recording device

Abstract

A recording device enables simple reassembly to a device body in a state in which control of movement of a recording head is normally performed. The recording device includes a conveyance path provided to the device body and conveying a medium; a recording section capable of moving in a direction of approach and separation with respect to the conveyance path; and a rack and pinion mechanism that moves the recording section in the direction of approach and separation, the rack and pinion mechanism including a rack provided to the recording section and formed along a direction of movement of the recording section, and a pinion provided to the device body and engaged with the rack, the recording section being capable of being disassembled and assembled with respect to the device body, the recording section and the device body being provided with a position determination section that performs position determination in a manner in which a reference tooth of the pinion and a reference groove of the rack are engaged when returning the recording section from a disassembled state to an assembled state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a recording device for inkjet printers and the like. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of such a recording device, the contents described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording device configured in such a way that the recording head can be moved between a recording execution position and an wiping position using a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-158036

[0004] It is desirable that the recording head be detachable for reasons such as failure or maintenance. That is, it is desirable that the head unit having the recording head be configured in a manner that allows it to be detached from the device body.

[0005] However, if a rack and pinion mechanism is used to move the recording head, then when the head unit is disassembled from the device body and reassembled, it needs to be assembled with the reference teeth of the gear meshing with the reference slots of the rack. This is because if the reference teeth of the gear and the reference slots of the rack are not meshed and are assembled off-center, i.e., with phase misalignment, there is a risk that the movement of the recording head can no longer be controlled normally. However, no consideration of this point is found in the aforementioned Patent Document 1. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, the recording apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport path disposed on the apparatus body and transporting a medium; a recording unit movable in directions of approach and separation relative to the transport path; and a rack and pinion mechanism for moving the recording unit in the directions of approach and separation, the rack and pinion mechanism comprising: a rack disposed on the recording unit and formed along the direction of movement of the recording unit; and a gear disposed on the apparatus body and meshing with the rack, the recording unit being detachable from the apparatus body, and a position determining unit provided between the recording unit and the apparatus body, wherein when the recording unit is returned from a detached state to an installed state, the position determining unit determines its position by the meshing of a reference tooth of the gear with a reference groove of the rack. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the recording device according to Embodiment 1.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the main parts showing the "installation" state of the recording unit in Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the recording unit in the "disassembled" state in Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 4 These are schematic perspective views (A) and (B) illustrating the main parts of the meshing between the reference teeth of the gear and the reference groove of the rack.

[0011] Figure 5 These are structural diagrams (A), (B), and (C) illustrating the main components of the reassembly of the recording unit in Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of the main part of the recording unit of the recording device according to Embodiment 1.

[0013] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0014] 1…Recording device, 2…Media container, 3…Conveying path, 4…Conveying roller, 5…Recording section, 6…Recording head, 7…Device body, 8…Platform, 9…Rack and pinion mechanism, 10…Discharge tray, 11…Rack, 12…Ink container, 13…Gear, 14…Base, 15…Reference tooth, 16, 116…Fixed plate, 17…Reference groove, 18, 118…Opposing plate, 19, 119…Position determining section, 20, 120…Opposing plate, 21, 121…Protrusion, 22, 122…Slit, 23, 123…Guide section, 24, 124…Expanding section, 30…Surface without rack, C…Approach direction, D…Separation direction, F…Conveying direction, S…Media, T…Disassembly / assembly direction. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will now be described illustratively.

[0016] To address the aforementioned issues, the recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a transport path disposed on the apparatus body and transporting a medium; a recording unit movable in directions of approach and separation relative to the transport path; and a rack and pinion mechanism for moving the recording unit in the directions of approach and separation, the rack and pinion mechanism comprising: a rack disposed on the recording unit and formed along the moving direction of the recording unit; and a gear disposed on the apparatus body and meshing with the rack, the recording unit being detachable from the apparatus body, and a position determining unit provided between the recording unit and the apparatus body, wherein when the recording unit is returned from a detached state to an installed state, the position determining unit determines its position by the meshing of a reference tooth of the gear with a reference groove of the rack.

[0017] According to this method, the recording unit and the device body are provided with a position determining unit. When the recording unit is returned from the disassembled state to the installed state, the position determining unit determines its position by engaging the reference tooth of the gear with the reference groove of the rack. Therefore, when the recording unit is detached from the device body and reassembled, the rack engages with the gear in a state where its position has been determined by the position determining unit by engaging the reference tooth of the gear with the reference groove of the rack. This allows for simple reassembly to the device body while maintaining normal control over the movement of the recording head.

[0018] The recording device according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the position determining part includes: a protrusion disposed on one of the recording part and the device body; and a guide part disposed on the other of the recording part and the device body, which guides the protrusion to perform the position determining when returning to the installation state.

[0019] According to this method, the position determining unit is configured to include the protrusion and a guide unit that guides the protrusion to perform the position determining when returning to the installation state. Thus, the position determining unit can be implemented with a simple structure.

[0020] The recording device according to the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the guide portion opens the state of guiding the protrusion in the installation state of the recording portion.

[0021] Here, the phrase "the state of opening the guide protrusion" in "the state of opening the guide protrusion in the installation state of the recording unit" means that the rack can be moved by the rotation of the gear.

[0022] According to this method, the guide portion opens to guide the protrusion in the installed state of the recording unit. This allows the rack to move due to the rotation of the gear, enabling control over the movement of the recording unit.

[0023] The recording device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the second or third aspect, the protrusion and the guide are configured in such a way that the recording unit can be visually confirmed from upstream of the mounting direction when it is moved along the mounting direction.

[0024] According to this method, the protrusion and the guide are configured in such a way that they can be visually confirmed from upstream in the mounting direction when the recording unit is moved along the mounting direction. Therefore, the protrusion can be guided to the guide while being visually inspected, and the position of the protrusion relative to the guide can be easily adjusted.

[0025] The recording device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the rack is disposed on the side portion of the recording part in the width direction intersecting the moving direction, and the gear is disposed in a position that meshes with the rack.

[0026] According to this method, the rack and the gear mesh on the side of the recording section, so the size of the recording section relative to the medium transport direction can be made smaller.

[0027] The recording device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the rack and pinion mechanism and the position determining part are disposed on both sides of the recording part in the width direction intersecting the moving direction.

[0028] According to this method, the rack and pinion mechanism is disposed on both sides of the recording unit. This allows the recording unit to be moved in the direction of movement while maintaining its proper posture during movement.

[0029] The recording device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the second to the sixth aspects, one of the protrusion and the guide portion is integrally formed with the component on which the rack is formed, and the other of the protrusion and the guide portion is detachable from the device body.

[0030] According to this method, one component is integrally formed with the part on which the rack is formed, thus not only reducing the number of components but also reducing assembly and disassembly. Furthermore, the other component can be detached from the device body, making it easy to change its fixed position. Additionally, because components can be exchanged, component disassembly can be eliminated.

[0031] The recording device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the second to the seventh aspects, a second position determining part is provided on the side opposite to the position determining part relative to the rack, and the second position determining part has the same function as the position determining part.

[0032] According to this method, the second position determining part is further provided, so when the removed recording part is reassembled into the device body, compared with the case where it is guided by a position determining part, the rotation of the recording part with the guiding part as the rotation fulcrum can be suppressed.

[0033] The recording device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the eighth aspect, the second position determining unit has a different height position than the position determining unit.

[0034] According to this method, since the second position determining part is at a different height than the position determining part, it is possible to prevent the recording part from being reassembled in a tilted state relative to the device body. This, in turn, can suppress misalignment between the rack and the gear.

[0035] The recording device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the eighth or ninth aspect, the second position determining part is disposed on both sides of the recording part in the width direction intersecting the moving direction.

[0036] According to this method, the second position determining part is provided on both sides of the recording part, so when the removed recording part is reassembled into the device body, the rotation of the recording part with the guide part as the rotation fulcrum can be more suppressed.

[0037] Implementation Method 1

[0038] The following describes the liquid ejection device according to Embodiment 1, based on... Figures 1 to 6 , and will be explained in detail.

[0039] In the following explanation, as shown in the figures, the three mutually orthogonal axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction of gravity. The X-axis and Y-axis directions correspond to the horizontal direction. In each figure, the arrows indicating the three axes (X, Y, Z) represent the positive (+) direction, and their opposite directions represent the negative (-) direction.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that prints by spraying liquid ink onto a medium S such as paper.

[0041] The medium S is contained in the medium receiving section 2. The medium S is picked up by a pick-up roller (not shown) and sent to the conveying path 3, where it is conveyed in the conveying direction F by a plurality of conveying rollers 4 arranged along the conveying path 3. Figure 1 To avoid complicating the accompanying drawings, only a portion of the conveyor roller 4 is shown. Then, the medium S passes through the recording area of ​​the recording section 5, located along the conveying path 3, and recording is performed.

[0042] The recording unit 5 has a recording head 6 that ejects ink. In this embodiment, the recording head 6 is a line head, but it is not limited to a line head. A platform 8 with an annular belt structure is located opposite the recording head 6. The platform 8 forms the recording area between the recording heads 6.

[0043] After the medium S is recorded based on the recording head 6, it is conveyed by the conveying roller 4 in the conveying path 3 and discharged to the discharge tray 10. Reference numeral 12 indicates the ink receiving section.

[0044] In this embodiment, the transport path 3 is arranged on the device body 7 supported by structural components (not shown). The recording unit 5 is configured to be movable in directions relative to the transport path 3, both when approaching and when separating from it.

[0045] Figure 1 In the diagram, the solid line indicates the position where the recording unit 5 is close to the transport path 3, while the dashed line indicates the position where it has separated from the transport path 3. The recording unit 3 performs recording at the close position. At the separated position, the recording head 6 is maintained by a maintenance unit (not shown).

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the recording unit 3 is moved by a rack and pinion mechanism 9 in the approach direction C and the separation direction D relative to the transport path 3. The rack and pinion mechanism 9 is provided in the recording unit 5 and includes a rack 11 and a gear 13. The rack 11 is formed along the moving directions C and D of the recording unit 5, and the gear 13 is provided in the device body 7 and meshes with the rack 11. The rack 11 and the gear 13 are formed of synthetic resin material.

[0047] The rack 11 is disposed on the side portion of the recording unit 5 in the width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the movement directions C and D. Then, the gear 13 is disposed in a position that meshes with the rack 11.

[0048] In this embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism 9 is respectively disposed on both sides of the recording unit 5 in the width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the moving directions C and D.

[0049] In the description of the rack and pinion mechanism 9, when distinguishing between the rack and pinion mechanisms 9 located on the two sides, the numerical reference numerals are used for rack and pinion mechanisms 9a and 9b, respectively.

[0050] Assigning a and b, the following record is made. Without this distinction, a and b are not assigned.

[0051] And this method of distinction is also applied to other constituent parts in the following description.

[0052] That is, the recording unit 3 is moved by a pair of rack and pinion mechanisms 9a and 9b in the approach direction C and the separation direction D relative to the transport path 3. The rack and pinion mechanism 9a includes a rack 11a provided in the recording unit 5 and a gear 13a provided in the device body 7. In addition, the rack and pinion mechanism 9b includes a rack 11b provided in the recording unit 5 and a gear 13b provided in the device body 7.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the recording unit 5 is configured to be detachable from the device body 7 in the detachment direction T. Figure 2 The recording unit 5 is in the "installation" state. Figure 3 This is the "disassembled" state of the recording unit 5. In this "disassembled" state, the rack 11 and the gear 13 are not engaged.

[0054] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the disassembly / assembly direction T is slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. However, in the disassembly / assembly operation, this inclination is not a substantial problem, so for the sake of simplicity, it is used... Figure 2 In the following descriptions of the accompanying drawings, the disassembly / assembly direction T will be explained as the Z-axis direction.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, it is configured such that by removing the recording unit 5 from the device body 7, i.e., placing it in the "removed" state, it is possible to handle any malfunctions or other issues with the recording unit 5. Once the malfunctions or other issues have been resolved, the recording unit 5 is reassembled into the device body 7, i.e., returning to the "installed" state.

[0056] The recording unit 5 and the device body 7 are provided with a position determining unit 19, which determines the position of the recording unit 5 when it is removed from the detached state. Figure 3 Return to the installation status ( Figure 2 When, such as Figure 4 As shown in (A), the position determination unit 19 determines the position by engaging the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 with the reference groove 17 of the rack 11. Figure 4 (B) shows the state in which the reference tooth 15 of gear 13 and the reference groove 17 of rack 11 are not properly engaged, that is, they are deviating from the engaged state.

[0057] The reason why the reference tooth 15 of gear 13 needs to mesh correctly with the reference slot 17 of rack 11 is due to the necessity of the rack and pinion mechanism 9 for controlling the movement of the recording unit 5. If the tooth of gear 13 meshes with the slot of rack 11 in any position, the movement control will not be able to be performed correctly.

[0058] Location determination department

[0059] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the position determination unit 19 is also arranged on both sides of the recording unit 5 in the width direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the movement directions C and D, just like the rack and pinion mechanism 9.

[0060] The position determining part 19a on the rack and pinion mechanism 9a side and the position determining part 19b on the rack and pinion mechanism 9b side are arranged symmetrically. Furthermore, from the perspective of simplifying design and manufacturing, the position determining parts 19a and 19b are made with the same structure. It should be noted that they are not limited to having the same construction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the position determination unit 19 includes a protrusion 21 and a guide 23. The protrusion 21 is disposed on the device body 7, and the guide 23 is disposed on the recording unit 5. When returning to the "installation" state, the protrusion 21 is guided and the position determination is performed. It should be noted that the position determination unit 19 may also have the opposite configuration, with the guide 23 disposed on the device body 7 and the protrusion 21 disposed on the recording unit 5.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 21 is formed integrally with the fixing plate 16, which is fixed to the base 14, which is part of the main body 7 of the device. The shape of the protrusion 21 is not limited to the cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section shown in the figure. Other shapes are possible, except for those with a U-shaped cross-section pointing downwards and a curved outer surface.

[0063] The guide portion 23 is integrally formed with a component having a rack 11 disposed on the recording unit 5. The guide portion 23 protrudes from the surface 30 where the rack 11 is not formed. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 ).

[0064] The guide portion 23 has a slit 22 for allowing the protrusion 21 to pass through and guiding the protrusion 21. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the slit 22 is made of a pair of opposing plates 18, 20. Of course, the slit 22 is not limited to being made of opposing plates 18, 20.

[0065] The protrusion 21 passes through the slit 22 of the guide portion 23 along the Z-axis direction, thereby providing guidance for the position determination, through which the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 and the reference groove 17 of the rack 11 are configured to be in an engaged state.

[0066] Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In the text, the pair of opposing plates 18 and 20 that make up the guide section 23 are described as having a simple plate shape. However, as... Figure 5 As shown, it is preferably configured such that the lower part (in the -Z direction) of the slit 22 has an inverted conical diameter expansion portion 24. This is because, due to the expansion portion 24, the protrusion 21 becomes easier to be guided to the slit 22.

[0067] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown in (C), the guide portion 23 is configured such that the guide protrusion 21 is open in the "installed" state of the recording portion 5.

[0068] Specifically, after the protrusion 21 passes through the slit 22 of the guide portion 23 along the -Z direction, as... Figure 5 As shown in (C), it is configured in a positional relationship that does not interfere with the opposing plate 18 relative to one of the components of the guide section 23 in the height direction. That is to say, in Figure 5 In state (C), rack 11 becomes capable of moving in the -Y direction due to the rotation of gear 13.

[0069] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the guide portion 23 is integrally formed with the component on which the rack 11 is formed. In addition, the protrusion 21 is formed in a manner that allows it to be detached from the device body 7. Specifically, the fixing plate 16, which has the protrusion 21 integrally provided, is mounted on the base 14, which is part of the device body 7, in a manner that allows it to be detached from its back.

[0070] It should be noted that the guide part 23 may also be installed on the base 14 in a detachable manner, and the protrusion 21 may be formed integrally with the component on which the rack 11 is formed.

[0071] In addition, in this embodiment, the protrusion 21 and the guide 23 are configured in such a way that the recording unit 5 can be visually confirmed from upstream of the "installation" direction when it is moved along the "installation" direction.

[0072] Second Position Determination Unit

[0073] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a second position determining part 119 having the same function as the position determining part 19 is provided on the side opposite to the position determining part 19 relative to the rack 11. Since the second position determining part 119 has the same function as the position determining part 19, it has components that have the same function as the components constituting the position determining part 19, such as the protrusion 21 and the guide part 23.

[0074] Therefore, in the following description, each component of the second position determination unit 119 is shown by reference numerals for the components of the position determination unit 19 plus reference numerals for the number 100, that is, shown in association with each component of the position determination unit 19.

[0075] For example, the protrusion 121 of the second position determining part 119 corresponds to the protrusion 21 of the position determining part 19. Therefore, since the protrusion 121 is provided to have the same function as the protrusion 21, the previously described similar details are omitted. Similarly, the guide part 123 of the second position determining part 119 corresponds to the guide part 23 of the position determining part 19. Therefore, since the guide part 123 is provided to have the same function as the guide part 23, the previously described similar details are omitted. The same applies to other constituent parts.

[0076] It should be noted that the constituent parts corresponding to the second position determining unit 119 and the position determining unit 19 have common functions, but their shapes do not need to be the same.

[0077] The second position determining unit 119, like the position determining unit 19, is disposed on both sides of the recording unit 5. That is to say, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a second position determination unit 119a and a second position determination unit 119b are configured.

[0078] In this embodiment, the second position determining unit 119 is opposite to the position determining unit 19, with the guide portion 123 disposed on the device body 7 and the protrusion 121 disposed on the recording unit 5. Of course, it may also be the same as the position determining unit 19, with the protrusion 121 disposed on the device body 7 and the guide portion 123 disposed on the recording unit 5.

[0079] In this embodiment, the protrusion 121 is disposed on the recording section 5 side, so the protrusion 121 passes through the slit 122 in the -Z direction and becomes Figure 5 After the state shown in (C), in order to enable the recording unit 5 to move in the -Y direction, it is configured as follows: That is, the portion lower than the portion constituting the slit 122 of the opposing plate 118 is configured in a way that does not interfere with the protrusion 121. That is to say, in Figure 5 In state (C), rack 11 becomes capable of moving in the -Y direction due to the rotation of gear 13.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second position determining unit 119 is configured with a different height position than the position determining unit 19. Here, as... Figure 5 As shown, the second position determining unit 119 is positioned higher than the position determining unit 19. The height position of the position determining unit 19 is the position of the protrusion 21, and the height position of the second position determining unit 119 is the position of the slit 122.

[0081] It should be noted that the second position determining unit 119 may also be positioned at the same height as the position determining unit 19.

[0082] Figure 2as well as Figure 3 In the text, the pair of opposing plates 118 and 120 that make up the guide section 123 are described as simple plate shapes.

[0083] However, as Figure 5 As shown, it is preferably configured to have an enlarged diameter portion 124 with an inverted conical shape above the slit 122 portion (in the +Z direction). This is because, due to the enlarged diameter portion 124, the protrusion 121 becomes easier to be guided to the slit 122.

[0084] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, gear 13 also meshes with another rack 26. With the rack 26 fixed in position and gear 13 configured in a movable manner, if gear 13 rotates, the rack 11 on the recording unit 5 side moves in the -Y direction, while gear 13 moves in the -Y direction on the other rack 26. Thus, the distance the recording unit 5 moves in the -Y direction increases.

[0085] In this structure, the reference tooth 15 of gear 13 needs to mesh correctly with the reference groove 17 of rack 11. When controlling the movement of the recording unit 5 based on the rack and pinion mechanism 9, if the tooth of gear 13 does not mesh correctly with the groove of rack 11... Figure 4 The bite is not as correct as (A), but as... Figure 4 If the gear engages at an off-center position as in (B), the movement control cannot be performed correctly. Specifically, this results in a change in the movement distance of the recording unit 5 in the -Y direction relative to the same amount of rotation of the gear 13.

[0086] Reassembly after removing the recording unit

[0087] Figure 1 In the middle, open the upper part 28 of the device body 7, and lift the recording unit 5 upwards (in the T direction) to remove it. After the repair of the recording unit 5 is completed, the operator uses... Figure 3 and Figure 5 The recording unit 5, which is in the "disassembled" state as shown in (A), moves downward (in the -Z direction).

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown in (B), before the rack 11 portion of the recording unit 5 engages with the gear 13 on the device body 7 side, the position is determined by the position determination unit 19. Specifically, the enlarged diameter portion 24 of the guide portion 23 on the recording unit 5 side contacts the protrusion 21 on the device body 7 side, and the protrusion 21 is guided to the slit 22. As a result, the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 engages with the reference groove 17 of the rack 11. It should be noted that the rack 11 and gear 13 can also engage simultaneously with the position determination performed by the position determination unit 19.

[0089] If the recording section 5 is moved further down, it becomes Figure 5The original "installed" state is shown in (C). In this "installed" state, the guide portion 23 opens the guide protrusion 21. That is to say, in Figure 5 In state (C), rack 11 becomes capable of moving in the -Y direction due to the rotation of gear 13.

[0090] The second position determination unit 119 functions in the same way as the position determination unit 19. That is, the second position determination unit 119 is configured to begin position determination at the same timing as the position determination unit 19. It should be noted that the timing may not be strictly consistent.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown in (B), before the rack 11 portion of the recording unit 5 engages with the gear 13 on the device body 7 side, its position is determined by the position determination unit 119. Specifically, the protrusion 121 on the recording unit 5 side contacts the enlarged diameter portion 124 of the guide portion 123 on the device body 7 side, and the protrusion 121 is guided to the slit 122. This results in the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 engaging with the reference groove 17 of the rack 11. It should be noted that the rack 11 can also engage with the gear 13 simultaneously with the position determination performed by the second position determination unit 119.

[0092] If the recording section 5 is moved further down, it becomes Figure 5 The original "installed" state is shown in (C). In this "installed" state, the guide portion 123 opens the guide protrusion 121. That is to say, in Figure 5 In state (C), rack 11 becomes capable of moving in the -Y direction due to the rotation of gear 13.

[0093] It should be noted that, although the illustration is omitted, bearings are provided on both sides of the recording unit 5, and guide rails are provided on the device body 7. When the recording unit 5 is reassembled, before the position determination is initiated by the position determination unit 19, the recording unit 5 is supported in such a way that the bearings are guided by the guide rails and it can move in the direction of movement. The recording unit 5 is guided by the guide rails and the bearings, so that the position determination based on the position determination unit 19, etc., is induced in a way that makes it easy to start.

[0094] Explanation of the effects of the implementation method

[0095] (1) According to this embodiment, a position determination unit 19 is provided on the recording unit 5 and the device body 7. When the recording unit 5, which is detachable from the device body 7, is returned from the "detached" state to the "installed" state, the position determination unit 19 determines the position by engaging the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 with the reference groove 17 of the rack 11. Therefore, when the recording unit 5 is detached from the device body 7 and reassembled, the rack 11 engages with the gear 13 in the state where the position determination unit 19 has determined the position by engaging the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 with the reference groove 17 of the rack 11. Thus, reassembly to the device body 7 can be easily performed while maintaining normal control of the movement of the recording head 6.

[0096] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the position determination unit 19 is configured to include a protrusion 21 and a guide portion 23 that guides the protrusion 21 to perform the position determination when returning to the "installation" state. Thus, the position determination unit 19 can be implemented with a simple structure.

[0097] (3) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the guide portion 23 opens the guide protrusion 21 in the "installed" state of the recording portion 5. As a result, the rack 11 can move due to the rotation of the gear 13, and the movement of the recording portion 5 can be controlled.

[0098] (4) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the protrusion 21 and the guide 23 are arranged in such a way that the recording unit 5 can be visually confirmed from upstream in the "installation" direction when it is moved in the "installation" direction. As a result, the protrusion 21 can be guided to the guide 23 while visually inspecting it, and the position of the guide 23 relative to the protrusion 21 can be easily adjusted.

[0099] (5) In addition, according to this embodiment, the rack 11 and the gear 13 mesh on the side of the recording section 5, so the size of the recording section 5 relative to the medium transport direction F can be made smaller.

[0100] (6) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, rack and pinion mechanisms 19 are provided on both sides of the recording unit 5. As a result, the recording unit 5 can be moved in the moving directions C and D while maintaining its posture during movement.

[0101] (7) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, one of the protrusion 21 and the guide portion 23 is integrally formed with the component on which the rack 11 is formed, so not only can the number of components be reduced, but assembly and disassembly can also be reduced. In addition, the other of the protrusion 21 and the guide portion 23 can be detached from the device body 7, so the fixed position can be easily changed. Furthermore, since the components can be exchanged, component disassembly can be eliminated.

[0102] (8) In addition, according to this embodiment, a second position determination unit 119 is further provided, so when the removed recording unit 5 is reassembled into the device body 7, compared with the case when guided by a position determination unit, the rotation of the recording unit 5 with the guide unit 23 as the rotation fulcrum can be suppressed.

[0103] (9) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second position determining unit 119 and the position determining unit 19 are at different heights, so it is possible to prevent the recording unit 5 from being reassembled in a state of inclination relative to the device body 7. As a result, it is possible to suppress the meshing deviation between the rack 11 and the gear 13.

[0104] (10) In addition, according to this embodiment, the second position determining part 119 is provided on both sides of the recording part 5, so when the removed recording part 5 is reassembled into the device body 7, the rotation of the recording part 5 with the guide part 123 as the rotation fulcrum can be more suppressed.

[0105] Other implementation methods

[0106] The recording device involved in this invention is based on the structure of the embodiments described above, but of course, some structural changes or omissions can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0107] In the above embodiments, the structure having a position determination unit 19 and a second position determination unit 11 has been described, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to have a structure that only has one of the position determination unit 19 and the second position determination unit 119.

[0108] Furthermore, the specific structure of the position determining part 19 is not limited to the structure of the protrusion 21 and the guide part 23. Any structure that can determine the position by engaging the reference tooth 15 of the gear 13 with the reference groove 17 of the rack 11 is acceptable.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The conveying path is set within the device body and conveys the medium; The recording unit is movable in directions relative to the transport path, both approaching and separating; and A rack and pinion mechanism causes the recording unit to move in the directions of approach and separation. The rack and pinion mechanism comprises: A rack is provided on the recording unit, formed along the moving direction of the recording unit, and disposed on the side portion of the recording unit in the width direction intersecting the moving direction; as well as The gear is disposed on the main body of the device and meshes with the rack. The recording unit can be assembled and disassembled relative to the device body in an assembly / disassembly direction orthogonal to the approach and separation directions and orthogonal to the width direction. The recording unit and the device body are provided with a position determining unit. When the recording unit is returned from the disassembled state to the installed state, the position determining unit determines its position by the engagement of the reference tooth of the gear with the reference groove of the rack. In the disassembled state, the rack and the gear are not engaged. The position determining unit includes: A protrusion is disposed on one of the recording section and the device body; as well as A guide portion is disposed on the other side of the recording portion and the device body, and has a slit for allowing the protrusion to pass through and guiding the protrusion in the disassembly / reassembly direction, thereby guiding the protrusion to perform the position determination when returning to the installed state.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide portion opens to guide the protrusion in the installation state of the recording portion.

3. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The protrusion and the guide are configured in such a way that the recording unit can be visually confirmed from upstream in the mounting direction when it is moved along the mounting direction.

4. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gear is positioned to mesh with the rack.

5. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rack and pinion mechanism and the position determining part are disposed on both sides of the recording part in the width direction intersecting the movement direction.

6. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One of the protrusion and the guide portion is integrally formed with the component on which the rack is formed. The protrusion and the other of the guide portions can be detached from the device body.

7. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A second position determining part is provided on the side opposite to the position determining part relative to the rack, and the second position determining part has the same function as the position determining part.

8. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second position determining part has a different height position than the position determining part.

9. The recording device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second position determining part is disposed on both sides of the recording part in the width direction intersecting the moving direction.

Images