portions 21f serve as fulcrums for the rotation of the retaining member 21 relative to the slide 4, and the retaining member 21 can rotate relative to the slide 4 with the axis L1 passing through the axial center of the two fulcrum portions 21f as the center of rotation.

[0055] The fulcrum holding member 23 is formed into a substantially rectangular block shape. A compression coil spring 24 is disposed on the rear side of the fulcrum holding member 23. As described above, the compression coil spring 24 biases the fulcrum holding member 23 forward. The fulcrum holding member 23 is capable of linear movement in the front-to-rear direction relative to the base member 17. The fulcrum holding member 23 and the compression coil spring 24 are disposed on the right side of the side wall 21c and the left side of the side wall 21d.

[0056] The lower end portion of the front surface of the fulcrum portion holding member 23 is formed with an inclined surface 23a (see Figure 11The inclined surface 23a is inclined so as to move upward as it moves forward. The fulcrum portion 21f is restricted in its upward and rearward movement by the inclined surface 23a. In other words, the retaining member 21 is restricted in its upward and rearward movement by the fulcrum retaining member 23. Furthermore, the compression coil spring 24 biases the retaining member 21 forward via the fulcrum retaining member 23.

[0057] The leaf spring 22 is mounted on the retaining portion 17b of the base member 17. Figure 9 As shown, a protrusion 21g protruding toward the front is formed on the front wall 21a of the holding member 21, and the spring portion 22a of the leaf spring 22 contacts the upper surface of the protrusion 21g. That is, the leaf spring 22 urges the front end of the holding member 21 downward.

[0058] The second rod member 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the left-right direction. A circular hole 25a (see FIG. 25 ) is formed in the center of the second rod member 25 and passes through in the front-back direction. Figures 8 to 10 ). A cylindrical fixed shaft 17g formed in the holding portion 17b is inserted into the insertion hole 25a, and the center portion of the second rod member 25 is supported by the fixed shaft 17g in a rotatable manner. Therefore, the second rod member 25 can rotate relative to the base member 17 with the front-back direction as the axial direction of rotation. A cylindrical locking pin 32 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed or fixed at the right end portion of the second rod member 25 and protrudes toward the rear side. Figure 9 The rear end portion of the engagement pin 32 is inserted into the engagement hole formed in the protruding portion 21 g of the holding member 21 .

[0059] The leaf spring 26 is fixed to the spring fixing portion 17c. The leaf spring 26 includes a second spring portion 26a (see FIG. 1 ) that contacts the left end portion of the second lever member 25 from below. Figure 8 、 Figure 10 The second spring portion 26a urges the left end portion of the second lever member 25 upward. The second spring portion 26a of this embodiment is a second spring member that urges the second lever member 25 in one direction of the rotation direction of the second lever member 25. The leaf spring 26 also constitutes a part of the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13.

[0060] The second micrometer 27 is mounted on the holding portion 17b. Specifically, the second micrometer 27 is mounted on the holding portion 17b so that the spindle 33 of the second micrometer 27 is arranged on the lower side (see Figure 8 The lower end of the probe rod 33 is in contact with the upper surface of the left end portion of the second rod member 25 .

[0061] When the operator of printer 1 turns the micrometer sleeve (knob) 34 of the second micrometer head 27, the measuring rod 33 moves up and down. Furthermore, when the measuring rod 33 moves up and down, the second rod member 25 rotates about the fixed shaft 17g. As the second rod member 25 rotates, the engaging pin 32 moves up and down along with the right end of the second rod member 25, causing the front end of the retaining member 21 to move up and down. As the front end of the retaining member 21 moves up and down, the retaining member 21 rotates about the axis L1. Specifically, the second rod member 25 is engaged with the retaining member 21 via the engaging pin 32, and when the second rod member 25 rotates, the retaining member 21 rotates in the axial direction, with the left and right direction being the rotational direction, relative to the carriage 4.

[0062] As described above, the leaf spring 28 is fixed to the spring fixing portion 17d. The leaf spring 28 is formed with a spring portion 28a that contacts the retaining member 21. The spring portion 28a contacts the retaining member 21 from the right side, biasing the retaining member 21 to the left. The left surface of the side wall portion 21d of the retaining member 21, which is biased to the left, contacts the two restricting pins 17e.

[0063] The eccentric cam 29 is rotatably mounted on the right front end of the bottom plate 17a. The eccentric cam 29 can rotate axially, with the vertical direction being the rotational direction. The cam surface of the eccentric cam 29 contacts the right end of the front surface of the front wall portion 21a of the retaining member 21. When the operator of the printer 1 rotates the eccentric cam 29, the retaining member 21 moves linearly in the front-to-back direction along the two limiting pins 17e. In other words, when the eccentric cam 29 is rotated, the retaining member 21 moves linearly in the front-to-back direction relative to the carriage 4. The fulcrum retaining member 23 moves linearly in the front-to-back direction in accordance with the movement of the retaining member 21.

[0064] As described above, the leaf spring 26 constitutes a portion of the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13. In addition to the nozzle fixing member 20 and the leaf spring 26, the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 further includes a first rod member 35 rotatably held by the holding member 21. A first spring portion 26b, described later and constituting a portion of the leaf spring 26, urges the first rod member 35 in one direction of the rotation direction of the first rod member 35. Furthermore, the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 includes a first micrometer 37 (hereinafter referred to as "first micrometer 37") for rotating the first rod member 35 in the other direction of the rotation direction of the first rod member 35.

[0065] As described above, the nozzle fixing member 20 constitutes a part of the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16. In addition to the nozzle fixing member 20, the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16 further includes: a leaf spring 38 that urges the nozzle fixing member 20 in one direction of the rotation direction of the nozzle fixing member 20, with the vertical direction being the axial direction of rotation; and an eccentric cam 39 that adjusts the tilt of the nozzle fixing member 20 relative to the holding member 21 in the rotation direction with the vertical direction being the axial direction of rotation.

[0066] The nozzle fixing member 20 is composed of two components: a first fixing member 41 that fixes the front end of the nozzle head 3, and a second fixing member 42 that fixes the rear end of the nozzle head 3. The first fixing member 41 and the second fixing member 42 are integrated by the nozzle head 3. A mounting portion for mounting the first fixing member 41 is formed on the rear side of the front wall portion 21a of the holding member 21, and the first fixing member 41 is mounted on this mounting portion. Furthermore, a mounting portion for mounting the second fixing member 42 is formed on the front side of the rear wall portion 21b of the holding member 21, and the second fixing member 42 is mounted on this mounting portion.

[0067] A cylindrical fixing shaft 41a protruding toward the front is formed in the first fixing member 41. An insertion hole 21h (see FIG. 21 ) into which the fixing shaft 41a is inserted is formed in the front wall portion 21a. Figure 9 ). The insertion hole 21h is formed into a long hole shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. The fixed shaft 41a is rotatably held by the front wall portion 21a. A leaf spring 44 is fixed to the upper end surface of the front wall portion 21a. The leaf spring 44 contacts the upper end surface of the first fixing member 41 and biases the first fixing member 41 downward. In addition, a leaf spring 45 is fixed to the upper end surface of the rear wall portion 21b. The leaf spring 45 contacts the upper end surface of the second fixing member 42 and biases the second fixing member 42 downward.

[0068] A supported portion (not shown) protruding toward the rear side is formed on the rear surface of the second fixed member 42. The supported portion is formed into a hemispherical shape, for example, and is supported by a spherical bearing (spherical sliding bearing) 46 fixed to the rear wall portion 21b. The fixed shaft 41a and the rear end of the supported portion formed into a hemispherical shape are arranged at approximately the same position in the left-right direction. In the rotation direction of the nozzle fixing member 20 with the front-to-back direction as the axial direction of rotation, the fixed shaft 41a and the supported portion become the fulcrum of the rotation of the nozzle fixing member 20 relative to the retaining member 21, and the nozzle fixing member 20 can rotate relative to the retaining member 21 with the axis L2 passing through the axial center of the fixed shaft 41a and the rear end of the supported portion as the center of rotation. That is, the nozzle fixing member 20 can rotate relative to the slide 4 with the axis L2 as the center of rotation.

[0069] Furthermore, the supported portion of the second fixing member 42, supported by the spherical bearing 46, serves as a fulcrum for the rotation of the nozzle fixing member 20 relative to the retaining member 21 in the rotational direction, with the vertical direction being the axial direction of rotation. The nozzle fixing member 20 can rotate relative to the retaining member 21, with the supported portion of the second fixing member 42 serving as the center of rotation and the vertical direction serving as the axial direction of rotation. In other words, the nozzle fixing member 20 can rotate relative to the carriage 4, with the supported portion of the second fixing member 42 serving as the center of rotation. Furthermore, a notch is formed in at least one of the nozzle fixing member 20 and the retaining member 21 to prevent interference between the nozzle fixing member 20 and the retaining member 21 when the nozzle fixing member 20 rotates relative to the retaining member 21.

[0070] The leaf spring 38 is attached to the front end of the side wall portion 21d of the retaining member 21. The spring portion 38a of the leaf spring 38 contacts the first fixing member 41 from the left side and urges the first fixing member 41 to the right. The eccentric cam 39 is rotatably attached to the right front end of the retaining member 21. The eccentric cam 39 can rotate in the axial direction with the vertical direction being the rotation direction. The cam surface of the eccentric cam 39 contacts the left side surface of the first fixing member 41. When the operator of the printer 1 rotates the eccentric cam 39, the nozzle fixing member 20 rotates relative to the retaining member 21 with the supported portion of the second fixing member 42 as the center.

[0071] The first rod member 35 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the left-right direction. Figure 10 As shown, a circular insertion hole 35a is formed at the right end of the first rod member 35, extending therethrough in the front-to-back direction. A fixed shaft 48, formed or fixed to the front wall portion 21a, is inserted into the insertion hole 35a, and the right end of the first rod member 35 is rotatably supported by the fixed shaft 48. Therefore, the first rod member 35 can rotate relative to the retaining member 21, with the front-to-back direction serving as the axial direction of rotation.

[0072] like Figure 10 As shown, a cylindrical engagement pin 51 protruding rearward is formed or fixed to the left end of the first lever member 35. The rear end of the engagement pin 51 is inserted into an engagement hole 41b formed at the left end of the first fixing member 41. The engagement hole 41b extends through the first fixing member 41 in the front-to-back direction. The engagement hole 41b is formed into an elongated hole with the left-to-right direction as its longitudinal direction.

[0073] The leaf spring 26 includes a first spring portion 26b that contacts the left end of the first lever member 35 from below. The first spring portion 26b urges the left end of the first lever member 35 upward. The first spring portion 26b of this embodiment is a first spring member that urges the first lever member 35 in one direction, which is the direction of rotation of the first lever member 35.

[0074] The first micrometer 37 is mounted on the left end portion of the front wall portion 21a. Specifically, the first micrometer 37 is mounted on the left end portion of the front wall portion 21a in such a manner that the measuring rod 53 of the first micrometer 37 is arranged on the lower side (see FIG. Figure 8 The lower end of the probe rod 53 is in contact with the upper surface of the left end portion of the first lever member 35 .

[0075] When the operator of the printer 1 rotates the micrometer sleeve 54 of the first micrometer head 37, the measuring rod 53 moves vertically. Furthermore, as the measuring rod 53 moves vertically, the first lever member 35 rotates about the fixed shaft 48. As the first lever member 35 rotates, the engaging pin 51 moves vertically along with the left end of the first lever member 35. Consequently, the left end of the first lever member 35 moves vertically, causing the first fixed member 41 to rotate. Specifically, as the first lever member 35 rotates, the head fixed member 20 rotates about the axis L2. Thus, the first lever member 35 is engaged with the head fixed member 20 via the engaging pin 51. As the first lever member 35 rotates, the head fixed member 20 rotates relative to the carriage 4, with the front-to-back direction serving as the axis of rotation.

[0076] (Main Effects of the Present Embodiment)

[0077] As described above, in this embodiment, when the thimble 54 of the first micrometer head 37 is rotated, the nozzle fixing member 20 rotates relative to the carriage 4, with the front-to-back direction being the axis of rotation. Therefore, in this embodiment, by rotating the thimble 54, the tilt of each nozzle head 3 relative to the carriage 4 can be adjusted in the rotational direction with the front-to-back direction being the axis of rotation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 in the rotational direction with the front-to-back direction being the axis of rotation can be suppressed from varying between the nozzle heads 3.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the thimble 34 of the second micrometer head 27 is rotated, the holding member 21 is rotated relative to the carriage 4, with the left-right direction being the axis of rotation. Therefore, in this embodiment, by rotating the thimble 34, the tilt of each of the nozzle heads 3 relative to the carriage 4 can be adjusted in the rotational direction, with the left-right direction being the axis of rotation. Consequently, in this embodiment, the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 in the rotational direction, with the left-right direction being the axis of rotation, can be suppressed from varying between the nozzle heads 3.

[0079] Thus, in this embodiment, the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 in the rotational direction (with the front-to-back direction as the rotational axis) can be suppressed from varying among the nozzle heads 3, and the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 in the rotational direction (with the left-to-right direction as the rotational axis) can be suppressed from varying among the nozzle heads 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ink landing position of the ink ejected from the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 on the print medium 2 can be suppressed from varying among the nozzle heads 3.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the deviation of the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the slide 4 in the rotational direction with the front-to-back direction as the axial direction of rotation and the deviation of the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the slide 4 in the rotational direction with the left-to-right direction as the axial direction of rotation can be suppressed, even if the thickness of the printing medium 2 changes, or even if there are bumps on the surface of the printing medium 2, the deviation of the ink landing position relative to the printing medium 2 of each nozzle head 3 of the ink ejected from the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the slide 4 can be suppressed.

[0081] In this embodiment, the holding member 21, which constitutes part of the second tilt adjustment mechanism 14, constitutes part of the position adjustment mechanism 15, and the holding member 21 is movable in the front-to-back direction relative to the carriage 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the head fixing member 20, which constitutes part of the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13, constitutes part of the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16, and the head fixing member 20 is rotatable relative to the holding member 21, with the vertical direction being the axial direction of rotation. Therefore, in this embodiment, even though the adjustment mechanism 10 includes the position adjustment mechanism 15 and the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16 in addition to the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 and the second tilt adjustment mechanism 14, the structure of the printer 1 can be simplified.

[0082] (Other embodiments)

[0083] The above-described embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 may include a first adjustment screw instead of the first micrometer 37, the first adjustment screw being used to rotate the first rod member 35 in the direction other than the rotation direction of the first rod member 35. In this case, the first adjustment screw is attached to the left end portion of the front wall portion 21a, and the lower end of the first adjustment screw contacts the upper surface of the left end portion of the first rod member 35. A threaded hole is formed in the front wall portion 21a, into which the first adjustment screw is threadedly engaged.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the second tilt adjustment mechanism 14 may include a second adjustment screw in place of the second micrometer 27, the second adjustment screw being used to rotate the second rod member 25 in a direction other than the rotational direction of the second rod member 25. In this case, the second adjustment screw is attached to the retaining portion 17b, and the lower end of the second adjustment screw contacts the upper surface of the left end portion of the second rod member 25. The retaining portion 17b has a threaded hole formed therein for threading the second adjustment screw.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 10 may not include the second tilt adjustment mechanism 14. Even in this case, since the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13 can suppress the inclination of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 in the rotational direction (with the front-to-back direction as the axial direction of rotation) from varying between the nozzle heads 3, it is possible to suppress the ink landing position of the ink ejected from the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 on the print medium 2 from varying between the nozzle heads 3.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 10 may not include the first tilt adjustment mechanism 13. Even in this case, the second tilt adjustment mechanism 14 can suppress the occurrence of deviations in the tilt of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 in the rotational direction (with the left-right direction as the rotational axis) between the two nozzle heads 3. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deviations in the ink landing position of the ink ejected from the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the carriage 4 on the print medium 2 between the two nozzle heads 3.

[0088] In addition, according to the research of the inventor of the present application, compared with suppressing the deviation of the inclination of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the slide 4 in the rotation direction with the left and right directions as the axial direction of rotation in each nozzle head 3, when suppressing the deviation of the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the slide 4 in the rotation direction with the front and rear directions as the axial direction of rotation in each nozzle head 3, it is more possible to suppress the deviation of the ink landing position of the ink ejected from the two nozzle heads 3 mounted on the slide 4 relative to the printing medium 2 in each nozzle head 3. Therefore, it is preferred that the adjustment mechanism 10 has a first inclination adjustment mechanism 13.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the holding member 21 may be capable of rotating relative to the carriage 4 with the front-to-rear direction being the axial direction of rotation, and the nozzle fixing member 20 may be capable of rotating relative to the holding member 21 with the left-to-right direction being the axial direction of rotation. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the holding member 21 may not constitute a part of the position adjustment mechanism 15. Furthermore, the nozzle fixing member 20 may not constitute a part of the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 10 may not include the position adjustment mechanism 15, and may not include the third tilt adjustment mechanism 16.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the number of nozzles 3 mounted on the carriage 4 may be three or more. In this case, the printer 1 includes a number of adjustment mechanisms 10 corresponding to the number of nozzles 3 mounted on the carriage 4. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, instead of the platen 7 and the medium conveying mechanism 8, the printer 1 may include a platform for placing the printing medium 2 and a platform conveying mechanism for conveying the platform in the sub-scanning direction (front-back direction), or may include a platform for placing the printing medium 2 and a Y-rod conveying mechanism for conveying the Y-rod of the fixed guide rail 6 in the sub-scanning direction (front-back direction). Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printer 1 may be a 3D printer.

[0091] Description of Reference Numerals

[0092] 1. Printer (inkjet printer); 3. Printhead (inkjet head); 4. Slide; 5. Slide drive mechanism; 13. First tilt adjustment mechanism; 14. Second tilt adjustment mechanism; 15. Position adjustment mechanism; 16. Third tilt adjustment mechanism; 20. Printhead fixing member; 21. Holding member; 25. Second rod member; 26a. Second spring portion (Second spring member); 26b. First spring portion (First spring member); 27. Second micrometer (Second micrometer); 35. First rod member; 37. First micrometer (First micrometer); X, sub-scanning direction; Y, main scanning direction; Z, up-down direction.

Claims

1. An inkjet printer, characterized in that: The inkjet printer includes: a plurality of inkjet heads for ejecting ink; a carriage carrying the plurality of inkjet heads; and a carriage drive mechanism for moving the carriage in a main scanning direction, and The inkjet printer includes a first tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the carriage in a rotational direction with a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the main scanning direction being the axial direction of rotation, and a second tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt of each inkjet head relative to the carriage in a rotational direction with the main scanning direction being the axial direction of rotation. The first tilt adjustment mechanism includes a head fixing member for fixing the inkjet head and a first lever member engaged with the head fixing member. The second tilt adjustment mechanism includes a holding member for holding the nozzle fixing member and a second lever member engaged with the holding member. The holding member is rotatable relative to the carriage in an axial direction with the main scanning direction being the rotation direction. The nozzle fixing member can rotate relative to the holding member in an axial direction with the secondary scanning direction being the rotation direction. The first rod member is rotatably held by the holding member. The second lever member is rotatably held by the carriage.

2. The inkjet printer according to claim 1, wherein The first tilt adjustment mechanism includes: a first spring member that applies force to the first rod member in one direction of the rotation direction of the first rod member; and a first micrometer or a first adjustment screw that is used to rotate the first rod member in the other direction of the rotation direction of the first rod member. The second tilt adjustment mechanism includes: a second spring member that applies force to the second rod member in one direction of the rotation direction of the second rod member; and a second micrometer or a second adjustment screw that is used to rotate the second rod member in the other direction of the rotation direction of the second rod member. When the first lever member rotates, the head fixing member rotates relative to the holding member with the secondary scanning direction being the axial direction of rotation. When the second lever member rotates, the holding member rotates relative to the carriage with the main scanning direction being the axial direction of rotation.

3. The inkjet printer according to claim 2, wherein: The inkjet printer includes: a position adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of each of the inkjet heads relative to the carriage in a sub-scanning direction; and a third tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt of each of the inkjet heads relative to the carriage in a rotational direction with the vertical direction being the axial direction of rotation. The holding member constitutes a part of the position adjustment mechanism and is movable in the sub-scanning direction relative to the carriage. The head fixing member constitutes a part of the third tilt adjustment mechanism and is rotatable relative to the holding member in a direction in which the vertical direction is an axial direction of rotation.

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