Recording device

Abstract

To provide a recording device that can improve operability in installing and removing a cartridge.SOLUTION: A recording device includes: a storage part for storing a cartridge including an element substrate for discharging liquid so as to be capable of installing and removing; and a regulation part for regulating movement of the cartridge in a horizontal direction intersecting an insertion direction of the cartridge to the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording apparatus in which a head cartridge is mounted. [Background technology]

[0002] As devices become smaller in recent years, there is a demand for cartridges to be made slimmer in width. In addition, when mounting the cartridge on the carriage, it is required to mount the cartridge in such a way that the head surface of the cartridge, on which the recording head is mounted, does not hit the carriage.

[0003] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, a protrusion that can come into contact with a guide portion formed on the inner wall of the carriage is formed on the cartridge, and a configuration is disclosed in which a user inserts the cartridge into the carriage along the guide portion while bringing the protrusion into contact with the guide portion of the carriage. With this configuration, the cartridge can be mounted without hitting the head surface of the cartridge against the carriage and without damaging the recording head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-034437 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in a configuration having a protruding portion as in Patent Document 1, there is a limit to how slim the cartridge can be made. On the other hand, if the protruding portion as in Patent Document 1 is eliminated, the cartridge will not be properly guided by the carriage when inserted, and there is a concern that the head surface of the cartridge may hit the carriage. As such, with the conventional configuration, it was difficult to achieve both slimmer cartridges and ease of attachment and detachment to the carriage.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a recording device that can improve the ease of mounting and demounting a cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, the recording device of the present invention is characterized by having a storage section for removably storing a cartridge having an element substrate that ejects liquid, and a regulating section for regulating movement of the cartridge in a horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction of the cartridge into the storage section. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a recording device that can improve the ease of mounting and demounting a cartridge. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a recording apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a head cartridge and a carriage. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the head cartridge and the carriage in the open position immediately before insertion. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the carriage in a closed position after the head cartridge has been inserted. [Diagram 5] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a carriage with a cover closed and a head cartridge fixed thereto. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a carriage with a cover open and a head cartridge fixed thereto. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a push-out spring and a push-out lever. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a carriage. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recording apparatus with a front cover and an operation panel attached. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the carriage and the substrate when no cartridge is attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view showing an inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as a recording apparatus) M to which this embodiment can be applied. The recording apparatus M includes a feed roller (not shown) that feeds a recording medium (not shown), a transport roller 1 that transports the recording medium, and a pinch roller 2 that is driven by the transport roller 1. The recording apparatus M also includes a carriage 4 on which a BK head cartridge (not shown) that contains black ink and a CL head cartridge (not shown) that contains cyan, yellow, and magenta inks are mounted.

[0012] The recording medium is conveyed onto a platen 3 while being sandwiched between a conveying roller 1 and a pinch roller 2, and an image is formed by ejecting ink (liquid) from the element substrate of each head cartridge while a carriage 4 moves back and forth in the scanning direction in the X direction.

[0013] Each head cartridge is detachably mounted on a carriage 4. With each head cartridge mounted, the carriage 4 is supported by a guide rail 16 so as to be movable in a direction (X direction) intersecting (orthogonal) with the conveying direction (Y direction) of the recording medium. The X direction is a direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the YZ plane. The carriage 4 moves in the X direction by the drive of a carriage unit drive motor 17 being transmitted to a transmission belt 18. While the carriage 4 is moving, each head cartridge ejects ink onto the recording medium to form an image for one band. The recording medium on which an image for one band has been formed is conveyed in the Y direction by a predetermined conveyance amount in order to form an image for the next band. This conveyance operation and image forming operation are alternately repeated to form an image on the entire recording medium.

[0014] The recording medium on which the image has been formed is further conveyed downstream in the conveying direction by a conveying roller 1 and a pinch roller 2 driven by the conveying roller 1, and is discharged to a discharge tray (not shown) by a discharge roller and a spur 19 (not shown). The carriage 4 includes a storage section 41 in which each head cartridge is detachably mounted, and a cover 40 (cover section) rotatably attached to the storage section 41 and covering each mounted head cartridge. When closed, the cover 40 extends in the Y direction and presses each head cartridge to fix it to the carriage 4.

[0015] The recording apparatus M is a serial scan type inkjet recording apparatus that ejects ink from a moving head cartridge to form an image on a recording medium.

[0016] 2(a) and (b) are perspective views showing the carriage 4 on which the CL head cartridge 50 and the BK head cartridge 51 are mounted. Fig. 2(a) shows a state in which the cover 40 is open (open position), and Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover 40 has been rotated from the open position of Fig. 2(a) about a rotation center 401 to a position where each head cartridge is fixed and closed (closed position).

[0017] The cover 40 is supported rotatably around a bearing portion 43 of the carriage 4 as a rotation center 401. The cover 40 is biased in the rotational direction by the elastic member 20 so as to assume an open position, and is configured to be held in an open state (open position). The cover 40 is provided with a head set cam 45 (pressing portion) capable of pressing and biasing each head cartridge in the closed position, and is also provided with a head set cam spring (biasing member) (not shown) for biasing the head set cam 45. When the cover 40 is in an open state, each head cartridge is not in contact with the head set cam 45. When the cover 40 is in a closed state, each head cartridge is biased by the head set cam 45, and the position of each head cartridge is fixed relative to the housing portion 41 of the carriage 4.

[0018] The housing section 41 of the carriage 4 is provided with restricting portions 410a and 410b at a position corresponding to an entrance in the direction in which the head cartridge is inserted, that is, at the downstream end in the Y direction. A restricting rib 411 is provided between the restricting portions 410a and 410b. The restricting portions 410a and 410b and the restricting rib 411 are shaped to extend upward. The restricting portions 410a, 410b and the restricting rib 411 will be described in detail later.

[0019] In addition, in this embodiment, a carriage 4 capable of mounting two cartridges, a CL head cartridge 50 and a BK head cartridge 51, will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, a carriage mounting three or more cartridges, or a carriage mounting one cartridge, may be used. In the case of a carriage mounting one cartridge, it is sufficient to have the regulating portions 410a and 410b. In other words, it is sufficient to have a mechanism for regulating the movement of the cartridge in the X direction when it is inserted into the storage portion 41. In the following, the CL head cartridge 50 and the BK head cartridge 51 are collectively referred to simply as the head cartridges 50 and 51.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows the head cartridges 50, 51 and the carriage 4 immediately before insertion in the open position, FIG. 3(a) shows a side view, and FIG. 3(b) shows a front view (viewed from the +Y direction side). The lines A-A' and B-B' shown in FIG. 3(a) and the lines A-A' and B-B' shown in FIG. 3(b) indicate the same position in the Z direction. The line A-A' in FIG. 3(a) and (b) indicates the position of the top end (top surface) of the head cartridge and the position of the top end of the insertion opening of the cover 40 (the tip of the cover in the Y direction), and the line B-B' indicates the positions of the upper ends of the regulating parts 410a, 410b and the regulating rib 411. The line C-C' in FIG. 3(a) indicates the position of the bottom end (bottom surface) of the head cartridges 50, 51.

[0021] In the head cartridges 50, 51, recording head units 50h, 51h having an element substrate for ejecting ink are provided on the bottom surface in the insertion direction, respectively. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, a cover 40 is provided on the carriage 4, and the head cartridges 50, 51 cannot be inserted into the storage unit 41 by moving only in the -Z direction because the cover 40 gets in the way.

[0022] In this embodiment, first, the head cartridges 50, 51 are inserted into the housing portion 41 of the carriage 4 mainly by movement in the -Y direction. After that, the head cartridges 50, 51 are inserted into the housing portion 41 by rotating the head cartridges 50, 51 and moving them in the -Y direction and the -Z direction.

[0023] In FIG. 3(a), the line segment C-C' indicates the position of the lower end of the head cartridge, that is, the position of the head surface on which the ejection ports of the recording head units 50h and 51h are arranged. The length (distance) LH of the head cartridge in the Z direction formed by the line segments A-A' and C-C' is longer than the length (distance) LC of the insertion opening (entrance at the time of insertion) of the carriage 4 in the Z direction formed by the line segments A-A' and B-B'. Here, the length (distance) LH is the distance from the bottom surface to the top surface of the cartridges 50 and 51, and the length (distance) LC is the vertical distance between the upper end of the regulating portion 410b and the rear end of the cover 40 in the insertion direction. The regulating portions 410a and 410b are provided at the ends of the storage unit 41 in the Y direction, and a regulating rib 411 is provided between the regulating portion 410a and the regulating portion 410b. Therefore, the head cartridges 50 and 51 cannot enter in the -Y direction from the position shown in FIG. 3(a) as it is unless they are in the correct position in the X direction. FIG. 3(c) and FIG. 3(d) are diagrams showing the head cartridge 50 being inserted while being shifted from the correct position in the X direction. FIG. 3(c) shows the head cartridge 50 being inserted while being shifted to the right when viewed from the front of the device (+Y direction). In the state shown in FIG. 3(c), the right side of the head cartridge 50 abuts against the regulating portion 410b, so that the head cartridge 50 cannot be inserted any further. Also, FIG. 3(d) shows the head cartridge 50 being inserted while being shifted to the left when viewed from the front of the device (+Y direction). In the state shown in FIG. 3(d), the left side of the head cartridge 50 abuts against the regulating rib 411, so that the head cartridge 50 cannot be inserted any further. The regulating portion 410a also has the effect of suppressing the head cartridge 51 from being inserted while being shifted to the left. In this way, the head cartridges 50, 51 are prevented from being inserted at positions misaligned in the X direction by the restricting portions 410a, 410b and the restricting rib 411. Here, the insertion of the head cartridge 50 will be mainly described.

[0024] As described above, when the head cartridge 50 is inserted into the storage section 41, the head cartridge 50 is inserted while moving mainly in the -Y direction. When the head cartridge 50 moves in the -Y direction, the surface 55 of the cartridge 50 is the leading edge and enters the storage section 41. The length LH of the head cartridge 50 in the Z direction is longer than the length LC of the insertion opening of the carriage 4 in the Z direction. Therefore, the movement of the head cartridge 50 in the -Y direction is restricted by the restricting rib 411 and the restricting portion 410b at the initial stage of insertion into the carriage 4. The restricting portion 410a, the restricting portion 410b, and the restricting rib 411 are located downstream in the Y direction of the storage section 41 (upstream in the insertion direction of the head cartridges 50 and 51). Therefore, the head cartridges 50 and 51 are inserted into the storage section 41 while moving in the -Z direction and rotating in the YZ plane, with the position in the X direction restricted by the restricting rib 411 and the restricting portion 410b.

[0025] In this way, when the head cartridge 50 is inserted, the position in the X direction is restricted by the restricting rib 411 and the restricting portion 410b at an early stage of insertion, and the head cartridge 50 cannot be inserted into the storage portion 41 if the head cartridge 50 is inserted along a predetermined insertion path, so that the head cartridge 50 cannot be inserted into the storage portion 41. Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the head cartridge 50 is inserted along a predetermined insertion path, the head cartridge 50 can be inserted into the storage portion 41 without abutting against the restricting rib 411 and the restricting portion 410b. That is, the restricting rib 411 and the restricting portion 410b are members that restrict the position of the head cartridge 50 in the X direction when the head cartridge 50 is inserted, and serve as a guide when the head cartridge 50 is inserted. Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, the restricting portion 410a and the restricting rib 411 similarly restrict and guide the insertion position of the head cartridge 51.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows the carriage 4 after the head cartridges 50 and 51 are inserted in the closed position, with FIG. 4(a) showing a side view and FIG. 4(b) showing a front view. The lines D-D' and B-B' shown in FIG. 4(a) and the lines D-D' and B-B' shown in FIG. 4(b) indicate the same position in the Z direction. In the state of FIG. 4(a) and (b), the line B-B' indicates the upper end position of the regulating parts 410a and 410b, which is higher than the upper end position of the fixed head cartridge and lower than the line D-D' of the cover 40, which is the upper end position of the carriage 4. In this way, each of the regulating parts 410a and 410b is configured to have a minimum necessary size within the carriage 4.

[0027] In this embodiment, the carriage 4 is provided with regulating portions (regulating portions 410a, 410b, regulating rib 411) that regulate the movement of the head cartridge 50 in the direction (X direction) intersecting with the direction (-Y direction) in which the head cartridge 50 is inserted into the storage portion 41. Note that at least one regulating portion is required for one cartridge, and at least one of the regulating portion 410b and the regulating rib 411 may be provided for the head cartridge 50. This makes it possible to limit the movement trajectory of the head cartridge when it is inserted. This makes it possible to slim down the cartridge while preventing the head surface of the head cartridge from coming into contact with the carriage 4 when the cartridge is attached.

[0028] Incidentally, since the head cartridge 50 and the head cartridge 51 are similar, the following description will be given taking the head cartridge 50 as an example.

[0029] Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view of the carriage 4 with the cover 40 closed and the head cartridge 50 fixed at the mounting position, Fig. 5(b) is a partial enlarged view of the Vb portion of Fig. 5(a), and Fig. 5(c) is a partial enlarged view of the Vc portion of Fig. 5(a). Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the carriage 4 with the cover 40 open and the head cartridge 50 inserted, Fig. 6(b) is a partial enlarged view of the VIb portion of Fig. 6(a), and Fig. 6(c) is a partial enlarged view of the VIc portion of Fig. 6(a). Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views showing the extrusion spring 101 and the extrusion lever 102.

[0030] The push-out spring 101 is a compression spring (coil spring) suspended between the wall surface of the carriage 4 and the push-out lever 102, and biases the push-out lever 102 in the direction of an arrow 104 (see FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b)) (the direction opposite to the cartridge insertion direction). The push-out lever 102 biased by the push-out spring 101 comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops unless it comes into contact with something else.

[0031] Here, an operation will be described when the user inserts the head cartridge 50 into the carriage 4, closes the cover 40, and butts and fixes the head cartridge 50. At the stage when the user inserts the head cartridge 50 into the carriage 4, the butt and fixation may be incomplete due to insufficient pressure contact force of the connector 505 or interference with the push-out lever 102. Therefore, the user rotates the cover 40 clockwise in the rotation direction 402 until it is closed as shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0032] In the process of the cover 40 rotating from the state of FIG. 6(a) to the state of FIG. 5(a), the push-back portion 46 formed on the cover 40 first comes into contact with the push-out lever 102 that has come into contact with the above-mentioned stopper (not shown) and stopped. When the push-back portion 46 (part of the cover) comes into contact with the push-out lever 102, the push-back portion 46 pushes the push-out lever 102 in the direction of the arrow 403 (see FIG. 5(b)) against the biasing force of the push-out spring 101. When the push-out lever 102 is pressed, the head set cam 45 attached to the cover 40 comes into contact with the head cartridge 50 and pushes the head cartridge 50 in the direction of the arrow 404 (see FIG. 5(b)). The Y-direction abutment portion 59y provided on the pressed head cartridge 50 comes into contact with the Y-direction abutment portion 49y provided on the carriage 4. Then, the Z-direction abutting portion 59z provided on the head cartridge 50 comes into contact with the Z-direction abutting portion 49z provided on the carriage 4.

[0033] In this way, the head cartridge 50 is fixed against the carriage 4 by the abutting portions of the head cartridge 50 abutting against the carriage 4. At this time, the push-out lever 102 is pushed by the push-back portion 46 of the cover 40 and retreats to a position separated from the head cartridge 50 fixed at the mounting position. The push-out lever 102 maintains the separated state so as not to affect the fixed state of the head cartridge 50. When the cover 40 is further operated in the closing direction, the cover 40 rotates while compressing the head set cam spring (not shown) until the locking portions 47 and 48 arranged at the end in the +Y direction engage with each other, completing the locking. The state shown in FIG. 5(c) is the state in which the locking is completed.

[0034] When closing cover 40 until locking portions 47, 48 engage, the user rotates cover 40 while applying a force that counters the biasing force of elastic member 20 (see FIG. 2) in the opening direction of cover 40, the biasing force of push-out spring 101, and the biasing force of the headset cam spring. After locking portions 47, 48 engage, cover 40 is maintained in a closed state by locking portions 47, 48. In other words, locking portions 47, 48 and cover 40 have rigidity corresponding to forces such as the biasing force of elastic member 20, the biasing force of push-out spring 101, and the biasing force of the headset cam spring.

[0035] 5A, when the cover 40 is closed, the user cannot directly apply force to the ejection lever 102 or the head cartridge 50. Therefore, the ejection lever 102 is subjected to the biasing force of the ejection spring 101 and the pressing force of the push-back portion 46.

[0036] Except when performing maintenance operations such as attaching and detaching the head cartridge 50, the cover 40 remains closed as shown in Fig. 5(a) while the printer waits for recording operations or instructions. When the cover 40 is closed, a locking portion 47 provided on the cover 40 and a locking portion 48 provided on the carriage 4 are engaged. When the cover 40 is closed, the head cartridge 50 is fixed against the carriage 4, and the push-out lever 102 is maintained in a spaced-apart state from the head cartridge 50.

[0037] When the head cartridge 50 is to be attached or detached from the closed state of the cover 40 for unpacking or maintenance, the user operates the lock release portion 40a of the cover 40 to release the engagement of the lock portions 47 and 48 as shown in Fig. 6(c). The cover 40 is biased by the elastic member 20 (see Fig. 2) in the counterclockwise direction of the arrow 402 about the bearing portion 43 in Fig. 6(b) so as to assume the open position shown in Fig. 6(a). Therefore, the cover 40 rotates until it comes into contact with an abutment (not shown) and stops, assuming the open position.

[0038] In the process of the cover 40 rotating from the closed position to the open position, the biasing force on the head cartridge 50 by the head set cam 45 attached to the cover 40 is first released. However, in this state, frictional forces are generated at the abutting portions in the Z and Y directions due to the pressure contact force of the head connector 505, so the head cartridge 50 does not change its position and the abutment fixation is not released. Alternatively, the abutment becomes incomplete when the biasing force is released, but the position of the head cartridge 50 is maintained due to the frictional force.

[0039] Next, the push-back portion 46 formed on the cover 40 moves in a direction opposite to the arrow 403 (see FIG. 5(b)) away from the push-out lever 102. In FIG. 5(b), the push-out lever 102, which was separated from the head cartridge 50, is released from the retracted state by the movement of the push-back portion 46 (opposite to the arrow 403), and moves in an approximately straight line in the direction of the arrow 104 toward the head cartridge 50 due to the biasing force of the push-out spring 101.

[0040] There are cases where the head cartridge 50 remains at the destination of the movement of the push-out lever 102. In that case, the contact portion 103 of the push-out lever 102 comes into contact with the head cartridge 50 and further presses it in the direction of the arrow 105 (see FIG. 6(b)), thereby moving the head cartridge 50 so as to move away from the butted and fixed position. After the butted and fixed position with the carriage 4 is completely released, the push-out lever 102 comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) and stops moving.

[0041] Through this process, the cover 40 completes its rotational movement from the closed state of Fig. 5(a) to the open state of Fig. 6(a). From this state, the user removes or inserts the head cartridge 50.

[0042] In the process of opening the cover 40, the pushing-out spring 101 pushes out the head cartridge 50 via the pushing-out lever 102. At that time, the force acting on the pushing-out lever 102 is only the biasing force from the pushing-out spring 101 and the resisting force from the head cartridge 50 at the contact portion 103. In other words, the pushing-out lever 102 biases the cartridge 50 coaxially with the pushing-out spring 101 in the direction in which the pushing-out spring 101 expands and contracts.

[0043] 6(a), when the cover 40 is open and the head cartridge 50 is exposed to the user, the user may apply a pressing force in the direction of the arrow 506 to push the head cartridge 50 against the carriage 4. At this time, the push-out lever 102 in contact with the head cartridge 50 is biased in a direction to push back the push-out spring 101, which is an elastic member, through its thickness, that is, in the opposite direction of 105 shown in FIG. 6(b). Therefore, when the cover 40 is open, the repulsive force of the push-out spring 101 is mainly applied to the push-out lever 102.

[0044] With this configuration, the force of the push-out spring 101 can be directly transmitted to the head cartridge 50. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit the force for opening the cover to the head cartridge via the push-out lever, and the force required for the user to operate the cover can be reduced. Also, there is no need to increase the spring force of the elastic member, which is a concern when the cover is flipped up by an elastic member to reduce the force required for user operation, and the head cartridge is pushed out by that force. Furthermore, there is no need to ensure excessive rigidity of the cover, locking portion, and push-out lever to withstand the operating force and spring force.

[0045] Fig. 8(a) is a general view of the carriage 4 with the lever 40 closed, and Fig. 8(c) is an enlarged view of part VIIIc of Fig. 8(a). Fig. 8(b) is a general view of the carriage 4 with the lever 40 open, and Fig. 8(d) is an enlarged view of part VIIId of Fig. 8(b). As described above, in Figs. 8(a) and 8(c), the Y-direction abutting portion 59y and the Z-direction abutting portion 59z of the head cartridge 50 are in contact with the Y-direction abutting portion 49y and the Z-direction abutting portion 49z of the carriage 4, respectively. This causes the head cartridge 50 to be abutted and fixed to the carriage 4.

[0046] In order to release the head cartridge 50 from the abutted and fixed state, it is necessary to move the head cartridge 50 in a direction away from the Y-direction abutment portion 49y and the Z-direction abutment portion 49z against which it abuts in order to fix it to the carriage 4. To promote this movement, the push-out lever 102 is used to press the head cartridge 50.

[0047] However, the direction of separation by simple linear movement as shown by arrow 502 does not coincide with the removal direction 503 of the head cartridge 50. In this embodiment, since the head cartridge 50 is abutted in the +Y and -Z directions, it is desirable to move the abutting parts in the Y and Z directions so as to separate them in a direction that releases the contact, that is, by applying a rotational force around the center of gravity as shown by arrow 504. Also, since the force to be applied is a rotational force, it goes without saying that it is desirable to apply a large rotational force by pressing a position far from the center of gravity of the head cartridge 50.

[0048] 8(b) and (d), the contact portion 103 of the push-out lever 102 is disposed so as to contact the portion of the surface that contacts the head cartridge 50 that is farthest from the center of gravity, i.e., the vicinity of the side 501. By configuring it as described above, a strong rotational force is applied to the head cartridge 50, and the abutment fixation can be easily released by a weak spring force.

[0049] In this way, the carriage 4 is provided with a regulating portion (regulating portions 410a, 410b, regulating rib 411) that regulates the movement of the head cartridge 50 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the head cartridge 50 is inserted into the storage portion 41. This limits the movement trajectory during insertion of the head cartridge. This makes it possible to suppress contact between the head surface of the cartridge and the carriage 4 when the cartridge is mounted. This makes it possible to make the cartridge slimmer than before.

[0050] Second embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the following will describe its characteristic configuration.

[0051] FIG. 9(a) is an enlarged view showing the push-out lever 102b in a state where the cover 40b is closed, and FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged view showing the push-out lever 102b in a state where the cover 40b is open. In this embodiment, when the push-back part 46b abuts against the push-out lever 102b and pushes it back against the force of the push-out spring 101b in a state where the cover 40b is closed, the force line 106b of the reaction force passes near the rotation center of the cover 40b. Therefore, the reaction force that the push-out spring 101b applies to the cover 40b via the push-out lever 102b does not apply a rotation force to the cover 40b. Therefore, even if the push-out spring 101b presses the cover 40b via the push-out lever 102b in a state where the cover 40b is closed, no force is generated in the direction in which the cover 40b is opened.

[0052] As a result, the locking parts 47b, 48b for locking the cover 40b in a closed state relative to the carriage 4 and the cover 40b do not need to have sufficient rigidity to withstand the spring force of the extrusion spring 102b, making it possible to reduce the size and weight of the device. By providing the carriage 4 with a restricting portion that restricts the movement of the head cartridge 50, the mounting accuracy of the cartridge can be improved and contact between the head surface and the carriage 4 can be suppressed when the head cartridge is inserted.

[0053] (Third embodiment) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the following will describe its characteristic configuration.

[0054] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the recording device M shown in Fig. 1, with a front cover 70 and an operation panel 80 attached to the front surface of the recording device M. Note that Fig. 10 shows the cover 40 in an open position.

[0055] The cover 40 in this embodiment is configured to rotate independently for each head cartridge in the BK head cartridge and the CL head cartridge. A color label 110 for identifying the color of the head cartridge to be inserted is attached to the front of the cover 40 for each color. As shown in FIG. 10, by attaching the color label 110 to the front of the cover 40, the color label 110 is easily recognized even when the user opens the cover 40 to replace the head cartridge. Even with this configuration, by providing the carriage 4 with a regulating portion (regulating portions 410a, 410b, regulating rib 411) that regulates the movement of the head cartridge 50, the mounting accuracy of the cartridge can be improved and the contact between the head surface and the carriage 4 can be suppressed when the head cartridge is inserted.

[0056] (Fourth embodiment) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the following will describe its characteristic configuration.

[0057] FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view of the cover 40 alone as viewed from the bottom side, and FIG. 11(b) is an enlarged front perspective view of the carriage 4 showing a state immediately before the CL head cartridge 50 and the BK head cartridge 51 are accommodated in the accommodation section 41 with the cover 40 open. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the cover 40 in this embodiment has protrusions 120a and 120b near the rotating section for preventing the head cartridge from being erroneously attached to the accommodation section 41. As shown in FIG. 11(b), the protrusions 120a and 120b of the cover 40 are provided at positions corresponding to the protrusion shapes 130a and 130b of the CL head cartridge 50 and the BK head cartridge 51. Specifically, the protrusions 120a and 120b are provided at positions corresponding to the x-direction positions of the protrusion shapes 130a and 130b provided on the upper surfaces of the CL head cartridge 50 and the BK head cartridge 51 when accommodated in the carriage 4.

[0058] Such protrusions 120a and 120b have the effect of suppressing the occurrence of erroneous mounting when a user attempts to mount a wrong head cartridge in the storage section 41, by overlapping and contacting the protrusions of the cover 40 in the x direction. That is, when the CL head cartridge 50 is mounted in the CL storage section 41, the protrusion shape 130a can be properly mounted without abutting on the protrusion 120a. However, when the CL head cartridge 50 is mounted in the BK storage section 41, the protrusion shape 130a abuts on the protrusion 120b and the head cartridge 50 cannot be mounted. The same is true for the BK head cartridge 51. When the BK storage section 41 is mounted, the protrusion shape 130b can be properly mounted without abutting on the protrusion 120b, but when the CL storage section 41 is mounted, the protrusion shape 130b abuts on the protrusion 120a and the head cartridge 50 cannot be mounted.

[0059] It is also possible to prevent erroneous installation by providing a protrusion shape to the headset cam 45, but when the user tries to install the head cartridge by applying excessive force due to the expansion and contraction of the headset cam spring that biases the headset cam 45, erroneous installation may occur. However, as in this embodiment, by providing a protrusion shape to the cover 40 that is rigid and difficult to deform, it is possible to prevent erroneous installation. Even with this configuration, by providing the carriage 4 with a restricting portion (restricting portions 410a, 410b, restricting rib 411) that restricts the movement of the head cartridge 50, it is possible to improve the installation accuracy of the cartridge and prevent the head surface from coming into contact with the carriage 4 when the head cartridge is inserted.

[0060] Fifth embodiment Hereinafter, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment, the following will describe its characteristic configuration.

[0061] Fig. 12(a) is a perspective view of the carriage 4 seen from the front side with the cover 40 open and no head cartridge attached to the housing section 41. As shown in Fig. 12(a), in this embodiment, an opening 170 is provided on the rear surface of the housing section 41 that houses the BK head cartridge 51 and the CL head cartridge 50. Through the opening 170, electrical connection between the head cartridge and a head connector 150 connected to a board provided in the recording device is possible.

[0062] The head connector 150 is provided with a plurality of holes 180 into which a plurality of pins 160 are inserted. The plurality of pins 160 are connected to the head cartridge, and exchange of electrical signals is performed.

[0063] FIG. 12B is a front view of the head connector 150 and the substrate 140 on which the head connector 150 is mounted. Here, the head connector 150 is provided with a number of holes 180 that can accommodate electrical connections between the recording device M and head cartridges used in models different from the recording device M. By providing many holes 180 in advance and adjusting the number of pins 160 to be inserted into the holes 180 for different models, the head connector 150 can be standardized, and the cost of the device can be reduced. Even with this configuration, by providing the carriage 4 with a regulating portion (regulating portions 410a, 410b, regulating rib 411) that regulates the movement of the head cartridge 50, the mounting accuracy of the cartridge can be improved and the contact between the head surface and the carriage 4 can be suppressed when the head cartridge is inserted.

[0064] (Other embodiments) In each of the above embodiments, a serial scan type recording device M has been described, but the recording device M is not limited to a serial scan type recording device, and may be, for example, a line head type recording device in which the head cartridge does not scan the recording medium.

[0065] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration.

[0066] (Configuration 1) a housing portion for detachably housing a cartridge having an element substrate for ejecting liquid; a regulating portion that regulates movement of the cartridge in a horizontal direction that intersects with a direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the accommodating portion; A recording device comprising:

[0067] (Configuration 2) 2. The recording apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein the regulating portion is provided on the upstream side of the storage portion in the insertion direction.

[0068] (Configuration 3) The recording device described in configuration 1 or 2, further comprising a cover portion movable between a first position for fixing the cartridge to the accommodating portion and a second position for allowing the cartridge to be attached and detached to the accommodating portion.

[0069] (Configuration 4) The recording device described in configuration 3, characterized in that when the cover portion is in the second position, the vertical distance between the upper end of the regulating portion and the rear end of the cover portion in the insertion direction is shorter than the distance from the bottom surface to the top surface of the cartridge.

[0070] (Configuration 5) The housing portion includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion aligned in a horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction, 4. The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein at least a portion of the regulating portion is provided between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0071] (Configuration 6) 5. The recording apparatus according to configuration 4, wherein when the cover portion is in the first position, the upper end portion of the regulating portion is located higher than the top surface of the cartridge.

[0072] (Configuration 7) 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cover portion has a pressing portion that presses the cartridge inserted into the accommodating portion when in the first position.

[0073] (Configuration 8) 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pressing portion includes a biasing member that biases the cartridge.

[0074] (Configuration 9) 5. The recording apparatus according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the housing portion, the regulating portion, and the cover portion are mounted on a carriage that is movable inside the recording apparatus.

[0075] (Configuration 10) The recording device described in configuration 9, characterized in that the carriage has an extrusion lever that urges the cartridge to be accommodated in the accommodating portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction when the cover portion is in the second position, and moves away from the cartridge accommodated in the accommodating portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

[0076] (Configuration 11) 11. The recording apparatus according to configuration 10, wherein the ejection lever is biased by an ejection spring.

[0077] (Configuration 12) The recording device described in configuration 11, characterized in that when the cover portion is in the first position, a part of the cover portion contacts the ejection lever and pushes the ejection lever to a position away from the cartridge, against the force of the ejection spring.

[0078] (Configuration 13) 13. The recording device according to configuration 11 or 12, wherein the ejection spring is a coil spring, and the ejection lever biases the cartridge coaxially with the ejection spring in the direction in which the ejection spring expands and contracts.

[0079] (Configuration 14) The recording device according to any one of configurations 9 to 13, wherein the carriage has a locking means for fixing the cover portion in the first position by engaging a part of the cover portion with a part of the storage portion.

[0080] (Configuration 15) When the cover portion is in the first position, the push-out lever urges the cover portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction by the force of the push-out spring, The recording device described in configuration 10, characterized in that the line of force when the push-out lever urges the cover part in the direction opposite to the insertion direction passes near the center of rotation when the cover part rotates from the first position to the second position.

[0081] (Configuration 16) The recording device described in configuration 5 is characterized in that it is provided with a cover portion movable between a first position for fixing the cartridge to the storage portion and a second position for making the cartridge detachable from the storage portion, the cover portion being associated with each of the first storage portion and the second storage portion.

[0082] (Configuration 17) The recording device according to configuration 3 or 4, wherein the cover portion includes a protrusion portion that abuts against a protrusion shape provided on a cartridge other than the specific cartridge and inhibits the installation of the cartridge.

[0083] (Configuration 18) 18. The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 17, wherein the storage section has an opening for electrically connecting the cartridge to a board provided in the recording device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 4 Carriage 40 Cover 41 Storage unit 50 Head Cartridge 51 Head Cartridge 410a Regulatory Department 410b Regulatory Department 411 Regulatory Rib

Claims

1. a housing portion for detachably housing a cartridge having an element substrate for ejecting liquid; a regulating portion that regulates movement of the cartridge in a horizontal direction that intersects with a direction in which the cartridge is inserted into the accommodating portion; A recording device comprising:

2. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the regulating portion is provided on an upstream side of the accommodation portion in the insertion direction.

3. 2. The recording device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover portion movable between a first position for fixing the cartridge to the accommodating portion and a second position for allowing the cartridge to be attached to and detached from the accommodating portion.

4. A recording device as described in claim 3, characterized in that when the cover portion is in the second position, the vertical distance between the upper end of the regulating portion and the rear end of the cover portion in the insertion direction is shorter than the distance from the bottom surface to the top surface of the cartridge.

5. The housing portion includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion aligned in a horizontal direction intersecting the insertion direction, 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the regulating portion is provided between the first container portion and the second container portion.

6. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, when the cover portion is in the first position, the upper end portion of the regulating portion is located higher than the top surface of the cartridge.

7. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cover portion has a pressing portion that presses the cartridge inserted into the accommodating portion when in the first position.

8. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the pressing portion includes a pressing member that presses the cartridge.

9. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the housing portion, the regulating portion, and the cover portion are mounted on a carriage that is movable inside the recording apparatus.

10. The recording device according to claim 9, characterized in that the carriage has an extrusion lever that urges the cartridge to be accommodated in the accommodating portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction when the cover portion is in the second position, and that moves away from the cartridge accommodated in the accommodating portion when the cover portion is in the first position.

11. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ejection lever is biased by an ejection spring.

12. 12. A recording device according to claim 11, wherein when the cover portion is in the first position, a portion of the cover portion contacts the ejection lever and pushes the ejection lever to a position away from the cartridge against the force of the ejection spring.

13. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the ejection spring is a coil spring, and the ejection lever biases the cartridge coaxially with the ejection spring in a direction in which the ejection spring expands and contracts.

14. 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the carriage has a locking mechanism that fixes the cover portion at the first position by engaging a part of the cover portion with a part of the housing portion.

15. When the cover portion is in the first position, the push-out lever urges the cover portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction by the force of the push-out spring, The recording device according to claim 10, characterized in that the line of force when the ejection lever urges the cover portion in a direction opposite to the insertion direction passes near the center of rotation when the cover portion rotates from the first position to the second position.

16. The recording device according to claim 5, further comprising a cover portion movable between a first position for fixing the cartridge to the storage portion and a second position for enabling the cartridge to be attached and detached to the storage portion, the cover portion being associated with each of the first storage portion and the second storage portion.

17. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cover portion includes a protrusion that abuts against a protrusion provided on a cartridge other than the specific cartridge and inhibits the cartridge from being mounted.

18. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion has an opening for electrically connecting the cartridge to a board provided in the recording apparatus.

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