Inkjet head and inkjet recording apparatus

Abstract

To enhance the mountability of an ink jet head on a fixing base by reducing the width of the ink jet head.SOLUTION: The ink jet head includes a head body having an attached portion attached to an attachment base by an attachment member, a positioning member provided in the head body and configured to position the head body with respect to the attachment base, and a cylindrical hollow member fixed inside a second through hole of the positioning member in a state of being inserted into a first through hole of the attached portion and having an insertion hole for inserting the attachment member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inkjet head and an inkjet recording apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art inkjet heads are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1. The configuration of the inkjet head (referred to as a recording head in Patent Document 1) described in Patent Document 1 will be briefly explained as follows.

[0003] An inkjet head has a head main body, and a nozzle portion (referred to as a base plate in Patent Document 1) that ejects ink is provided at the bottom of the head main body. The head main body has a pair of mounting portions (referred to as support members in Patent Document 1) that are attached to a mounting base (referred to as a head holder in Patent Document 1) of an inkjet recording device by mounting members such as fixing bolts. The pair of mounting portions are located on both ends of the inkjet head in the width direction, and each mounting portion has an insertion hole formed therein for inserting the mounting member.

[0004] The head body is provided with positioning members (referred to as positioning plates in Patent Document 1) for positioning the head body relative to the mounting base, and each positioning member is located inside the insertion hole of each mounting portion in the width direction of the inkjet head. The positioning members are formed with positioning holes that fit onto positioning pins provided on the mounting base. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-245657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the inkjet head described in Patent Document 1, as described above, the positioning members are disposed inward in the width direction of the inkjet head relative to the insertion holes of the mounting portions. In other words, the insertion holes of the mounting portions and the positioning members need to be disposed along the width direction of the inkjet head. This tends to increase the width dimension of the inkjet head, making it difficult to improve the mountability of the inkjet head on the mounting base.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an inkjet head and an inkjet recording apparatus that can reduce the width of the inkjet head and improve the ease of mounting the inkjet head on a mounting base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the inkjet head according to the present invention is a head body having a mounting portion mounted on a mounting base by a mounting member and having a first through hole formed therein, and a nozzle portion for ejecting ink provided at a bottom thereof; a positioning member provided in the head body, the positioning member having a second through hole aligned with the first through hole, for positioning the head body relative to the mounting base; The mounting member includes a cylindrical hollow member that is fixed to the inside of the second through hole when inserted into the first through hole and has an insertion hole for inserting the mounting member therethrough.

[0009] One aspect of the inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention is The inkjet head is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the width of the inkjet head can be reduced, thereby improving the ease of mounting the inkjet head on the mounting base. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an inkjet recording apparatus according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the head unit according to this embodiment, showing a state in which a plurality of inkjet heads are attached to a carriage. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the inkjet head according to the first aspect of this embodiment, showing the inkjet head attached to a carriage. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an inkjet head according to a first aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an inkjet head according to a first aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a male thread portion that screws into a female thread portion of a flange portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of an inkjet head according to a second aspect of the present embodiment, showing the inkjet head attached to a carriage. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of an ink-jet head according to a second aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an inkjet head according to a second aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of an inkjet head according to a third aspect of this embodiment, showing the inkjet head attached to a carriage. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic bottom view of an inkjet head according to a third aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of an ink-jet head according to a third aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an inkjet head according to a third aspect of the present embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the transport direction refers to the direction in which the recording medium is transported. The downstream side refers to the downstream side in the transport direction, and the upstream side refers to the upstream side in the transport direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the X-axis direction refers to the main scanning direction, which is a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The X-axis direction is the same direction as the width direction of the inkjet head. The Y-axis direction refers to the sub-scanning direction, which is the transport direction. The Z-axis direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0013] The overall configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic bottom view of a head unit 42 according to this embodiment, showing a state in which multiple inkjet heads 46 are attached to a carriage 44.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 according to this embodiment is a single-pass recording apparatus that forms a color image on the recording medium P by ejecting four color inks toward the recording medium P at appropriate timing while moving the recording medium P in the transport direction. The recording medium P can be any medium, such as plain paper, coated paper, fabric, or resin film, on whose surface the ink can be fixed. The inkjet recording apparatus 10 uses ink that changes phase between a gel state and a sol state (liquid state) depending on the temperature. For example, energy beam irradiation-type ink, such as UV ink, can be used, which is in a gel state at room temperature, changes to a sol state when heated, and solidifies when irradiated with energy beams during image formation.

[0015] The inkjet recording device 10 includes a device main body 12 that extends in the left-right direction in Fig. 1. The device main body 12 includes a center frame 14, a first side frame 16 disposed on one side of the center frame 14, and a second side frame 18 disposed on the other side of the center frame 14.

[0016] The first side frame 16 is provided with a paper feed section 20 for feeding recording media P. The paper feed section 20 has a plate-shaped paper feed tray 22 for placing the recording media P on it, and the paper feed tray 22 is provided on the first side frame 16 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The paper feed tray 22 is configured to move up and down depending on the amount of recording media P to be placed on it, and the uppermost recording medium P is held at a predetermined height position.

[0017] The paper feed unit 20 has a transport unit 24 for transporting the recording medium P sent out from the paper feed tray 22 in the transport direction, and the transport unit 24 is provided from the first side frame 16 to the center frame 14. The transport unit 24 has a plurality of rotatable support rollers 26 and an endless belt 28 that is provided so as to be wound around the plurality of support rollers 26. The belt 28 is caused to circulate by the rotation of the plurality of support rollers 26, thereby transporting the recording medium P sent out from the paper feed tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0018] The center frame 14 is provided with an image forming unit 30 for ejecting ink onto the recording medium P to form an image. The image forming unit 30 has an image forming drum 32 that supports the recording medium P, and the image forming drum 32 is rotatably mounted on the center frame 14. With the recording medium P supported on the outer circumferential surface (conveyance surface) of the image forming drum 32, the image forming drum 32 is rotated by driving a motor (not shown) for the image forming drum, thereby transporting the recording medium P in the transport direction. The image forming drum 32 has claw portions (not shown) that press the edges of the recording medium P and an adsorption portion (not shown) that adsorbs the recording medium P.

[0019] The image forming section 30 has a transfer unit 34 for transferring the recording medium P from the transport section 24 to the image forming drum 32, and the transfer unit 34 is provided in the center frame 14 between the transport section 24 and the image forming drum 32. The transfer unit 34 has a swing arm 36 that supports one end of the recording medium P transported by the transport section 24, and a transfer drum 38 that transfers the recording medium P supported by the swing arm 36 to the image forming drum 32. One end of the recording medium P on the transport section 24 is supported by the swing arm 36 and transferred to the transfer drum 38, thereby transferring the recording medium P from the transfer drum 38 to the image forming drum 32.

[0020] The image forming unit 30 has a media heating unit 40 for heating the recording medium P carried on the image forming drum 32, and the media heating unit 40 is provided downstream of the delivery drum 38 on the center frame 14. The media heating unit 40 is disposed opposite the outer circumferential surface of the image forming drum 32. The media heating unit 40 has, for example, an infrared heater or the like, and heats the image forming drum 32 and the recording medium P so that the temperature of the recording medium P transported by the image forming drum 32 falls within a predetermined range.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming section 30 has a plurality of head units 42 that form an image by ejecting ink onto a recording medium P carried on an image forming drum 32, and the plurality of head units 42 are arranged downstream of the medium heating section 40. The plurality of head units 42 correspond to four colors of ink: yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The plurality of head units 42 corresponding to the four colors of ink, Y, M, C, and K, are arranged at intervals from the upstream side along the transport direction. Each head unit 42 is held by a respective carriage 44 that is mounted on the center frame 14 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction. In other words, each head unit 42 is mounted on the center frame 14 so as to be movable in the main scanning direction via the respective carriage 44. Each carriage 44 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0022] Each head unit 42 has a plurality of inkjet heads 46 that eject ink onto the recording medium P, and the plurality of inkjet heads 46 are mounted on a carriage 44 that serves as a mounting base. The plurality of inkjet heads 46 are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern along the main scanning direction (X-axis direction). In other words, each head unit 42 constitutes a line head that includes a plurality of inkjet heads 46. Note that FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates the plurality of inkjet heads 46.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1 , the image forming unit 30 has a fixing unit 48 for fixing ink onto the recording medium P, and the fixing unit 48 is provided downstream of the multiple head units 42 on the center frame 14. The fixing unit 48 is disposed opposite the outer circumferential surface of the image forming drum 32. The fixing unit 48 has a light-emitting unit that irradiates energy rays such as ultraviolet rays. The light-emitting unit of the fixing unit 48 imparts a predetermined energy to the ink ejected onto the recording medium P, thereby curing the ink and fixing it to the recording medium P.

[0024] The image forming unit 30 has a delivery unit 50 that transports the recording medium P irradiated with energy rays from the image forming drum 32 in the transport direction. The delivery unit 50 is provided across the center frame 14 and the second side frame 18. The delivery unit 50 has a plurality of rotatable support rollers 52, an endless belt 54 that is provided so as to be wound around the plurality of support rollers 52, and a delivery drum 56 that transfers the recording medium P from the image forming drum 32 to the belt 54. The belt 54 is caused to travel in a circular motion by the rotation of the plurality of support rollers 52, thereby transporting the recording medium P sent out from the image forming drum 32 in the transport direction.

[0025] The second side frame 18 is provided with a paper discharge section 58 for discharging the recording medium P on which an image has been formed. The paper discharge section 58 has a plate-shaped paper discharge tray 60 on which the recording medium P on which an image has been formed is placed. The paper discharge section 58 stores the recording medium P until the user removes the recording medium P from the paper discharge tray 60.

[0026] Next, a specific configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, showing the inkjet head 46 attached to the carriage 44. FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a male thread portion 86s that screws into the female thread portion 64s of the flange portion 64 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hollow member 86.

[0027] 2 to 4, an inkjet head 46 according to a first aspect of the present embodiment is mounted on a carriage 44 serving as a mounting base, and closes an opening 44a formed in the carriage 44. The inkjet head 46 also includes a head main body 62, which is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy. Note that FIG. 3 shows one inkjet head 46 as a representative example.

[0028] 3 to 7, the head main body 62 has flange portions 64 serving as mounting portions on both sides of its upper portion in the X-axis direction (width direction of the inkjet head 46). Each flange portion 64 of the head main body 62 is placed on the edge of an opening 44a in the upper surface (mounting surface) of the carriage 44 and is mounted with mounting bolts 66 serving as mounting members. A first through hole 64h is formed in each flange portion 64 of the head main body 62, and a female tapered portion 64t whose diameter gradually decreases toward the bottom side of each flange portion 64 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of each first through hole 64h.

[0029] Instead of having flange portions 64 on both sides in the X-axis direction at the top of the head main body 62, flange portions may be provided on both sides in the Y-axis direction at the top of the head main body 62, or a rectangular frame-shaped flange portion may be provided on the outer periphery of the head main body 62. The female tapered portion 64t does not have to be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. In other words, the inner diameter of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64 may be constant along the depth direction of the first through hole 64h.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a nozzle tip 68 is provided at the bottom of the head main body 62 as a nozzle portion for ejecting ink, and the nozzle tip 68 constitutes a part of the head main body 62. The nozzle tip 68 has a plurality of nozzles 68n formed therein that can eject ink. The nozzle tip 68 also has a plurality of pressure chambers (not shown) formed therein, one for each nozzle 68n, and each pressure chamber is connected to the corresponding nozzle 68n. Each pressure chamber is configured to be pressurized by driving a driving element (not shown), such as a piezoelectric element or a heating element. Each nozzle 68n is configured to eject (eject) ink when the corresponding pressure chamber is pressurized. A manifold (not shown) extending in the X-axis direction is provided above the nozzle tip 68 within the head main body 62. A common ink chamber (not shown) that stores ink is formed inside the manifold, and the common ink chamber is connected to the plurality of pressure chambers.

[0031] 3 to 6, a supply port 70 for supplying ink to the common ink chamber is provided on one side in the X-axis direction on the top surface of the head main body 62. A discharge port 72 for discharging ink from the common ink chamber is provided on the other side in the X-axis direction on the top surface of the head main body 62. In addition, a box-shaped cover member 74 is provided on the top side of the head main body 62, and the cover member 74 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0032] 3 and 4, the head main body 62 is provided with a plate-shaped positioning member 76 for positioning the head main body 62 (inkjet head 46) with respect to the carriage 44. The positioning member 76 is disposed so as to straddle the upper sides of the pair of flange portions 64. The positioning member 76 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0033] 3 to 6, the positioning member 76 has positioning portions 78 that are provided on the pair of flange portions 64, respectively, and that position the head main body 62 relative to the carriage 44. The positioning member 76 also has a pair of connecting portions 80 that are provided so as to connect between the pair of positioning portions 78. The pair of connecting portions 80 are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, and each connecting portion 80 extends in the X-axis direction.

[0034] One of the positioning portions 78 has a positioning surface 78f parallel to the X-axis direction. The positioning surface 78f of one of the positioning portions 78 can come into contact with a pin-shaped first reference member 82 that is provided on the upper surface of the carriage 44 to serve as a reference for positioning the inkjet head 46 in the Y-axis direction. The position of the positioning surface 78f of one of the positioning portions 78 is adjusted in the Y-axis direction with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0035] The other positioning portion 78 has two positioning surfaces 78p, 78w that are inclined in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the two positioning surfaces 78p, 78w intersect. The two positioning surfaces 78p, 78w of the other positioning portion 78 can abut against a pin-shaped second reference member 84 that is provided on the upper surface of the carriage 44 to serve as a reference for positioning the inkjet head 46 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The positions of the two positioning surfaces 78p, 78w of the other positioning portion 78 are adjusted in the X-axis and Y-axis directions with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0036] 6 and 7, a second through hole 78h is formed in each positioning portion 78, and each second through hole 78h is aligned with the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. In other words, the second through hole 78h is formed in the position of the positioning member 76 that is aligned with the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64.

[0037] 5 to 7, a cylindrical hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 in a state where it is inserted into the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. Each hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 with an adhesive J (see FIG. 7). In addition, an introduction groove 78g is formed at the edge of the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78, and communicates with the second through hole 78h. The introduction groove 78g allows the adhesive J to be introduced between the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 78h and the outer circumferential surface of the hollow member 86. The type of adhesive J is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include an epoxy adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, a fluorine adhesive, a rubber adhesive, a urethane adhesive, and a silicone adhesive.

[0038] Each hollow member 86 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, and the material of each hollow member 86 is the same as the material of the head main body 62. Each hollow member 86 has an insertion hole 86h for inserting the mounting bolt 66. An annular flange 88 is formed at the base end (one end) of each hollow member 86, which presses each positioning portion 78 from above toward the flange portion 64.

[0039] The outer diameter of the hollow member 86 excluding the flange portion 88 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 78h of the positioning portion 78. In other words, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the hollow member 86 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 78h of the positioning portion 78. The outer diameter of the flange portion 88 of the hollow member 86 is larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole 78h of the positioning portion 78. This allows the position of the positioning member 76 with respect to the nozzle tip 68 to be adjusted before each hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, a male tapered portion 86t is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each hollow member 86, the diameter of which gradually decreases toward the tip end (lower end) of each hollow member 86. The male tapered portion 86t of each hollow member 86 is tapered and fits into the female tapered portion 64t of each flange portion 64. It is not necessary to form the male tapered portion 86t on the outer peripheral surface of each hollow member 86. In other words, the outer diameter of each hollow member 86 may be constant along the axial direction of each hollow member 86.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8, a female threaded portion 64s may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64 instead of forming a female tapered portion 64t (see Fig. 7). In this case, a male threaded portion 86s that screws into the female threaded portion 64s of each flange portion 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each hollow member 86 instead of forming a male tapered portion 86t (see Fig. 7).

[0042] According to the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the cylindrical hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 while being inserted into the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. Each hollow member 86 has an insertion hole 86h for inserting the mounting bolt 66 therethrough. Therefore, each insertion hole 86h can be disposed from the inside of the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 to the inside of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. In other words, each insertion hole 86h can be disposed at a position that aligns with the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 and the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64.

[0043] Therefore, with the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, the width dimension of the inkjet head 46 can be reduced, and the inkjet head 46 can be more easily mounted on the carriage 44 serving as a mounting base.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the base end of each hollow member 86 is formed with an annular flange 88 that presses each positioning portion 78 toward the flange portion 64. Therefore, before each hollow member 86 is fixed to the inside of the second through-hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 with the adhesive J, each positioning portion 78 can be temporarily fixed to the flange portion 64. In other words, each positioning portion 78 can be temporarily fixed by each hollow member 86 before being fixed to the flange portion 64.

[0045] Therefore, according to the inkjet head 46 of the first aspect of this embodiment, the process of fixing the positioning portions 78 to the flange portions 64 can be simplified, and the assembly of the inkjet head 46 can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the introduction groove 78g is formed in communication with the second through hole 78h at the edge of the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78. Therefore, the adhesive J can be easily introduced between the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 78h of each positioning portion 78 and the outer circumferential surface of the hollow member 86.

[0047] Therefore, according to the inkjet head 46 of the first aspect of this embodiment, the process of fixing each hollow member 86 to each positioning portion 78 can be simplified, and the assembly of the inkjet head 46 can be improved.

[0048] Furthermore, in the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, the material of each hollow member 86 is the same as the material of the head body 62. Therefore, the difference in thermal expansion between each hollow member 86 and the head body 62 is suppressed, and the fixed state of each hollow member 86 to the head body 62 is stabilized.

[0049] According to the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, deterioration of the quality of the inkjet head 46 can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of the present embodiment, the positioning member 76 has positioning portions 78 provided on the pair of flange portions 64, respectively, and a pair of connecting portions 80 provided so as to connect the pair of positioning portions 78. Therefore, it is sufficient for the inkjet head 46 to be provided with only one part as the positioning member 76.

[0051] Therefore, according to the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, the number of parts of the inkjet head 46 can be reduced, and the configuration of the inkjet head 46 can be simplified.

[0052] Furthermore, in the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the positioning member 76 is made of stainless steel. This ensures sufficient rigidity of the positioning member 76, making it possible to prevent deformation of the positioning member 76 when positioning the head main body 62 (inkjet head 46) relative to the carriage 44.

[0053] Therefore, with the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of positioning the inkjet head 46 relative to the carriage 44 serving as the mounting base.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 may be provided with an inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of this embodiment, instead of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment.

[0055] The configuration of an inkjet head 90 according to a second aspect of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 13. Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of this embodiment, showing the inkjet head 90 attached to the carriage 44. Fig. 10 is a view taken along line XX in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of this embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of this embodiment. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view taken along line XIII-XIII in Fig. 9.

[0056] 9 and 10, the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment is mounted on a carriage 44 serving as a mounting base, and closes an opening 44a of the carriage 44. The inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment has a similar configuration to the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of the present embodiment (see FIGS. 3 to 8). The following describes the configuration of the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment that differs from the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of the present embodiment. For ease of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the present embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0057] 9 to 12, the pair of flanges 64 are each provided with a plate-shaped positioning member 92 for positioning the head main body 62 (inkjet head 90) relative to the carriage 44. Each positioning member 92 is disposed on the upper side (opposite the bottom side) of each flange 64. Each positioning member 92 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0058] One positioning member 92 has a positioning surface 92f parallel to the X-axis direction. The positioning surface 92f of one positioning member 92 is capable of abutting against the first reference member 82. The position of the positioning surface 92f of one positioning member 92 is adjusted in the Y-axis direction with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0059] The other positioning member 92 has two positioning surfaces 92p, 92w that are inclined in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the two positioning surfaces 92p, 92w intersect. The two positioning surfaces 92p, 92w of the other positioning member 92 are capable of contacting the second reference member 84. The positions of the two positioning surfaces 92p, 92w of the other positioning member 92 are adjusted in the X-axis and Y-axis directions with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0060] 12 and 13, a second through hole 92h is formed in each positioning member 92, and each second through hole 92h is aligned with a corresponding first through hole 64h in each flange portion 64. In other words, the second through hole 92h is formed in each position of the positioning member 92 that is aligned with the corresponding first through hole 64h in each flange portion 64.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, similar to the inkjet head 46 (see FIGS. 5 to 7), a cylindrical hollow member 86 is inserted into the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64 and fixed inside the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92. Each hollow member 86 has an insertion hole 86h for inserting a mounting bolt 66 therethrough. Each hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92 with adhesive J (see FIG. 13). Note that an introduction groove (not shown) may be formed at the edge of the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92, communicating with the second through hole 92h, for introducing adhesive J between the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 92h and the outer circumferential surface of the hollow member 86.

[0062] The outer diameter of the hollow member 86 excluding the flange portion 88 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 92h of the positioning member 92. In other words, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the hollow member 86 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 92h of the positioning member 92. The outer diameter of the flange portion 88 of the hollow member 86 is larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole 92h of the positioning member 92. This allows the position of each positioning member 92 to be adjusted with respect to the nozzle tip 68 before each hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92.

[0063] According to the configuration of the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment, as described above, the cylindrical hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92 while being inserted into the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. Each hollow member 86 has an insertion hole 86h for inserting a mounting bolt 66 therethrough. Therefore, each insertion hole 86h can be arranged from the inside of the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92 to the inside of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. In other words, each insertion hole 86h can be arranged at a position that aligns with the second through hole 92h of each positioning member 92 and the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64.

[0064] Therefore, with the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of this embodiment, the width of the inkjet head 90 can be reduced, and the inkjet head 90 can be more easily mounted on the carriage 44 serving as a mounting base.

[0065] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment, the pair of flange portions 64 are each provided with a positioning member 92. Therefore, the position of each positioning member 92 can be adjusted individually with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0066] Therefore, with the inkjet head 90 according to the second aspect of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the accuracy of positioning the inkjet head 90 relative to the carriage 44 serving as the mounting base.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 may be provided with an inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment, instead of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment.

[0068] The configuration of an inkjet head 94 according to a third aspect of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 19. Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment, showing the inkjet head 94 attached to the carriage 44. Fig. 15 is a view taken along line XV-XV in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a schematic bottom view of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment. Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment. Fig. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment. Fig. 19 is an enlarged view taken along line XIX-XIX in Fig. 14.

[0069] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment is mounted on the carriage 44 as a mounting base, and closes the opening 44a of the carriage 44. The inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment has a similar configuration to the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment (see Figures 3 to 8). Only those points of the configuration of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment that differ from the configuration of the inkjet head 46 according to the first aspect of this embodiment will be described. For ease of description, members having the same functions as the members described in this embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0070] 14 to 18, the pair of flanges 64 are each provided with a plate-shaped positioning member 96 for positioning the head main body 62 (inkjet head 94) relative to the carriage 44. Each positioning member 96 is disposed on the bottom side (lower side) of the corresponding flange 64. Each positioning member 96 is made of, for example, stainless steel.

[0071] One positioning member 96 has a positioning surface 96f that is parallel to the X-axis direction. The positioning surface 96f of one positioning member 96 is able to abut against the first reference member 82. The position of the positioning surface 96f of one positioning member 96 is adjusted in the Y-axis direction with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0072] The other positioning member 96 has two positioning surfaces 96p, 96w that are inclined in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the two positioning surfaces 96p, 96w intersect. The two positioning surfaces 96p, 96w of the other positioning member 96 are capable of abutting against the second reference member 84. The positions of the two positioning surfaces 96p, 96w of the other positioning member 96 are adjusted in the X-axis and Y-axis directions with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0073] 18 and 19, a second through hole 96h is formed in each positioning member 96, and each second through hole 96h is aligned with a corresponding first through hole 64h in each flange portion 64. In other words, the second through hole 96h is formed in each position of the positioning member 96 that is aligned with the corresponding first through hole 64h in each flange portion 64.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, similar to the inkjet head 46 (see FIGS. 5 to 7), a cylindrical hollow member 86 is inserted into the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64 and fixed inside the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96. Each hollow member 86 has an insertion hole 86h for inserting a mounting bolt 66. The flange portion 88 of each hollow member 86 presses each positioning portion 78 downward toward the flange portion 64. Each hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96 with adhesive J (see FIG. 19). Note that an introduction groove (not shown) for introducing adhesive J between the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 96h and the outer circumferential surface of the hollow member 86 may be formed at the edge of the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96, and the introduction groove may be formed in communication with the second through hole 96h.

[0075] The outer diameter of the hollow member 86 excluding the flange portion 88 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 96h of the positioning member 96. In other words, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the hollow member 86 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second through hole 96h of the positioning member 96. The outer diameter of the flange portion 88 of the hollow member 86 is larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole 96h of the positioning member 96. This allows the position of each positioning member 92 to be adjusted with respect to the nozzle tip 68 before each hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96.

[0076] 19, a female tapered portion 64v that gradually reduces in diameter toward the upper side (opposite the bottom side) of each flange portion 64 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. A male tapered portion 86v that tapers and fits into the female tapered portion 64v of each flange portion 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of each hollow member 86. Note that instead of forming the female tapered portion 64v on the inner peripheral surface of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64, a female threaded portion (not shown) may be formed. In this case, instead of forming the male tapered portion 86v on the outer peripheral surface of each hollow member 86, a male threaded portion (not shown) that screws into the female threaded portion of each flange portion 64 is formed.

[0077] According to the configuration of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the cylindrical hollow member 86 is fixed inside the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96 in a state where it is inserted into the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. Each hollow member 86 has an insertion hole 86h for inserting a mounting bolt 66 therethrough. Therefore, each insertion hole 86h can be arranged from the inside of the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96 to the inside of the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64. In other words, each insertion hole 86h can be arranged at a position that aligns with the second through hole 96h of each positioning member 96 and the first through hole 64h of each flange portion 64.

[0078] Therefore, with the inkjet head 94 according to the second aspect of this embodiment, the width of the inkjet head 94 can be reduced, and the inkjet head 94 can be more easily mounted on the carriage 44 serving as a mounting base.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the inkjet head 94 according to the second aspect of the present embodiment, the pair of flange portions 64 are each provided with a positioning member 96. Therefore, the position of each positioning member 96 can be adjusted individually with respect to the nozzle tip 68.

[0080] Therefore, with the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment, the positioning accuracy of the inkjet head 94 relative to the carriage 44 can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment, as described above, each positioning member 96 is disposed on the bottom side of each flange portion 64. Therefore, the positioning surface 96f of one positioning member 96 can be brought into contact with the vicinity of the base end of the first reference member 82, and the two positioning surfaces 96p, 96w of the other positioning member 96 can be brought into contact with the vicinity of the base end of the second reference member 84. This makes it possible to sufficiently suppress tilting (inclination) of the first reference member 82 and the second reference member 84 when positioning the head main body 62 (inkjet head 94) relative to the carriage 44.

[0082] Therefore, with the inkjet head 94 according to the third aspect of this embodiment, the inkjet head 94 can be positioned with respect to the carriage 44 with high precision and stability.

[0083] Although the present embodiment has been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described above. Various modifications and changes to the specific examples described in the above embodiment are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as defined in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] The present invention is useful as an inkjet head and an inkjet recording apparatus that can improve the mountability of the inkjet head on the mounting base. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 10. Inkjet recording device 12 Device body 14 Center Frame 16 First side frame 18 Second side frame 20 Paper feed section 22 Paper tray 24 Conveyor 26 Support roller 28 Belt 30 Image forming unit 32 Image forming drum 34 Delivery Unit 36 Swingarm 38 Transfer drum 40 Medium heating section 42 Head Unit 44 Carriage (mounting base) 44a opening 46 Inkjet head (inkjet head according to the first aspect of this embodiment) 48 Fixing section 50 Delivery Department 52 Support roller 54 Belt 56 Transfer drum 58 Paper output section 60 Output tray 62 Head body 64 Flange part (mounting part) 64h 1st through hole 64s female thread 64t female tapered part 64v female tapered part 66 Mounting bolt (mounting component) 68 Nozzle tip (nozzle part) 68n nozzle 70 Supply Port 72 Exhaust port 74 Cover member 76 Positioning member 78 Positioning part 78h 2nd through hole 78f Positioning surface 78p Positioning surface 78w Positioning surface 78g introduction groove 80 Connection part 82 First reference member 84 Second reference member 86 Hollow members 86h Insertion hole 86t male tapered part 86v Male tapered part 86s male thread 88 Tsuba 90 Inkjet head (inkjet head according to the second aspect of this embodiment) 92 Positioning member 92h 2nd through hole 92f Positioning surface 92p Positioning surface 92w Positioning surface 94 Inkjet head (inkjet head according to the third aspect of this embodiment) 96 Positioning member 96h 2nd through hole 96f Positioning surface 96p Positioning surface 96w Positioning surface P Recording medium J Adhesive

Claims

1. a head body having a mounting portion mounted on a mounting base by a mounting member and having a first through hole formed therein, and a nozzle portion for ejecting ink provided at a bottom thereof; a positioning member provided in the head body, the positioning member having a second through hole aligned with the first through hole, for positioning the head body relative to the mounting base; a cylindrical hollow member that is fixed to the inside of the second through hole when inserted into the first through hole and has an insertion hole for inserting the mounting member therethrough, Inkjet head.

2. A flange portion is formed at the base end portion of the hollow member to press the positioning member toward the attached portion.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

3. an outer diameter of the hollow member excluding the flange portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the second through hole, and an outer diameter of the flange portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second through hole; 3. The ink jet head according to claim 2.

4. The hollow member is fixed to the inside of the second through hole with an adhesive.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

5. an introduction groove for introducing adhesive between an inner peripheral surface of the second through hole and an outer peripheral surface of the hollow member is formed in the positioning member and communicates with the second through hole; 5. The ink jet head according to claim 4.

6. The material of the hollow member is the same as the material of the head body.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

7. the head body has the mounting portion on each side in the width direction thereof, The positioning member is a positioning portion provided on each of the pair of mounting portions for positioning the head main body relative to the mounting base; a connecting portion provided to connect between the pair of positioning portions, 2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

8. the head body has the mounting portion on each side in the width direction thereof, The positioning members are provided on the pair of mounting portions, respectively.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

9. The positioning member is made of stainless steel.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

10. The positioning member is disposed on the bottom side of the mounting portion.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

11. A male tapered portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow member, the diameter of which gradually decreases toward the tip end of the hollow member.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

12. a female thread portion is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A male thread portion that screws into the female thread portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hollow member.

2. The ink jet head according to claim 1.

13. An ink jet head comprising: an ink jet head according to any one of claims 1 to 12; Inkjet recording device.

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