Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device configured to be able to reduce the risk that an enclosure may be enlarged in size in a vertical direction.SOLUTION: A recording device comprises a recording part extending in one direction, which can discharge liquid over the whole width of a medium M1 at once, a fitting part to which a storage body storing the liquid is fitted, a flow path connected to the recording part and the fitting part, and an enclosure 15 storing the recording part, the fitting part and the flow path. The enclosure defines a discharge space S1 into which the medium having an image recorded thereon by the recording part is discharged, where the discharge space is formed outside the enclosure. The flow path overlaps with the discharge space, when viewed from one direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a recording device that includes a recording unit that records an image on a medium and a housing that defines an ejection space into which the recorded medium is ejected. The recording unit records an image on the medium using liquid supplied from a container that contains the liquid. The recording unit and the container are housed in the housing. The ejection space is located at the top of the housing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-121556 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a recording device, the recording unit and the container are connected by a flow path. The flow path extends inside the housing. In this case, it is considered that the flow path is accommodated in the housing below the discharge space. In order to secure a space in the housing to accommodate the flow path, the housing may become large in the vertical direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A recording device that solves the above problem includes a recording unit that extends in one direction and is capable of ejecting liquid simultaneously across the entire width of a medium, a mounting unit to which a container for containing liquid is attached, a flow path connected to the recording unit and the mounting unit, and a housing that houses the recording unit, the mounting unit, and the flow path, wherein the housing defines an ejection space into which the medium recorded by the recording unit is ejected, the ejection space being a space outside the housing, and the flow path overlaps with the ejection space when viewed from the one direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the recording device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with a loading unit removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 3 with the housing removed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a schematic internal configuration of the recording apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with a loading unit attached thereto. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the loading section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the recording apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the recording apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the recording device in which the recording unit is located at the retracted position and the loading unit is removed. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the recording device shown in FIG. 11 with the recording unit displaced to the recording position. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the recording device in which the recording unit is located at the retracted position and the loading unit is attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the recording device shown in FIG. 13 with the recording unit displaced to the recording position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] An embodiment of a recording device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The recording device is, for example, an inkjet printer that records images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper or fabric.

[0008] <Recording device> 1, the recording device 11 includes a device main body 12. The device main body 12 is configured to record an image on a medium M1. The device main body 12 will be described in detail later. The recording device 11 may be a multifunction device having not only a function of recording an image on a medium M1 but also other functions.

[0009] The recording device 11 may include a reading unit 13. The reading unit 13 is configured to read an image recorded on a document. The reading unit 13 is a scanner. The reading unit 13 sequentially reads images by automatically feeding a set document. The reading unit 13 is mounted on the device body 12. The reading unit 13 is mounted on the upper part of the device body 12. The reading unit 13 overlaps with the device body 12 when viewed from the vertical direction D3.

[0010] The recording device 11 includes an operation unit 14. The operation unit 14 is an interface that allows a user to operate the recording device 11. The operation unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel. The operation unit 14 may include buttons, levers, switches, and the like. The operation unit 14 is located in front of the device body 12 and the reading unit 13.

[0011] <Device body> The device main body 12 has a housing 15. The housing 15 houses various components of the device main body 12. The housing 15 is rectangular. The housing 15 has a depth, a width, and a height. The depth of the housing 15 is the length of the housing 15 in a first direction D1. The width of the housing 15 is the length of the housing 15 in a second direction D2. The height of the housing 15 is the length of the housing 15 in a vertical direction D3. The first direction D1 is a direction different from the second direction D2 and the vertical direction D3. The first direction D1 is a direction from the front of the housing 15 to the back. The second direction D2 is a direction different from the vertical direction D3. The second direction D2 is a direction from left to right when the housing 15 is viewed from the first direction D1. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 indicate the directions in which the installation surface on which the device main body 12 is installed extends.

[0012] The housing 15 has a plurality of surfaces. The housing 15 has a front surface 16, a rear surface 17, and two side surfaces. More specifically, the housing 15 has a front surface 16, a rear surface 17, a first side surface 18, and a second side surface 19. The front surface 16 faces in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. In one example, the front surface 16 faces in the same direction as the operation unit 14. The front surface 16 is a surface facing a user who operates the recording device 11. The rear surface 17 is a surface opposite to the front surface 16. The rear surface 17 faces in the first direction D1. The front surface 16 and the rear surface 17 extend in the second direction D2 and the vertical direction D3. The first side surface 18 faces in a direction opposite to the second direction D2. The first side surface 18 faces in a direction different from the front surface 16, the rear surface 17, and the second side surface 19. The second side surface 19 faces in a direction opposite to the first side surface 18. The second side surface 19 faces the second direction D2. The first side surface 18 and the second side surface 19 extend in the first direction D1 and the vertical direction D3.

[0013] The housing 15 has a shape like a rectangular parallelepiped with a part hollowed out. A recess 20 is formed in the housing 15. In one example, the recess 20 is provided by hollowing out a corner of the housing 15. The recess 20 is provided, for example, by hollowing out the front surface 16 and the first side surface 18. The recess 20 is located below the reading unit 13.

[0014] The housing 15 defines an ejection space S1. The ejection space S1 is a space into which the recorded medium M1 is ejected. The ejection space S1 is formed by a recess 20. The ejection space S1 is a space outside the housing 15. The medium M1 ejected from the housing 15 is stored in the ejection space S1. In one example, the ejection space S1 is a space surrounded by the reading unit 13 and the housing 15. The ejection space S1 is exposed through the front surface 16 and the first side surface 18. Therefore, the user can access the ejection space S1 from a position facing the front surface 16. The user can access the ejection space S1 from a position facing the first side surface 18.

[0015] The housing 15 may have one or more covers. In one example, the housing 15 has a front cover 21. The front cover 21 constitutes the front surface 16. The front cover 21 is configured to be openable and closable. When the front cover 21 is opened, the inside of the housing 15 is exposed.

[0016] The housing 15 may have a side cover 22. The side cover 22 is a cover that constitutes the first side surface 18. The side cover 22 is configured to be openable and closable. When the side cover 22 is opened, the inside of the housing 15 is exposed.

[0017] One or more through holes 23 may be formed in the housing 15. The through hole 23 opens to one surface of the housing 15. In one example, the through hole 23 opens to the first side surface 18. The through hole 23 opens to, for example, the side cover 22. The through hole 23 is not limited to the first side surface 18, and may open to, for example, the rear surface 17. The through hole 23 communicates between the inside and outside of the housing 15. Air flows from the outside of the housing 15 into the housing 15 and air flows from the inside of the housing 15 out of the housing 15 through the through hole 23.

[0018] The housing 15 may have one or more ventilation holes 24 formed therein. The ventilation hole 24 opens to one side of the housing 15. That is, the ventilation hole 24 opens to the first side surface 18. The ventilation hole 24 opens to the same side as the through hole 23. The ventilation hole 24 opens to, for example, the side cover 22. The ventilation hole 24 is located below the through hole 23. The ventilation hole 24 allows communication between the inside and outside of the housing 15. Air flows from the outside of the housing 15 into the housing 15 through the ventilation hole 24, and air flows from the inside of the housing 15 to the outside of the housing 15. The through hole 23 and the ventilation hole 24 allow air to flow from the inside to the outside of the housing 15.

[0019] 2, through hole 23 and ventilation hole 24 communicate the inside and outside of housing 15, thereby cooling substrate 81, which will be described later. The uppermost end of through hole 23 is located above the uppermost end of substrate 81. The lowermost end of ventilation hole 24 is located below the lowermost end of substrate 81. Air flows from through hole 23 toward ventilation hole 24, or from ventilation hole 24 toward through hole 23, so that air flows over the entire length of substrate 81 in vertical direction D3. This allows substrate 81 to be effectively cooled.

[0020] When viewed from the first direction D1, the through hole 23 overlaps with a flow path 62, which will be described later. This allows the flow path 62 to be effectively cooled. When viewed from the first direction D1, the ventilation hole 24 may overlap with the flow path 62. In this case, the flow path 62 is further cooled.

[0021] 3, the housing 15 may have an exposure opening 25. The exposure opening 25 opens at the top of the housing 15. The exposure opening 25 opens into the recess 20. The exposure opening 25 is defined by, for example, the front cover 21, the side cover 22, etc. The exposure opening 25 exposes the inside of the housing 15. A user can perform maintenance on the device main body 12 through the exposure opening 25.

[0022] 4, the device body 12 has a frame portion 31. The frame portion 31 is housed in the housing 15. The frame portion 31 is covered by the housing 15 to define a discharge space S1. Therefore, it can be said that the frame portion 31 defines the discharge space S1.

[0023] The frame portion 31 supports the reading portion 13. The frame portion 31 supports the operation portion 14. The frame portion 31 supports the housing 15. The frame portion 31 defines a frame space A1. The frame space A1 is a space surrounded by the frame portion 31. In other words, the frame space A1 is a space within the frame portion 31. The frame space A1 is a space within the housing 15. Various components provided in the device main body 12 are located in the frame space A1. The frame portion 31 supports the various components housed in the housing 15.

[0024] The frame unit 31 has one or more frames. In one example, the frame unit 31 has a first frame 32, a second frame 33, and a third frame 34. The first frame 32, the second frame 33, and the third frame 34 define a frame space A1. The frames are made of, for example, metal. This ensures the rigidity of the device body 12.

[0025] The first frame 32 and the second frame 33 are aligned in one direction. In one example, the first frame 32 and the second frame 33 are aligned in the first direction D1. The first frame 32 is located forward in the device body 12. The first frame 32 is, for example, a front frame. The second frame 33 is located further in the first direction D1 than the first frame 32. The second frame 33 is located rearward in the device body 12. The second frame 33 is, for example, a rear frame. The third frame 34 connects the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. The third frame 34 is located laterally in the device body 12. The third frame 34 is, for example, a side frame. The third frame 34 is attached to the first frame 32 and the second frame 33.

[0026] The second frame 33 has a frame wall 35. The frame wall 35 extends in the second direction D2 and the vertical direction D3. The frame wall 35 is a wall that divides the inside and outside of the frame section 31. The frame wall 35 divides the inside and outside of the frame section 31 within the housing 15. Within the housing 15, a space in the first direction D1 beyond the frame wall 35 is the space outside the frame section 31. Within the housing 15, a space in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 beyond the frame wall 35 is the space within the frame section 31.

[0027] The third frame 34 has one or more frame members. In one example, the third frame 34 has a first frame member 36, a second frame member 37, and a third frame member 38. The frame members connect the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. The frame members extend in a first direction D1. The frame members are plates that extend in the first direction D1 and the vertical direction D3.

[0028] The multiple frame members may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction D3. In one example, the first frame member 36, the second frame member 37, and the third frame member 38 are positioned at intervals in the vertical direction D3. For example, the first frame member 36, the second frame member 37, and the third frame member 38 are lined up in this order in the vertical direction D3.

[0029] The frame material is attached to the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. The first frame material 36 may be welded to the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. In this case, the rigidity of the frame portion 31 is improved. The frame material may be screwed to the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. In this case, the frame material is detachable from the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. By removing the frame material, the user can access the inside of the frame portion 31 from the side of the device body 12. Therefore, the maintainability of the device body 12 is improved.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the device main body 12 has a storage section 41. The storage section 41 is configured to store the medium M1. For example, a plurality of media M1 are stored in a stacked state in the storage section 41. The storage section 41 is attached to the housing 15. The storage section 41 is located at a lower part within the housing 15. In one example, the storage section 41 is configured to be insertable and removable from the housing 15. The storage section 41 is, for example, a cassette. The storage section 41 is insertable and removable from the front surface 16, for example. A user can refill the storage section 41 with media M1 by pulling the storage section 41 out of the housing 15. The storage section 41 is not limited to a cassette, and may be a tray.

[0031] The device body 12 has a transport path 42. The transport path 42 is a path along which the medium M1 is transported. The transport path 42 extends inside the housing 15. The transport path 42 extends from inside the housing 15 to outside the housing 15. More specifically, the transport path 42 extends from the storage section 41 to the discharge space S1. An image is recorded on the medium M1 while it is transported along the transport path 42.

[0032] The device body 12 has a transport unit 43. The transport unit 43 is configured to transport the medium M1. The transport unit 43 transports the medium M1 stored in the storage unit 41. The transport unit 43 transports the medium M1 along the transport path 42. The transport unit 43 has one or more rollers 44. In one example, the transport unit 43 has a plurality of rollers 44. The plurality of rollers 44 are located along the transport path 42. The plurality of rollers 44 transport the medium M1 by rotating respectively.

[0033] The device body 12 has a support section 45. The support section 45 is configured to support the medium M1. The support section 45 supports the medium M1 transported from the storage section 41. The support section 45 supports the medium M1 transported on the transport path 42. In one example, the support section 45 supports the medium M1 in a position that is oblique to the horizontal. The support section 45 supports the medium M1 by adsorbing it. This stabilizes the position of the medium M1. The support section 45 may support the medium M1 in a horizontal position.

[0034] The support unit 45 may be configured to transport the medium M1. In one example, the support unit 45 has a conveyor belt 46, a first pulley 47, and a second pulley 48. The conveyor belt 46 is wound around the first pulley 47 and the second pulley 48. The conveyor belt 46 attracts the medium M1 by, for example, electrostatic force. As a result, the conveyor belt 46 supports the medium M1. The conveyor belt 46 may be configured to attract the medium M1 by, for example, negative pressure due to suction. The first pulley 47 and the second pulley 48 rotate, causing the conveyor belt 46 to rotate. As a result, the medium M1 supported by the conveyor belt 46 is transported. The conveyor belt 46 transports the medium M1, for example, obliquely upward. The support unit 45 may be a simple support stand.

[0035] The device body 12 has a recording unit 49. The recording unit 49 is configured to record an image on the medium M1. The recording unit 49 records an image on the medium M1 by ejecting a liquid onto the medium M1. The recording unit 49 faces the support unit 45. The recording unit 49 records an image on the medium M1 supported by the support unit 45.

[0036] The recording unit 49 extends in one direction. More specifically, the recording unit 49 extends in a first direction D1. The recording unit 49 includes a line head capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid across the entire width of the medium M1. The recording unit 49 has a head 50. The head 50 has an ejection surface 52 in which one or more nozzles 51 open. The head 50 ejects liquid from the nozzles 51. The ejection surface 52 faces the medium M1. The ejection surface 52 faces the support unit 45.

[0037] The recording unit 49 has a head control unit 53. The head control unit 53 is configured to control the head 50. The head control unit 53 controls the head 50 to control the ejection of liquid. The head control unit 53 is located above the head 50. In one example, the head control unit 53 is located on the upper surface of the head 50. The upper surface of the head 50 is the surface of the head 50 opposite the ejection surface 52. The head control unit 53 is connected to a substrate 81 described later. The head control unit 53 is connected to the substrate 81 by, for example, an electric wire, a signal line, or the like.

[0038] The head control unit 53 may be configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The head control unit 53 may be configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an ASIC, that execute at least some of the various processes. The head control unit 53 may be configured with a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions that are configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0039] The recording unit 49 has a joint 54. The joint 54 is connected to a supply unit 57. Liquid is supplied to the head 50 through the joint 54. The joint 54 is located above the head 50. In one example, the joint 54 is located on a side surface of the head 50. In particular, the joint 54 is located on the side surface facing upward among a plurality of side surfaces that the head 50 has.

[0040] The recording unit 49 is housed in the housing 15. The recording unit 49 is supported by the frame portion 31. More specifically, the recording unit 49 is supported by the first frame 32 and the second frame 33. The recording unit 49 is, for example, mounted across the first frame 32 and the second frame 33.

[0041] The recording unit 49 is located below the discharge space S1 within the housing 15. The space in the housing 15 that is at the same height as the discharge space S1 has a small volume due to the presence of the recess 20. On the other hand, the space in the housing 15 that is below the discharge space S1 has a large volume. By being located in a space with a large volume, the recording unit 49 can easily record an image on the medium M1.

[0042] The recording unit 49 is configured to be displaced between a recording position P1 and a retracted position P2. The recording unit 49 is displaced between the recording position P1 and the retracted position P2 by moving in a direction perpendicular to the ejection surface 52. The recording unit 49 is displaced by a mechanism such as a rack and pinion or a ball screw.

[0043] The recording position P1 is a position where the recording unit 49 records on the medium M1. That is, the recording position P1 is a position where liquid is ejected onto the medium M1 supported by the support unit 45. The recording position P1 is the position of the recording unit 49 shown by a solid line in FIG. At the recording position P1, the recording unit 49 approaches the support unit 45.

[0044] The retract position P2 is a position when the recording unit 49 retracts from the support unit 45. That is, the retract position P2 is a position farther away from the support unit 45 than the recording position P1. Therefore, the distance between the recording unit 49 located at the retract position P2 and the support unit 45 is greater than the distance between the recording unit 49 located at the recording position P1 and the support unit 45. The retract position P2 is the position of the recording unit 49 indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.

[0045] The retracted position P2 may include a position when the recording unit 49 is replaced by a user and a position when maintenance is performed by a maintenance unit 55 described later. In this case, the position when the recording unit 49 is replaced may be closer to the exposure opening 25 than the position when maintenance is performed.

[0046] The recording unit 49 is positioned so as to be exposed from the exposure opening 25 when the loading unit 71, which will be described later, is in an open state. In one example, the recording unit 49 is exposed from the exposure opening 25 at both the recording position P1 and the retracted position P2. Of the recording unit 49, it is preferable that the head control unit 53 and the joint 54 are exposed from the exposure opening 25. In this case, the user can easily access the head control unit 53 and the joint 54 through the exposure opening 25. This is because the head control unit 53 and the joint 54 are located above the head 50. The user can easily replace the recording unit 49.

[0047] The recording unit 49 overlaps with the support unit 45 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the head 50 overlaps with the conveyor belt 46 when viewed from the second direction D2. In one example, the head 50 located at the recording position P1 overlaps with the conveyor belt 46 when viewed from the second direction D2. The head 50 located at the retracted position P2 also overlaps with the conveyor belt 46 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0048] The device body 12 has a maintenance unit 55. The maintenance unit 55 is configured to perform maintenance on the recording unit 49. The maintenance unit 55 performs maintenance on the head 50. More specifically, the maintenance unit 55 performs maintenance on the head 50 by flushing, capping, cleaning, and the like. Flushing is an operation in which the head 50 appropriately ejects liquid from the nozzle 51. Flushing prevents clogging of the nozzle 51. The maintenance unit 55 receives the liquid from the flushing. Capping is an operation in which the nozzle 51 is moisturized. Capping prevents clogging of the nozzle 51. The maintenance unit 55 contacts the head 50 to form a space communicating with the nozzle 51. Cleaning is an operation in which liquid is discharged from the nozzle 51. Foreign matter is discharged from the head 50 together with the liquid by cleaning. The maintenance unit 55 discharges the liquid from the nozzle 51 by suction.

[0049] The maintenance unit 55 is configured to be displaceable. The maintenance unit 55 is displaced by, for example, a rack and pinion, a ball screw, or the like. The maintenance unit 55 is located at a maintenance position when maintenance is performed on the recording unit 49. The maintenance position is a position between the support unit 45 and the recording unit 49. At the maintenance position, the maintenance unit 55 faces the ejection surface 52. The maintenance unit 55 is located at a standby position when maintenance is not performed on the recording unit 49. The standby position is a position retracted from between the support unit 45 and the recording unit 49. The maintenance unit 55 shown in FIG. 5 is located at the standby position.

[0050] A waste liquid tank 56 may be attached to the device main body 12. The waste liquid tank 56 is a tank that stores liquid discharged by maintenance. The waste liquid tank 56 is connected to the maintenance unit 55. The waste liquid tank 56 stores liquid received by the maintenance unit 55 by flushing, cleaning, etc. In one example, the waste liquid tank 56 is replaceable.

[0051] The waste liquid tank 56 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the waste liquid tank 56 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 located at the standby position when viewed from the second direction D2. The waste liquid tank 56 may overlap with the maintenance unit 55 located at the maintenance position when viewed from the second direction D2. The waste liquid tank 56 is attached to the apparatus body 12 so that the waste liquid tank 56 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0052] The device body 12 has a supply unit 57. The supply unit 57 is configured to supply liquid to the recording unit 49. The supply unit 57 is connected to the recording unit 49. The supply unit 57 is connected to the joint 54. When viewed from the first direction D1, the supply unit 57 is located between the third frame 34 and the transport unit 43. That is, in the first direction D1, the distance between the third frame 34 and the supply unit 57 is smaller than the distance between the third frame 34 and the transport unit 43. Therefore, the transport unit 43 is close to the second side surface 19, whereas the supply unit 57 is close to the first side surface 18.

[0053] The supply unit 57 has a mounting unit 58. The mounting unit 58 is configured to mount one or more containers 59. In one example, four containers 59 are mounted in the mounting unit 58. More specifically, the four containers 59 are mounted in the mounting unit 58 in a state lined up in the second direction D2. The containers 59 are configured to hold liquid. The containers 59 are, for example, ink cartridges. The four containers 59 each hold a different type of liquid. The four containers 59 each hold liquid of a different color.

[0054] The container 59 overlaps with the recording unit 49 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the container 59 overlaps with the head 50 located at the recording position P1 when viewed from the second direction D2. The container 59 also overlaps with the head 50 located at the retracted position P2 when viewed from the second direction D2. The container 59 is attached to the mounting portion 58 so that the container 59 overlaps with the recording unit 49 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0055] When viewed from the second direction D2, the container 59 overlaps with the support portion 45. That is, the container 59 is attached to the attachment portion 58 so that the container 59 overlaps with the support portion 45 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0056] The mounting portion 58 has a storage portion 60. The storage portion 60 is configured to have a container 59 attached thereto. The storage portion 60 is configured to store liquid supplied from the container 59. The storage portion 60 individually stores multiple types of liquid supplied from each of the multiple containers 59. The storage portion 60 is located below the container 59.

[0057] The storage unit 60 stores the liquid so that the liquid level is located at a reference position L1. The storage unit 60 receives the liquid from the container 59 so that the liquid level is maintained at the reference position L1. In one example, the inside of the storage unit 60 is open to the atmosphere. Liquid is automatically supplied from the container 59 to the storage unit 60 by atmospheric pressure. When the liquid level of the storage unit 60 falls below the reference position L1, the liquid is supplied from the container 59 to the storage unit 60. When the liquid level reaches the reference position L1, the supply of liquid from the container 59 to the storage unit 60 stops.

[0058] The reference position L1 is located below the head 50. More specifically, the reference position L1 is located below the ejection surface 52. The storage unit 60 supplies liquid due to a head difference with respect to the recording unit 49. Therefore, by positioning the reference position L1 below the ejection surface 52, negative pressure is created inside the head 50. As a result, a meniscus is formed in the nozzle 51. Therefore, the head 50 can eject liquid appropriately.

[0059] The mounting unit 58 has a relay member 61. The relay member 61 is a member that relays the storage unit 60 and the recording unit 49. The relay member 61 is, for example, a flow path member in which a resin plate is attached to a resin substrate in which a groove is formed. The relay member 61 is connected to the storage unit 60. The liquid stored in the storage unit 60 flows through the relay member 61. The relay member 61 extends below the storage unit 60. The relay member 61 extends in the first direction D1. The relay member 61 extends below the storage unit 60 toward the rear of the storage unit 60.

[0060] The supply unit 57 has a flow path 62. A liquid flows through the flow path 62. The flow path 62 is a flexible tube. In one example, the flow path 62 is a multiple tube through which a plurality of types of liquid flows. The flow path 62 may be composed of a plurality of tubes aligned in a line. The flow path 62 is connected to the mounting unit 58 and the recording unit 49. More specifically, the flow path 62 is connected to the relay member 61 and the joint 54.

[0061] The flow path 62 has a first end 63 and a second end 64. The first end 63 is connected to the mounting portion 58. More specifically, the first end 63 is connected to the relay member 61. The second end 64 is connected to the recording portion 49. More specifically, the second end 64 is connected to the joint 54. Therefore, the distance between the first end 63 and the mounting portion 58 is smaller than the distance between the first end 63 and the recording portion 49. The distance between the second end 64 and the recording portion 49 is smaller than the distance between the second end 64 and the mounting portion 58.

[0062] The first end 63 and the second end 64 are positioned to sandwich the center of the mounting portion 58 when viewed from the first direction D1. In one example, the first end 63 is positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction D2 from the center line L2. The center line L2 is a virtual line that divides the mounting portion 58 in the second direction D2. The center line L2 extends in the vertical direction D3. The center line L2 is a virtual line that passes through the center position of the mounting portion 58 in the second direction D2. The second end 64 is positioned in the second direction D2 from the center line L2. That is, the first end 63 and the second end 64 are positioned to sandwich the center line L2 in the second direction D2. This reduces the degree of bending of the flow path 62. If both the first end 63 and the second end 64 are positioned in the second direction D2 from the center line L2, the degree of bending of the flow path 62 becomes large. In this case, the flow path 62 may be bent at an acute angle. When the flow path 62 is composed of a plurality of tubes, it is preferable that the first end 63 and the second end 64 of one or more of the plurality of tubes are positioned so as to sandwich the center line L2 therebetween.

[0063] The flow channel 62 has an upper portion 65. The upper portion 65 is a portion of the flow channel 62 that includes the top. In other words, the upper portion 65 includes a portion of the flow channel 62 that is located at the apex. The upper portion 65 is a portion that is located between the first end 63 and the second end 64. The upper portion 65 includes a portion that is bent so as to be convex upward.

[0064] The flow path 62 overlaps with the discharge space S1 when viewed from the first direction D1. More specifically, the upper portion 65 overlaps with the discharge space S1 when viewed from the first direction D1. The upper portion 65 is located in a flow path space A3 described later. When viewed from the first direction D1, the flow path 62 overlaps with the discharge space S1, so that the degree of bending of the flow path 62 is reduced compared to when the flow path 62 does not overlap with the discharge space S1, for example, when the flow path 62 is located below the discharge space S1. When the flow path 62 is located below the discharge space S1, it is possible to enlarge the frame space A1 in the vertical direction D3 in order to reduce the degree of bending of the flow path 62. In this case, there is a risk that the device body 12 will be enlarged in the vertical direction D3, but by positioning the flow path 62 so as to overlap with the discharge space S1, the risk of the device body 12 being enlarged in the vertical direction D3 is reduced.

[0065] The flow path 62 overlaps with the mounting portion 58 when viewed from the first direction D1. More specifically, a portion of the flow path 62 including the first end 63 overlaps with the storage portion 60 when viewed from the first direction D1. The flow path 62 extends upward from the relay member 61. The flow path 62 extends straight upward behind the storage portion 60. The flow path 62 extends upward from the first end 63 to the second end 64, and then extends in the second direction D2. The flow path 62 extends along the second frame 33. More specifically, the flow path 62 extends along the frame wall 35 from the first end 63 to the second end 64.

[0066] The flow path 62 overlaps with the container 59 when viewed from the first direction D1. That is, the container 59 is attached to the mounting portion 58 so that the flow path 62 overlaps with the container 59 when viewed from the first direction D1. In one example, a portion of the flow path 62 between the first end 63 and the upper portion 65 overlaps with the container 59 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0067] The supply unit 57 overlaps with the waste liquid tank 56 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the mounting unit 58 overlaps with the waste liquid tank 56 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the storage unit 60 overlaps with the waste liquid tank 56 when viewed from the second direction D2. That is, the waste liquid tank 56 is mounted on the device body 12 so that the storage unit 60 overlaps with the waste liquid tank 56.

[0068] The supply unit 57 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the mounting unit 58 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 when viewed from the second direction D2. More specifically, the storage unit 60 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 when viewed from the second direction D2. In one example, the storage unit 60 overlaps with the maintenance unit 55 located at the standby position when viewed from the second direction D2. The storage unit 60 may overlap with the maintenance unit 55 located at the maintenance position when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0069] The supply unit 57 may overlap the recording unit 49 when viewed from the second direction D2. The supply unit 57 may overlap the recording unit 49 located at the recording position P1 when viewed from the second direction D2, or may overlap the recording unit 49 located at the retracted position P2 when viewed from the second direction D2. For example, the mounting unit 58 may overlap the recording unit 49 when viewed from the second direction D2. In one example, the storage unit 60 overlaps the recording unit 49 when viewed from the second direction D2. In more detail, the storage unit 60 overlaps the head 50 with the reference position L1 located below the ejection surface 52 when viewed from the second direction D2.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 1, the device main body 12 has a loading section 71. The loading section 71 receives the medium M1 discharged from the housing 15. Therefore, the loading section 71 is loaded with recorded media M1. The loading section 71 receives the medium M1 discharged to the discharge space S1. In other words, the loading section 71 is loaded with the medium M1 discharged to the discharge space S1. The loading section 71 is, for example, a stacker.

[0071] The loading portion 71 is attached to the housing 15. The loading portion 71 is supported by the frame portion 31. The loading portion 71 is housed in the recess 20. In one example, the loading portion 71 is attached to the housing 15 to close the exposure opening 25.

[0072] The loading section 71 may be configured to be displaced between an open state and a closed state. The open state is a state in which the exposure opening 25 is exposed. The closed state is a state in which the exposure opening 25 is closed. In one example, the loading section 71 is detachable from the housing 15. The loading section 71 opens the exposure opening 25 or closes the exposure opening 25 by being attached to or detached from the housing 15. The loading section 71 separates the inside of the housing 15 from the outside of the housing 15 by closing the exposure opening 25. The loading section 71 may open or close the exposure opening 25 by, for example, opening or closing with respect to the housing 15 or sliding.

[0073] The stacking unit 71 is located above the recording unit 49. The stacking unit 71 is located above the mounting unit 58. When viewed from the vertical direction D3, the stacking unit 71 overlaps with the reading unit 13. The stacking unit 71 is located directly below the reading unit 13.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, the loading section 71 defines an accommodation space A2 and a flow path space A3. The accommodation space A2 and the flow path space A3 are parts of the frame space A1. The accommodation space A2 is a space in which various components of the device body 12 are accommodated. The flow path space A3 is a space in which the flow path 62 is accommodated. The accommodation space A2 and the flow path space A3 communicate with each other. The accommodation space A2 is defined by the loading section 71, the first frame 32, and the second frame 33. The flow path space A3 is defined by the loading section 71 and the second frame 33. In one example, the flow path space A3 is defined by the loading section 71, the second frame 33, and the reading section 13. The flow path space A3 is a space sandwiched between the loading section 71 and the second frame 33. The flow path space A3 is located between the loading section 71 and the second frame 33 in the first direction D1. When viewed from the first direction D1, the flow path space A3 overlaps with the discharge space S1.

[0075] The storage space A2 communicates with the ventilation hole 24. Therefore, air flows from outside the housing 15 into the storage space A2 through the ventilation hole 24, and air flows from the storage space A2 to the outside of the housing 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and air may flow in and out of the storage space A2 through gaps in the housing 15.

[0076] The flow path space A3 communicates with the through hole 23. Therefore, air flows from outside the housing 15 into the flow path space A3 through the through hole 23, and air flows from the flow path space A3 to the outside of the housing 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and air may flow in and out of the flow path space A3 through gaps in the housing 15.

[0077] The flow path space A3 is a space in which the flow path 62 is located. More specifically, the flow path space A3 is a space in which the upper portion 65 is located. That is, the flow path space A3 is where the bent portion of the flow path 62 is located. Therefore, the loading unit 71, the second frame 33, and the reading unit 13 surround the upper portion 65. This protects the flow path 62. By positioning the flow path 62 in the flow path space A3, the degree of bending of the flow path 62 is reduced compared to when the flow path 62 is contained only in the storage space A2.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the loading section 71 has a loading plate 72. The loading plate 72 is a portion that receives the medium M1 discharged to the discharge space S1. In one example, the loading plate 72 is inclined downward in the second direction D2. The loading plate 72 separates the storage space A2 and the discharge space S1. More specifically, the loading plate 72 separates the storage space A2 and the discharge space S1 in the vertical direction D3. The discharge space S1 is located above the loading plate 72. The storage space A2 is located below the loading plate 72. Therefore, since the flow path 62 is located in the flow path space A3, the loading plate 72 is located below the upper portion 65.

[0079] The stacking section 71 has a stacking surface 72A. The stacking surface 72A is a surface of the stacking plate 72 that receives the media M1. The stacking surface 72A is a surface of the stacking plate 72 that faces upward. The stacking plate 72 is not limited to being composed of a single plate, and may be composed of multiple members. In this case as well, the stacking surface 72A is the upper surface of the stacking plate 72.

[0080] The loading section 71 has an alignment plate 73. The alignment plate 73 extends upward from the loading plate 72. More specifically, the alignment plate 73 extends upward from an end of the loading plate 72 in the second direction D2. The alignment plate 73 extends in the first direction D1 and the vertical direction D3. The alignment plate 73 separates the storage space A2 and the discharge space S1. More specifically, the alignment plate 73 separates the storage space A2 and the discharge space S1 in the second direction D2.

[0081] The alignment plate 73 aligns the media M1 stacked on the stacking plate 72 by contacting the media M1. Specifically, when the media M1 is discharged onto the stacking section 71, the media M1 slides in the second direction D2 along the inclined stacking plate 72. This causes the base ends of the media M1 to come into contact with the alignment plate 73. As a result, the base ends of the multiple media M1 are aligned. Thus, the media M1 are aligned.

[0082] The loading section 71 has a partition plate 74. The partition plate 74 extends from the loading plate 72. In one example, the partition plate 74 extends from the loading plate 72 and the alignment plate 73. The partition plate 74 extends upward from the loading plate 72. Specifically, the partition plate 74 extends upward from an end of the loading plate 72 in the first direction D1. The partition plate 74 extends in the second direction D2 and the vertical direction D3. The partition plate 74 defines a flow path space A3. The partition plate 74 separates the flow path space A3 and the discharge space S1. Specifically, the partition plate 74 separates the flow path space A3 and the discharge space S1 in the first direction D1. The discharge space S1 is located in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 from the partition plate 74. The flow path space A3 is located in the first direction D1 from the partition plate 74. Therefore, when the flow path 62 is located in the flow path space A3, the partition plate 74 overlaps with the upper portion 65 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0083] A partition 75 may be formed in the loading section 71. The partition 75 opens in the partition plate 74. The inside and outside of the housing 15 communicate with each other through the partition 75. More specifically, the discharge space S1 and the flow path space A3 communicate with each other through the partition 75. Air flows from outside the housing 15 to the flow path space A3 through the partition 75, and air flows from the flow path space A3 to the outside of the housing 15 through the through-hole 23, the ventilation hole 24, and the partition 75. Air may flow from inside to outside the housing 15 through gaps in the housing 15, not limited to the through-hole 23, the ventilation hole 24, and the partition 75.

[0084] The loading section 71 does not overlap the flow path 62 when viewed in the vertical direction D3. More specifically, the loading plate 72 does not overlap the upper portion 65 when viewed in the vertical direction D3. That is, the loading surface 72A does not overlap the upper portion 65 when viewed in the vertical direction D3. This reduces the risk that the flow path 62 will interfere with the medium M1 loaded on the loading plate 72.

[0085] 8 and 9, the device body 12 has a board 81. The board 81 may be a power board that controls the power supplied to the device body 12, or a control board that controls the driving of the device body 12.

[0086] The substrate 81 is attached to the frame portion 31. More specifically, the substrate 81 is attached to the second frame 33. In one example, the substrate 81 is fixed so as not to be displaced relative to the second frame 33. The substrate 81 may be attached to the second frame 33 so as to be openable and closable, for example.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 10, the substrate 81 is positioned along the frame wall 35. The substrate 81 may be positioned to be in close contact with the frame wall 35, or may be positioned to be spaced apart from the frame wall 35. The substrate 81 is positioned outside the frame space A1. The substrate 81 is positioned further in the first direction D1 than the frame wall 35. The substrate 81 and the supply unit 57 are positioned to sandwich the frame wall 35 in the first direction D1. That is, the frame wall 35 is positioned between the substrate 81 and the supply unit 57 when viewed from the second direction D2. In other words, the frame wall 35 is positioned between the substrate 81 and the supply unit 57 when viewed from the vertical direction D3. Therefore, the substrate 81 is close to the supply unit 57. In particular, the substrate 81 is close to the flow path 62.

[0088] The substrate 81 is located further in the first direction D1 than the loading section 71, the flow path 62, and the second frame 33. Specifically, the partition plate 74, the flow path 62, the second frame 33, and the substrate 81 are arranged in this order in the first direction D1. More specifically, the partition plate 74, the flow path 62, the frame wall 35, and the substrate 81 are arranged in this order in the first direction D1.

[0089] 11 and 12, the substrate 81 overlaps with the second frame 33 when viewed from the first direction D1. In particular, the substrate 81 overlaps with the frame wall 35 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0090] When viewed from the first direction D1, the substrate 81 overlaps with the supply unit 57. In one example, the substrate 81 overlaps not only with the supply unit 57 but also with the container 59. When viewed from the first direction D1, the substrate 81 overlaps with, for example, the storage unit 60, the relay member 61, and the flow path 62.

[0091] 13 and 14, the substrate 81 overlaps with the loading section 71 when viewed from the first direction D1. More specifically, the substrate 81 overlaps with the partition plate 74 when viewed from the first direction D1. Therefore, the substrate 81 overlaps with the discharge space S1 when viewed from the first direction D1. That is, the substrate 81 overlaps with the flow path space A3 when viewed from the first direction D1. In one example, the substrate 81 also overlaps with the storage space A2 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0092] The substrate 81 generates heat. Because the substrate 81 is attached to the frame, the heat of the substrate 81 easily reaches the frame space A1. In particular, the heat of the substrate 81 easily reaches the supply unit 57. This is because the substrate 81 and the supply unit 57 are close to each other. If the heat reaches the supply unit 57, the liquid may be heated. In this case, the recording unit 49 may not be able to eject the liquid normally.

[0093] The heat of the substrate 81 is likely to reach the reservoir 60, the relay member 61, the flow path 62, and the like, which are located in the accommodation space A2. In particular, since the substrate 81 is located along the frame wall 35, the heat of the substrate 81 is likely to reach the flow path 62 along the frame wall 35. In particular, since heated air is likely to remain upward, the heat of the substrate 81 is likely to remain in the flow path space A3. That is, the heat of the substrate 81 is likely to reach the upper portion 65. In this respect, the flow path space A3 communicates with the outside of the housing 15 through the through hole 23. This reduces the risk that the heat of the substrate 81 will remain in the flow path space A3. Therefore, the risk of the supply section 57 being heated is reduced. In addition, in the frame space A1, the risk of heat remaining is reduced by flowing through the through hole 23 and the vent hole 24, or flowing through the through hole 23 and the partition hole 75. In this way, the flow of air through the flow path space A3 and the frame space A1 cools the flow path 62 and the second frame 33. Cooling the second frame 33 suppresses heat transfer from the substrate 81 to the flow path 62 via the second frame 33. Cooling the second frame 33 also cools the substrate 81.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 3, the device body 12 has a fan 82. The fan 82 is attached to the frame portion 31. The fan 82 is attached to, for example, the second frame 33. The fan 82 is located in the flow path space A3. The fan 82 is located so as to communicate with the through hole 23. In one example, the fan 82 overlaps with the through hole 23 when viewed from the second direction D2. This makes it easier for air to flow in the flow path space A3 when the fan 82 is driven.

[0095] The fan 82 is driven to discharge air from the through-hole 23 to the outside of the housing 15. That is, the fan 82 exhausts air from inside the housing 15 to the outside of the housing 15. The fan 82 exhausts air from the flow path space A3 to the outside of the housing 15 through the through-hole 23. This causes air to flow into the flow path space A3 through the vent 24 and the storage space A2. Air also flows into the flow path space A3 through the partition 75. Driving the fan 82 may cause air to flow into the flow path space A3 through a gap in the housing 15. In one example, when the fan 82 is driven, air flows from the partition 75 to the through-hole 23 so as to move from the recording unit 49 to the mounting unit 58. In this case, the recording unit 49 is actively cooled, so that the recording unit 49 is likely to normally discharge liquid.

[0096] The fan 82 may be driven to cause air to flow into the housing 15 through the through-hole 23. The fan 82 draws air into the housing 15 from outside the housing 15. The fan 82 draws air into the flow path space A3 from outside the housing 15 through the through-hole 23. This causes air to flow out of the flow path space A3 through the ventilation hole 24 and the accommodation space A2. In addition, air flows out of the flow path space A3 through the partition opening 75. Driving the fan 82 may cause air to flow out of the flow path space A3 through a gap in the housing 15.

[0097] <Action and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) When viewed from the first direction D1, the flow path 62 overlaps with the discharge space S1. According to the above configuration, the housing 15 is made smaller in size in the vertical direction D3 than when the flow path 62 is disposed below the discharge space S1. This reduces the risk that the housing 15 will become larger in size in the vertical direction D3.

[0098] (2) The recording unit 49 is located below the discharge space S1. Typically, in the housing 15, the space below the discharge space S1 is larger than the space overlapping with the discharge space S1 when viewed from the first direction D1. With the above configuration, the recording unit 49 is located in the larger space, making it easier for the recording unit 49 to record an image on the medium M1.

[0099] (3) When viewed from the first direction D1, the center of the mounting portion 58 is located between the first end 63 and the second end 64. According to the above configuration, the risk that the degree of curvature of the flow path 62 will become large is reduced compared to a case in which the center of the mounting portion 58 is not located between the first end 63 and the second end 64 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0100] (4) When viewed from the first direction D1, the flow path 62 overlaps with the mounting portion 58. According to the above configuration, the risk that the degree of bending of the flow path 62 will become large is reduced compared to a case in which the flow path 62 does not overlap with the mounting portion 58 when viewed from the first direction D1.

[0101] (5) The recording unit 49 is configured to be displaceable between the recording position P1 and the retracted position P2. According to the above configuration, the recording unit 49 is located at the retracted position P2, which makes it easier for the user to access the recording unit 49.

[0102] (6) The liquid level in the storage unit 60 is located at a position lower than the ejection surface 52. According to the above configuration, a negative pressure is maintained inside the recording unit 49 due to the pressure difference between the liquid level in the storage unit 60 and the ejection surface 52. This allows the recording unit 49 to eject liquid in a stable state.

[0103] (7) The upper portion 65 does not overlap the loading surface 72A when viewed from the vertical direction D3. According to the above configuration, the risk of the medium M1 loaded on the loading surface 72A interfering with the flow path 62 is reduced compared to when the upper portion 65 overlaps with the loading surface 72A when viewed from the vertical direction D3.

[0104] (8) The upper portion 65 is located further in the first direction D1 than the partition plate 74. According to the above configuration, the risk that the medium M1 loaded on the loading surface 72A will interfere with the flow path 62 is reduced. (9) The head control unit 53 and the joint 54 are located above the head 50 and are exposed from the exposure opening 25. According to the above configuration, the user can access the head control unit 53 and the joint 54 from the exposure opening 25. Electric wires, signal lines, etc. are connected to the head control unit 53. A flow path 62 is connected to the joint 54. The user can remove these to take out the recording unit 49 from the housing 15. Therefore, the user can easily replace the recording unit 49 from the exposure opening 25.

[0105] (10) When the first side surface 18 is viewed from the front, the through hole 23 overlaps with the flow path 62. There is a risk that heat from the substrate 81 may reach the flow path 62 via the second frame 33. In this regard, according to the above-described configuration, the risk that the flow path 62 will be heated due to air flowing into the housing 15 through the through hole 23 or air flowing out of the housing 15 through the through hole 23 is reduced.

[0106] (11) The uppermost end of through opening 23 is located at a position that is equal to or higher than the uppermost end of substrate 81. Air heated by substrate 81 tends to flow upward. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the air heated by substrate 81 flows together with air flowing into housing 15 from through opening 23 or flowing out of housing 15 from through opening 23. This reduces the risk that air heated by substrate 81 will stagnate in housing 15. Therefore, the risk that flow path 62 will be heated by substrate 81 is reduced.

[0107] (12) The partition plate 74 has a partition opening 75 communicating with the discharge space S1. According to the above-described configuration, air flows between the inside and the outside of the housing 15 through the partition opening 75 and the through-hole 23, thereby reducing the risk that the flow path 62 will be heated by the substrate 81.

[0108] (13) The recording device 11 includes a fan 82 that blows air out of the housing 15 through the through hole 23. According to the above configuration, the risk of the flow path 62 being heated by the substrate 81 is reduced.

[0109] (14) The recording device 11 includes a fan 82 that blows air into the housing 15 through the through hole 23. According to the above configuration, the risk of the flow path 62 being heated by the substrate 81 is reduced.

[0110] (15) A portion of the flow path 62 is surrounded by the reading unit 13, the second frame 33, and the partition plate 74. According to the above configuration, a portion of the flow path 62 is protected by the reading unit 13, the second frame 33, and the partition plate 74.

[0111] (16) The vent hole 24 is located below the through hole 23 on the first side surface 18. According to the above configuration, the air flows between the inside and the outside of the housing 15 through the through hole 23 and the vent hole 24, thereby reducing the risk that the flow path 62 will be heated by the substrate 81.

[0112] (17) The uppermost end of the through hole 23 is located at a position that is equal to or higher than the uppermost end of the substrate 81. The lowermost end of the vent hole 24 is located at a position that is equal to or lower than the lowermost end of the substrate 81. According to the above configuration, the air flowing from the through hole 23 to the vent hole 24, or the air flowing from the vent hole 24 to the through hole 23, extends over the entire length of the substrate 81. Therefore, the air can easily cool the entire substrate 81. This reduces the risk that the flow path 62 will be heated by the substrate 81.

[0113] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction.

[0114] The loading section 71 may be configured integrally with the housing 15. For example, the housing 15 may have a loading plate 72, an alignment plate 73, and a partition plate 74. The loading plate 72, the alignment plate 73, and the partition plate 74 define the discharge space S1 in the housing 15.

[0115] The liquid discharged by the recording unit 49 is not limited to ink, and may be, for example, a liquid in which particles of a functional material are dispersed or mixed in a liquid. For example, the recording unit 49 may discharge a liquid containing, in a dispersed or dissolved form, a material such as an electrode material or a pixel material used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescence displays, and surface-emitting displays.

[0116] <Technical philosophy> The technical ideas and effects obtained from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0117] (A) A recording device includes a recording unit that extends in one direction and is capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid across the entire width of a medium, a mounting unit to which a container that contains liquid is mounted, a flow path connected to the recording unit and the mounting unit, and a housing that houses the recording unit, the mounting unit, and the flow path, and the housing defines an ejection space into which the medium recorded by the recording unit is ejected, the ejection space is a space outside the housing, and the flow path overlaps with the ejection space when viewed from the one direction. According to the above configuration, the housing is made smaller in the vertical direction than when the flow path is housed below the ejection space. Therefore, the risk of the housing becoming larger in the vertical direction is reduced.

[0118] (B) In the above recording device, the recording unit may be located below the ejection space. Usually, in a housing, the space below the ejection space is larger than the space overlapping with the ejection space when viewed from one direction. With the above configuration, the recording unit is located in the larger space, making it easier for the recording unit to record an image on the medium.

[0119] (C) In the above recording device, the flow path may have a first end connected to the mounting section and a second end connected to the recording section, and a center of the mounting section may be located between the first end and the second end when viewed from the one direction. With the above configuration, the risk of the flow path becoming bent to a large degree is reduced compared to a case where the center of the mounting section is not located between the first end and the second end when viewed from the one direction.

[0120] (D) In ​​the recording device, the flow path may overlap the mounting part when viewed from the one direction. With this configuration, the risk of the flow path becoming bent to a large degree is reduced compared to a case where the flow path does not overlap the mounting part when viewed from the one direction.

[0121] (E) The recording device may be configured to include a support portion facing the recording portion, the support portion supporting a medium, and the recording portion displaceable between a recording position where a liquid is ejected onto the medium supported by the support portion and a retracted position that is farther away from the support portion than the recording position. With the above configuration, the recording portion is positioned at the retracted position, making it easier for a user to access the recording portion.

[0122] (F) In the above recording device, the recording unit may have an ejection surface from which liquid is ejected, the mounting unit may have a storage unit that stores the liquid supplied from the container, and the storage unit may store the liquid such that the liquid level is located at a lower position than the ejection surface. According to the above configuration, the inside of the recording unit is maintained at negative pressure due to the pressure difference between the liquid level in the storage unit and the ejection surface. This allows the recording unit to eject liquid in a stable state.

[0123] (G) The recording device includes a loading section attached to the housing, the loading section having a loading surface for receiving the medium, the flow path having an upper portion located above the loading surface, the upper portion not needing to overlap the loading surface when viewed vertically. With the above configuration, the risk of the medium loaded on the loading surface interfering with the flow path is reduced compared to when the upper portion overlaps the loading surface when viewed vertically.

[0124] (H) In the above recording device, the loading section may have a partition plate extending upward from the loading surface, the partition plate extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction and in a vertical direction, the discharge space being located in a direction opposite to the one direction relative to the partition plate, and the upper portion being located in the one direction relative to the partition plate. With the above configuration, the risk of the media loaded on the loading surface interfering with the flow path is reduced.

[0125] (I) In the above recording device, the housing has an exposure opening that exposes the inside, the loading section is configured to be displaced between an open state that exposes the exposure opening and a closed state that closes the exposure opening, the recording section has a head with a nozzle opening, a head control section that controls the head, and a joint to which the flow path is connected, and the head control section and the joint may be located above the head and exposed from the exposure opening. According to the above configuration, a user can access the head control section and the joint from the exposure opening. Electric wires, signal lines, etc. are connected to the head control section. A flow path is connected to the joint. A user can remove these to remove the recording section from the housing. Therefore, a user can easily replace the recording section from the exposure opening.

[0126] (J) The recording device includes a first frame supporting the recording unit, a second frame supporting the recording unit, and a substrate attached to the second frame, the substrate overlaps with the second frame when viewed from the one direction, the partition plate, the flow path, the second frame, and the substrate are arranged in this order in the one direction, the housing has a surface extending in the one direction and in a vertical direction, the one surface has a through hole that connects the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing, and the through hole may overlap with the flow path when the one surface is viewed from the front. There is a risk that the heat of the substrate will reach the flow path through the second frame. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the risk that the flow path will be heated by air flowing into the housing through the through hole or air flowing out of the housing through the through hole is reduced.

[0127] (K) In the above recording device, the uppermost end of the through hole may be located at a position equal to or higher than the uppermost end of the substrate. Air heated by the substrate tends to flow upward. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the air heated by the substrate flows into the housing through the through hole, or flows together with the air flowing out of the housing through the through hole. This reduces the risk that the air heated by the substrate will stagnate in the housing. Therefore, the risk that the flow path will be heated by the substrate is reduced.

[0128] (L) In the above recording device, the partition plate may have a partition opening communicating with the discharge space. According to the above configuration, air flows between the inside and the outside of the housing through the partition opening and the through hole, thereby reducing the risk of the flow path being heated by the substrate.

[0129] (M) The recording device may further include a fan for blowing air out of the housing through the through hole. With this configuration, the risk of the flow path being heated by the substrate is reduced. (N) The recording device may further include a fan for blowing air into the housing through the through hole. With this configuration, the risk of the flow path being heated by the substrate is reduced.

[0130] (O) The recording device may include a reading unit supported by the first frame and the second frame and configured to read an image of an original, and a part of the flow path may be surrounded by the reading unit, the second frame, and the partition plate. According to the above configuration, a part of the flow path is protected by the reading unit, the second frame, and the partition plate.

[0131] (P) In the recording device, a vent may be opened in the one surface, and the vent may be located below the through hole on the one surface. With the above configuration, air flows between the inside and the outside of the housing through the through hole and the vent, thereby reducing the risk of the flow path being heated by the substrate.

[0132] (Q) In the above recording device, the uppermost end of the through hole may be located at a position equal to or higher than the uppermost end of the substrate, and the lowermost end of the vent hole may be located at a position equal to or lower than the lowermost end of the substrate. According to the above configuration, the air flowing from the through hole to the vent hole, or the air flowing from the vent hole to the through hole, extends over the entire length of the substrate. This makes it easier for the air to cool the entire substrate. This reduces the risk of the flow path being heated by the substrate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 11...recording device, 12...device body, 13...reading unit, 14...operation unit, 15...casing, 16...front, 17...rear, 18...first side, 19...second side, 20...recess, 21...front cover, 22...side cover, 23...through hole, 24...ventilation hole, 25...exposure hole, 31...frame portion, 32...first frame, 33...second frame, 34...third frame, 35...frame wall, 36...first frame material, 37...second frame material, 38...third frame material, 41...accommodation section, 42...transport path, 43...transport section, 44...roller, 45...support section, 46...transport belt, 47...first pulley, 48...second pulley, 49...recording unit, 5 0...head, 51...nozzle, 52...ejection surface, 53...head control unit, 54...joint, 55...maintenance unit, 56...waste liquid tank, 57...supply unit, 58...mounting unit, 59...container, 60...storage unit, 61...relay member, 62...flow path, 63...first end, 64...second end, 65...upper portion, 71...loading unit, 72...loading plate, 73...alignment plate, 74...partition plate, 75...partition opening, 81...substrate, 82...fan, A1...frame space, A2...container space, A3...flow path space, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, D3...vertical direction, L1...reference position, L2...center line, M1...medium, P1...recording position, P2...retraction position, S1...discharge space.

Claims

1. a recording unit extending in one direction and capable of simultaneously ejecting liquid across the entire width of a medium; a mounting portion to which a container for containing a liquid is mounted; A flow path connected to the recording unit and the mounting unit; a housing that houses the recording unit, the mounting unit, and the flow path, the housing defines an ejection space into which a medium recorded by the recording unit is ejected; the exhaust space is a space outside the housing, The recording device, wherein the flow path overlaps with the discharge space when viewed from the one direction.

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording section is located below the ejection space.

3. The flow path is A first end connected to the mounting portion; a second end connected to the recording unit; 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the one direction, a center of the mounting portion is located between the first end and the second end.

4. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow path overlaps with the mounting portion when viewed from the one direction.

5. a support portion facing the recording portion, The support portion supports a medium, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording section is configured to be displaced between a recording position where a liquid is ejected onto the medium supported by the support section, and a retreat position that is farther away from the support section than the recording position.

6. the recording unit has an ejection surface onto which liquid is ejected, the mounting portion has a storage portion that stores the liquid supplied from the container, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir stores the liquid such that a liquid level is located at a position lower than the ejection surface.

7. a loading section attached to the housing, the loading section being configured to load a medium to be discharged to the discharge space; The loading section has a loading surface for receiving a medium, the flow passage has an upper portion located above the loading surface; 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion does not overlap the loading surface when viewed vertically.

8. The loading section has a partition plate extending upward from the loading surface, The partition plate extends in a direction perpendicular to the one direction and in a vertical direction, The discharge space is located in a direction opposite to the one direction from the partition plate, 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the upper portion is located in the one direction relative to the partition plate.

9. The housing has an exposure opening for exposing the inside thereof, The loading section is configured to be displaced between an open state in which the exposure opening is exposed and a closed state in which the exposure opening is closed, The recording unit is A head in which the nozzle is opened; A head control unit that controls the head; A joint to which the flow path is connected, 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the head control section and the joint are positioned above the head and exposed from the exposure hole.

10. A first frame supporting the recording unit; A second frame supporting the recording unit; a substrate attached to the second frame; the substrate overlaps with the second frame when viewed from the one direction, the partition plate, the flow path, the second frame, and the substrate are arranged in this order in the one direction; The housing has a surface extending in the one direction and in a vertical direction, A through hole is formed in the one surface to allow communication between the inside of the housing and the outside of the housing, 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the through hole overlaps with the flow path when the one surface is viewed from the front.

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein an uppermost end of the through hole is located at a position equal to or higher than an uppermost end of the substrate.

12. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the partition plate has a partition opening communicating with the discharge space.

13. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a fan for discharging air from the through hole to the outside of the housing.

14. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a fan for blowing air into the housing through the through hole.

15. a reading unit supported by the first frame and the second frame and configured to read an image of a document; 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a portion of the flow path is surrounded by the reading unit, the second frame, and the partition plate.

16. A vent hole is opened on the one surface, 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ventilation hole is located below the through hole on the one surface.

17. the uppermost end of the through hole is located at a position equal to or higher than the uppermost end of the substrate, 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a lowermost end of the ventilation hole is located at a position lower than a lowermost end of the substrate.

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