Head unit and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a head unit which facilitates lifting and pushing / pulling.SOLUTION: A head unit has a connector, a driving board, a fan, a tube connection part, a liquid discharge head, a housing which stores the driving board and the fan, and is provided with a first vent hole and a second vent hole, a first gripping part and a second gripping part, wherein the connector and the first vent hole are provided on a first surface of the housing, the tube connection part is provided on a second surface of the housing, the second gripping part is provided on a second surface of the housing, the liquid discharge head is provided on a third surface of the housing, the first gripping part is provided on a fourth surface of the housing, the second vent hole is provided at a visible position when being viewed from a normal direction of the second surface, and the shortest distance between the second gripping part and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the tube connection part and the fourth surface, and is shorter than the shortest distance between the second vent hole and the fourth surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a head unit and a liquid ejection apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In large printers such as industrial printers, it is necessary to consider the replaceability of the head unit that mounts the print head. Patent Document 1 describes a printing device in which the head unit is engaged with a slide rail and can be slidably attached and detached from the carriage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-184591 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, assuming that a printer user will need to replace the head unit if a malfunction occurs in the head unit, it is important that the heavy head unit be easy to lift and push / pull, and there was room for further improvement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the head unit according to the present invention is A head unit that ejects liquid onto a medium, A connector through which the power supply voltage propagates; a drive substrate including a drive signal generation circuit that generates a drive signal based on the power supply voltage; a fan that draws in gas through one of the first vent and the second vent and discharges it through the other; a tube connection portion connected to a tube for supplying the liquid; a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element that ejects the liquid when the drive signal is applied; a housing that houses the drive board and the fan and is provided with the first vent and the second vent; A first gripping portion; A second gripping portion; and The first gripping portion is a first support portion, a second support portion, and a first connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The second gripping portion is a third support portion, a fourth support portion, and a second connecting portion that connects the third support portion and the fourth support portion, The housing includes: The first page and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and When a normal direction of the third surface is defined as a first direction, a normal direction of the second surface is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the connector and the first ventilation port are provided on the first surface, the tube connection portion is provided on the second surface, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface such that the second connecting portion is aligned along the third direction, the liquid ejection head is provided on the third surface, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface such that the first connecting portion is aligned along the second direction, the second ventilation port is provided at a position that is visible when the second surface is viewed from the second direction, The shortest distance between the second gripping portion and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the tube connecting portion and the fourth surface, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between the second air vent and the fourth surface.

[0006] Another aspect of the head unit according to the present invention is A head unit that ejects liquid onto a medium, A connector through which the power supply voltage propagates; a drive substrate including a drive signal generation circuit that generates a drive signal based on the power supply voltage; a fan that draws in gas through one of the first vent and the second vent and discharges it through the other; a tube connection portion connected to a tube for supplying the liquid; a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element that ejects the liquid when the drive signal is applied; a housing that houses the drive board and the fan and is provided with the first vent and the second vent; A first gripping portion; A second gripping portion; and The first gripping portion is a first support portion, a second support portion, and a first connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The second gripping portion is a third support portion, a fourth support portion, and a second connecting portion that connects the third support portion and the fourth support portion, The housing includes: The first page and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and When a normal direction of the third surface is defined as a first direction, a normal direction of the second surface is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the tube connection portion and the first ventilation port are provided on the first surface, the connector is provided on the second surface, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface such that the second connecting portion is aligned along the third direction, the liquid ejection head is provided on the third surface, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface such that the first connecting portion is aligned along the second direction, the second ventilation port is provided at a position that is visible when the second surface is viewed from the second direction, The shortest distance between the second gripping portion and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the connector and the fourth surface, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between the second ventilation port and the fourth surface.

[0007] One aspect of the liquid ejection device according to the present invention is The head unit is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a discharge unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a head unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an external view of the head unit as seen from the -Y side. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an external view of the head unit as seen from the +Y side. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an external view of the head unit as seen from the -X side. [Figure 8] This is an external view of the head unit as seen from the +X side. [Figure 9] This is an external view of the head unit as seen from the -Z side. [Figure 10] This is an external view of the head unit as seen from the +Z side. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the head unit as seen from the -X side. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an external view of the carriage as seen from the -Y side. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an external view of the carriage as seen from the -X side. [Figure 14] This is an external view of the carriage as seen from the -Z side. [Figure 15] This is an external view of the connector seen from the -Z side. [Figure 16] This is an external view of the connector seen from the -X side. [Figure 17] This is an external view of the connector seen from the -Y side. [Figure 18] A cross-sectional view of the connector from the -Z side. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an external view of the carriage on which the head unit is mounted, as viewed from the -Y side. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an external view of the carriage on which the head unit is mounted, as viewed from the -X side. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a head unit connection method. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of step S1 in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of step S2 in FIG. 21. [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of step S3 in FIG. 21. [Figure 25] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of step S4 in FIG. 21. [Figure 26] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the state of step S5 in FIG. 21. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings used are for the convenience of explanation. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described below are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0010] 1. Overview of the liquid ejection device In the following, an example of a liquid ejection device according to the present invention will be described, taking as an example an inkjet printer in which a carriage mounted with multiple head units that eject ink (an example of a liquid) moves in one direction, and the multiple head units eject ink onto a stationary medium, thereby forming an image on the medium. However, the liquid ejection device of this embodiment is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an inkjet printer of a so-called serial printing type in which a carriage mounted with one or more head units moves back and forth, and the one or more head units eject ink onto the transported medium, thereby forming an image on the medium. Alternatively, the liquid ejection device of this embodiment may be an inkjet printer of a so-called line printing type in which multiple head units arranged in a line extending beyond the width of the medium eject ink onto the transported medium, thereby forming an image on the medium.

[0011] First, the schematic configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment. In the following description, the direction in which the carriage 50 moves is referred to as the X direction, the direction in which ink is ejected is referred to as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions is referred to as the Y direction. In FIG. 1, the X, Y, and Z directions are indicated by three arrows. The starting side of the arrow indicating the X direction is sometimes referred to as the -X side, and the leading end side as the +X side. The starting side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is sometimes referred to as the -Y side, and the leading end side as the +Y side. The starting side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is sometimes referred to as the -Z side, and the leading end side as the +Z side. Note that, although the X, Y, and Z directions will be described as being perpendicular to one another, this does not necessarily mean that the various components constituting the liquid ejection device 1 are arranged perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, any printing target, such as printing paper, a resin film, or fabric, can be used as the medium P.

[0012] 1, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a main body 2 that performs printing processing, a feeding unit 3 that supplies the medium P to the main body 2, and a winding unit 4 that winds up the medium P discharged from the main body 2. Relative to the main body 2, the feeding unit 3 is located upstream (-X side) in the transport direction of the medium P, and the winding unit 4 is located downstream (+X side) in the transport direction of the medium P.

[0013] In the unwinding unit 3, the medium P wound in a roll is rotatably supported on a winding shaft 16. The medium P unwound from the roll is wound around transport roller 18a and transported to the upper surface of unwinding table 14 by transport roller 18b. The medium P transported to the upper surface of unwinding table 14 is transported to the main body unit 2 by transport roller 18c. The unwinding table 14 is used to cut the medium P.

[0014] In the main body 2, the medium P is transported by transport rollers 18d and 18e, and then sandwiched between a pair of transport rollers 18f and 18g, and then transported to the upper surface of the platen 10 by transport roller 18h. Then, ink is ejected from the multiple head units 20 onto the medium P transported to the upper surface of the platen 10, and an image is formed. A transport motor and an encoder (not shown) are connected to transport roller 18f.

[0015] The medium P on which the image has been formed on the upper surface of the platen 10 is transported to the drying chamber 13 by transport rollers 18i, 18j, and 18k. The medium P transported to the drying chamber 13 is then transported by transport rollers 18l, 18m, and 18n inside the drying chamber 13, during which the medium P on which the image has been formed is dried. The medium P is then discharged from the drying chamber 13 by transport roller 18o. The medium P discharged from the drying chamber 13 is transported to the winding unit 4 by transport rollers 18p, 18q, 18r, and 18s.

[0016] In the winding unit 4, the medium P is wound around transport roller 18t and transported to the upper surface of winding table 15 by a pair of transport rollers 18u, 18v. The medium P transported to the upper surface of winding table 15 is then transported by transport roller 18w and wound into a roll by the rotational drive of winding drive shaft 17. The winding table 15 is used to cut the medium P.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, a carriage 50 is mounted with multiple head units 20. The carriage 50 moves while being guided by a guide shaft 11 extending in the X direction by the operation of a carriage motor (not shown). In FIG. 1, H1 is the initial position of the carriage 50. When a print process is instructed, the carriage 50 moves from position H1 to H2, and then from position H2 to position H3. While the carriage 50 moves from position H2 to position H3, a length of medium P corresponding to one page is transported onto the platen 10. Then, after the transport of medium P stops, the carriage 50 moves from position H3 to position H2 and stops. During the period when the carriage 50 moves from position H3 to position H2, ink is transported from the multiple head units 20. are ejected, forming an image on the medium P on the platen 10. The width of the multiple head units 20 in the Y direction is approximately equal to the width of the medium P in the Y direction, and an image for one page is formed on the medium P while the carriage 50 moves once from position H3 to position H2.

[0018] Position H4 is a position where the underside of the carriage 50 faces the maintenance unit 12. The maintenance unit 12 is configured to include, for example, capping members and wiping members provided corresponding to each of the multiple head units 20, and a suction device connected to the capping members and configured to suck the inside of the capping members. In other words, when the carriage 50 is in position H1, automatic maintenance of the head units 20 is performed. In contrast, when the carriage 50 is in position H1, manual maintenance of the head units 20 is possible. For example, an operator can wipe the nozzle formation surface of the head units 20 or replace the head units 20.

[0019] 2. Functional configuration of the liquid ejection device Next, the functional configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the liquid ejection device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid ejection device 1 has a main substrate 100 and n head units 20, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Here, the n head units 20 all have the same configuration, but when describing the n head units 20 separately, they may be referred to as head units 20-1 to 20-n. The liquid ejection device 1 also has an encoder 130, a carriage motor 140, and a transport motor 142. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the main substrate 100, the encoder 130, the carriage motor 140, and the transport motor 142 are provided in the main body 2.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 100 is provided with a main control circuit 101 and a power supply circuit 102.

[0021] Image data IP is input to the main control circuit 101 from a host computer (not shown). Based on the image data IP, the main control circuit 101 generates print data pDATA1 to pDATAn for each of the head units 20-1 to 20-n, and outputs the print data pDATA1 to pDATAn to the head units 20-1 to 20-n, respectively. Hereinafter, when the head units 20-1 to 20-n are referred to as head units 20 without distinction, the print data pDATA1 to pDATAn will also be referred to as print data pDATA without distinction.

[0022] The main control circuit 101 also generates a control signal CtrlC for controlling the movement of the carriage 50 and outputs the control signal CtrlC to the carriage motor 140. The carriage motor 140 operates in accordance with the control signal CtrlC, and the movement of the carriage 50 is controlled by the carriage motor 140. The main control circuit 101 also generates a control signal CtrlT for controlling the transport of the medium P and outputs this to the transport motor 142. The transport motor 142 operates in accordance with the control signal CtrlT, and the transport motor 142 rotates or stops at least some of the transport rollers 18a to 18v, thereby controlling the transport of the medium P. Note that the control signal CtrlC may be converted via a driver circuit (not shown) before being input to the carriage motor 140, and similarly, the control signal CtrlT may be converted via a driver circuit (not shown) before being input to the transport motor 142.

[0023] The power supply circuit 102 generates a power supply voltage VHV having a voltage value of, for example, 42 V, a power supply voltage VMV having a voltage value of, for example, 24 V, and a power supply voltage VDD having a voltage value of, for example, 3.3 V from a commercial voltage VAC input from outside the liquid ejection device 1, and outputs these voltages in common to the head units 20-1 to 20-n. The voltage values ​​of the DD are not limited to 42V, 24V, and 3.3V, respectively.

[0024] The detection signal ENC of the encoder 130 is output in common to the head units 20-1 to 20-n via the main board 100. The detection signal ENC of the encoder 130 is used to identify the positions of the head units 20-1 to 20-n.

[0025] The head unit 20 has a control board 110, a drive board 120, a fan 150, and m print heads 200, where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1. All of the m print heads 200 have the same configuration, but when describing the m print heads 200 separately, they may be referred to as print heads 200-1 to 200-m.

[0026] The control board 110 is provided with a head control circuit 111 and a fan control circuit 112. Power supply voltages VDD and VMV are supplied to the control board 110, and the head control circuit 111 operates based on the power supply voltage VDD, and the fan control circuit 112 operates based on the power supply voltages VDD and VMV.

[0027] The drive substrate 120 is provided with m drive signal generation circuits 121. Power supply voltages VDD and VHV are supplied to the drive substrate 120, and the m drive signal generation circuits 121 operate based on the power supply voltages VDD and VHV. Although the m drive signal generation circuits 121 all have the same configuration, when describing the m drive signal generation circuits 121 separately, they may be referred to as drive signal generation circuits 121-1 to 121-m.

[0028] The head control circuit 111 receives print data pDATA and the detection signal ENC from the encoder 130. Based on the detection signal ENC from the encoder 130, the head control circuit 111 determines the scanning position of each of the print heads 200-1 to 200-m. Based on the print data pDATA and the scanning position, the head control circuit 111 generates various control signals CtrlD1 to CtrlDm corresponding to the scanning positions of the print heads 200-1 to 200-m, and outputs the control signals CtrlD1 to CtrlDm to the print heads 200-1 to 200-m, respectively. Hereinafter, when the print heads 200-1 to 200-m are referred to as print heads 200 without distinction, the control signals CtrlD1 to CtrlDm will also be referred to as control signals CtrlD without distinction.

[0029] Furthermore, the head control circuit 111 generates basic drive signals dA1 to dAm for controlling the operation of the print heads 200-1 to 200-m, and outputs the basic drive signals dA1 to dAm to the drive signal generation circuits 121-1 to 121-m, respectively. The basic drive signal dA is a digital signal that includes information that defines the signal waveform of a drive signal COM that drives the piezoelectric element 610, which will be described later. Hereinafter, when the drive signal generation circuits 121-1 to 121-m are referred to as drive signal generation circuit 121 without distinction, the basic drive signals dA1 to dAm will also be referred to as basic drive signal dA without distinction.

[0030] The head control circuit 111 also generates a control signal Fc for controlling the operation of the fan control circuit 112 and outputs the control signal Fc to the fan control circuit 112 .

[0031] The fan control circuit 112 generates a control signal Fp based on the power supply voltage VMV and the control signal Fc, and outputs the control signal Fp to the fan 150.

[0032] The operation of the fan 150 is controlled by a control signal Fp. The fan 150 is provided inside the head unit 20 and generates an airflow inside the head unit 20. The control board 110 and the drive board 120 are cooled by the airflow generated by the fan 150.

[0033] The drive signal generation circuits 121-1 to 121-m convert the basic drive signals dA1 to dAm into analog signals, respectively, and then amplify the converted analog signals to generate drive signals COM1 to COMm, respectively, and output the drive signals COM1 to COMm to the print heads 200-1 to 200m, respectively. That is, the basic drive signals dA1 to dAm are digital signals that contain information that defines the signal waveforms of the drive signals COM1 to COMm, respectively. The drive signal generation circuits 121-1 to 121-m also generate reference voltage signals VBS, respectively, and output the reference voltage signals VBS to the print heads 200-1 to 200m, respectively. The reference voltage signal VBS may be, for example, a ground potential with a voltage value of 0V, or a DC voltage with a voltage value of 5.5V, 6V, etc.

[0034] The print head 200 operates based on power supply voltages VDD and VHV. The print head 200 has a drive signal selection circuit 210 and multiple ejectors 600, each including a piezoelectric element 610. The drive signal selection circuit 210 selects or deselects a signal waveform included in the drive signal COM based on a control signal CtrlD, thereby outputting a drive signal VOUT corresponding to each of the multiple ejectors 600. In other words, if the print head 200 has p ejectors 600, the drive signal selection circuit 210 generates p drive signals VOUT corresponding to each of the p ejectors 600 and outputs them to the corresponding ejectors 600. In this way, the print heads 200-1 to 200-m select or deselect a signal waveform included in the drive signals COM1 to COMm, respectively, based on the control signals CtrlD1 to CtrlDm, thereby outputting a drive signal VOUT corresponding to each of the multiple ejectors 600.

[0035] Each of the multiple ejection units 600 includes a piezoelectric element 610. A corresponding drive signal VOUT is supplied to one end of the piezoelectric element 610. A reference voltage signal VBS is commonly supplied to the other end of the piezoelectric element 610. The piezoelectric element 610 is displaced by the potential difference between the drive signal VOUT and the reference voltage signal VBS. An amount of ink corresponding to the displacement of the piezoelectric element 610 is ejected from the corresponding ejection unit 600. The ink ejected from the ejection unit 600 lands on the medium P, forming an image on the medium P.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the discharge unit 600. In addition to the discharge unit 600, a nozzle plate 632, a reservoir 641, and a supply port 661 are also shown in Fig. 3.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , the ejection unit 600 includes a piezoelectric element 610, a vibration plate 621, a cavity 631, and a nozzle 651. The piezoelectric element 610 includes a piezoelectric body 601 and electrodes 611 and 612. The electrodes 611 and 612 are positioned to sandwich the piezoelectric body 601, thereby forming the piezoelectric element 610. The piezoelectric element 610 is driven to displace a central portion thereof in the vertical direction in response to a potential difference between a voltage supplied to the electrode 611 and a voltage supplied to the electrode 612. Specifically, a drive signal VOUT based on a drive signal COM is supplied to the electrode 611, and a reference voltage signal VBS is supplied to the electrode 612. When the voltage value of the drive signal VOUT supplied to the electrode 611 changes, the potential difference between the drive signal VOUT supplied to the electrode 611 and the reference voltage signal VBS supplied to the electrode 612 changes, and the piezoelectric element 610 is driven to displace a central portion thereof in the vertical direction.

[0038] Diaphragm 621 is located below piezoelectric element 610 in Fig. 3. In other words, piezoelectric element 610 is formed on the upper surface of diaphragm 621 in Fig. 3. Diaphragm 621 is displaced in the vertical direction as piezoelectric element 610 is driven in the vertical direction.

[0039] A cavity 631 is located below the diaphragm 621 in FIG. 3. Ink is supplied to the cavity 631 from a reservoir 641. In addition, ink stored in a liquid container (not shown) is introduced into the reservoir 641 via a supply port 661. That is, That is, the interior of cavity 631 is filled with ink stored in a liquid container. The internal volume of cavity 631 expands or contracts in accordance with the vertical displacement of diaphragm 621. That is, diaphragm 621 functions as a diaphragm that changes the internal volume of cavity 631, and cavity 631 functions as a pressure chamber whose internal pressure changes in accordance with the vertical displacement of diaphragm 621.

[0040] The nozzle 651 is an opening provided in the nozzle plate 632, and communicates with the cavity 631. When the internal volume of the cavity 631 changes, ink filled inside the cavity 631 is ejected from the nozzle 651 in accordance with the change in the internal volume.

[0041] In the ejection unit 600 configured as described above, when the piezoelectric element 610 is driven to bend upward, the vibration plate 621 is displaced upward. This causes the internal volume of the cavity 631 to expand, and as a result, ink stored in the reservoir 641 is drawn into the cavity 631. On the other hand, when the piezoelectric element 610 is driven to bend downward, the vibration plate 621 is displaced downward. This causes the internal volume of the cavity 631 to contract, and as a result, an amount of ink corresponding to the degree of contraction of the internal volume of the cavity 631 is ejected from the nozzle 651. In other words, an amount of ink corresponding to the voltage value of the drive signal VOUT is ejected from each of the multiple ejection units 600.

[0042] The piezoelectric element 610 is driven by the supply of a drive signal VOUT corresponding to the drive signal COM, and is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 3 as long as it has a structure that allows ink to be ejected from the nozzle 651 by being driven.

[0043] 3. Head unit structure Next, the structure of the head unit 20 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 11. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the head unit 20. Fig. 5 is an external view of the head unit 20 seen from the -Y side. Fig. 6 is an external view of the head unit 20 seen from the +Y side. Fig. 7 is an external view of the head unit 20 seen from the -X side. Fig. 8 is an external view of the head unit 20 seen from the +X side. Fig. 9 is an external view of the head unit 20 seen from the -Z side. Fig. 10 is an external view of the head unit 20 seen from the +Z side.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 10, the head unit 20 has a housing 21 that houses a control board 110, a drive board 120, a fan 150, and multiple print heads 200. The housing 21 is made of metal, such as iron, and weighs 5 kg or more. The housing 21 is a polyhedron shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped and has faces 21a to 21f. Faces 21a and 21b are opposite faces and are, for example, parallel to each other. Faces 21c and 21d are opposite faces and are, for example, parallel to each other. Faces 21e and 21f are opposite faces and are, for example, parallel to each other. Here, the phrase "two faces being parallel" not only refers to a case where the angle between the two faces is 0°, but also includes a case where the angle between the two faces is slightly deviated from 0° due to manufacturing errors, etc. Faces 21a and 21b intersect with faces 21c, 21d, 21e, and 21f, for example, being perpendicular to each other. Surfaces 21c and 21d intersect with surfaces 21a, 21b, 21e, and 21f, for example, perpendicular to them. Surfaces 21e and 21f intersect with surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, for example, perpendicular to them. Here, "two surfaces intersect at right angles" not only means that the angle between the two surfaces is 90°, but also includes cases where the angle between the two surfaces is slightly different from 90° due to manufacturing errors, etc.

[0045] The faces 21c and 21d are longer in the Y direction than in the X direction, and the faces 21e and 21f are longer in the Y direction than in the Z direction. In other words, the housing 21 is a polyhedron that is longer in the Y direction than in the X and Z directions. When viewed from the perspective of a worker performing maintenance on the head unit 20, the face 21a is the front of the housing 21. surface 21b corresponds to the rear surface of housing 21, surface 21c corresponds to the top surface of housing 21, surface 21d corresponds to the bottom surface of housing 21, surface 21e corresponds to the right side surface of housing 21, and surface 21f corresponds to the left side surface of housing 21.

[0046] The head unit 20 further has surfaces 21g and 21h. Surface 21g is a surface parallel to surface 21a and is located further back than surface 21a when an operator views the head unit 20 from the -Y side. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the -Y side, surface 21g is visible along with surface 21a. Surface 21h is a surface parallel to surface 21c and is located further back than surface 21f when an operator views the head unit 20 from the +X side. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the +X side, surface 21h is visible along with surface 21f.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the -Y side, the surface 21a of the housing 21 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 21a coincides with the Y direction. The surface 21a is provided with a tube connection portion 23 that is connected to an ink tube, which is a tube that supplies ink. The tube connection portion 23 is formed with a plurality of tube attachment ports 23a, and the tip of an ink tube is attached to each tube attachment port 23a, thereby connecting the plurality of ink tubes to the tube connection portion 23. Ink supplied from each of the plurality of ink tubes is supplied to each of the plurality of print heads 200. In the example of FIGS. 4 to 10, the head unit 20 has six print heads 200, and the tube connection portion 23 is formed with six tube attachment ports 23a.

[0048] Further, a gripping portion 32 is provided on the surface 21a. The gripping portion 32 has a support portion 32a, a support portion 32b, and a connecting portion 32c that connects the support portions 32a and 32b. In the gripping portion 32, the support portions 32a and 32b are joined to the surface 21a and are portions that are substantially perpendicular to the surface 21a, and the connecting portion 32c is a portion that connects the support portions 32a and 32b and is substantially parallel to the surface 21a. The gripping portion 32 is made of metal, such as iron. The gripping portion 32 is provided on the surface 21a so that the connecting portion 32c is aligned along the X direction. For example, the gripping portion 32 is provided on the surface 21a so that the connecting portion 32c is parallel to the X direction.

[0049] Furthermore, a fixing mechanism 25 is provided on the -Y side of surface 21a, extending in the Z direction so as to pass through a hole provided in surface 21i of housing 21. Fixing mechanism 25 is a mechanism for fixing head unit 20 to carriage 50, and includes handle 25a. When the operator rotates handle 25a, fixing mechanism 25 moves in the Z direction and passes through a hole provided in surface 21j of housing 21 and a hole provided in carriage 50, fixing head unit 20 to carriage 50. Fixing mechanism 25 is, for example, a screw.

[0050] 5, surface 21g is provided with ventilation hole 42. Surface 21g is parallel to surface 21a and is located on the +Y side of surface 21a, and therefore ventilation hole 42 is provided in a position that is visible when surface 21a is viewed from the Y direction. Note that surface 21g may be formed as the same surface as surface 21a, and ventilation hole 42 may be provided in surface 21a.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the +Y side, the surface 21b of the housing 21 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 21b coincides with the Y direction. The surface 21b is parallel to the surface 21a, and the direction from the surface 21a toward the surface 21b also coincides with the Y direction. A connector 30 is provided on the surface 21b. The connector 30 mates with a connector 60 of the carriage 50, which will be described later, and the power supply voltages VMV, VHV, and VDD and the detection signal ENC of the encoder 130 are supplied from the connector 60. The connector 30 supplies the power supply voltages VMV and VDD to the control board 110 via the connector 60, and supplies the power supply voltages VHV and VDD to the drive board 120 and the six print heads 200. The connector 30 also The detection signal ENC of the encoder 130 is supplied to the control board 110 via 60.

[0052] Furthermore, surface 21b is provided with ventilation opening 41. As shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9, surface 21b is made up of two surfaces with a slight step, and ventilation opening 41 is provided on a surface different from connector 30. However, connector 30 and ventilation opening 41 may also be provided on surface 21b, which is a flat surface without any steps.

[0053] 5, the shortest distance between grip portion 32 and surface 21c is shorter than the shortest distance between tube connection portion 23 and surface 21c, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between vent hole 42 and surface 21c. That is, grip portion 32 is provided in a position close to surface 21c. Specifically, grip portion 32 is provided at the uppermost part of surface 21a.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the -X side, the surface 21e of the housing 21 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 21e coincides with the X direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the +X side, the surface 21f of the housing 21 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 21f coincides with the X direction. The surface 21f is parallel to the surface 21e, and the direction from the surface 21e toward the surface 21f also coincides with the X direction. At the tip 26 connected to the housing 21 on the +Y side of the housing 21, two rollers 24 are provided on the surface 21e side. Also, at the tip 26, one roller 24 is provided on the surface 21f side. The roller 24 is provided to facilitate mounting the head unit 20 on the carriage 50.

[0055] 8, a connector 33 is provided on surface 21h. Connector 33 is, for example, a USB Type-C connector, and is connected to a connector (not shown) provided on main board 100 via a wiring cable. Connector 33 supplies print data pDATA to control board 110. Note that surface 21h may be formed as the same surface as surface 21f, and connector 33 may be provided on surface 21f.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9, when the head unit 20 is viewed from the -Z side, surface 21c of the housing 21 is visible. That is, the normal direction of surface 21c coincides with the Z direction. A grip portion 31 is provided on surface 21c. The grip portion 31 has a support portion 31a, a support portion 31b, and a connecting portion 31c that connects support portion 31a and support portion 31b. In the grip portion 31, support portions 31a and 31b are joined to surface 21c and are portions that are roughly perpendicular to surface 21c, and connecting portion 31c is a portion that connects support portion 31a and support portion 31b and is roughly parallel to surface 21c. The grip portion 31 is made of metal, such as iron. The grip portion 31 is provided on surface 21c so that connecting portion 31c is along the Y direction. That is, the gripping portion 31 is provided on the surface 21c so that the connecting portion 31c is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the housing 21. For example, the gripping portion 31 is provided on the surface 21c so that the connecting portion 31c is parallel to the Y direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the housing 21. Since the liquid ejection device 1 is a large printer and the head unit 20 weighs 5 kg or more, the gripping portion 31 is attached to the housing 21 with screws having a diameter of M4 or larger so that the gripping portion 31 will not come off when an operator grasps the gripping portion 31 and lifts the head unit 20. To make it more difficult for the gripping portion 31 to come off, it is preferable that the gripping portion 31 be attached to the housing 21 with screws having a diameter of M5 or larger.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the Y direction, grip portion 31 and grip portion 32 do not overlap. That is, grip portion 32 provided on surface 21a does not protrude toward surface 21c, so when an operator grasps grip portion 32 and pushes or pulls head unit 20, force is easily transmitted to surface 21a. Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when viewed from the Z direction, grip portion 31 and grip portion 32 do not overlap. That is, grip portion 31 provided on surface 21c does not protrude toward surface 21a, so an operator can easily grasp grip portion 31 and lift head unit 20 horizontally.

[0058] 9, connecting portion 31c of grip portion 31 intersects with a first imaginary plane F1 that is equidistant L1 from surfaces 21b and 21a. Connecting portion 31c also intersects with a second imaginary plane F2 that is equidistant L2 from surfaces 21e and 21f. That is, grip portion 31 is provided at a position close to the center of surface 21c. Generally, the center position of surface 21c, which is the top surface of housing 21, is close to the center of gravity of head unit 20, so that an operator can easily grasp grip portion 31 and lift head unit 20, which weighs 5 kg or more, in the X and Y directions while keeping it horizontal.

[0059] 9, connecting portion 32c of grip portion 32 intersects with second imaginary plane F2 that is equidistant L2 from surfaces 21e and 21f. That is, grip portion 32 is provided so as to intersect with the center line in the X direction of surface 21a of head unit 20. Therefore, an operator can easily hold grip portion 32 and push or pull head unit 20 in the Y direction while keeping it horizontal in the X direction.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, connecting portion 32c is provided at the top of surface 21b. Furthermore, connecting portion 32c has a length of 5 cm or more. That is, because distance L3 between support portion 32a and support portion 32b is 5 cm or more, an operator can grasp grip portion 32 with three or more fingers. Therefore, by grasping grip portion 32, an operator can easily push and pull head unit 20 weighing 5 kg or more in the Y direction. Furthermore, by grasping grip portions 31 and 32 with each hand, an operator can easily lift head unit 20 weighing 5 kg or more. To prevent grip portion 32 from coming off when an operator grasps grip portion 31 to lift or pull out head unit 20, grip portion 32 is attached to housing 21 with a screw having a diameter of M4 or more.

[0061] 9, notches 35 and 36 are provided in the tip portion 26. The head unit 20 is fixed to the carriage 50 by fitting the notches 35 and 36 with a fixing mechanism 55 of the carriage 50, which will be described later.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the head unit 20 is viewed from the +Z side, the surface 21d of the housing 21 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 21d coincides with the Z direction. The surface 21d is parallel to the surface 21c, and the direction from the surface 21c toward the surface 21d also coincides with the Z direction. Six print heads 200 are provided on the surface 21d. As shown in FIGS. 7 , 8 , and 10 , the six print heads 200 are aligned in the Y direction. Note that the number of print heads 200 is not limited to six. As shown in FIG. 10 , four nozzle plates 632 aligned in the Y direction are arranged on the lower surface, which is the +Z side surface of the print head 200. Each nozzle plate 632 has a plurality of nozzles 651 aligned in two rows in the Y direction. That is, two nozzle rows are formed for each of the six print heads 200, and the four nozzle plates 632 aligned in the Y direction are exposed from the surface 21d of the housing 21. The number of nozzle plates 632 in the print head 200 is not limited to four.

[0063] 11 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the head unit 20 as seen from the -X side, and is a diagram showing the head unit 20 when the surface 21e of the housing 21 is absent. As shown in FIG. 11, a control board 110, a drive board 120, and a fan 150 are housed inside the housing 21. Furthermore, portions of the six head units 20, including the nozzle plate 632, are exposed from the housing 21, but the remaining portions are housed inside the housing 21. As a result, the housing 21 functions as a protective member that protects the control board 110, drive board 120, and fan 150 from impacts and ink mist.

[0064] The control board 110, drive board 120, and fan 150 are provided at positions closer to surface 21c, which is the upper surface, than to surface 21d, which is the lower surface, of the housing 21. Specifically, since six print heads 200 are provided on surface 21d, the control board 110, drive board 120, and fan 150 are disposed in the space between the six print heads 200 and surface 21c.

[0065] The control board 110 and the drive board 120 are each disposed so that the normal to the mounting surface on which electronic components are mounted is aligned with the X direction. The drive board 120 is disposed on the +X side of the control board 110, and when viewed from the X direction, the control board 110 and the drive board 120 partially overlap each other. The control board 110 is connected to a connector 30 via a wiring cable or wiring board (not shown), and the connector 30 supplies power supply voltages VMV, VHV, and VDD and a detection signal ENC from the encoder 130. The control board 110 is also connected to a connector 33 via a wiring cable or wiring board (not shown), and the connector 33 supplies print data pDATA. The drive board 120 is connected to the control board 110 via a BtoB connector (not shown), and the control board 110 supplies a master drive signal dA and power supply voltages VHV and VDD. BtoB is an abbreviation for Board to Board. Each of the six print heads 200 is connected to a control board 110 and a drive board 120 by a wiring board such as an FPC (not shown), and a control signal CtrlD is supplied from the control board 110, and a drive signal COM and a reference voltage signal VBS are supplied from the drive board 120.

[0066] Furthermore, a space 45 serving as a gas passage is provided on the +X side of the drive substrate 120, with the vents 41 and 42 at both ends. The control substrate 110 and the drive substrate 120 form part of the wall surface of the space 45. A fan 150 is disposed in the space 45 adjacent to the vent 41. The fan 150 draws gas in through one of the vents 41 and 42 and expels it from the other. For example, if the fan 150 is an intake fan, the vent 41 serves as an intake port and the vent 42 serves as an exhaust port. If the fan 150 is an exhaust fan, the vent 41 serves as an exhaust port and the vent 42 serves as an intake port. As shown in FIG. 6 , when viewed from the Y direction, at least a portion of the vent 41 provided on the surface 21b overlaps with at least a portion of the vent 42 provided on the surface 21g. Therefore, the airflow generated by the fan 150 allows the gas to flow smoothly from one of the vents 41, 42 to the other in the space 45, improving the heat dissipation effect and allowing the control board 110 and the drive board 120 to be cooled efficiently.

[0067] 4. Carriage structure Next, the structure of the carriage 50 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 18. Figure 12 is an external view of the carriage 50 seen from the -Y side. Figure 13 is an external view of the carriage 50 seen from the -X side. Figure 14 is an external view of the carriage 50 seen from the -Z side.

[0068] 12 to 14, the carriage 50 has a bottom plate 51 and a back plate 52. The bottom plate 51, the back plate 52 and the rails 53 are made of metal, such as iron.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, when the carriage 50 is viewed from the -Y side, the surface 52a of the back plate 52 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 52a coincides with the Y direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, when the carriage 50 is viewed from the -Z side, the surface 51a of the bottom plate 51 is visible. That is, the normal direction of the surface 51a coincides with the Z direction. The surface 52a intersects with the surface 51a, for example, being perpendicular to the surface 51a. Note that the bottom plate 51 and the back plate 52 are both components of the carriage 50, and therefore the surface 51a of the bottom plate 51 and the surface 52a of the back plate 52 are also the surfaces 51a and 52a of the carriage 50. Therefore, hereinafter, the surface 51a of the bottom plate 51 may be referred to as the surface 51a of the carriage 50, and the surface 52a of the back plate 52 may be referred to as the surface 52a of the carriage 50.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the surface 52a of the carriage 50 is provided with a plurality of connectors 60. is provided. The connector 60 is connected to a connector (not shown) provided on the main board 100 by a wiring cable. The power supply voltages VMV, VHV, and VDD output from the power supply circuit 102 are transmitted to the connector 60 via the wiring cable. The detection signal ENC of the encoder 130 is also transmitted to the connector 60 via the wiring cable. The connector 60 is mated with the connector 30 of the head unit 20, and supplies the power supply voltages VMV, VHV, and VDD and the detection signal ENC of the encoder 130 to the connector 30.

[0071] As shown in Figure 14, a surface 51a of the carriage 50 has a plurality of openings 54 formed thereon corresponding to the plurality of connectors 60. The head unit 20 is mounted on the surface 51a of the carriage 50 with the exposed portions of the six print heads 200 fitted into the openings 54. The surface 51a of the carriage 50 also has a plurality of rails 53 formed thereon corresponding to the plurality of openings 54. When an operator replaces a head unit 20 weighing 5 kg or more, the operator can slide the rollers 24 of the head unit 20 along the rails 53, thereby reducing the burden of the replacement work.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the carriage 50 is provided with a plurality of fixing mechanisms 55 extending in the Z direction so as to pass through a plurality of holes provided in the surface 52b of the back plate 52. The fixing mechanisms 55 are mechanisms for fixing the head unit 20 to the carriage 50 and include a handle 55a. When the operator rotates the handle 55a, the fixing mechanisms 55 move in the Z direction, and the tip ends of the fixing mechanisms 55 pass through the notches 35 provided in the head unit 20 and the holes provided in the surface 51a of the carriage 50, thereby fixing the head unit 20 to the carriage 50. The fixing mechanisms 55 are, for example, screws.

[0073] 12 and 13, carriage 50 is provided with a plurality of guide portions 56 connected to bottom plate 51 and back plate 52, corresponding to a plurality of connectors 60. Guide portions 56 mate with notches 36 of head unit 20 and have the function of assisting in positioning head unit 20 and fixing head unit 20 to carriage 50.

[0074] 12 to 14, there are five sets of connectors 60, rails 53, openings 54, fixing mechanisms 55 and guide portions 56, so that five head units 20 can be loaded on the carriage 50.

[0075] Next, the structure of connector 60 will be described with reference to Figures 15 to 18. Figure 15 is an external view of connector 60 as seen from the -Z side. Figure 16 is an external view of connector 60 as seen from the -X side. Figure 17 is an external view of connector 60 as seen from the -Y side. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of connector 60 as seen from the -Z side.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the connector 60 includes a base portion 61, a connection portion 62, a first holding portion 63, and a second holding portion 64.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the base portion 61 is provided with a first hole 66 and a second hole 67. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the connection portion 62 extends from the base portion 61 and is provided with a terminal group made up of a plurality of terminals 62a including terminals for transmitting the power supply voltages VMV, VHV, and VDD and the detection signal ENC. The connection portion 62 includes a tapered mating portion 62b. That is, the mating portion 62b has a shape that becomes thinner as it approaches the tip. The mating portion 62b is a portion that mates with the connector 30 of the head unit 20, and because the mating portion 62b is tapered, it has the function of guiding the connection between the connector 30 and the connector 60 and correcting misalignment.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the first holding portion 63 includes a first portion 63a, a second portion 63b, and a third portion 63c connecting the first portion 63a and the second portion 63b. That is, the first holding portion 63 has a so-called bobbin shape. As shown in FIG. 17, when viewed from the Y direction, the first portion 63a and the second portion 63b have a larger area than the first hole 66, and the third portion 63c has a smaller area than the first hole 66. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18, when viewed from the Z direction, the first portion 63a and the second portion 63b do not overlap with the first hole 66, and the third portion 63c overlaps with the first hole 66. That is, the first portion 63a and the second portion 63b sandwich the first hole 66, and the third portion 63c passes through the first hole 66.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the second holding portion 64 includes a fourth portion 64a, a fifth portion 64b, and a sixth portion 64c connecting the fourth portion 64a and the fifth portion 64b. That is, the second holding portion 64 has a so-called bobbin shape. As shown in FIG. 17 , when viewed from the Y direction, the fourth portion 64a and the fifth portion 64b have a larger area than the second hole 67, and the sixth portion 64c has a smaller area than the second hole 67. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 , when viewed from the Z direction, the fourth portion 64a and the fifth portion 64b do not overlap with the second hole 67, and the sixth portion 64c overlaps with the second hole 67. That is, the fourth portion 64a and the fifth portion 64b sandwich the second hole 67, and the sixth portion 64c passes through the second hole 67.

[0080] 18 , the length in the Y direction of the third portion 63c of the first holding portion 63 is greater than the thickness of the base portion 61, which is the length in the Y direction of the first hole 66. Similarly, the length in the Y direction of the sixth portion 64c of the second holding portion 64 is greater than the thickness of the base portion 61, which is the length in the Y direction of the second hole 67. That is, in the Y direction, there are gaps between the first portion 63a and the second portion 63b of the first holding portion 63 and the base portion 61, and between the fourth portion 64a and the fifth portion 64b of the second holding portion 64 and the base portion 61.

[0081] 17, when viewed from the Y direction, the outer edge of the first hole 66 is a circle with a first diameter R1, the outer edge of the first portion 63a is a circle with a second diameter R2 that is larger than the first diameter R1, the outer edge of the second portion 63b is a circle with the second diameter R2, and the outer edge of the third portion 63c is a circle with a third diameter R3 that is smaller than the first diameter R1. Similarly, when viewed from the Y direction, the outer edge of the second hole 67 is a circle with a first diameter R1, the outer edge of the fourth portion 64a is a circle with a second diameter R2, the outer edge of the fifth portion 64b is a circle with the second diameter R2, and the outer edge of the sixth portion 64c is a circle with a third diameter R3.

[0082] When the center of the circle of the outer periphery of the first hole 66 coincides with the center of the circle of the outer periphery of the third portion 63c, the center of the circle of the circle of the outer periphery of the second hole 67 coincides with the center of the circle of the outer periphery of the sixth portion 64c. Therefore, the base portion 61 is movable in any direction within the XZ plane relative to the first holder 63 and the second holder 64, which are fixed to the surface 52a of the carriage 50, within the range of the difference between the first diameter R1 and the third diameter R3. In this manner, the first holder 63 is inserted through the first hole 66 and holds the base portion 61 movably within a predetermined range. Similarly, the second holder 64 is inserted through the second hole 67 and holds the base portion 61 movably within a predetermined range. The upper limit of the predetermined range is the difference between the first diameter R1 and the third diameter R3.

[0083] When viewed from the Y direction, the outer edges of the first portion 63a, the second portion 63b, and the third portion 63c of the first holding portion 63 are not limited to being circular, and may be polygonal, such as a hexagon. Similarly, when viewed from the Y direction, the outer edges of the fourth portion 64a, the fifth portion 64b, and the sixth portion 64c of the second holding portion 64 are not limited to being circular, and may be polygonal, such as a hexagon.

[0084] 15 to 18, the carriage 50 has a first fixing member 71 and a second fixing member 72 that fix the connector 60 to the surface 52a of the carriage 50. The first fixing member 71 fixes the first holding portion 63 to the surface 52a of the carriage 50, and the second fixing member 72 The second holding portion 64 is fixed to the surface 52a of the carriage 50. As shown in Figures 15 and 18, for example, the first fixing member 71 is formed of a first bolt 71a and a first nut 71b, and the second fixing member 72 is formed of a second bolt 72a and a second nut 72b. The first holding portion 63 has a screw hole (not shown) formed in a position that overlaps with the center of the outer edge circle when viewed from the Y direction, and the first bolt 71a is inserted through the screw hole and further penetrates the back plate 52 to engage with the first nut 71b, thereby fixing the first holding portion 63 to the surface 52a of the carriage 50. Similarly, the second holding portion 64 has a screw hole (not shown) formed in a position that overlaps with the center of the outer edge circle when viewed from the Y direction, and a second bolt 72a is inserted through the screw hole and further passes through the back plate 52 to engage with a second nut 72b, thereby fixing the second holding portion 64 to the surface 52a of the carriage 50. Note that the first fixing member 71 and the second fixing member 72 are not limited to those formed of a bolt and a nut, and may be any member that can fix the connector 60 to the surface 52a of the carriage 50.

[0085] In this way, in the connector 60, the connection portion 62, on which the terminal group is provided, can move within a predetermined range together with the base portion 61 relative to the first holding portion 63 and the second holding portion 64, which are fixed to the surface 52a of the carriage 50 by the first fixing member 71 and the second fixing member 72. Specifically, the base portion 61 and the connection portion 62 can move relative to the first holding portion 63 and the second holding portion 64 by the amount of the gap between the third portion 63c and the first hole 66 and the gap between the sixth portion 64c and the second hole 67. Therefore, even if the position at which the connector 60 and the connector 30 provided in the head unit 20 are mated is shifted within a predetermined range, the connection portion 62 of the connector 60 can move and mate with the connector 30.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 , the connector 60 may include a guide portion 65. The guide portion 65 is inserted through a hole 57 provided in the back plate 52 of the carriage 50. As shown in FIG. 17 , when viewed from the Y direction, the outer edge of the hole 57 is a circle with a fourth diameter R4, and the outer edge of the guide portion 65 is a circle with a fifth diameter R5 that is larger than the fourth diameter R4. Here, the difference between the fifth diameter R5 and the fourth diameter R4 is larger than the difference between the first diameter R1 and the third diameter R3. When the center of the circle of the outer edge of the first hole 66 coincides with the center of the circle of the outer edge of the third portion 63c, and when the center of the circle of the outer edge of the second hole 67 coincides with the center of the circle of the outer edge of the sixth portion 64c, the center of the circle of the outer edge of the hole 57 coincides with the center of the circle of the outer edge of the guide portion 65. Therefore, when the base portion 61 moves within a predetermined range, the guide portion 65 also moves accordingly. However, because the difference between the fifth diameter R5 and the fourth diameter R4 is greater than the difference between the first diameter R1 and the third diameter R3, the guide portion 65 can move without coming into contact with the hole 57. In other words, the guide portion 65 can move without limiting the range in which the base portion 61 can move. The guide portion 65 and the hole 57 function to position the connector 60 when the first fixing member 71 and the second fixing member 72 fix the connector 60 to the back plate 52. Furthermore, the guide portion 65 and the hole 57 also function to keep the connector 60 nearly horizontal even if the first fixing member 71 or the second fixing member 72 falls off, thereby preventing the head unit 20 from tilting significantly and becoming damaged.

[0087] 5. Connecting the head unit to the carriage Next, the connection structure between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50 will be described using Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 is an external view of the carriage 50 carrying the head unit 20, viewed from the -Y side. Figure 20 is an external view of the carriage 50 carrying the head unit 20, viewed from the -X side.

[0088] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the head unit 20 is fixed to the carriage 50 by fixing mechanisms 55, 25. Since the weight of the head unit 20 is 5 kg or more, the fixing mechanisms 55, 25 are required to have a relatively high strength in order to prevent at least one of the fixing mechanisms 55, 25 from breaking and damaging the head unit 20. Materials used for 5 and 25 include hard metals such as iron and bakelite.

[0089] On the other hand, resin is used as the material for connector 30 of head unit 20 and connector 60 of carriage 50. Therefore, connector 30 and connector 60 have low strength and are easily broken. As shown in FIG. 20 , connector 60 and connector 30 are mated in the Y direction, so if an operator fixes head unit 20 to carriage 50 in the Y direction and the fixing pressure becomes even slightly large, the stress applied to connector 30 and connector 60 may cause damage to connector 30 and connector 60.

[0090] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , when viewed from the X direction, the connectors 60 and 30 are positioned between the fixing mechanisms 55 and 25, and the fixing mechanisms 55 and 25 fix the head unit 20 in the Z direction. That is, the direction of electrical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50 by the connectors 60 and 30 is perpendicular to the direction of mechanical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50 by the fixing mechanisms 55 and 25. As a result, even if the crimping force used to fix the head unit 20 increases somewhat, the stress applied to the connectors 60 and 30 is not large, reducing the risk of damage to the connectors 60 and 30. Furthermore, because the base portion 61 of the connector 60, including the mating portion 62b, is movable within a predetermined range, the stress applied to the connectors 60 and 30 is reduced, making the connectors 60 and 30 less likely to be damaged.

[0091] Furthermore, the Y direction, which is the direction of the electrical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50, and the Z direction, which is the direction of the mechanical connection, are both perpendicular to the X direction in which the carriage 50 moves during printing. Therefore, the direction of the inertial force generated as the carriage 50 moves is perpendicular to the direction of the electrical connection and the direction of the mechanical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50, so there is little risk that these connections will become loose or unstable due to the inertial force. This improves the stability of both the electrical connection and the mechanical connection.

[0092] 19 and 20, a portion of the head unit 20 is located between the handle 55a of the fixing mechanism 55 and the surface 51a of the carriage 50, and another portion of the head unit 20 is located between the handle 25a of the fixing mechanism 55 and the surface 51a of the carriage 50. In other words, because the handles 55a and 25a are both located above the head unit 20, it is easy for the worker to operate the handles 55a and 25a, facilitating the work of replacing the head unit 20. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the shortest distance between the handle 55a and the surface 52a of the carriage 50 is shorter than the shortest distance between the handle 25a and the surface 52a of the carriage 50, and the shortest distance between the handle 55a and the surface 51a of the carriage 50 is longer than the shortest distance between the handle 25a and the surface 51a of the carriage 50. That is, from the worker's perspective, the handle 55a at the back is at a higher position than the handle 25a at the front, so the worker can easily operate the handles 55a, 25a, making it easier to replace the head unit 20.

[0093] 19, when the head unit 20 is fixed to the carriage 50, the tube connection part 23 is located in front of the worker. This makes it easy for the worker to attach the tip of the ink tube to the tube attachment port 23a of the tube connection part 23.

[0094] Next, a method for connecting the head unit 20 and the carriage 50 will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 25. Figure 21 is a flow chart showing an example of the steps of a head unit connecting method for connecting the carriage 50 to the head unit 20. Figures 22 to 25 are diagrams showing the states of each step in Figure 21.

[0095] First, in step S1 of FIG. 21, the worker holds the gripping portions 31 and 32 and tilts the head unit 20 to fit the rollers 24 into the rails 53, as shown in FIG.

[0096] 23, the worker grips at least the gripping portion 32 and slides the rollers 24 along the rails 53 to move the head unit 20 in a direction approaching the surface 52a of the carriage 50. In this way, the gripping portion 32 and the rollers 24 are used when moving the head unit 20 in a direction approaching the surface 52a of the carriage 50 and loading it onto the carriage 50.

[0097] Next, in step S3, as shown in FIG. 24, the worker loads the head unit 20 onto the carriage 50 so that the surface 21d of the head unit 20 on which the print head 200 is provided and the surface 51a of the carriage 50 are parallel.

[0098] Next, in step S4, as shown in FIG. 25, the worker mates the connector 60 with the connector 30 while maintaining the surface 21d of the head unit 20 and the surface 51a of the carriage 50 parallel to each other.

[0099] Finally, in step S5, the worker operates the fixing mechanism 55 and the fixing mechanism 25 to fix the head unit 20 to the carriage 50, as shown in FIG.

[0100] In this embodiment, the print head 200 is an example of a "liquid ejection head." The Z direction is an example of a "first direction," the Y direction is an example of a "second direction," and the X direction is an example of a "third direction." Surface 21b is an example of a "first surface," surface 21a is an example of a "second surface," surface 21d is an example of a "third surface," surface 21c is an example of a "fourth surface," surface 21e is an example of a "fifth surface," and surface 21f is an example of a "sixth surface." Grip 31 is an example of a "first gripping portion," and grip 32 is an example of a "second gripping portion." Support 31a is an example of a "first support portion," support 31b is an example of a "second support portion," support 32a is an example of a "third support portion," and support 32b is an example of a "fourth support portion." Connecting portion 31c is an example of a "first connecting portion," and connecting portion 32c is an example of a "second connecting portion." Ventilation opening 41 is an example of a "first ventilation opening," and ventilation opening 42 is an example of a "second ventilation opening."

[0101] 6. Action and Effects As described above, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, in the head unit 20, the grip portion 31 is provided on the surface 21c of the housing 21 opposite the surface 21d on which the print head 200 is provided, with the connecting portion 31c extending along the Y direction. This makes it easy for an operator to grasp the grip portion 31 and lift the head unit 20 while keeping it horizontal. Furthermore, the grip portion 32 is provided on the surface 21a that intersects with the surface 21d on which the print head 200 is provided. This makes it easy for an operator to grasp the grip portion 32 and push or pull the head unit 20. Furthermore, the connector 30 is provided on the surface 21b of the head unit 20 opposite the surface 21a on which the grip portion 32 is provided. This allows an operator to grasp the grip portion 32 and push the head unit 20 in, thereby engaging the connector 30 with the connector 60 provided on the surface 52a of the carriage 50. The gripping portion 32 is provided at a position closer to the surface 21d than the tube connecting portion 23 and the ventilation hole 42, with the connecting portion 32c aligned along the X direction, so that the worker can easily lift the head unit 20 by holding the gripping portions 31 and 32 with both hands, and can easily fine-tune the inclination when holding the gripping portion 32 and pushing or pulling the head unit 20 along the rail 53. In particular, the gripping portion 31 provided on the surface 21c does not protrude onto the surface 21a, so that the worker can easily hold the gripping portion 31 and lift the head unit 20 horizontally, and the gripping portion 32 provided on the surface 21a does not protrude onto the surface 21c, so that the worker can easily hold the gripping portion 31 and lift the head unit 20 horizontally, and When the handle 32 is gripped and the head unit 20 is pushed or pulled, the force is easily transmitted to the surface 21a.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, the grip portion 31 of the head unit 20 is provided at a position close to the center of the surface 21c, so that an operator can easily grasp the grip portion 31 and lift the head unit 20 while keeping it horizontal. Furthermore, the grip portion 32 is provided so as to intersect with the center line of the surface 21a in the X direction, so that an operator can easily fine-tune the tilt of the head unit 20 so that it aligns with the rails 53 while keeping the head unit 20 horizontal in the X direction. Furthermore, because the operator can grasp the grip portion 32 with three or more fingers, even if the head unit 20 is heavy, it is easy to tilt it so that it aligns with the rails 53 and to push and pull it.

[0103] Therefore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, even if the weight of the head unit 20 is 5 kg or more, the risk of the print head 200 colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged when an operator lifts or pushes or pulls the head unit 20 is reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, the housing 21 is made of metal and therefore has high strength, reducing the risk of damage to the housing 21 due to stress applied when lifting, pushing, or pulling the head unit 20. Also, the gripping portions 31, 32 are made of metal and therefore have high strength, making them less likely to deform or break when lifting, pushing, or pulling the head unit 20. Furthermore, the gripping portions 31, 32 are attached to the housing 21 with sufficient strength using screws with a diameter of M4 or greater, reducing the risk of the gripping portions 31, 32 coming off the housing 21 when an operator lifts, pushes, or pulls the head unit 20. Therefore, the risk of the print head 200 colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged when an operator lifts, pushes, or pulls the head unit 20 is reduced.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, an operator can push in the head unit 20 with little force by grasping the gripping portion 32 and sliding the roller 24 along the rail 53, making it easy to load the head unit 20 onto the carriage 50.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, even if the mating position between the connector 60 provided on the surface 52a of the carriage 50 and the connector 30 provided on the surface 21b of the housing 21 of the head unit 20 is misaligned within a predetermined range, the connecting portion 62 of the connector 60 can move to mate with the connector 30. Furthermore, the tapered mating portion 62b included in the connecting portion 62 of the connector 60 guides the mating with the connector 30. Therefore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, it is easy to properly connect the connector 60 and the connector 30, and the risk of damage to the connector 60 or the connector 30 when mating the connector 60 and the connector 30 is reduced.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, the direction of the electrical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50 by the connectors 60, 30 and the direction of the mechanical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50 by the fixing mechanisms 55, 25 are perpendicular to each other, which reduces the stress applied to the connectors 60, 30 when fixing the head unit 20 and reduces the risk of damage to the connectors 60, 30. Furthermore, the direction of the inertial force generated as the carriage 50 moves is perpendicular to the direction of the electrical connection and the direction of the mechanical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50, so there is little risk that these connections will become loose or unstable due to the inertial force. This improves the stability of both the electrical connection and the mechanical connection between the head unit 20 and the carriage 50.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, the handle 55a of the fixing mechanism 55 and the handle 25a of the fixing mechanism 25 are both located above the head unit 20, and furthermore, from the operator's perspective, the handle 55a at the back is at a higher position than the handle 25a at the front, making it easier for the operator to operate the handles 55a, 25a, and facilitating the replacement work of the head unit 20.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment, the head unit 20 has the tube connection portion 23 provided on the surface 21a on which the grip portion 32 is provided. Therefore, when the connectors 60, 30 are engaged and the head unit 20 is fixed to the carriage 50 by the fixing mechanisms 55, 25, the operator can easily manually connect the tip of the ink tube to the tube connection portion 23.

[0110] 7. Variations In the above embodiment, the housing 21 of the head unit 20 has the tube connection portion 23 on the surface 21a and the connector 30 on the surface 21b. However, the connector 30 may be provided on the surface 21a and the tube connection portion 23 on the surface 21b. In this case, the surface 52a of the carriage 50 is provided with a second tube connection portion to which the tip of the ink tube is attached. When an operator grasps the grip portion 32 and pushes the head unit 20 along the rail 53, the tube connection portion 23 provided on the surface 21b, which is the back surface of the housing 21, is mated with the second tube connection portion provided on the surface 52a of the carriage 50. Meanwhile, the operator can manually mating the connector 60, which is connected to the main board 100 by a wiring cable, with the connector 30 provided on the surface 21a, which is the front surface of the housing 21. Furthermore, connector 30 is provided on surface 21a so that the shortest distance between grip portion 32 provided on surface 21a and surface 21c of housing 21 is shorter than the shortest distance between connector 30 and surface 21c and shorter than the shortest distance between vent 42 and surface 21c. That is, grip portion 32 is provided in a position closer to surface 21c than connector 30 and vent 42, with connecting portion 32c aligned along the X direction. This makes it easy for an operator to lift head unit 20 by grasping grip portions 31 and 32 with both hands, and to fine-tune the tilt of head unit 20 by grasping grip portion 32. This reduces the risk of print head 200 colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged when an operator lifts, pushes, or pulls head unit 20.

[0111] The present invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described in this embodiment, for example, configurations with the same functions, methods, and results, or configurations with the same purpose and effects. The present invention also includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in this embodiment are replaced. The present invention also includes configurations that achieve the same effects or purposes as the configurations described in this embodiment. The present invention also includes configurations in which publicly known technology is added to the configurations described in this embodiment.

[0112] The above-described embodiment and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0113] The following can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications.

[0114] One aspect of the head unit is A head unit that ejects liquid onto a medium, A connector through which the power supply voltage propagates; a drive substrate including a drive signal generation circuit that generates a drive signal based on the power supply voltage; a fan that draws in gas through one of the first vent and the second vent and discharges it through the other; a tube connection portion connected to a tube for supplying the liquid; a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element that ejects the liquid when the drive signal is applied; a housing that houses the drive board and the fan and is provided with the first vent and the second vent; A first gripping portion; A second gripping portion; and The first gripping portion is a first support portion, a second support portion, and a first connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The second gripping portion is a third support portion, a fourth support portion, and a second connecting portion that connects the third support portion and the fourth support portion, The housing includes: The first page and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and When a normal direction of the third surface is defined as a first direction, a normal direction of the second surface is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the connector and the first ventilation port are provided on the first surface, the tube connection portion is provided on the second surface, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface such that the second connecting portion is aligned along the third direction, the liquid ejection head is provided on the third surface, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface such that the first connecting portion is aligned along the second direction, the second ventilation port is provided at a position that is visible when the second surface is viewed from the second direction, The shortest distance between the second gripping portion and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the tube connecting portion and the fourth surface, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between the second air vent and the fourth surface.

[0115] According to this head unit, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface opposite the third surface on which the liquid ejection head is provided, with the first connecting portion extending along the second direction. This allows a worker to easily grasp the first gripping portion and lift the head unit while keeping it horizontal. Furthermore, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface intersecting the third surface on which the liquid ejection head is provided. This allows a worker to easily grasp the second gripping portion and push or pull the head unit. Furthermore, the second gripping portion is provided in a position closer to the fourth surface than the tube connection portion and the second vent, with the second connecting portion extending along the third direction. This allows a worker to easily grasp the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion with both hands to lift the head unit, and also allows a worker to easily grasp the second gripping portion and fine-tune the tilt of the head unit. Therefore, this head unit reduces the risk of the liquid ejection head colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged when a worker lifts, pushes, or pulls the head unit.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this head unit, a connector is provided on the first surface opposite the second surface on which the second gripping portion is provided, so that an operator can grasp the second gripping portion and push the head unit in to mate the connector with the connector to which it is to be connected.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this head unit, the tube connecting portion is provided on the second surface on which the second gripping portion is provided. , an operator can manually connect a tube for supplying liquid to the tube connection portion.

[0118] Another aspect of the head unit is A head unit that ejects liquid onto a medium, A connector through which the power supply voltage propagates; a drive substrate including a drive signal generation circuit that generates a drive signal based on the power supply voltage; a fan that draws in gas through one of the first vent and the second vent and discharges it through the other; a tube connection portion connected to a tube for supplying the liquid; a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element that ejects the liquid when the drive signal is applied; a housing that houses the drive board and the fan and is provided with the first vent and the second vent; A first gripping portion; A second gripping portion; and The first gripping portion is a first support portion, a second support portion, and a first connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The second gripping portion is a third support portion, a fourth support portion, and a second connecting portion that connects the third support portion and the fourth support portion, The housing includes: The first page and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and When a normal direction of the third surface is defined as a first direction, a normal direction of the second surface is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the tube connection portion and the first ventilation port are provided on the first surface, the connector is provided on the second surface, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface such that the second connecting portion is aligned along the third direction, the liquid ejection head is provided on the third surface, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface such that the first connecting portion is aligned along the second direction, the second ventilation port is provided at a position that is visible when the second surface is viewed from the second direction, The shortest distance between the second gripping portion and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the connector and the fourth surface, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between the second ventilation port and the fourth surface.

[0119] According to this head unit, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface opposite the third surface on which the liquid ejection head is provided, with the first connecting portion extending along the second direction, so that a worker can easily grasp the first gripping portion and lift the head unit while keeping it horizontal. Also, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface that intersects with the third surface on which the liquid ejection head is provided, so that a worker can easily grasp the second gripping portion and push and pull the head unit. Furthermore, the second gripping portion is provided in a position closer to the fourth surface than the connector and the second vent, with the second connecting portion extending along the third direction, so that a worker can easily grasp the first gripping portion and second gripping portion with both hands to lift the head unit, and can also easily grasp the second gripping portion to fine-tune the tilt of the head unit. Therefore, with this head unit, the risk of the liquid ejection head colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged when an operator lifts or pushes or pulls the head unit is reduced.

[0120] Furthermore, according to this head unit, a tube connection portion is provided on the first surface opposite the second surface on which the second gripping portion is provided, so that an operator can connect the tube connection portion to the destination connection portion by grasping the second gripping portion and pushing in the head unit.

[0121] Furthermore, according to this head unit, since the connector is provided on the second surface on which the second gripping portion is provided, the worker can manually mate the connector with the destination connector.

[0122] Furthermore, according to this head unit, the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole are provided on the first and second surfaces opposite each other, so that the airflow generated by the fan makes it easy for gas to flow from one of the first ventilation hole and the second ventilation hole to the other, thereby efficiently cooling the drive substrate.

[0123] In one aspect of the head unit, the housing has a fifth surface intersecting the second surface and the fourth surface; a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface; and the first connecting portion intersects with a first imaginary plane that is equidistant from the first surface and the second surface; The second connecting portion may intersect with a second imaginary plane that is equidistant from the fifth plane and the sixth plane.

[0124] With this head unit, an operator can easily hold the first gripping portion and lift the head unit while keeping it horizontal in the second direction, which is the direction of pushing and pulling, and can easily hold the second gripping portion and fine-tune the tilt while keeping the head unit horizontal in the third direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of pushing and pulling. Therefore, when an operator lifts or pushes and pulls the head unit, the risk of the liquid ejection head colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged is reduced.

[0125] In one aspect of the head unit, When viewed from the first direction, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may not overlap.

[0126] According to this head unit, the first grip portion provided on the fourth surface does not protrude beyond the second surface, so that an operator can easily hold the first grip portion and lift the head unit horizontally.

[0127] In one aspect of the head unit, When viewed from the second direction, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion do not have to overlap.

[0128] With this head unit, the second gripping portion provided on the second surface does not protrude toward the fourth surface, so when an operator grips the second gripping portion and pushes or pulls the head unit, force is easily transmitted to the second surface.

[0129] In one aspect of the head unit, The second connecting portion may have a length of 5 cm or more.

[0130] With this head unit, the worker can grip the second grip portion with three or more fingers, making it easy to tilt and push and pull the head unit even if it is heavy.

[0131] One aspect of the head unit is It may weigh more than 5 kg.

[0132] With this head unit, an operator can hold at least one of the first grip portion and the second grip portion and lift, push, or pull the heavy head unit weighing 5 kg or more.

[0133] In one aspect of the head unit, The housing may be made of metal.

[0134] According to this head unit, the housing is made of metal and is therefore strong, reducing the risk of the housing being damaged by stress applied when lifting or pushing and pulling the head unit.

[0135] In one aspect of the head unit, The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may be made of metal.

[0136] With this head unit, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are made of metal, which makes them strong and less likely to deform or break when lifting, pushing, or pulling the head unit. This reduces the risk of the liquid ejection head colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged when an operator lifts, pushes, or pulls the head unit.

[0137] In one aspect of the head unit, The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion may be attached to the housing by screws each having a diameter of M4 or larger.

[0138] With this head unit, the first grip part and the second grip part are attached to the housing with sufficient strength using screws with a diameter of M4 or larger. Therefore, when an operator lifts or pushes or pulls the head unit, the first grip part or the second grip part comes off the housing, reducing the risk of the liquid ejection head colliding with surrounding objects and being damaged.

[0139] In one aspect of the head unit, When viewed from the second direction, at least a portion of the first ventilation hole and at least a portion of the second ventilation hole may overlap.

[0140] With this head unit, the airflow generated by the fan allows gas to flow smoothly from one of the first and second vents to the other, improving the heat dissipation effect and enabling the drive substrate to be cooled efficiently.

[0141] One aspect of the liquid ejection device is The head unit is provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1...liquid ejection device, 2...main body, 3...feeding section, 4...winding section, 10...platen, 11...guide shaft, 12...maintenance unit, 13...drying chamber, 14...feeding table, 15...winding table, 16...winding shaft, 17...winding drive shaft, 18a to 18w...transport roller, 20, 20-1 to 20-n...head unit, 21...casing, 21a to 21j...surface, 23...tube connection section, 23a...tube mounting port, 24...roller, 25...fixing mechanism, 25a...hand Handle, 26...tip portion, 30...connector, 31...gripping portion, 31a, 31b...support portion, 31c...connecting portion, 32...gripping portion, 32a, 32b...support portion, 32c...connecting portion, 33...connector, 35, 36...notch, 41...vent, 42...vent, 50...carriage, 51...bottom plate, 51a...surface, 52...back plate, 52a...surface, 53...rail, 54...opening, 55...fixing mechanism, 55a...handle, 56...guide portion, 57...hole, 60...connector, 61...base portion, 62...connecting portion, 63...first holding portion, 64...second holding portion, 65...guide portion, 66...first hole, 67...second hole, 71...first fixing member, 72...second fixing member, 100...metal Main board, 101...main control circuit, 102...power supply circuit, 110...control board, 111...head control circuit, 112...fan control circuit, 120...drive board, 121, 121-1 to 121-m...drive signal generation circuit, 130...encoder, 140...carriage motor, 142...transport motor, 150...fan, 200, 200-1 to 200-m...print head, 210...drive signal selection circuit, 600...ejection section, 601...piezoelectric body, 610...piezoelectric element, 611, 612...electrodes, 621...diaphragm, 631...cavity, 632...nozzle plate, 641...reservoir, 651...nozzle, 661...supply port, P...medium

Claims

1. A head unit that ejects liquid onto a medium, A connector through which the power supply voltage propagates; a drive substrate including a drive signal generation circuit that generates a drive signal based on the power supply voltage; a fan that draws in gas through one of the first vent port and the second vent port and discharges it through the other; a tube connection portion connected to a tube for supplying the liquid; a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element that ejects the liquid when the drive signal is applied; a housing that houses the drive board and the fan and is provided with the first vent and the second vent; A first gripping portion; A second gripping portion; and The first gripping portion is a first support portion, a second support portion, and a first connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The second gripping portion is a third support portion, a fourth support portion, and a second connecting portion that connects the third support portion and the fourth support portion, The housing includes: The first page and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and When a normal direction of the third surface is defined as a first direction, a normal direction of the second surface is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the connector and the first ventilation port are provided on the first surface, the tube connection portion is provided on the second surface, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface such that the second connecting portion is aligned along the third direction, the liquid ejection head is provided on the third surface, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface such that the first connecting portion is aligned along the second direction, the second ventilation port is provided at a position that is visible when the second surface is viewed from the second direction, the shortest distance between the second gripping portion and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the tube connecting portion and the fourth surface, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between the second air vent and the fourth surface; A head unit characterized by:

2. A head unit that ejects liquid onto a medium, A connector through which the power supply voltage propagates; a drive substrate including a drive signal generation circuit that generates a drive signal based on the power supply voltage; a fan that draws in gas through one of the first vent port and the second vent port and discharges it through the other; a tube connection portion connected to a tube for supplying the liquid; a liquid ejection head including a piezoelectric element that ejects the liquid when the drive signal is applied; a housing that houses the drive board and the fan and is provided with the first vent and the second vent; A first gripping portion; A second gripping portion; and The first gripping portion is a first support portion, a second support portion, and a first connecting portion that connects the first support portion and the second support portion; The second gripping portion is a third support portion, a fourth support portion, and a second connecting portion that connects the third support portion and the fourth support portion, The housing includes: The first page and a second surface opposite the first surface; a third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface; a fourth surface opposite the third surface; and When a normal direction of the third surface is defined as a first direction, a normal direction of the second surface is defined as a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, the tube connection portion and the first vent port are provided on the first surface, the connector is provided on the second surface, the second gripping portion is provided on the second surface such that the second connecting portion is aligned along the third direction, the liquid ejection head is provided on the third surface, the first gripping portion is provided on the fourth surface such that the first connecting portion is aligned along the second direction, the second ventilation port is provided at a position that is visible when the second surface is viewed from the second direction, the shortest distance between the second gripping portion and the fourth surface is shorter than the shortest distance between the connector and the fourth surface, and is also shorter than the shortest distance between the second air vent and the fourth surface; A head unit characterized by:

3. the housing has a fifth surface intersecting the second surface and the fourth surface; a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface; and the first connecting portion intersects with a first imaginary plane that is equidistant from the first surface and the second surface; the second connecting portion intersects with a second imaginary plane equidistant from the fifth surface and the sixth surface; 3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When viewed from the first direction, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion do not overlap.

3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When viewed from the second direction, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion do not overlap.

3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The length of the second connecting portion is 5 cm or more.

3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The weight is more than 5 kg, 3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The housing is made of metal.

3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are made of metal.

3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion are attached to the housing by screws each having a diameter of M4 or more; 3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

11. When viewed from the second direction, at least a portion of the first ventilation hole and at least a portion of the second ventilation hole overlap with each other.

3. The head unit according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A head unit according to claim 1 or 2, A liquid ejection device characterized by:

Images