Recording apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a recording apparatus that suppresses an increase in size of a recording head portion and suppresses the occurrence of malfunction of a second control substrate. A recording device (1) is provided with: a recording unit (50) that performs recording on a medium (2) while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting a conveyance direction (F) of the medium (2); a first control board (3) that controls the operation of the recording unit (50); a second control board (4) that is disposed between the first control board (3) and the recording unit (50) and that relays a signal from the first control board (3); and a linear part (7) which electrically connects the recording part (50) and the second control substrate (4) and has a U-shaped part (T) of which the posture changes in accordance with the movement of the recording part (50), and a non-displacement part (8) of which the posture does not change in accordance with the movement of the recording part (50). The second control substrate (4) is disposed at the non-displacement portion (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. Background Art

[0002] As an example of such a device, a printing device described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. In Patent Document 1, the following is described.

[0003] As a flexible flat cable for electrically connecting a reciprocating print head and a main substrate, a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable are provided. The control unit controls the ejection state of the liquid ejected from the print head by a control signal transmitted via the second flexible flat cable. The print head is also referred to as a recording head hereinafter.

[0004] In order to accurately transmit the drive signal of the recording head from the main substrate to the recording head, it is necessary to provide a drive substrate (DRV substrate) between the main substrate and the recording head. In other words, if the drive substrate is provided in a separated manner from the recording head, the drive signal will be attenuated. Therefore, it is desired to dispose the drive substrate at a position closer to the recording head.

[0005] Therefore, in the case where the drive substrate is provided on the upper part of a carriage for moving the recording head, a cooling processing unit for preventing the heat generated by the drive substrate from being transmitted to the recording head is required. If the drive substrate is added to the carriage and further the cooling processing unit is added, a part of the carriage will be enlarged. That is, there is a problem that the entire head unit composed of the recording head and the carriage becomes enlarged and the weight also increases. The increase in weight causes an increase in the power for moving the head unit. However, no description considering the above problems is found in Patent Document 1.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-1304 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the recording device according to the present invention is characterized by including: a recording unit that performs recording on a medium while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium; a first control substrate that controls the operation of the recording unit; a second control substrate that is disposed between the first control substrate and the recording unit and relays a signal from the first control substrate; and a linear portion that electrically connects the recording unit and the second control substrate and has a displacement portion whose attitude changes as the recording unit moves and a non-displacement portion whose attitude does not change as the recording unit moves, and the second control substrate is disposed at the non-displacement portion. Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of the entire recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 2 A plan view of the recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 3 A front view of the recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 4 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the main part of the recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described schematically first.

[0013] A first aspect of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by including: a recording unit that performs reciprocating movement in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium and performs recording on the medium; a first control substrate that controls the operation of the recording unit; a second control substrate that is disposed between the first control substrate and the recording unit and relays signals from the first control substrate; a linear part that electrically connects the recording unit and the second control substrate and has a displacement part whose attitude changes as the recording unit moves and a non-displacement part whose attitude does not change as the recording unit moves, and the second control substrate is disposed at the non-displacement part.

[0014] According to this aspect, the second control substrate is disposed at the non-displacement part of the linear part where the attitude does not change even when the recording unit moves. Thus, since the second control substrate is not disposed on the carriage that moves the recording head, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the recording head part. In addition, the second control substrate is disposed at a position where the attitude does not change even when the linear part repeatedly changes its attitude due to the reciprocating movement of the recording head. That is, the second control substrate is disposed at a position where the attitude of the linear part does not change. Thus, it is possible to suppress a situation where the linear part collides with the second control substrate due to the reciprocating movement of the recording unit and a failure occurs.

[0015] The second mode of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and is characterized in that the recording apparatus includes: a heating unit that heats the medium after recording performed by the recording unit; a duct that is connected to external air, has a fan, and is located above the heating unit, and the second control substrate is disposed inside the duct, and the air conveyed by the fan is discharged downward.

[0016] According to this mode, the second control substrate is disposed inside the duct located above the heating unit, and the air conveyed by the fan is discharged downward to the position where the heating unit is disposed. Thereby, it is possible to cool the heating unit located below, and thus it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the outer surface of the heating unit.

[0017] In addition, since the air conveyed by the fan is discharged downward, it is possible to play an auxiliary role in drying the medium.

[0018] In addition, since the second control substrate is disposed inside the duct, there is less concern about being soiled by ink mist adhesion.

[0019] The third mode of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and is characterized in that the second control substrate is disposed at the center of the range in which the recording unit reciprocates.

[0020] Moreover, this mode can also be subordinate to the second mode.

[0021] According to this mode, the second control substrate is disposed at the center of the range in which the recording unit reciprocates. The center becomes the position closest to the recording head in the range in which the recording head reciprocates. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the attenuation of the drive signal transmitted from the second control substrate via the linear portion.

[0022] The fourth mode of the recording apparatus according to the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, and is characterized in that an ink tube for supplying ink to the recording unit is connected to the recording unit, the non-displacement portion of the ink tube is fixed in position, and the portion between the non-displacement portion of the ink tube and the recording unit changes its attitude together with the linear portion as the recording unit moves.

[0023] Moreover, this mode can also be subordinate to the second mode or the third mode.

[0024] According to this mode, the position of the shown ink tank is fixed at the non-displaced part, and the part between the non-displaced part and the recording part changes its attitude together with the linear part as the recording part moves. Thus, the non-displaced part can be used also as the base end part where the attitude of the ink tank whose attitude changes due to the reciprocating movement of the recording part does not change.

[0025] A fifth mode of the recording device according to the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that a heat insulating material is disposed between the second control substrate and the heating part.

[0026] Moreover, this mode can also be subordinate to any one of the second mode to the fourth mode.

[0027] According to this mode, the heat of the heating part can be suppressed from being transferred to the second control substrate by the heat insulating material.

[0028] A sixth mode of the recording device according to the present invention is a mode subordinate to the first mode, characterized in that the second control substrate is disposed on the front surface side of the recording device.

[0029] Moreover, this mode can also be subordinate to any one of the second mode to the fifth mode.

[0030] According to this mode, since the second control substrate is disposed on the front surface side of the recording device, it is easy to access and handle when replacing the second control substrate or the like.

[0031] Embodiment

[0032] Hereinafter, regarding the embodiment of the recording device according to the present invention, it will be described based on Figures 1 to 4 and.

[0033] In the following description, as shown in each figure, three mutually orthogonal axes are respectively set as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The directions indicated by the arrow marks of the three axes (X, Y, Z) are the + directions of the respective directions, and the reverse directions are the - directions. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts. The +Z direction represents vertically upward, and the -Z direction represents vertically downward. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction correspond to the horizontal direction. The +Y direction represents the front direction of the recording device, and the -Y direction represents the rear direction of the device. The +X direction represents the right direction of the device, and the -X direction represents the left direction of the device.

[0034] Embodiment 1

[0035] The recording device according to Embodiment 1 is a recording device called a digital printing press, with the medium being cloth. This recording device uses a conveyance method called the roll-to-reel conveyance method to apply an appropriate tension to the cloth, thereby setting the recording area in a floating state. The medium after recording is heated and dried by a heating unit arranged on the conveyance path and then wound up by a winding unit.

[0036] Hereinafter, the recording device of this embodiment will be specifically described.

[0037] As Figures 1 to 4 shown, the recording device 1 of this embodiment includes a recording unit 50. The recording unit 50 performs reciprocating movement in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction intersecting the conveyance direction F ( Figure 4 ) of the medium 2, and performs recording on the medium 2. Moreover, the recording device 1 includes a first control board 3 that controls the operation of the recording unit 50, and a second control board 4 arranged between the first control board 3 and the recording unit 50. The second control board 4 is a component that relays the drive signal from the first control board 3 and sends it to the recording unit 50. In this embodiment, the first control board 3 is the above-mentioned main board, and the second control board 4 is the above-mentioned drive board (DRV board).

[0038] The recording unit 50 is electrically connected to the second control board 4 through a wire-like part 7. The posture of the wire-like part 7 changes as the recording unit 50 reciprocates in the X-axis direction. The second control board 4 is arranged at a non-displacement part 8 where the posture does not change even when the recording unit 50 moves, of the wire-like part 7.

[0039] In this embodiment, the second control board 4 is a component that generates a second signal based on a first signal from the first control board 3. The first signal is a drive signal such as at which timing the recording unit 50 should be at which position, and the second signal is a drive signal such as how much rotation is required for a motor (not shown) serving as a drive source to move the recording unit 50 to the position. The first control board 3 and the second control board 4 generate the drive signal under the control of a control unit (not shown).

[0040] The control unit includes a CPU, a flash ROM, and a RAM. The CPU performs various arithmetic processes according to the program stored in the flash ROM and controls the overall operation of the image reading device 1. The flash ROM, as an example of a storage unit, is a non-volatile memory capable of reading and writing. Various information is temporarily stored in the RAM, which is an example of a storage unit.

[0041] Wire-like part

[0042] The recording unit 50 includes a recording head 5 and a carriage 42 ( Figure 4 ). The recording head 5 is reciprocated in the X-axis direction by the carriage 42.

[0043] For the linear part 7, a flexible flat cable that can change its attitude as the recording unit 50 moves is used. The linear part 7 is connected to the recording unit 50 via a U-shaped part T ( Figure 2 ). The end of the linear part 7 opposite to the recording unit 50 is held, that is, fixed to the fixing part 14 that constitutes the non-displacement part 8. The second control board 4 is connected to a part 70 ( Figure 2 ) of the linear part 7 that extends from the fixing part 14 toward the first control board 3 side. In other words, the second control board 4 is arranged at a position near the fixing part 14.

[0044] The first control board 3 and the second control board 4 are connected by a connection line 40 ( Figure 2 ). Here, the connection line 40 also uses a flexible flat cable.

[0045] As Figure 2 shown, when the recording unit 50 reciprocates in the X-axis direction, the U-shaped part T of the linear part 7 moves. The linear part 7 changes its attitude with the fixing part 14 as the base point position due to the movement of the U-shaped part T of the linear part 7. The U-shaped part T is an example of a displacement part.

[0046] As Figure 4 shown, in this embodiment, the winding cylinder R1 of the medium 2 is rotatably supported by the winding shaft of the unwinding part 31. The medium 2 pulled out from the winding cylinder R1 is conveyed through the recording range of the recording unit 50 by the intermediate rollers 43 and 44 that constitute the conveying path. Further, it is conveyed through the heating range of the heating part 6 arranged at a downstream position in the conveying direction F compared with the intermediate roller 44.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, the medium 2 dried by the heating part 6 is guided toward the winding part 32 by a guide rod 34 ( Figure 1 ) and wound at the winding part 32. In Figure 1 , although a winding cylinder for winding is supported on the winding shaft 36 in the winding part 32, the illustration of the winding cylinder for winding is omitted here. In Figure 1 , the symbol 37 represents the leg part of the recording device 1.

[0048] Heating part

[0049] As Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the recording apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, includes a heating unit 6 that heats the medium 2 after recording performed by the recording unit 50.

[0050] As Figure 4 shown, the heating unit 6 includes a heater 9. The heater 9 is a heat source for heating the medium 2 to dry the ink ejected from the recording head 5.

[0051] The heating unit 6 has a fan 45 on the side opposite to the medium 2 of the heater 9. As Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, the heating unit 6 also has an air inlet 30 for sucking external air. The external air is sucked from the air inlet 30 through the fan 45, and is further conveyed through the fan 45, and finally blown out in the blowing direction Fb.

[0052] As Figure 4 shown, the blowing direction Fb is obliquely downward. The air blown out in the blowing direction Fb collides with the medium 2 and flows downward along the surface of the medium 2, thereby promoting the drying of the ink.

[0053] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the present embodiment, the length of the heating unit 6 in the width direction (X-axis direction) is configured to be able to cover the entire width of the medium 2. That is, it is configured to be able to perform drying processing on the entire width direction of the medium 2. Three air inlets 30 are provided at equal intervals in the X-axis direction.

[0054] Duct

[0055] Moreover, the recording apparatus 1 includes a duct 10 that is connected to external air and has a fan 12. The duct 10 is disposed above the heating unit 6. The duct 10 has an opening 13. The duct 10 is connected to external air through the opening 13. By operating the fan 12, external air is sucked into the duct 10 through the opening 13.

[0056] The second control board 4 is disposed inside the duct 10. The air conveyed by the fan 12 flows through the duct 10 and is discharged downward D from the blowing portion 101. In the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the second control board 4 is disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the heating unit 6 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0057] In Figure 3 it, the symbol K represents the flow of air inside the duct 10. The external air sucked from the opening 13 through the fan 12 cools the second control board 4 and is discharged downward D from the blowing portion 101.

[0058] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the present embodiment, the second control substrate 4 is disposed at the center C within the range where the recording unit 50 reciprocates.

[0059] This center C does not need to be strictly the center. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, in the present embodiment, the second control substrate 4 is disposed slightly to the left of the strict center. Further, this center C is also the center in the X-axis direction which is the width direction of the recording apparatus 1.

[0060] Further, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, in the present embodiment, an ink tube 11 for supplying ink to the recording unit 50 is connected. The ink tube 11 has its position fixed at the non-displacement portion 8.

[0061] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the ink tube 11 is held and fixed to the fixing portion 14. The ink tube 11 is configured such that the portion between the non-displacement portion 8 and the recording unit 50, that is, the portion between the fixing portion 14 and the recording unit 50, changes its attitude together with the linear portion 7 as the recording unit 50 moves. And the base end of the ink tube 11 is connected to an ink tank (not shown).

[0062] Further, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, in the present embodiment, a heat insulating material 16 is disposed between the second control substrate 4 and the heating unit 6. Here, the heat insulating material 16 is disposed on the bottom surface of the conduit 10. The heat insulating material 16 is configured to be longer than the length of the heating unit 6 in the X-axis direction.

[0063] And since the heat insulating material 16 is a material for suppressing the case where the heat of the heating unit 6 is transferred to the second control substrate 4, within the scope of this purpose, the installation position and shape can be appropriately changed for installation.

[0064] Further, as Figures 1 to 4 shown, in the present embodiment, the second control substrate 4 is disposed on the front surface side (+Y side) of the recording apparatus 1. In other words, the second control substrate 4 is disposed at a position downstream of the recording unit 50 in the conveying direction F. That is, the second control substrate 4 is disposed above the heating unit 6 and at a position where it can be accessed and processed from the front side of the recording apparatus 1. It is a member considering the accessibility and processability when replacing the second control substrate or the like.

[0065] Description of the operation of Embodiment 1

[0066] The drive signal sent out from the first control substrate 3 is relayed by the second control substrate 4 fixed at a position close to the recording unit 50 and not subject to displacement and then conveyed to the recording unit 50. The recording unit 50 receives the drive signal and ejects ink while reciprocating in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the medium 2 to perform recording. The linear part 7 changes its attitude as the recording unit 50 reciprocates. The second control substrate 4 is arranged at the non-displacement part 8 of the linear part 7 that is not affected by the change in the attitude, so that there will be no collision when the linear part 7 changes its attitude. In addition, since the recording unit 50 exists independently of the second control substrate 4, neither the weight nor the size increases.

[0067] Description of the effects of Embodiment 1

[0068] (1) In the present embodiment, the second control substrate 4 is arranged at the non-displacement part 8 of the linear part 7 where the attitude does not change even when the recording unit 50 moves. Thus, the second control substrate 4 is not arranged on the carriage 42 that moves the recording head 5, so that the enlargement of the recording head 5 part can be suppressed. In addition, the second control substrate 4 is arranged at the non-displacement part 8 where the attitude does not change even when the linear part 7 repeatedly changes its attitude due to the reciprocating movement of the recording head 5. That is, the second control substrate 4 is arranged at a position where the attitude of the linear part 7 does not change. Thus, the situation where the linear part 7 collides with the second control substrate 4 due to the reciprocating movement of the recording unit 50 and a failure occurs can be suppressed.

[0069] (2) In addition, in the present embodiment, the second control substrate 4 is arranged inside the conduit 10 above the heating part 6, and the air conveyed by the fan 12 is discharged toward the lower part D where the heating part 6 is arranged. Thus, it is possible to cool the heating part 6 located at the lower part D, and the temperature rise on the outer surface of the heating part 6 can be suppressed. Thus, when the user operates on the front surface side (+Y side) where the heating part 6 is arranged, the situation where it becomes difficult to operate due to the temperature rise on the outer surface of the heating part 6 can be suppressed.

[0070] In addition, since the air conveyed by the fan 12 is discharged toward the lower part D, the auxiliary function of drying the medium 2 can be exerted.

[0071] In addition, since the second control substrate 4 is arranged inside the conduit 10, there is less concern about being soiled by the attachment of ink mist.

[0072] (3) Further, in the present embodiment, the second control substrate 4 is disposed at the center C within the range where the recording unit 50 reciprocates. The center C is the position closest to the recording head 5 within the range where the recording head 5 reciprocates. Thereby, attenuation of the drive signal transmitted from the second control substrate 4 via the linear portion 7 can be suppressed.

[0073] (4) Further, in the present embodiment, the ink tube 11 is fixed in position at the non-displacement portion 8, and the portion between the non-displacement portion 8 and the recording unit 50 changes its attitude together with the linear portion 7 as the recording unit 50 moves. Thereby, the non-displacement portion 8 can also serve as the base end portion where the attitude of the ink tube 11 whose attitude changes due to the reciprocating movement of the recording unit 50 does not change.

[0074] (5) Further, in the present embodiment, the heat insulating material 16 can suppress the heat of the heating unit 6 from being transmitted to the second control substrate 4.

[0075] (6) Further, in the present embodiment, since the second control substrate 4 is disposed on the front surface side of the recording apparatus 1, it is easy to access and handle when replacing the second control substrate 4 or the like.

[0076] Other embodiments

[0077] Although the recording apparatus 1 according to the present invention is based on the structure having the above-described embodiment, it is obvious that partial structural changes and omissions can be implemented without departing from the gist of the invention of the present application.

[0078] Although in the above-described embodiment, the case where the first control substrate 3 is the main substrate and the second control substrate 4 is the drive substrate (DRV substrate) has been described, it is not limited thereto. The second control substrate 4 may be any substrate that requires a cooling fan.

[0079] Symbol description

[0080] 1... Recording apparatus; 2... Medium; 3... First control substrate; 4... Second control substrate; 5... Recording head; 6... Heating unit; 7... Linear portion; 8... Non-displacement portion; 9... Heater; 10... Duct; 11... Ink tube; 12... Fan; 13... Opening; 14... Fixing portion; 30... Air inlet; 31... Unwinding portion; 32... Rewinding portion; 34... Guide bar; 36... Take-up reel; 37... Leg; 40... Connecting wire; 42... Carriage; 43... Intermediate roller; 44... Intermediate roller; 45... Fan; 50... Recording unit; 70... Portion extending from the fixing portion toward the first control substrate side; 101... Blowing portion; C... Center; D... Below; F... Conveying direction; Fb... Blowing direction; K... Flow of air in the duct; R1... Winding cylinder; T... U-shaped portion.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that: have: a recording unit that performs recording on the medium while reciprocating in a width direction intersecting with a conveying direction of the medium; a first control substrate for controlling the operation of the recording unit; a second control substrate disposed between the first control substrate and the recording unit and relaying a signal from the first control substrate; a linear portion electrically connecting the recording portion and the second control substrate and having a displacement portion whose posture changes with the movement of the recording portion and a non-displacement portion whose posture does not change with the movement of the recording portion, The second control substrate is arranged at the non-displacement portion.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The recording device comprises: a heating unit configured to heat the medium on which the recording by the recording unit has been performed; a duct connected to the outside air and having a fan, and located above the heating part, The second control substrate is arranged inside the conduit. The air sent by the fan is discharged downward.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second control substrate is arranged at the center of a range in which the recording unit reciprocates.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein The recording unit is connected to an ink tube for supplying ink. The ink tube is fixed in position at the non-displacement portion. A portion of the ink tube between the non-displacement portion and the recording portion changes posture together with the linear portion as the recording portion moves.

5. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein A heat insulating material is disposed between the second control substrate and the heating unit.

6. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein The second control substrate is arranged on the front surface side of the recording device.

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