Recording device

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of highly accurately positioning a plurality of recording heads with arbitrary arrangement.SOLUTION: In a recording device including a recording unit which includes a first recording head 22a and a second recording head 22b and a support movement part which supports the recording unit and moves the recording unit, the first recording head 22a and the second recording head 22b are configured such that the relative positions can be changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that ejects ink onto a recording material to record. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known recording devices that eject droplets of a recording liquid such as ink onto a recording material such as a recording paper or a resin sheet to record characters, images, and the like. In such recording devices, highly accurate positioning of the recording head that ejects the ink relative to the recording material is important for high-precision recording. Therefore, in a recording device in which multiple recording heads are arranged relative to a recording material transport path, each of the multiple recording heads is required to be highly accurately positioned relative to the recording material transport path. In the device described in Patent Document 1, in a configuration in which multiple recording heads are arranged in an arc shape, the multiple recording heads are fixed in advance in a predetermined arrangement in order to ensure positioning accuracy during recording operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6034538 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the recording device as described above, maintenance such as cleaning of the periphery of the nozzle surface of the recording head is required, and the configuration of the maintenance device must be configured to correspond to the arrangement of the multiple fixed recording heads. When the multiple recording heads are fixedly arranged in an arc shape, as in the device of Patent Document 1, the cap unit of the maintenance device must also be configured in an arc shape to match the arrangement. This requires a larger space for the maintenance device, leading to an increase in the size of the device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of positioning a plurality of recording heads in any desired arrangement with high precision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the recording device of the present invention comprises: a recording unit including a first recording head and a second recording head; a support and movement section that supports the recording unit and moves the recording unit; In a recording device comprising: The first and second recording heads are configured so that their relative positions can be changed. In order to achieve the above object, the recording apparatus of the present invention comprises: a recording head having a first contact portion and a second contact portion; a support and movement unit that supports the recording head and moves the recording head between a positioning position and a non-positioning position; a positioning portion where the first contact portion and the second contact portion come into contact with each other when the recording head is at the positioning position; Equipped with In a recording device, a timing at which the first contact portion contacts the positioning portion is delayed compared to a timing at which the second contact portion contacts the positioning portion, The recording head is characterized by further comprising a regulating portion that regulates the attitude of the recording head during the period from when the second contact portion abuts on the positioning portion until when the first contact portion abuts on the positioning portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a plurality of recording heads can be positioned with high precision in any desired arrangement. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a recording device. [Diagram 2] Control configuration diagram of the recording device [Diagram 3]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a housing of a sheet conveying unit of a recording unit; [Figure 4] Top view of the sheet transport unit housing, and diagram of the relationship between the sheet, the recording head, and the guide rollers [Diagram 5] A perspective view of a recording head lifting mechanism [Figure 6] A perspective view of a recording head [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the positioning operation of the recording head; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the positioning operation of the recording head during printing. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of positioning the recording head during maintenance. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which multiple recording heads are positioned at different heights. [Figure 11] Diagram showing the configuration of the maintenance unit [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the retracted position of the first recording head. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the retracted position of the second recording head. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the biasing position of the biasing member; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a recording head and a biasing member; [Figure 16] A diagram showing a first recording head and a sheet. [Figure 17] A diagram showing a second recording head and a sheet. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a first recording head; [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a second recording head; [Figure 20] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a first recording head; [Figure 21] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a second recording head; [Figure 22] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a first recording head; [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the movement of a second recording head; [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the printing position of a first recording head; [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the printing position of the second recording head. [Figure 26] Diagram showing the maintenance positions of the recording head [Figure 27] A diagram showing the inclination state of the recording head and the electrical connector connection part DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail by way of example. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments should be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention. The components described in the embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to only those.

[0010] Example 1 1 is defined as the top, right to left as the longitudinal direction, and the sheet width direction from the front to the back of the paper perpendicular to the sheet transport direction, with the front side of the paper being the front side of the device and the back side being the rear side of the device. The recording device 1 of this embodiment is a high-speed line printer that uses a continuous sheet wound in a roll.

[0011] (Recording device) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a recording device 1 according to this embodiment. The recording device 1 includes various units therein. That is, the recording device 1 includes an unwinding roll section 2, a first dancer section 3, a first main conveyor section 4, a meandering correction section 5, a conveyor detection section 6, a mark sensor section 7, and a recording section 8. The recording device 1 further includes a first scanner section 9, a first drying section 10, a second drying section 11, a cooling section 12, a second scanner section 13, a second main conveyor section 14, a second dancer section 15, a take-up roll section 16, and a maintenance section 17. A sheet S as a recording material is conveyed along a sheet conveying path indicated by a solid line in the figure, and is processed in each unit.

[0012] The unwinding roll unit 2 is a unit for holding and supplying a continuous sheet wound in a roll shape. The unwinding roll unit 2 is configured to store an unwinding roll and pull out and supply the sheet S. The number of rolls that can be stored is not limited to one, and the unwinding roll unit 2 may store two or three or more rolls and selectively pull out and supply the sheet S.

[0013] The first dancer section 3 is a unit for applying a constant sheet tension between the unwinding roll section 2 and the first main conveyor section 4. The first dancer section 3 applies sheet tension by a tension applying means (not shown). The first main conveyor section 4 is a unit for feeding the sheet S to the meandering correction section 5, the conveyor detection section 6, the mark sensor section 7, the recording section 8, the first scanner section 9, the first drying section 10, the second drying section 11, the cooling section 12, and the second scanner section 13, which are arranged in the following order along the sheet conveying path (sheet S), and for applying sheet tension between the first dancer section 3 and the second main conveyor section 4. The first main conveyor section 4 rotates by driving a motor (not shown) and conveys the sheet S under tension.

[0014] The meandering correction section (meandering correction section) 5 is a unit for correcting meandering in the sheet width direction when the sheet S is conveyed under tension. The meandering correction section 5 is configured to include a meandering correction roller 5a and a meandering detection sensor (not shown) that detects meandering of the sheet S. The meandering correction roller 5a can change the inclination with respect to the sheet S by a motor (not shown), and corrects the meandering of the sheet S based on the measurement by the meandering detection sensor. At this time, the sheet S is wrapped around the meandering correction roller 5a, thereby improving the meandering correction function.

[0015] The transport detection unit 6 is a unit for detecting tension when the sheet S is transported under tension between the first main transport unit 4 and the second main transport unit 14. The transport detection unit 6 is also a unit for detecting the speed of the sheet S in order to control the image formation timing of the recording unit 8.

[0016] The mark sensor section 7 is a unit for detecting a mark printed on the sheet S in advance in order to control the image formation timing of the recording section 8.

[0017] The recording section 8 is a sheet processing section that includes a plurality of recording heads 22 as recording units, and performs recording processing on the sheet S by ejecting ink as a recording liquid from above onto the conveyed sheet S using the recording heads 22 to form an image or the like. The conveying path in the recording section 8 is formed by guide rollers 23 arranged in an upwardly convex arc shape, and a certain tension is applied to the sheet S to ensure a clearance with the recording heads 22. The recording heads 22 are arranged in a conveying direction. In this example, in addition to the four colors of ink, Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), there are a total of eight line-type recording heads corresponding to the reaction liquid and three special color inks. Note that the number of colors and the number of recording heads 22 are not limited to eight. The inkjet method can employ a method using a heating element, a method using a piezoelectric element, a method using an electrostatic element, a method using a MEMS element, or the like. The ink of each color is supplied to the recording head 22 from an ink tank (not shown) via an ink tube.

[0018] The first scanner unit 9 is a unit that reads the image formed on the sheet S by the recording unit 8 during printing, detects the misalignment and density of the image, and corrects the printing.

[0019] The first drying section 10 and the second drying section 11 are units that reduce the liquid content contained in the ink applied to the sheet S in the recording section 8, and improve the fixation of the ink to the sheet S. The second drying section 11 is disposed downstream of the first drying section 10 in the sheet conveying direction. The first drying section 10 and the second drying section 11 heat the recorded sheet S to dry the applied ink. Inside the first drying section 10 and the second drying section 11, hot air is applied to at least the ink application surface (recorded surface) side of the passing sheet S to dry the ink application surface of the sheet S. Note that, as a drying method, in addition to the method of applying hot air, a method of irradiating the surface of the sheet S with electromagnetic waves (ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, etc.) and a conductive heat transfer method by contact with a heating element may be combined.

[0020] The winding guide roller 31 is a roller that wraps the surface of the sheet S downstream of the recording unit 8 opposite to the ink application surface at a constant winding angle because it is necessary to block the effect of the hot air from the first drying unit 10 on the recording unit 8. In this example, two winding guide rollers 31 are arranged between the first scanner unit 9 and the first drying unit 10, and the sheet S is folded back approximately parallel to the top and bottom of the device. The first drying unit 10 is arranged below the recording unit 8, and the second drying unit 11 is arranged below the transport detection unit 6 and the mark sensor unit 7 described above.

[0021] The cooling section 12 cools the sheet S fixed in the first drying section 10 and the second drying section 11, solidifies the softened ink, and suppresses the amount of temperature change of the sheet S in downstream processes of the recording apparatus. Inside the cooling section 12, air having a lower temperature than the sheet S is applied to at least the ink application surface side of the passing sheet S, thereby cooling the ink application surface of the sheet S. Note that the cooling method is not limited to the method of applying air, and may be a conductive heat transfer method by contact with a heat dissipation member, or a combination of these.

[0022] The second scanner unit 13 is a unit that reads a test image formed on the sheet S by the recording unit 8 before printing, detects image misalignment and density, and performs corrections for the actual printing.

[0023] The second main conveyor 14 is a unit that conveys the sheet S together with the first main conveyor 4 while applying tension to the sheet S, and adjusts the tension of the sheet S. The second main conveyor 14 has a clutch (not shown) that rotates by being driven by a motor (not shown), and the tension of the sheet S is adjusted by controlling the torque drivingly connected to the clutch according to the tension value detected by the conveyor detection unit 6. Note that, as an additional configuration for adjusting the tension of the sheet S, a configuration for controlling the speed of the second main conveyor 14 by the conveyor detection unit 6 may be added. In this case, there are two tension control methods: a torque control method for controlling the torque value transmitted from the clutch, and a speed control method for controlling the roller speed of the second main conveyor 14. The tension control methods can be switched or both can be used simultaneously according to the purpose.

[0024] The second dancer section 15 is a unit for applying a constant sheet tension between the second main conveyor section 14 and the winding roll section 16. The second dancer section 15 applies sheet tension by a tension applying means (not shown).

[0025] The winding roll unit 16 is a unit for winding the sheet S after the recording process onto a core. The number of collectable rolls is not limited to one, and the roll may have two or three or more cores and may be configured to selectively switch between them to collect the sheet S. Depending on the content of the post-recording processing, the continuous sheet may be cut using a cutter and the cut sheets S may be stacked, instead of being wound onto a core.

[0026] The control unit 21 is a unit that controls each part of the entire recording apparatus. The control unit 21 includes a CPU, a storage device, a controller having various control units, an external interface, and a user interface. The recording apparatus 1 has an operation unit 24 for inputting and outputting data. The operation of the recording apparatus 1 is controlled based on commands from a controller or a host device 25 such as a host computer connected to the controller via an external interface.

[0027] The maintenance unit 17 is a unit (maintenance unit) equipped with a mechanism for recovering the ejection performance of the recording head 22. Examples of such mechanisms include a cap mechanism for protecting the ink ejection surface of the recording head 22, a wiper mechanism for wiping the ink ejection surface, and a suction mechanism for negatively sucking ink in the recording head 22 from the ink ejection surface. The maintenance unit 17 also includes a drive mechanism and rails (not shown) and is capable of reciprocating horizontally along the rails. The maintenance unit 17 moves to a position directly below the recording head 22 when performing maintenance on the recording head 22, and moves to a position retracted from directly below the recording head 22 to the upstream side in the transport direction when not performing maintenance.

[0028] 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the recording apparatus 1. The control configuration of the control unit 21 is mainly composed of a print engine unit 400 that controls the recording apparatus 1, and a controller unit 300 that controls the entire recording apparatus 1. A print controller 402 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 400 according to instructions from a main controller 301 of the controller unit 300. The control configuration will be described in detail below.

[0029] In the controller unit 300, a main controller 301 constituted by a CPU controls the entire recording device 1 using a RAM 305 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 306. For example, when a print job is input from the host device 25 via a host I / F 302, an image processing unit 307 performs predetermined image processing on the received image data in accordance with instructions from the main controller 301. The main controller 301 then transmits the image data that has been subjected to the image processing to a print engine unit 400 via a print engine I / F 304.

[0030] The recording device 1 may obtain image data from the host device 25 via wireless communication or wired communication, or may obtain image data from an external storage device (such as a USB memory) connected to the recording device 1. There are no limitations on the communication method used for wireless communication or wired communication. For example, Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used as communication methods used for wireless communication. Furthermore, USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like can be used as a communication method used for wired communication.

[0031] The operation unit 24 is a mechanism for a user to perform input and output to the recording device 1. The user can set a print mode and recognize information about the recording device 1 via the operation unit 24.

[0032] In the print engine unit 400, a print controller 402 constituted by a CPU controls various mechanisms of the recording device 1 according to the programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 403, using a RAM 404 as a work area. When various commands and image data are received via a controller I / F 401, the print controller 402 temporarily stores them in the RAM 404. The print controller 402 causes an image processing controller 405 to convert the stored image data into recording data so that the recording head 22 can use it for a recording operation. When the recording data is generated, the print controller 402 causes the recording head 22 to execute a recording operation based on the recording data via a head I / F 406. At this time, the print controller 402 drives various units shown in FIG. 1 via a transport control unit 407 to transport the sheet S. That is, the print controller 402 The print controller 402 drives the unwinding roll unit 2, the first dancer unit 3, the first main transport unit 4, the meandering correction unit 5, the transport detection unit 6, the mark sensor unit 7, the recording unit 8, the first scanner unit 9, the first drying unit 10, the second drying unit 11, the cooling unit 12, the second scanner unit 13, the second main transport unit 14, the second dancer unit 15, and the take-up roll unit 16. According to an instruction from the print controller 402, a recording operation is performed by the recording head 22 in conjunction with the transport operation of the sheet S, and printing processing is performed.

[0033] The printhead moving means control unit 408 changes the position of the printhead 22 depending on the operating state of the printing apparatus 1, such as the maintenance state or the printing state. The ink supply control unit 409 controls an ink supply unit (not shown) so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the printhead 22 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 410 controls the operation of the maintenance unit 17 when performing a maintenance operation on the printhead 22.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sheet conveying section housing 81 of the recording section 8. FIG. 4(a) is a view of the sheet conveying section housing 81 as seen from the top of the device. FIG. 4(b) shows a diagram illustrating the relationship between the sheet S, the recording head 22, and the guide roller 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet conveying section housing 81 as a conveying unit is provided with a plurality of first positioning members 811a, second positioning members 811b, and third positioning members 811c for positioning the recording head 22 at the printing position (recording position). For one recording head 22, the first positioning member 811a is provided on the front side (the front side of the device) sandwiching the sheet S in the sheet width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction, and the second positioning member 811b and the third positioning member 811c are provided on the back side (the back side of the device).

[0035] A positioning unit having the first positioning member 811a, the second positioning member 811b, and the third positioning member 811c as a set of a plurality of positioning abutment parts is configured for one recording head 22. That is, a plurality of positioning units are provided in the sheet conveying unit housing 81 corresponding to the plurality of recording heads 22. Some of the plurality of positioning units are provided with a regulating member 811d as a regulating unit for regulating the attitude of the recording head 22 when the recording head 22 is moved and positioned, in addition to the three positioning members 811a, 811b, and 811c.

[0036] The first positioning member 811a, the second positioning member 811b, the third positioning member 811c, and the regulating member 811d are spherical members having the same diameter. The first positioning member 811a, the second positioning member 811b, the third positioning member 811c, and the regulating member 811d are fitted and attached to a recess 812 provided in a positioning support portion 810 of the sheet conveying unit housing 81. The first positioning member 811a, the second positioning member 811b, the third positioning member 811c, and the regulating member 811d each have a substantially lower (lower hemisphere) portion embedded in the recess 812, and a substantially upper (upper hemisphere) portion exposed from the recess 812 to form a substantially hemisphere-shaped convex positioning portion protruding upward. The positioning support portion 810 includes a front side positioning support portion 810L arranged on the front side in the sheet width direction with respect to the sheet conveying path, and a rear side positioning support portion 810R arranged on the rear side. The first positioning member 811a is attached to a first recess 812a provided in the front positioning support portion 810L. The second positioning member 811b is attached to a second recess 812b provided in the rear positioning support portion 810R, and the third positioning member 811c is attached to a third recess 812c provided in the rear positioning support portion 810R. The second recess 812b is provided upstream of the third recess 812c in the sheet conveying direction. The regulating member 811d is attached to a fourth recess 812d provided in the front positioning support portion 810L. The fourth recess 812d is provided downstream of the first recess 812a in the sheet conveying direction.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b are The first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b are arranged so that a straight line AA passing through the center of the first positioning member 811a and the center of the second positioning member 811b is parallel to the rotation axis of the guide roller 23. As shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 4(b), the third positioning member 811c is arranged downstream of the first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b in the sheet conveying direction. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the third positioning member 811c is arranged so that a straight line BB passing through its center and the center of the first positioning member 811a has a predetermined angle with respect to a straight line AA passing through the center of the first positioning member 811a and the center of the second positioning member 811b. As shown in Fig. 4(b), the third positioning member 811c is arranged so that a straight line CC passing through its center and the center of the first positioning member 811a or the second positioning member 811b has a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0038] That is, the third positioning member 811c is disposed at an arbitrary relative height with respect to the first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b in the vertical movement direction of the recording head 22. The arrangement of the third positioning member 811c with respect to the first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b is set so that the nozzle plate (not shown) of the recording head 22 at the printing position is positioned parallel to the sheet S supported by the multiple guide rollers 23. That is, the installation position of the third positioning member 811c is set so that the recording head 22 at the printing position is positioned in a posture inclined at a predetermined angle at a predetermined recording position. Here, the predetermined angle is an angle at which the nozzles (ejection ports) of the nozzle plate face perpendicularly to the recording surface of the sheet S (the nozzle surface (ejection port surface) where the nozzles open is parallel to the recording surface). The first positioning member 811a, the second positioning member 811b, and the third positioning member 811c are spheres of the same diameter as described above, and the centers of each are the centers of the respective spheres.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 5, the recording head 22 is held by a head holder 26 as a supporting and moving part, and is configured to move up and down by the movement of the head holder 26. The recording head 22 is provided with a first pin 27a (see Fig. 6, etc.), a second pin 27b, and a third pin 27c as supported parts. The first pin 27a is a protrusion protruding in the width direction from one end (the front side of the device) of the recording head 22 in the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the recording head 22 that intersects with both the lifting and lowering direction of the recording head 22 and the sheet conveying direction. The second pin 27b and the third pin 27c are protrusions protruding in the longitudinal direction from the other end (the rear side of the device) of the recording head 22. The recording head 22 is axially supported relative to the head holder 26 such that the first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c are supported from below by a first hole 261, a second hole 262, and a third hole 263 provided in the head holder 26, respectively.

[0040] Furthermore, the recording head 22 is supported by the head holder 26 in a state where it is biased downward by a first biasing member 51a, a second biasing member 51b, and a third biasing member 51c, each of which includes a compression spring provided in the head holder 26. The configurations of the first biasing member 51a, the second biasing member 51b, and the third biasing member 51c will be described later. The head holder 26 moves up and down along a lift rail 29 provided in the recording head lift frame 28 by a drive mechanism (not shown) provided therein. That is, the multiple recording heads 22 can move up and down independently of each other by their own head holders 26 and their own lift drive mechanisms, and are configured to be able to arbitrarily change their relative positions to each other.

[0041] (Recording head configuration) 6 is a perspective view of the recording head 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the recording head 22 has a nozzle plate 223 having a plurality of nozzles (ejection ports) for ejecting ink aligned in the longitudinal direction of the recording head (sheet width direction). Positioning portions 221L and 221R are provided at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the recording head 22 (direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction). Specifically, the portion to be positioned 221L on the front side in the head longitudinal direction (the front side of the device) is provided with a first contact portion 221a made of a concave portion with a conical slope. Also, the portion to be positioned 221R on the rear side in the head longitudinal direction (the rear side of the device) is provided with a second contact portion 221b made of a groove-shaped portion extending in the head longitudinal direction having two substantially V-shaped flat surfaces, and a third contact portion 221c made of a flat surface, which are aligned in the sheet conveying direction.

[0042] Here, a guide-shaped portion 221d is provided near the third contact portion 221c made of a flat portion. The guide-shaped portion 221d is configured to have a shape that can guide the third positioning portion 811c to the third contact portion 221c in the case where the recording head 22 slips and a positional deviation occurs when the third contact portion 221c and the third positioning portion 811c come into contact with each other. In this embodiment, the guide-shaped portion 221d is configured as a guide surface that is inclined and continues to the surface that constitutes the first contact portion 221a. The guide-shaped portion 221d prevents the recording head 22 from being misaligned due to the contact portions 221a to 221c not fitting into the positioning portions 811a to 811c.

[0043] Further, a fourth contact portion 221e serving as a restricted portion for contacting a restricting member 811d serving as a restricting portion, which will be described later, is provided in the vicinity of the first contact portion 221a.

[0044] In the longitudinal direction of the recording head 22, the first contact portion 221a and the second contact portion 221b are precisely arranged so that a straight line passing through the center of the first contact portion 221a and the center of the second contact portion 221b is parallel to the arrangement of the multiple nozzle plates 223 of the recording head 22. Here, the centers of the first contact portion 221a and the second contact portion 221b are the centers of imaginary spheres of the same diameter inscribed therein. The third contact portion 221c is arranged at a position away from the second contact portion 221b in the sheet conveying direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording head 22).

[0045] (Recording head operation) The positioning operation of the recording head 22 in the recording apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation accompanied by the positioning of the recording head 22.

[0046] Figure 7(a) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the recording head 22 is in a retracted position, which is a non-recording position and a non-positioning position, retracted upward from the sheet transport unit housing 81, and the maintenance unit 17 is in a non-maintenance position, retracted approximately horizontally from the recording head 22 in the sheet transport direction.

[0047] 7B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the recording head 22 is at a printing position as a recording position where an image is recorded on the sheet S. When the recording head 22 moves from the retracted position to the printing position, the recording head 22 moves substantially vertically downward from the upper retracted position by the recording head lifting mechanism described above. The recording head 22 moves down to a printing position (first position) where the positioned portion 221 abuts against positioning members 811a to 811c as first positioning portions provided in the sheet conveying unit housing 81 and the recording head 22 is oriented at a predetermined angle.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7(b), in this embodiment, the arrangement of the multiple positioning members 811 of the sheet transport unit housing 81 in the sheet transport direction is configured to be arranged in a generally arched arc shape in which the height gradually increases toward the downstream in the transport direction, and then gradually decreases after passing a peak. In this case, it is necessary to lower the multiple recording heads 22 to different heights. In controlling the height of the multiple recording heads 22, for example, from the point where they have been lowered to the detection position of a position detection sensor (not shown) provided in the device body, an additional lowering amount is set individually for each of the multiple recording heads 22. As a result, the multiple positioning members 811 corresponding to the multiple positioning members 811 arranged in an arc shape are arranged in a generally arched arc shape in which the height gradually increases toward the downstream in the transport direction, and then gradually decreases after passing a peak. The recording heads 22 can be moved so as to be aligned at different heights. Furthermore, the recording heads 22 are configured so that they can take positions in which the orientations of their ink ejection surfaces are at different angles. The ink ejection surfaces of the recording heads 22 are arranged in a generally arc-shaped continuous arrangement along a sheet transport path that is configured in a generally arc-shaped manner (first relative arrangement).

[0049] Fig. 7(c) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the recording head 22 is in the retracted position and the maintenance unit 17 has moved to the maintenance position. When capping the recording head 22 after a printing operation or when the nozzles of the recording head 22 are clogged and ink ejection is poor, the maintenance unit 17 performs a maintenance operation on the recording head 22. When performing a maintenance operation, first, the recording head 22 and the maintenance unit 17 move to their respective retracted positions as shown in Fig. 7(a). Then, the maintenance unit 17 moves approximately horizontally in the sheet transport direction to the maintenance position below the recording head 22.

[0050] Fig. 7(d) is a schematic diagram showing a state where the recording head 22 has been moved to a maintenance position where maintenance operations are performed by the maintenance unit 17. The recording head 22 descends substantially vertically from the state of Fig. 7(c) to a maintenance position (second position) where the positioned portion 221 abuts against and is positioned by a positioning portion 171 as a second positioning portion provided in the maintenance unit 17. In this state, various maintenance operations are performed by the maintenance unit 17 on the recording head 22.

[0051] Here, in this embodiment, the maintenance unit 17 is configured such that a plurality of positioning units 171 are arranged in a substantially straight line. That is, at the maintenance position, the plurality of recording heads 22 are arranged to be lined up at the same height, and there is no need to move them to different heights as at the printing position. Therefore, when the plurality of recording heads 22 are lowered to the maintenance position, the lowering amount from the detection position of the position detection sensor (not shown) of the device main body may be set to the same amount, and the positioning operation of the plurality of recording heads 22 may be performed. Furthermore, unlike the printing position, at the maintenance position, the plurality of recording heads 22 take a posture in which the orientations of the ink ejection surfaces of the respective recording heads 22 are at the same angle to each other. That is, the plurality of ink ejection surfaces are arranged to be connected to each other in a substantially straight line (second relative arrangement).

[0052] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the positioning operation of the recording head 22 during a printing operation.

[0053] In S1001, the recording head 22 is in a standby state in the cap mechanism 30 (see FIG. 11) of the maintenance unit 17. In S1002, the recording head moving means control unit 408 drives a motor (not shown) that raises and lowers the head holder 26, and moves (raises) the recording head 22 from the cap position (maintenance position) to the retreat position. In S1003, the maintenance control unit 410 drives a motor (not shown) that moves the maintenance unit 17, and the maintenance unit 17 moves on a maintenance unit moving rail 32 (see FIG. 11) provided on the housing. This causes the maintenance unit 17 to retreat horizontally from below the recording head 22, so that the recording head 22 can descend to the printing position. In S1004, the recording head moving means control unit 408 drives a motor (not shown) that raises and lowers the head holder 26, and moves (lowers) the recording head 22 from the retreat position to the printing position. At this time, when the multiple positioning members 811 of the sheet transport unit housing 81 are arranged in an arc shape, an additional lowering amount by which the multiple recording heads 22 are further lowered from the position detected by the position detection sensor (not shown) of the device main body is individually given to each of the multiple recording heads 22. This makes it possible to move the multiple recording heads 22 to different heights in accordance with the sheet transport unit housing 81 configured in an arc shape.

[0054] In S1005, printing is performed. In S1006, the recording head moving means control unit 408 In S1007, the maintenance control unit 410 drives a motor (not shown) that moves the head holder 26 up and down, and the recording head 22 moves (raises) from the printing position to the retracted position. In S1007, the maintenance control unit 410 drives a motor (not shown) that moves the maintenance unit 17, and the maintenance unit 17 moves on rails 32 (see FIG. 11) provided on the housing. This moves the maintenance unit 17 horizontally from the retracted position below the recording head 22, so that the recording head 22 can be lowered to the capped position. In S1008, the recording head moving means control unit 408 drives a motor (not shown) that moves the head holder 26 up and down, and the recording head 22 moves (lowers) from the retracted position to the capped position. This completes the positioning operation of the recording head 22 during printing.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the positioning operation of the recording head 22 during the maintenance operation.

[0056] In S2001, the recording head 22 is in a standby state in the capping mechanism 30 of the maintenance unit 17. In S2002, a maintenance operation is executed. In S2003, when the maintenance is completed, the recording head moving means control unit 408 drives a motor (not shown) that raises and lowers the head holder 26, and moves (raises) the recording head 22 from the capped position to the retracted position once. In S2004, the recording head moving means control unit 408 drives a motor (not shown) that raises and lowers the head holder 26, and moves (lowers) the recording head 22 from the retracted position to the capped position. This completes the positioning operation of the recording head 22 in the maintenance operation.

[0057] (Support structure of the recording head and positioning at the printing position) A detailed description will now be given of a support structure for the recording head 22 in this embodiment and an example of its movement to the printing position.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows a state where the recording heads 22 are positioned at different heights by contacting with a positioning member 811 provided on a sheet transport unit housing 81. In this embodiment, the recording heads 22 are roughly classified into two types of recording heads. As shown in FIG. 10, the recording heads 22 are positioned in a state where they are inclined at different angles in the arc-shaped sheet transport direction. An ink ejection surface is provided at the lower end of each recording head 22 so as to face the sheet transport path. There are a first recording head 22a whose ink ejection surface is lower on the downstream side in the sheet transport direction than on the upstream side, and a second recording head 22b whose ink ejection surface is higher on the downstream side in the sheet transport direction than on the upstream side. Depending on the configuration of the recording unit, a recording head 22 whose ink ejection surface does not change in height between the downstream side and the upstream side in the sheet transport direction, i.e., whose ink ejection surface has no inclination angle, may be included. In addition, in the following description, when providing a general description of the configuration common to the first recording head 22a and the second recording head 22b, the first recording head 22a and the second recording head 22b may be collectively described as the recording head 22.

[0059] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the maintenance unit 17, and is a diagram showing a planar configuration of the maintenance unit 17 viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet transport path. As shown in FIG. 11, various specific configurations of the maintenance unit 17 can be given. For example, a cap mechanism 30 that protects the ink ejection surface of the recording head 22, a wiper mechanism (not shown) that wipes the ink ejection surface, and a suction mechanism (not shown) that negatively pressure-sucks the ink in the recording head 22 from the ink ejection surface. The maintenance unit 17 is also provided with a drive mechanism and rails 32 (not shown), and is capable of reciprocating horizontally along the rails 32. When performing maintenance on the recording head 22, the maintenance unit 17 moves to a position immediately below the recording head 22, and when not performing maintenance, moves to a position retreated from immediately below the recording head 22 to the upstream side in the transport direction.

[0060] 12 and 13 show the state of the recording head 22 in the retracted position where it is retracted upward. FIG. 12(a) to FIG. 12(c) show an example of the operation of the first recording head 22a, and FIG. 13(a) to FIG. 13(c) show an example of the operation of the second recording head 22b. FIG. 12(a) is a view of the first recording head 22a and the positioning support part 810 seen from the rear side of the device. FIG. 12(b) is a view of the first recording head 22a and the positioning support part 810 seen from the front side of the device. FIG. 12(c) is a perspective view of the first recording head 22a and the positioning support part 810 seen from the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. FIG. 13(a) is a view of the second recording head 22b and the positioning support part 810 seen from the rear side of the device. FIG. 13(b) is a view of the second recording head 22b and the positioning support part 810 seen from the front side of the device. FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the second recording head 22b and the positioning support portion 810 as viewed from the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

[0061] The head holder 26 is provided with a first hole 261, a second hole 262, and a third hole 263. The first hole 261 is a hole portion having a surface facing the first pin 27a, the second hole 262 is a hole portion facing the second pin 27b, and the third hole 263 is a hole portion facing the third pin 27c, each of which has a surface facing in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording head 22. The first hole 261, the second hole 262, and the third hole 263 each have a width that is widely open to the pins on the upper side, and a portion on the lower side that is configured with a narrow width in the shape of a groove into which the pin fits.

[0062] The first hole 261 has a first groove portion 261a which is a first support portion for supporting the first pin 27a, a first inclined portion 261b for guiding the first pin 27a into the first groove portion 261a, and a first opening portion 261d which widens the movable range of the first pin 27a with respect to the first hole 261. The first groove portion 261a includes a support surface 261a1 which is a groove bottom surface, and restriction surfaces 261a2 which are a pair of groove side surfaces facing the first pin 27a so as to sandwich the first pin 27a placed on the support surface 261a1 from both sides.

[0063] The second hole 262 has a second groove portion 262a which is a second support portion for supporting the second pin 27b, a second inclined portion 262b for guiding the second pin 27b into the second groove portion 262a, and a second opening portion 262d which widens the movable range of the second pin 27b with respect to the second hole 262. The second groove portion 262a includes a support surface 262a1 which is a groove bottom surface, and restriction surfaces 262a2 which are a pair of groove side surfaces facing the second pin 27b so as to sandwich the second pin 27b placed on the support surface 262a1 from both sides.

[0064] The third hole 263 has a third groove portion 263a which is a third support portion for supporting the third pin 27c, a third inclined portion 263b for guiding the third pin 27c into the third groove portion 263a, and a third opening portion 263d which widens the movable range of the third pin 27c with respect to the third hole 263. The third groove portion 263a includes a support surface 263a1 which is a groove bottom surface, and restriction surfaces 263a2 which are a pair of groove side surfaces facing the third pin 27c so as to sandwich the third pin 27c placed on the support surface 263a1 from both sides.

[0065] In addition, as a configuration for assembling the recording head 22 to the head holder 26, the first hole 261 is a closed hole, whereas the second hole 262 and the third hole 263 are holes that open to the side at the openings 262d, 263d. That is, the second hole 262 is provided with a second cutout portion 262c that opens the second hole 262 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording head 22 so that the second pin 27b can be introduced into the second hole 262 from the same direction. Similarly, the third hole 263 is provided with a third cutout portion 263c that opens the third hole 263 in the same direction so that the third pin 27c can be introduced into the third hole 263 from a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the recording head 22.

[0066] Furthermore, the third hole 263 is provided for inserting the recording head 22 and the recording device when replacing the recording head 22. In order to facilitate the electrical connection between the recording head 22 and the fixing member 263, a fourth groove 263e is provided which is used to hold the recording head 22 in an inclined position.

[0067] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the recording head 22 when it is held at an angle. As shown in FIG. 27, the third pin 27c of the recording head 22 supported by the head holder 26 is set in the fourth groove 263e, so that the recording head 22 can be held at an angle. Electric connector connecting portions 22a, 22b, and 22c are provided on the upper surface of the recording head 22, and electric connectors 26a, 26b, and 26c are provided on the head holder 26 at positions facing the electric connector connecting portions 22a, 22b, and 22c. As shown in FIG. 16, by being able to hold the recording head 22 at an angle, the operator can easily check the electric connector connecting portions 22a, 22b, and 22c provided on the upper surface of the recording head 22. In addition, since the electrical connector connecting portions 22a, 22b, and 22c are held in a tilted and exposed state toward the operator, it is possible to easily connect the electrical connectors 26a, 26b, and 26c provided on the recording device 1 to the electrical connector connecting portions 22a, 22b, and 22c of the recording head 22. By providing the electrical connecting portion between the recording head 22 and the recording device 1 on the upper surface of the recording head 22, the longitudinal width of the recording head 22 can be reduced, and the longitudinal width of the entire recording device 1 can be reduced.

[0068] The head holder 26 is provided with a first biasing member 51a, a second biasing member 51b, and a third biasing member 51c for contacting the recording head 22 and applying a predetermined biasing force thereto.

[0069] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the biasing members 51a, 51b, and 51c and the first recording head 22a when the first recording head 22a is in a retracted position where it is retracted upward. Fig. 14(a) is a diagram illustrating the first recording head 22a and the positioning support part 810 as viewed from the rear side of the device. Fig. 14(b) is a diagram illustrating the first recording head 22a and the positioning support part 810 as viewed from the front side of the device. Fig. 14(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configurations of the first biasing member 51a, the second biasing member 51b, and the third biasing member 51c.

[0070] Here, the biasing configuration of the head holder 26 that holds the first recording head 22a will be described, and illustration and description of the biasing configuration of the head holder 26 that holds the second recording head 22b will be omitted, but the latter configuration is similar to the former configuration.

[0071] The first biasing member 51a is disposed so as to apply a biasing force to the recording head 22 on a side closer to the first contact portion 221a or the second contact portion 221b than the third contact portion 221c in a direction intersecting with the lifting direction (advance / retraction direction) of the recording head 22 or in the sheet transport direction. Preferably, the first biasing member 51a is disposed above the first contact portion 221a, that is, in a position at least partially overlapping with the first contact portion 221a when viewed in the lifting direction of the recording head 22. The second biasing member 51b is disposed so as to apply a biasing force to the recording head 22 on a side closer to the first contact portion 221a or the second contact portion 221b than the third contact portion 221c in a direction intersecting with the lifting direction (advance / retraction direction) of the recording head 22 or in the sheet transport direction. Preferably, the second biasing member 51b is disposed above the second contact portion 221b, i.e., at a position at which it at least partially overlaps with the second contact portion 221b when viewed in the lifting and lowering direction of the recording head 22. The third biasing member 51c is disposed so as to apply a biasing force to the recording head 22 on a side closer to the third contact portion 221c than the first contact portion 221a or the second contact portion 221b in a direction intersecting with the lifting and lowering direction (advancement and retreat direction) of the recording head 22 or in the sheet conveying direction. Preferably, the third biasing member 51c is disposed above the third contact portion 221c, i.e., at a position at which it at least partially overlaps with the third contact portion 221c when viewed in the lifting and lowering direction of the recording head 22.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 14(a) to FIG. 14(c), the biasing members 51a, 51b, and 51c are Each of the base portions 511a, 511b, and 511c includes a sliding portion 512a, 512b, and 512c, and a compression spring 514a, 514b, and 514c. The sliding portions 512a, 512b, and 513c are configured to be movable forward and backward in a direction in which they bias the recording head 22 relative to the base portions 511a, 511b, and 511c.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 14(c), the base portion 511 (511a, 511b, 511c) is a generally cylindrical member, and the sliding portion 512 (sliding portions 512a, 512b, 512c) is partially inserted therein. The sliding portion 512 is configured so that the tip portion on the side exposed from the base portion 511 abuts against the plate 52 provided on the recording head 22, and the rear end portion on the side inserted into the insertion hole of the base portion 511 receives the biasing force of the compression spring 514 (514a, 514b, 514c). The compression spring 514 is assembled on the inner side of the insertion hole of the base portion 511 relative to the sliding portion 512, and presses the rear end of the sliding portion 512 so as to move the sliding portion 512 from the inner side of the insertion hole toward the outlet side along the ascending and descending direction of the recording head 22. An engaged portion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the insertion direction is provided at the portion of the sliding portion 512 that is inserted into the insertion hole of the base portion 511, and an inward flange portion for preventing the sliding portion 512 from coming off is provided at the opening of the insertion hole of the base portion 511. The engaged portion and the flange portion come into contact with and engage with each other, thereby defining a movable range of the sliding portion 512 relative to the base portion 511 in the direction in which the recording head 22 is biased.

[0074] The tip of the sliding part 512 is configured with a convex part having a convex partial spherical surface at the portion that abuts against the plate 52. The plate 52 with which the tip of the sliding part 512 abuts changes in angle with respect to the advancing / retreating direction of the sliding part 512 as the attitude of the recording head 22 changes. With the above-mentioned convex shape configuration, when the angle of the plate 52 changes, the sliding part 512 can maintain a state of biasing the recording head 22 by sliding against the plate 52 while moving forward / backward relative to the base part 511 and changing the contact position. Note that the shape of the tip of the sliding part 512 is not limited to the above-mentioned convex partial spherical shape, and other shapes and configurations may be appropriately adopted as long as they are configured to slide while maintaining a biasing state.

[0075] 12 and 13, in the retracted position, the first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c of the recording head 22 are supported by the first groove portion 261a, the second groove portion 262a, and the third groove portion 263a of the head holder 26, respectively. Furthermore, the recording head 22 is supported in a state in which it is biased against the head holder 26 by the biasing forces of the first biasing member 51a, the second biasing member 51b, and the third biasing member 51c received by the plate 52. The pins 27a to 27c are in a state in which they are pressed against the support surfaces 261a1 to 263a1, which are the groove bottom surfaces of the groove portions 261a to 263a, by the biasing forces of the biasing members 51a, 51b, and 51c. Moreover, a pair of regulating surfaces 261a2-263a2 are opposed to the pins 27a-27c pressed against the support surfaces 261a1-263a1 so as to be able to come into contact with the direction intersecting the advancing and retreating direction of the recording head 22, and regulate the movement of the pins 27a-27c in the intersecting direction. Furthermore, an engagement portion between the second pin 27b and the second groove portion 262a and an engagement portion between the third pin 27c and the third groove portion 263a are arranged shifted in the advancing and retreating direction of the recording head 22. As a result, the recording head 22 is supported by the head holder 26 in a state in which an angle change that changes the direction of the ejection surface, that is, a relative rotation with respect to the head holder 26, is regulated. This supporting mode of the recording head 22 by the head holder 26 corresponds to the first mode of the present invention.

[0076] In this embodiment, the strength of the urging force of the first to third urging members 51a to 51c is made different between the first recording head 22a and the second recording head 22b. That is, in the urging members of the first recording head 22a, the urging force of the third urging member 51c is set to be greater than the urging forces of the first urging member 51a and the second urging member 51b. On the other hand, in the urging members of the second recording head 22b, the urging force of the first urging member 51a is set to be greater than the urging forces of the second urging member 51b and the third urging member 51c.

[0077] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the urging members 51 (first urging member 51a, second urging member 51b, and third urging member 51c) when the recording head 22 is positioned, FIG. 15(a) is a view from the rear side of the device, and FIG. 15(b) is a view from the front side of the device. The urging positions of the urging members when the recording head 22 abuts against the positioning member 811 are in a relationship such that a load is applied so that each abutting portion of the recording head always lands on the positioning portion, when the moment M around the positioning member is considered. That is, the recording head 22 is balanced in a tilted position relative to the head holder 26 with the positioned portion 221 pressed against the positioning member 811 by the urging force of the urging member 51 provided on the head holder 26. In this position, the recording head 22 is positioned relative to the head holder 26. Also, the first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c are released from the first groove portion 261a, the second groove portion 262a, and the third groove portion 263a. In this way, the recording head 22 finally reaches a state in which it completely follows the positioning members 811a, 811b, and 811c having a predetermined height difference, so that it can be positioned with high accuracy in a posture inclined at a predetermined angle at the printing position.

[0078] In addition, when the recording head 22 is positioned at the recording position without tilting it with respect to the advance / retract direction (lifting / lowering direction) of the recording head 22, the biasing force may be set without difference. The biasing force setting varies depending on the combination with the setting of the height difference between the first and second positioning members 811a, 811b and the third positioning member 811c, and various settings are possible. In other words, the biasing force can be set arbitrarily as long as the desired tilt can be stably formed.

[0079] In addition, the biasing configuration by the biasing member is not essential, and if the weight of the recording head 22 is sufficiently heavy, the biasing force of the first biasing member 51a, the second biasing member 51b, and the third biasing member 51c may not be necessary. In addition, in this embodiment, the diameter of the first pin 27a is 5.90 to 6.00 mm, and the width of the first groove portion 261a is 6.00 to 6.10 mm, but this is not limited to this, and there is no problem as long as the dimensional difference between the diameter of the pin and the width of the groove is about 1 mm. The same is true for the second pin 27b and the second groove portion 262a, and the third pin 27c and the third groove portion 263a. The first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c provided on the recording head 22 are supported by the first groove portion 261a, the second groove portion 262a, and the third groove portion 263a provided on the head holder 26, so that two of the three pins become references and the remaining one becomes a rotation stopper. As a result, the recording head 22 in the retracted position is supported in a stable posture by the head holder 26. In this embodiment, the first pin 27a and the second pin 27b are provided at approximately the same height, but they may be provided at different heights.

[0080] Using Figure 16, we will explain the positioning of the first recording head 22a as the first recording head at the printing position and the relationship with the sheet S. Here, Figures 16(a) and 16(c) are schematic diagrams seen from the rear side of the device, and Figures 16(b) and 16(d) are schematic diagrams seen from the front side of the device.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 16(a) and FIG. 16(b), when the first recording head 22a moves (descends) to the printing position, first, the first contact portion 221a comes into contact with the first positioning member 811a at the front side of the device, and the second contact portion 221b comes into contact with the second positioning member 811b at the rear side of the device. Therefore, the upstream portion of the first recording head 22a in the sheet conveying direction does not move further downward. After that, as shown in FIG. 16(c) and FIG. 16(d), the first recording head 22a tilts its posture, and the third contact portion 221c comes into contact with the third positioning member 811a at the rear side of the device, and the posture and position of the first recording head 22a relative to the sheet conveying unit housing 81 are determined. That is, the first recording head 22a does not come into contact with the sheet S arranged under the nozzle plate of the first recording head 22a.

[0082] Using Figure 17, the positioning of the second recording head 22b as the second recording head at the printing position and the relationship with the sheet S will be described. Here, Figures 17(a) and 17(c) are schematic diagrams seen from the rear side of the device, and Figures 17(b) and 17(d) are schematic diagrams seen from the front side of the device.

[0083] 17(a) and 17(b), when the second recording head 22b moves (descends) to the printing position, the third contact portion 221c and the third positioning member 811c come into contact with each other on the rear side of the device, and the fourth contact portion 221e and the regulating member 811d come into contact with each other on the front side of the device. Therefore, the upstream portion of the second recording head 22b in the sheet conveying direction does not move downward any further.

[0084] 13(b) and the like, the regulating member 811d is disposed so that its height is lower than the third positioning member 811c. Therefore, in terms of the timing of contact, the third contact portion 221c contacts the third positioning member 811c, and then the fourth contact portion 221e contacts the regulating member 811d. At this time, the second recording head 22b is inclined so that the front side of the device is lowered relative to the rear side of the device in the head longitudinal direction.

[0085] After that, as shown in FIG. 17(c) and FIG. 17(d), the second recording head 22b tilts its posture, and the second contact portion 221b and the second positioning member 811b come into contact with each other on the rear side of the device, and the first contact portion 221a and the first positioning member 811a come into contact with each other on the front side of the device. At this time, the second recording head 22b returns to a posture in which the front side and the rear side of the device are at the same height in the head longitudinal direction, and the fourth contact portion 221e and the regulating member 811d are separated. This determines the posture and position of the second recording head 22b with respect to the sheet conveying unit housing 81. That is, a state in which the second recording head 22b comes into contact with the sheet S arranged under the nozzle plate of the second recording head 22b does not occur.

[0086] Here, if the regulating member 811d is not provided, after the third contact portion 221c and the third positioning member 811c first come into contact with each other on the rear side of the device, the front side of the second recording head 22b may move further downward due to the lack of support from the regulating member 811d. As a result, the second recording head 22b may come into contact with the sheet S.

[0087] That is, the first and second contact portions 221a and 221b as the first contact portions and the third contact portion 221c as the second contact portion have different contact timings with the first to third positioning members 811a to 811c. In the second recording head 22b, the contact timings of the first and second contact portions 221a and 211b and the first and second positioning members 811a and 811b are later than the contact timing of the third contact portion 211c and the third positioning member 811c. The first and second contact portions 221a and 221b as the first contact portions support the second recording head 22b against the sheet conveying unit housing 81 at both ends of the second recording head 22b in the sheet width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. On the other hand, the third contact portion 221c as the second contact portion supports the second recording head 22b against the sheet conveying unit housing 81 at one end of the second recording head 22b in the sheet width direction. In other words, in the case where the regulating member 811d is not provided, the second recording head 22b is supported on one side of the sheet conveying unit housing 81 only by the third contact portion 221c as the second contact portion, and receives the biasing force of the biasing members 51a to 51c at one point. Therefore, the posture of the second recording head 22b becomes unstable, and this state continues until the first and second contact portions 221a and 211b come into contact with the first and second positioning members 811a and 811b.

[0088] The regulating member 811d abuts against a fourth contact portion 221e provided at the other end of the second recording head 22b in the sheet width direction to regulate the unstable second recording head 22b from coming into contact with the sheet S. That is, the regulating member 811d regulates the second recording head 22b so that the second recording head 22b maintains a position that is not in contact with the sheet S until all the contact portions 221a to 221c abut against the positioning members 811a to 811c and the position of the second recording head 22b becomes stable. It supports the recording head 22b.

[0089] When the first to third contact portions 221a to 221c and the first to third positioning members 811a to 811c all come into contact with each other, that is, when the second recording head 22b is positioned in the sheet conveying unit housing 81, the regulating member 811d moves away from the second recording head 22b. In other words, the regulating member 811d is configured not to affect the three-point support provided by the three contact portions 221a to 221c.

[0090] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the regulating member 811d is completely separated from the second recording head 22b when the positioning of the second recording head 22b is completed, but the regulating member 811d may be configured to maintain a contact state with the second recording head 22b. In other words, if the contact between the regulating member 811d and the second recording head 22b is a slight contact that does not affect the three-point support by the three contact parts 221a to 221c, the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained.

[0091] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the head holder 26 supporting the first recording head 22a descends from the retreat position toward the printing position, the first contact portion 221a and the first positioning member 811a come into contact, and the second contact portion 221b and the second positioning member 811b come into contact. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a state in which the head holder 26 supporting the second recording head 22b descends from the retreat position toward the printing position, the third contact portion 221c and the third positioning member 811c come into contact, and the fourth contact portion 221e and the regulating member 811d come into contact. Figs. 18(a) and 19(a) are schematic diagrams as viewed from the rear side of the device, Figs. 18(b) and 19(b) are schematic diagrams as viewed from the front side of the device, and Figs. 18(c) and 19(c) are perspective views as viewed from the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

[0092] When the recording head 22 descends from the retracted position to the printing position, the first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c of the recording head 22 maintain a state in which they are supported by the first groove portion 261a, the second groove portion 262a, and the third groove portion 263a, respectively, of the head holder 26. That is, the recording head 22 is supported by the head holder 26 in a first supporting state in which the angle change that changes the direction of the ejection surface is restricted.

[0093] Here, in this embodiment, since the multiple positioning members 811 of the sheet conveying unit housing 81 are arranged in an arc shape, it is necessary to move the multiple recording heads 22 to different heights when descending from the retracted position to the printing position. Therefore, the positions of the multiple recording heads 22 are detected by a position detection sensor (not shown) provided between the retracted position and the printing position, and different additional downward amounts are given to the multiple recording heads 22 from the positions detected. In order to give different downward amounts, the driving amount of the motor driven at the time of descent is changed, making it possible to move (descent) the multiple recording heads 22 to different heights at the printing position. In this embodiment, the multiple recording heads 22 are given a predetermined angle, but even when giving an angle, the driving amount of the motor is changed so that the recording heads 22 can be tilted to a predetermined angle.

[0094] As shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b), in the second recording head 22b, the fourth contact portion 221e contacts the regulating member 811d on the front side of the device, and the third contact portion 221c contacts the third positioning member 811c on the rear side of the device. Therefore, the upstream portion of the second recording head 22b in the sheet conveying direction does not move further downward. This makes it possible to prevent the second recording head 22b from contacting the sheet S arranged under the nozzle plate of the second recording head 22b.

[0095] 20 and 21 are diagrams showing a state in which the head holder 26 has been lowered further toward the printing position from the state shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 20(a) and FIG. 21(a) are diagrams showing a state in which the head holder 26 is lowered further toward the printing position from the state shown in FIGS. 20(b) and 21(b) are schematic diagrams as viewed from the front side of the apparatus, and FIG. 20(c) and FIG. 21(c) are perspective views as viewed from the downstream side in the sheet transport direction.

[0096] 20 and 21 show the state in which the recording head 22 moves in the direction opposite to the downward direction relative to the head holder 26 as a result of a force generated at some contact portions that were in contact with the positioning members, which resists the biasing force of the biasing members 51a to 51c. The biasing forces of the biasing members 51a to 51c act in a first direction in which the recording head 22 moves from the retracted position to the printing position relative to the head holder 26. The recording head 22 receives a force acting in a direction opposite to the biasing force from the first positioning member 811a at the first contact portion 221a, and similarly receives a force acting in a direction opposite to the biasing force from the third positioning member 811c at the third contact portion 221c. Due to the action of this reaction force, the pins 27a to 27c are guided by the groove side surfaces (regulating surfaces) of the groove portions 261a to 263a, respectively, and the recording head 22 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the head holder 26. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c of the recording head 22 are separated from the support surfaces 261a1 to 263a1 of the first to third groove portions 261a to 263a of the head holder 26, respectively.

[0097] 18 and 19 to the state shown in Fig. 20 and 21, the first to third pins 27a to 27c of the recording head 22 are kept sandwiched between the regulating surfaces 261a2 to 263a3, respectively. That is, the first to third pins 27a to 27c of the recording head 22 function as positioning or rotation stoppers in the sheet conveying direction with respect to the first to third grooves 261a to 263a of the head holder 26. Therefore, the recording head 22 is kept in a substantially horizontal state.

[0098] 18 and 19 to the state shown in Figures 20 and 21, the pins 27a to 27c are completely out of the grooves 261a to 263a, and move to the openings 261d to 263d where the movable range is enlarged in the holes 261 to 263. In this state, the pins 27a to 27c are movable over a wide range relative to the holes 261 to 263, and the recording head 22 is supported by the head holder 26 in a state where the recording head 22 is movable relative to the head holder 26 so that the angle of the ejection port surface can be changed. This supporting mode corresponds to the second mode of the present invention.

[0099] Figures 22 and 23 are views of the head holder 26 when it is further lowered toward the printing position from the state in Figures 20 and 21. Figures 22(a) and 23(a) are schematic views as seen from the rear side of the device, Figures 22(b) and 23(b) are schematic views as seen from the front side of the device, and Figures 22(c) and 23(c) are perspective views as seen from the downstream side in the sheet transport direction.

[0100] 20 and 21, the pins 27a, 27b, and 27c of the recording head 22 are spaced from the grooves 261a, 262a, and 263a of the head holder 26, respectively, and the movable range relative to the holes 261, 262, and 263 is expanded. Therefore, when the recording head 22 further lowers the head holder 26 toward the printing position, the force acting on the contact portion from the positioning member and the biasing force acting on the plate 52 from the biasing member are balanced, and the recording head 22 can change its posture to change the angle of the ejection port surface.

[0101] Specifically, the first recording head 22a shown in Fig. 20 is rotatable with respect to the head holder 26 about a rotation axis that is a straight line passing through the center of the first positioning member 811a and the center of the second positioning member 811b. Here, in the biasing member of the first recording head 22a, the biasing force of the third biasing member 51c is set to be greater than the biasing forces of the first biasing member 51a and the second biasing member 51b. Therefore, a force acts to rotate the recording head 22 in a direction in which the third contact portion 221c contacts the third positioning member 811c while the first to third pins 27a to 27c are further separated from the first to third groove portions 261a to 263a, respectively.

[0102] On the other hand, the second recording head 22b shown in FIG. 21 is rotatable with respect to the head holder 26 around a line that is parallel to a line passing through the center of the first positioning member 811a and the center of the second positioning member 811b and that passes through the center of the third positioning member 811c as a rotation axis. This rotation is realized by the fourth contact portion 221e contacting the regulating member 811d on the opposite side of the third contact portion 221c in the sheet width direction. Here, in the biasing member of the second recording head 22b, the biasing force of the first biasing member 51a is set to be larger than the biasing force of the third biasing member 51c. Therefore, a force that rotates the recording head 22 acts in a direction in which the first and second contact portions 221a and 221b contact the first and second positioning members 811a and 811b while the first to third pins 27a to 27c are further separated from the first to third groove portions 261a to 263a, respectively.

[0103] Here, in this embodiment, the guide shape 221d is provided near the third contact portion 221c consisting of a flat portion. When the second recording head 22b rotates around a line that is parallel to the lines passing through the centers of the first and second positioning members 811a and 811b and passes through the center of the third positioning member 811c as a rotation axis, a positional deviation may occur due to slippage at the third contact portion 221c, which is a flat portion. The guide shape 221d is inclined and connected to the third contact portion 221c, and is configured to prevent the third contact portion 221c from slipping off the third positioning portion 811c. When the third contact portion 221c and the third positioning portion 811c come into contact with each other to rotate the second recording head 22b, even if the third contact portion 221c slips on the third positioning portion 811c, the guide shape 221d enables reliable positioning of the second recording head 22b. In other words, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the contact portions 221a to 221c do not fit within the positioning portions 811a to 811c and positioning is not possible.

[0104] 24 and 25 are diagrams showing a state (printing position) in which positioning of the recording head 22 and the positioning support portion 810 of the sheet transport unit housing 81 is completed. Fig. 24(a) and Fig. 25(a) are schematic diagrams seen from the rear side of the device, Fig. 24(b) and Fig. 25(b) are schematic diagrams seen from the front side of the device, and Fig. 24(c) and Fig. 25(c) are perspective views seen from the downstream side in the sheet transport direction.

[0105] 22, the head holder 26 is further lowered, so that the first recording head 22a continues to rotate about the rotation axis, and the third contact portion 221c comes into contact with the third positioning member 811c. On the other hand, the second recording head 22b continues to rotate about the rotation axis, so that the first contact portion 221a and the second contact portion 221b come into contact with the first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b, so that the head holder 26 is further lowered, so that the second recording head 22b continues to rotate about the rotation axis, and the first contact portion 221a and the second contact portion 221b come into contact with the first positioning member 811a and the second positioning member 811b.

[0106] Here, the sliding portions 512a, 512b, and 512c are configured to be slidable so as to change the contact position with respect to the plate 52 while changing the amount of protrusion from the base portions 511a, 511b, and 511c. Therefore, the biasing members 51a, 51b, and 51c can bias the recording head 22 against the positioning member 811 while following the movement of the plate 52 accompanying the change in angle of the recording head 22.

[0107] Additionally, the first pin 27a, the second pin 27b, and the third pin 27c are released from the first groove portion 261a, the second groove portion 262a, and the third groove portion 263a.

[0108] 25(b), the fourth contact portion 221e and the regulating member 811d are separated from each other. Therefore, the recording head 22 is finally placed in a state where it completely follows the first positioning member 811a, the second positioning member 811b, and the third positioning member 811c that are positioned at a predetermined angle, so that it can be positioned with high accuracy at the printing position. However, depending on the positioning angle of the recording head 22 at the printing position, the urging forces of the first urging member 51a, the second urging member 51b, and the third urging member 51c are not necessarily required, and the recording head The structure may be such that the position is determined by the force exerted by the weight of the roller 22 alone.

[0109] (Support structure of the recording head and positioning to the maintenance position) The operation of the support structure when positioned at the maintenance position is the same as when positioned at the print position, except that no movement that tilts the attitude of the recording head 22 occurs, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0110] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state (maintenance position) in which the positioning of the recording head 22 and the maintenance unit 17 is completed. Fig. 26(a) is a diagram seen from the rear side of the device, Fig. 26(b) is a schematic diagram seen from the front side of the device, and Fig. 26(c) is a perspective view seen from the downstream side in the sheet conveying direction.

[0111] Here, in this embodiment, the maintenance unit 17 has a configuration in which a plurality of positioning parts 171 are arranged in a substantially straight line. Therefore, the first contact part 221a and the first positioning member 811a, the second contact part 221b and the second positioning member 811b, and the third contact part 221c and the third positioning member 811c come into contact with each other substantially simultaneously. At the maintenance position, the plurality of recording heads 22 are arranged to be aligned at the same height, and there is no need to move them to different heights as in the printing position. Therefore, when the plurality of recording heads 22 are lowered to the maintenance position, the lowering amount from the detection position of the position detection sensor (not shown) of the device main body is set to the same lowering amount by unifying the driving amount of the motor for the plurality of recording heads 22, and the positioning operation of the recording heads 22 is performed.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the multiple recording heads can be positioned with high precision in any arrangement. Specifically, the multiple recording heads can be positioned with high precision in a printing position where the multiple recording heads are arranged at different heights in accordance with the sheet transport path, or in a maintenance position where the multiple recording heads are arranged at the same height. In other words, it is not necessary to make the maintenance unit in a form that matches the arrangement of the recording heads, and the arrangement of the recording heads can be matched to the form of the maintenance unit. Therefore, it is possible to configure the maintenance unit in a manner that is suitable for saving space in the device, and it is possible to miniaturize the device.

[0113] According to this embodiment, a highly versatile guide mechanism capable of positioning the recording head 22 at any angle can be realized. That is, the movement of the head holder 26 supporting the recording head 22 is a simple movement configuration in which the movement direction is only a linear direction. Then, when the recording head 22 abuts against the positioning member 811, the support state of the recording head 22 by the head holder 26 changes from a first state that restricts the rotation of the recording head 22 to a second state that allows the rotation. This configuration is realized by devising an engagement configuration between the pin 27 of the recording head 22 and the holes 261 to 263 of the head holder 26. That is, the holes 261 to 263 have grooves 261a to 263a that restrict the movement of the pin 27 in the lateral direction intersecting the movement direction of the head holder 26, and openings 261d to 263d that allow the lateral movement of the pin 27 within a predetermined range. The recording head 22 moves relative to the head holder 26 when it comes into contact with the positioning member 811, and the engagement positions of the pins 27 with the holes 261 to 263 change, thereby making it possible to change the above-mentioned support mode.

[0114] According to this embodiment, the degree of inclination of the print head when positioned at the print position can be set appropriately by providing a difference in the timing at which the multiple contact portions come into contact with the corresponding multiple positioning portions. Specifically, this is the difference between the first contact timing between the first contact portion (contact portions 221a, 221b) and the first positioning portion (positioning members 811a, 811b) and the second contact timing between the second contact portion (contact portion 221c) and the second positioning portion (positioning member 811c). By appropriately setting this timing difference in accordance with the desired positioning angle of the print head, it is possible to incline the print head at the desired angle. .

[0115] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned contact timing difference is generated by providing a difference between the first contact position where the first contact portion and the first positioning portion contact each other and the second contact position where the second contact portion and the second positioning portion contact each other in the elevation direction of the recording head. More specifically, in this embodiment, a difference in height is provided between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion in the elevation direction of the recording head, thereby generating a difference in the contact positions.

[0116] Here, the configuration for providing a difference in contact timing is not limited to the configuration shown in this embodiment. For example, a difference in contact timing may be provided by providing a difference in height between the first contact portion and the second contact portion in the lifting direction without providing a difference in height between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion. Alternatively, a difference in height may be provided between the first contact portion and the second contact portion while providing a difference in height between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion.

[0117] In this embodiment, when the posture of the recording head becomes unstable due to a time difference in the contact timing, the posture of the recording head is restricted by the restricting portion. This makes it possible to prevent the recording head, which has an unstable posture, from coming into contact with the sheet when positioning the recording head at the printing position. Furthermore, when all the contact portions are in contact with each other to be positioned, the restricting portion is configured to move away from the recording head. This prevents the posture restriction of the recording head by the restricting portion from affecting the positioning accuracy by the contact portions.

[0118] In this embodiment, the positioning members 811a to 811c and the regulating member 811d are spheres of the same diameter, which are fitted into the recesses 812 of the positioning support part 810 to form the positioning part. With this configuration, the heights of the recesses 812 are differentiated, so that the above-mentioned configuration of differentiating the contact timing can be easily realized. That is, it is only necessary to vary the shape of the recesses 812 of the positioning support part 810 according to the specifications of the individual recording heads 22, and the other member configurations can be standardized, so that a highly versatile guide mechanism can be realized.

[0119] However, the configuration of the positioning portion and the regulating portion is not limited to that of this embodiment. For example, the height difference between the multiple recesses 812 may not be provided, and the contact timing may be differentiated by making the shape and size of the positioning member and the regulating member different. The shape of the positioning member and the regulating member is not limited to a sphere, and may be, for example, a form having a partial spherical surface at least in the region that contacts the contact portion. Also, the positioning members 811a to 811c, the regulating member 811d, and the positioning support portion 810 may be integrally molded.

[0120] In addition, in this embodiment, the positioning and abutment configuration is configured such that the abutment portion is concave and the positioning portion is convex, and positioning is performed by fitting the concave and convex portions together, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the abutment portion may be convex and the positioning portion may be concave, or some of the abutment portions may be concave and others may be convex, and correspondingly, some of the positioning portions may be convex and others may be concave.

[0121] In addition, the specific shape of the concave shape of the contact portion, that is, the combination of the arrangement of the cone and the groove, may be arranged differently from that in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the contact portion 221b as the first contact portion provided on the same side as the contact portion 221c as the second contact portion in the sheet width direction (recording head longitudinal direction) is a groove-shaped portion, and the contact portion 221a as the first contact portion provided on the opposite side is a concave cone-shaped portion. In contrast, for example, the contact portion 221a may be changed from the concave cone-shaped portion to a groove-shaped portion, and the contact portion 221b may be changed from the groove-shaped portion to a concave cone-shaped portion.

[0122] In this embodiment, the side where the cone-shaped contact portion 221a is provided is the reference point side during the recording operation of the recording head 22, and the side where the cone-shaped portion is provided is configured to be the same as the sheet transport reference side in the sheet width direction. That is, the positioning configuration that is the operation reference point side of the recording head 22 is configured to be an engagement configuration between the contact portion 221a, which is a cone-shaped recess, and the positioning member 811a, which is a partially spherical convex portion, and is configured to regulate the positions of the contact portions 221a and 811a in the sheet transport direction and the sheet width direction. On the other hand, the positioning configuration on the opposite side to the operation reference side of the recording head 22 is configured to absorb the influence of dimensional errors and the like (to allow dimensional errors to escape) by making the contact portions 221b and 221c in the groove shape that are open in the sheet width direction. In this way, it is desirable to align the reference point of the recording head 22 and the sheet transport reference on the same side from the viewpoint of the image quality of the recorded image, and it is possible to reduce the variation in the image position formed on the sheet. In addition, by placing the cone-shaped portion, which serves as the reference point for the recording head 22, as far away as possible from the heat source of the device, the influence of thermal deformation is reduced. In this embodiment, the cone-shaped portion is provided on the front side of the device, not on the rear side where there are many heat sources such as electric boards.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, the second contact portion 221c is arranged on the same side (back side of the device) as the contact portion 221b in the longitudinal direction (width direction) of the recording head 22, but it may be arranged on the same side (front side of the device) as the opposite contact portion 221a.

[0124] The disclosure of the embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Configuration 1) a recording unit including a first recording head and a second recording head; a support and movement section that supports the recording unit and moves the recording unit; In a recording device comprising: 2. A recording apparatus, comprising: a first recording head and a second recording head, the first recording head and the second recording head being configured so that their relative positions can be changed. (Configuration 2) a transport unit that is positioned with the recording unit at a first position and transports a sheet to be recorded by the recording unit; a maintenance unit that is positioned with the recording unit at a second position different from the first position and performs maintenance on the recording unit; 2. The recording device according to claim 1, (Configuration 3) the first recording head is positioned in a first relative arrangement with respect to the second recording head when the recording unit is in the first position; 3. The recording apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the first recording head is positioned in a second relative arrangement with respect to the second recording head, the second relative arrangement being different from the first relative arrangement, when the recording unit is in the second position. (Configuration 4) The first recording head and the second recording head are In the first relative arrangement, the electrodes are arranged at different heights from each other, 4. The recording device according to configuration 3, wherein in the second relative arrangement, the recording elements are arranged at the same height. (Configuration 5) The first recording head and the second recording head are In the first relative arrangement, the angles of the ink ejection surfaces are different from each other, 5. The recording apparatus according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein in the second relative arrangement, the ink ejection surfaces are arranged at the same angle. (Configuration 6) a first positioning portion that contacts the first recording head and the second recording head when the recording unit is in the first position; a second positioning portion that contacts the first recording head and the second recording head when the recording unit is in the second position; Equipped with The first recording head and the second recording head are The first positioning portion is brought into contact with the first positioning portion to be positioned in the first relative arrangement, 6. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 3 to 5, wherein the recording apparatus is positioned in the second relative arrangement by contact with the second positioning portion. (Configuration 7) The recording device described in configuration 6, wherein the support movement section has a support section that supports the first recording head and the second recording head when the recording unit is not at the first position or the second position, and does not support the first recording head or the second recording head when the recording unit is at the first position or the second position. (Configuration 8) The first recording head and the second recording head each include a first contact portion that contacts the first positioning portion when the recording unit is in the first position and that contacts the second positioning portion when the recording unit is in the second position; a second contact portion provided at a position different from the first contact portion, the second contact portion contacting the first positioning portion when the recording unit is at the first position and contacting the second positioning portion when the recording unit is at the second position; having The recording device according to configuration 6 or 7, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the first positioning portion at different times when the recording unit moves to the first position. (Configuration 9) 9. The recording apparatus according to configuration 8, wherein the first contact portion is provided upstream of the second contact portion in a sheet transport direction. (Configuration 10) 10. The recording apparatus according to configuration 8 or 9, wherein the second recording head is disposed upstream of the first recording head in a sheet transport direction. (Configuration 11) A recording device described in any one of configurations 8 to 10, characterized in that in the second recording head, the position at which the first abutment portion abuts on the first positioning portion is lower than the position at which the second abutment portion abuts on the first positioning portion. (Configuration 12) A recording device described in any one of configurations 8 to 11, characterized in that in the second recording head, the timing at which the first abutment portion abuts on the first positioning portion is later than the timing at which the second abutment portion abuts on the first positioning portion. (Configuration 13) The recording device described in any one of configurations 8 to 12, further comprising a regulating portion that regulates the posture of the second recording head from the time when the second contact portion abuts on the first positioning portion until the first contact portion abuts on the first positioning portion. (Configuration 14) The recording device described in configuration 13, characterized in that the regulating portion abuts against the second recording head before the first abutment portion abuts against the first positioning portion, and moves away from the second recording head as the first abutment portion abuts against the first positioning portion. (Configuration 15) 15. The recording apparatus according to configuration 13 or 14, wherein the regulating portion abuts against the second recording head so as to maintain a posture in which the second recording head does not contact a sheet. (Configuration 16) the first contact portions are provided on both ends of the second recording head in a width direction of the sheet perpendicular to a conveying direction of the sheet, the second contact portion is provided at one end of the second recording head in the width direction, A recording device described in any one of configurations 13 to 15, characterized in that the regulating portion is provided at the other end of the second recording head in the width direction, upstream of the first contact portion in the transport direction. (Configuration 17) a recording head having a first contact portion and a second contact portion; a support and movement unit that supports the recording head and moves the recording head between a positioning position and a non-positioning position; a positioning portion where the first contact portion and the second contact portion come into contact with each other when the recording head is at the positioning position; Equipped with In a recording device, a timing at which the first contact portion contacts the positioning portion is delayed compared to a timing at which the second contact portion contacts the positioning portion, a regulating portion that regulates the attitude of the recording head during a period from when the second contact portion abuts on the positioning portion until when the first contact portion abuts on the positioning portion; (Configuration 18) The recording device described in configuration 17, characterized in that the regulating portion abuts against the recording head before the first abutment portion abuts against the positioning portion, and moves away from the recording head when the first abutment portion abuts against the positioning portion. (Configuration 19) the first contact portions are provided on both ends of the recording head in a width direction of the sheet perpendicular to a conveying direction of the sheet, the second contact portion is provided at one end of the recording head in the width direction and upstream of the first contact portion in the transport direction, 19. The recording apparatus according to configuration 17 or 18, wherein the regulating portion is provided at the other end of the recording head in the width direction, upstream of the first contact portion in the transport direction. (Configuration 20) The recording device described in any one of configurations 17 to 19, characterized in that the support movement portion has a support portion that supports the recording head while the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion are not abutting the positioning portion, and does not support the recording head when the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion abut the positioning portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 22...recording head, 221...positioned portion, 221a...first contact portion, 221b...second contact portion, 221c...third contact portion, 221e...fourth contact portion, 26...head holder, 261...first hole, 261a...first groove portion, 261b...first inclined portion, 262...second hole, 262a...second groove portion, 262b...second inclined portion, 263...third hole, 263a...third groove portion, 263b...third inclined portion, 27a...first pin, 27b...second pin, 27c...third pin, 51a...first urging member, 51b...second urging member, 51c...third urging member, 81...sheet conveying portion housing, 811a to 811c...positioning member, 811d...regulating member, 17...maintenance portion, 171...positioning portion, S...sheet

Claims

1. a recording unit including a first recording head and a second recording head; a support and movement unit that supports the recording unit and moves the recording unit; a transport unit positioned with the recording unit at a first position and configured to transport a sheet to be recorded by the recording unit; a maintenance unit that is positioned with the recording unit at a second position different from the first position and performs maintenance on the recording unit; In a recording device comprising: a first recording head and a second recording head, the first recording head and the second recording head being configured so that their relative positions can be changed;

2. the first recording head is positioned at a first relative position with respect to the second recording head when the recording unit is at the first position; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first recording head is positioned with respect to the second recording head at a second relative arrangement different from the first relative arrangement when the recording unit is in the second position.

3. The first recording head and the second recording head are In the first relative arrangement, the electrodes are arranged at different heights, 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the second relative arrangement, the recording elements are arranged at the same height.

4. The first recording head and the second recording head are In the first relative arrangement, the angles of the ink ejection surfaces are different from each other, 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the second relative arrangement, the angles of the ink ejection surfaces are the same as each other.

5. a first positioning portion that contacts the first recording head and the second recording head when the recording unit is at the first position; a second positioning portion that contacts the first recording head and the second recording head when the recording unit is in the second position; Equipped with The first recording head and the second recording head are the first positioning portion is brought into contact with the first positioning portion to be positioned in the first relative arrangement; 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording apparatus is positioned in the second relative arrangement by contact with the second positioning portion.

6. 6. The recording device according to claim 5, wherein the support movement section has a support section that supports the first recording head and the second recording head when the recording unit is not at the first position or the second position, and does not support the first recording head or the second recording head when the recording unit is at the first position or the second position.

7. The first recording head and the second recording head each include: a first contact portion that contacts the first positioning portion when the recording unit is at the first position and that contacts the second positioning portion when the recording unit is at the second position; a second contact portion provided at a position different from the first contact portion, the second contact portion contacting the first positioning portion when the recording unit is at the first position and contacting the second positioning portion when the recording unit is at the second position; and 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the first positioning portion at different times when the recording unit moves to the first position.

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first contact portion is provided upstream of the second contact portion in the sheet transport direction.

9. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second recording head is disposed upstream of the first recording head in the sheet transport direction.

10. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein in the second recording head, the position where the first contact portion contacts the first positioning portion is lower than the position where the second contact portion contacts the first positioning portion.

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in the second recording head, the timing at which the first contact portion contacts the first positioning portion is later than the timing at which the second contact portion contacts the first positioning portion.

12. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a regulating portion that regulates the posture of the second recording head from the time when the second contact portion abuts the first positioning portion until the time when the first contact portion abuts the first positioning portion.

13. The recording device according to claim 12, wherein the regulating portion abuts against the second recording head before the first abutment portion abuts against the first positioning portion, and the regulating portion moves away from the second recording head when the first abutment portion abuts against the first positioning portion.

14. 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the regulating portion abuts against the second recording head so as to maintain a posture in which the second recording head does not come into contact with the sheet.

15. The first contact portion is configured to contact the second recording medium in a width direction of the sheet perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the sheet. Provided at both ends of the head, the second contact portion is provided at one end of the second recording head in the width direction, 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the regulating portion is provided at the other end of the second recording head in the width direction, and upstream of the first contact portion in the transport direction.

16. a recording head having a first contact portion and a second contact portion; a support and movement unit that supports the recording head and moves the recording head between a positioning position and a non-positioning position; a positioning portion where the first contact portion and the second contact portion come into contact with each other when the recording head is at the positioning position; Equipped with In a recording device, a timing at which the first contact portion contacts the positioning portion is later than a timing at which the second contact portion contacts the positioning portion, a regulating portion that regulates the attitude of the recording head during the period from when the second contact portion abuts on the positioning portion until when the first contact portion abuts on the positioning portion;

17. 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the regulating portion abuts against the recording head before the first abutment portion abuts against the positioning portion, and the regulating portion moves away from the recording head when the first abutment portion abuts against the positioning portion.

18. the first contact portions are provided on both ends of the recording head in a width direction of the sheet that is perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the sheet, the second contact portion is provided at one end of the recording head in the width direction and upstream of the first contact portion in the transport direction, 18. The recording apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the regulating portion is provided at the other end of the recording head in the width direction, and upstream of the first contact portion in the transport direction.

19. A recording device described in any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the support movement portion has a support portion that supports the recording head while the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion are not abutting the positioning portion, and does not support the recording head when the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion abut the positioning portion.

Images