Recording device

Abstract

This invention provides technology relating to a structure for connecting a connecting member to a recording head. [Solution] A recording device comprising: a support member for supporting a recording head; a connecting member having a connecting portion connected to an ink introduction portion of the recording head, and via the connecting portion communicating the ink introduction portion with an ink supply passage; and a rotating member supported by the support member so as to be able to change the orientation of the connecting member, and rotatably holding the connecting member so as to be able to change orientation between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected, wherein the device comprises a biasing portion for biasing the connecting member to the rotating member to a first orientation, the ink introduction portion is provided on the upper surface of the recording head, the upper surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end is located closer to the rotation center of the rotating member than the second end, and the ink introduction portion is located closer to the first end than the second end.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There has been proposed a recording apparatus including a member for connecting a recording head and a tube for ink supply. Patent Document 1 discloses a recording apparatus in which a joint member is rotatably attached to a carriage cover. A tube is connected to the joint member. When the carriage cover is closed, the recording head and the joint member are connected, and ink is supplied from the tube to the recording head. The joint member is loosely fitted in a groove formed in the carriage, and when the carriage cover is closed, it is guided by the groove and the posture with respect to the recording head is controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the joint member moves in a circular arc as the carriage cover rotates, but the groove is straight. If the fit between the joint member and the groove is tight, smooth movement of the joint member may become difficult. If the fit between the joint member and the groove is loosened, smooth movement of the joint member becomes possible, but the posture of the joint member is likely to change, and the connection accuracy between the recording head and the joint member may decrease due to an unintended change in posture.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique related to a structure for connecting a connecting member to a recording head.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, A support member that supports the recording head that ejects ink onto the recording medium for recording, A connecting member having a connecting portion that connects to the ink introduction portion of the recording head, and which connects the ink introduction portion to the ink supply passage via the connecting portion, A rotating member supported by the support member is provided to hold the connecting member in a position that allows its orientation to change, and to rotate between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected. A recording device equipped with, The connecting member is provided with a biasing part that biases the rotating member to a first position, The ink introduction section is provided on the upper surface of the recording head, The upper surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end is located closer to the rotation center of the rotating member than the second end, The ink introduction section is located closer to the first end than to the second end. A recording device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology relating to a structure for connecting a connecting member to a recording head. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External view of a recording device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the structure around the carriage. [Figure 3] Front view showing the structure around the carriage. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the recording head. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the connecting member. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the connecting member. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view showing the state where the headset cover is in the closed position. [Figure 9] (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of the biasing portion. [Figure 10] Operation explanatory diagram of the headset cover and the connecting member. [Figure 11] Operation explanatory diagram of the headset cover and the connecting member. [Figure 12] Operation explanatory diagram of the headset cover and the connecting member. [Figure 13] Operation explanatory diagram of the headset cover and the connecting member. [Figure 14] (A) and (B) are principle explanatory diagrams. [Figure 15] Diagram showing an embodiment using a tube as the biasing portion. [Figure 16] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the opening and the claw portion. [Figure 17] Diagram showing another configuration example for restricting the posture of the connecting member. s

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential for the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> 「1. Outline of the Recording Device」 sFigure 1 is a perspective view of a recording device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The recording device 1 in this embodiment is an inkjet recording device that ejects ink to record on a recording medium, but the present invention is also applicable to various recording devices other than inkjet recording devices. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate directions that intersect each other, and in this embodiment they are orthogonal to each other. Arrow Z indicates the vertical direction (direction of gravity). The X direction is the width direction of the recording device 1 (left-right direction, width direction of the recording medium). The Y direction is the depth direction of the recording device 1 (front-back direction).

[0011] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] The recording device 1 includes a feeding unit 2, a transport unit 3, and an output unit 4 for transporting recording media. The feeding unit 2 includes a tray 2a on which sheet-shaped recording media are loaded and a recording media feeding mechanism (not shown). The feeding mechanism includes, for example, a feeding roller for feeding the recording media on the tray 2a and a feeding motor which is a drive source for rotating the feeding roller.

[0013] The transport unit 3 is a mechanism that transports the recording medium supplied from the feeding unit 2 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). The transport unit 3 is equipped with a transport roller 3a and a transport motor (not shown) which is a drive source for rotating the transport roller 3a. A pinch roller 3b is pressed against the transport roller 3a, and the recording medium is held between these nip portions. The recording medium is transported on the platen PT by the rotation of the transport roller 3a.

[0014] The discharge unit 4 is a mechanism that further transports the recording medium transported from the transport unit 3 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). The discharge unit 4 includes a discharge roller, a transport motor which is the drive source for rotating the discharge roller, and a spur that contacts the discharge roller (none of which are shown), and discharges the recording medium to the front side of the recording device 1.

[0015] Containers 7Bk, 7C, 7M, and 7Y (hereinafter referred to collectively as container 7 when not distinguishing between them) are ink tanks that contain liquid ink. In this embodiment, container 7 is a stationary container fixed to the recording device 1. When the ink level drops, the user replenishes the ink in container 7 without removing it from the recording device 1. The four containers 7 contain different types of ink. In this embodiment, container 7Bk contains black ink, container 7C contains cyan ink, container 7M contains magenta ink, and container 7Y contains yellow ink. Note that the types of ink are not limited to four types as in this embodiment; there may be one type, or more than four types, and there should be at least the number of containers 7 corresponding to the types of ink.

[0016] The recording device 1 includes a carriage 5. The carriage 5 is a support member that supports the recording head 10Cr (not shown in Figure 1) and the recording head 10Bk (hereinafter referred to collectively as the recording head 10 when neither is distinguished). The carriage 5 is covered from above by a headset cover 8. The recording head 10 in this embodiment is a recording head that performs recording by ejecting ink supplied from the container 7 onto the recording medium. The recording head 10 has an ejection surface 101 (see Figures 3, 4, etc.) on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed. The ejection surface 101 is arranged to face the platen PT. Each nozzle is provided with, for example, an electrothermal conversion element (heater), which heats the ink by applying an electric current to cause foaming, and ejects the ink using the foaming energy. A piezoelectric element may be used to eject the ink instead of the electrothermal conversion element.

[0017] The carriage 5 reciprocates in the X direction (main scanning direction) by the drive unit 6. The drive unit 6 comprises a drive pulley and a driven pulley (only the driven pulley 6b is shown in Figure 1) arranged spaced apart in the X direction, an endless belt 6c wound around these pulleys, and a carriage motor 6a, which is the drive source for rotating the drive pulley. The carriage 5 is connected to the endless belt 6c, and the carriage 5 moves in the X direction by running the endless belt 6c.

[0018] Images are recorded by ejecting ink from the recording head 10 onto the recording medium on the platen PT during the movement of the carriage 5. This operation is sometimes called recording scanning. The recording operation is performed by repeatedly alternating between the transport operation of the recording medium by the transport unit 3 and recording scanning. That is, the transport unit 3 intermittently transports the recording medium, and records an image on the recording medium by performing recording scanning when the transport of the recording medium stops.

[0019] Thus, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is a serial-type inkjet recording device in which a recording head 10 is mounted on a carriage 5 that moves back and forth in the X direction. However, the present invention is also applicable to other recording devices, such as inkjet recording devices equipped with a so-called full-line head recording head (recording head) which has multiple nozzles that eject liquid in an area corresponding to the width of the recording medium.

[0020] "2. Structure around the carriage" The structure surrounding the carriage 5 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 9. Figures 2 and 3 will be the primary references. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the structure surrounding the carriage 5, and Figure 3 is a front view showing the structure surrounding the carriage 5. Figures 2 and 3 show the headset cover 8 in the open position.

[0021] <Recording head> In this embodiment, a plurality of recording heads 10 are supported on the carriage 5. Specifically, two types of recording heads 10, recording head 10Cr and recording head 10Bk, are supported. Recording head 10Cr is a recording head that ejects cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink. Recording head 10Bk is a recording head that ejects black ink. In this embodiment, the recording heads 10 are supported on the carriage 5 in a replaceable manner. Since the recording heads 10 are replaceable, formally, the recording heads 10 and the rest of the device body may be referred to as the recording device 1, or the device body may be referred to as the recording device 1.

[0022] Refer to Figure 4 as well. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the recording heads 10Cr and 10Bk. The recording head 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape overall, and an ejection surface 101 is provided at its bottom. The upper surface 102 of the recording head 10 is provided with the following configuration.

[0023] The upper surface 102 of the recording head 10Bk is provided with an engagement portion 106 protruding upward from the upper surface 102, an ink introduction portion 103Bk, and attitude control units 104 and 105. The engagement portion 106 is an engagement portion for positioning when the recording head 10Bk is mounted on the carriage 5. The ink introduction portion 103Bk is an inlet for introducing the black ink contained in the container 7Bk into the recording head 10Bk, and is a tubular member extending in the vertical direction. A circular recess is formed around the ink introduction portion 103Bk. The attitude control units 104 and 105 are members that change the attitude of the connecting member 9Bk. The attitude control unit 104 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 104a (with a circular cross-section) and a cylindrical recess portion 104b. The tip of the shaft portion 104a is gradually reduced in diameter. The attitude control unit 105 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 105a (with an oval cross-section) and a cylindrical recess portion 105b. The tip of the shaft portion 105a gradually decreases in diameter.

[0024] The upper surface 102 of the recording head 10Cr is provided with an engaging portion 106 protruding upward from the upper surface 102, ink introduction portions 103Y, 103M, and 103C, and attitude control units 104 and 105. The engaging portion 106 is an engaging portion for positioning when the recording head 10Cr is mounted on the carriage 5. The ink introduction portions 103Y, 103M, and 103C are inlets for introducing yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink contained in containers 7Y, 7M, and 7C into the recording head 10Cr, and are tubular members extending in the vertical direction. Circular recesses are formed around each of the ink introduction portions 103Y, 103M, and 103C. The attitude control units 104 and 105 are members that change the attitude of the connecting member 9Cr. The attitude control unit 104 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 104a and a cylindrical recess portion 104b. The tip of the shaft portion 104a gradually decreases in diameter. The attitude control unit 105 includes a cylindrical shaft portion 105a and a cylindrical recess portion 105b. The tip of the shaft portion 105a gradually decreases in diameter.

[0025] In Figure 4, arrow D1 indicates the extension direction (axial direction) of the ink introduction sections 103Bk, 103Y, 103M, and 103C (hereinafter referred to collectively as ink introduction section 103 when not distinguished). Arrow D1 also indicates the connection direction between the ink introduction sections 103Bk, 103Y, 103M, and 103C and the connection sections 95Bk, 95Y, 95M, and 95C, which will be described later. Arrow D2 indicates the extension direction (axial direction) of the shaft portion 104a of the attitude control units 104 and 105, and also indicates the connection direction between the attitude control units 104 and 105 and the engagement sections 96 and 97, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the D1 direction and the D2 direction are parallel.

[0026] <Carriage and headset cover> Refer mainly to Figures 1 to 3. The carriage 5 has a head housing section 50Cr for housing the recording head 10Cr and a head housing section 50Bk for housing the recording head 10Bk. The head housing sections 50Cr and 50Bk are arranged side by side in the X direction, and therefore the recording heads 10Cr and 10Bk are also arranged side by side in the X direction. The carriage 5 has an opening at its bottom, and the ejection surfaces 101 of the recording heads 10Cr and 10Bk are exposed to the outside (downward) of the carriage 5. Multiple locking parts 52 are provided at the front of the carriage 5, spaced apart in the X direction, to maintain the headset cover 8 in the closed position.

[0027] The headset cover 8 is rotatably supported by the carriage 5 and is a rotating member that allows for the replacement of the recording head 10. The headset cover 8 has an upper wall portion 8a, left and right side walls portion 8b and a front wall portion 8c, and as a whole has a box shape with the bottom and rear open.

[0028] The carriage 5 has pivot shafts 51 spaced apart on the left and right sides. The left and right side walls 8b of the headset cover 8 are each provided with bearings 80 that support the pivot shafts 51, and the headset cover 8 is rotatable relative to the carriage 5 around the pivot centerline 5a, which is the center of the pivot shafts 51. In this embodiment, the direction of the pivot centerline 5a is the X direction.

[0029] Near each pivot shaft 51, an elastic member 12 is provided to bias the headset cover 8 to the open position. In this embodiment, the elastic member 12 is a torsion coil spring through which the pivot shaft 51 is inserted. The front wall portion 8c of the headset cover 8 is provided with a plurality of locking portions 82 corresponding to the locking portion 52 of the carriage 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 3, showing the headset cover 8 in the open position. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to line AA in Figure 3, showing the headset cover 8 in the closed position. The locking portions 52 and 82 each have a wedge shape, and the headset cover 8 is maintained in the closed position by locking the locking portion 82 to the locking portion 52. When the locking of the locking portions 52 and 82 is released, the headset cover 8 automatically rotates to the open position due to the biasing force of the elastic member 12.

[0030] <Connecting component> Refer mainly to Figures 1 to 3, 7 and 8. The headset cover 8 holds the connecting members 9Cr and 9Bk (hereinafter referred to collectively as connecting member 9 when not distinguished). The connecting member 9 is located inside the upper wall portion 8a. When the headset cover 8 is in the closed position (Figure 8), the upper wall portion 8a covers the recording head 10 from above, and in this form, the upper wall portion 8a can be called a cover portion. When the headset cover 8 is in the closed position (Figure 8), the connecting member 9 is located between the upper wall portion 8a and the recording head 10.

[0031] The connecting member 9 is held in a position that can change orientation by a plurality of holding portions 81 of the headset cover 8. Each holding portion 81 is formed to protrude inward from the upper wall portion 8a, and each connecting member 9 is held by a pair of holding portions 81 spaced apart to the left and right. In this embodiment, a total of four holding portions 81 are provided on the headset cover 8 to hold two connecting members 9.

[0032] The connecting member 9 is a member that relays the recording head 10 and the tube 11. There are a total of four tubes 11, one for each type of ink, and each tube 11 is connected to the corresponding container 7Bk, 7C, 7M, or 7Y. Each tube 11 is a flexible, elongated member that forms an ink supply passage. The four tubes are held and fixed at their intermediate portions in groove-shaped holding sections 84 provided on the headset cover 8.

[0033] Refer to Figures 5 and 6 together. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connecting members 9Cr and 9Bk. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the connecting members 9Cr and 9Bk.

[0034] The connecting member 9Bk includes a main body 90 and a sealing member 91. The main body 90 integrally includes an inlet 93Bk provided at its front end, a pair of claw portions 92 provided on its left and right sides, and a connecting portion 95Bk and engaging portions 96 and 97 provided on its bottom surface. A tube 11 that forms an ink supply passage for black ink is connected to the inlet 93Bk. The connecting portion 95Bk is a member that connects to the ink introduction portion 103Bk of the recording head 10Bk. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 95Bk is a cylindrical member and has a connection port 95a formed therein through which the ink introduction portion 103Bk is inserted and removed. An elastic member 95b is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 95Bk (Figures 7 and 8). The elastic member 95b is a sealing elastomer that seals the connection port 95a and the ink introduction portion 103Bk, and is integrally molded with the connecting portion 95Bk, for example.

[0035] A groove-shaped relay passage 94Bk is formed on the upper surface of the main body 90, connecting the inlet 93Bk and the connection 95Bk. The sealing member 91 is, for example, a sheet-like film welded to the upper surface of the main body 90, and the relay passage 94Bk is sealed by the sealing member 91. When the connection 95Bk and the ink introduction section 103Bk are connected, the ink supply passage of the tube 11 and the ink introduction section 103Bk are connected, and black ink is supplied from the container 7Bk to the recording head 10Bk via the tube 11 and the relay passage 94Bk.

[0036] The pair of claw portions 92 are plate-shaped members, and protrude from the main body 90 in the left-right direction (the direction of the rotation axis 5a) in a plan view of the connecting member 9Bk. The holding portion 81 has an opening OP (FIG. 2). The area of the opening OP is larger than the cross-sectional area of the claw portion 92. By inserting the claw portion 92 into the opening OP, the connecting member 9Bk is held by the headset cover 8 so that its posture can be changed. The engaging portions 96 and 97 correspond to the posture control portions 104 and 105 of the recording head 10Bk, and the engaging portion 96 is engaged with the posture control portion 104, and the engaging portion 97 is engaged with the posture control portion 105, respectively. The engaging portions 96 and 97 are cylindrical members having holes 96a and 97a. The engaging portion 96 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the posture control portion 104, and the engaging portion 97 has an oval cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the posture control portion 105.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, the distance R1 from the rotation center line 5a to the connecting portion 95Bk and the distance R2 from the rotation center line 5a to the engaging portions 96 and 97 are in the relationship of R1 < R2, and the distances R1 and R2 are different distances. The distance R1 and the distance R2 are the distances from the rotation center line 5a to the connecting portion 95Bk, the engaging portions 96 and 97 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center line 5a, and are substantially the rotation radii when the headset cover 8 rotates. The engaging portions 96 and 97 have a longer rotation radius than the connecting portion 95Bk.

[0038] The connecting member 9Cr will be described. The basic structure of the connecting member 9Cr is the same as that of the connecting member 9Bk. The connecting member 9Cr includes a main body 90 and a sealing member 91. The main body 90 of the connecting member 9Cr integrally includes an inflow portion 93C, 93M, 93Y provided at its front end portion, a pair of claw portions 92 provided at its left and right side portions, and connecting portions 95C, 95M, 95Y and engaging portions 96 and 97 provided at its bottom surface. Tubes 11 forming an ink supply passage for cyan ink, tubes 11 forming an ink supply passage for magenta ink, and tubes 11 forming an ink supply passage for yellow ink are respectively connected to the inflow portions 93C, 93M, 93Y.

[0039] The connecting parts 95C, 95M, and 95Y are components that connect to the ink introduction sections 103C, 103M, and 103Y of the recording head 10Cr. In this embodiment, the connecting parts 95C, 95M, and 95Y are cylindrical components, each having a connection port 95a through which the ink introduction sections 103C, 103M, and 103Y are inserted and removed. Elastic members 95b are provided on the inner circumferential surfaces of each connecting part 95C, 95M, and 95Y. The elastic member 95b is a sealing elastomer that seals the connection port 95a and each ink introduction section 103C, 103M, and 103Y, and is integrally molded with the connecting parts 95C, 95M, and 95Y, for example.

[0040] On the upper surface of the main body 90 of the connecting member 9Cr, groove-shaped relay passages 94C, 94M, and 94Y are formed, connecting the inlet sections 93C, 93M, and 93Y with the connecting sections 95C, 95M, and 95Y. The sealing member 91 is, for example, a sheet-like film welded to the upper surface of the main body 90, and the relay passages 94C, 94M, and 94Y are sealed by the sealing member 91. When the connecting section 95C is connected to the ink introduction section 103C, the ink supply passage of the tube 11 is connected to the ink introduction section 103C, and cyan ink is supplied from the container 7C to the recording head 10Cr via the tube 11 and the relay passage 94C. When the connecting section 95M is connected to the ink introduction section 103M, the ink supply passage of the tube 11 is connected to the ink introduction section 103M, and magenta ink is supplied from the container 7M to the recording head 10Cr via the tube 11 and the relay passage 94M. When the connection part 95Y and the ink introduction part 103Y are connected, the ink supply passage of the tube 11 and the ink introduction part 103Y are connected, and yellow ink is supplied from the container 7Y to the recording head 10Cr via the tube 11 and the relay passage 94Y.

[0041] The pair of claw portions 92 of the connecting member 9Cr are plate-shaped members and protrude from the main body 90 in the left-right direction (the direction of the rotation axis 5a) in a plan view of the connecting member 9Cr. Similar to the connecting member 9Bk, when the claw portions 92 are inserted into the opening OP, the connecting member 9Cr is held by the headset cover 8 so that its posture can be changed. The engaging portions 96 and 97 correspond to the posture control portions 104 and 105 of the recording head 10Cr, and the engaging portion 96 is arranged to engage with the posture control portion 104, and the engaging portion 97 is arranged to engage with the posture control portion 105. Both the engaging portions 96 and 97 are cylindrical members. The engaging portion 96 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the posture control portion 104, and the engaging portion 97 has an oval cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the posture control portion 105.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the distances R3 and R5 from the rotation center line 5a to the connecting portions 95M, 95C, and 95Y, and the distance R4 from the rotation center line 5a to the engaging portions 96 and 97 are in the relationship of R3 < R4 < R5, and the distances R3 to R5 are different distances. The distances R3 to R5 are the distances from the rotation center line 5a to the connecting portions 95M, 95C, and 95Y, and the engaging portions 96 and 97 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center line 5a, and are the rotation radii when the headset cover 8 rotates. The engaging portions 96 and 97 have a longer rotation radius than the connecting portion 95M. The engaging portions 96 and 97 have a shorter rotation radius than the connecting portions 95C and 95Y.

[0043] In FIG. 5, the broken line D3 is the extending direction (axial direction) of the connecting portions 95Bk, 95Y, 95M, 95C (hereinafter, when collectively referred to or not distinguished, denoted as the connecting portion 95). Also, the broken line D3 indicates the connection direction between the connecting portions 95Bk, 95Y, 95M, 95C and the ink introduction portions 103Bk, 103Y, 103M, 103C. The broken line D4 is the extending direction (axial direction) of the engaging portions 96 and 97, and also indicates the connection direction between the engaging portions 96 and 97 and the posture control portions 104 and 105. In the case of this embodiment, the directions D3 and D4 are parallel.

[0044] <Positioning portion> Refer mainly to Figures 7 and 8. The headset cover 8 is provided with a positioning portion 14. The positioning portion 14 is an engaging member biased in a direction that presses against the recording head 10 by an elastic member 15. In this embodiment, the elastic member 15 is a coil spring. Two sets of positioning portions 14 and elastic members 15 are provided, each set corresponding to the recording heads 10Bk and 10Cr. When the headset cover 8 rotates from the open position to the closed position, the positioning portion 14 engages with the engaging portion 106 of the recording head 10, and the recording head 10 is positioned in a predetermined position on the carriage 5.

[0045] <Enhancement section> The recording device 1 includes a biasing unit 13 that biases the connecting member 9 to a predetermined position. In this embodiment, the biasing unit 13 is an elastic member provided for each connecting member 9Bk, 9Cr, and is in particular a coil spring. The biasing unit 13 is installed between the upper wall portion 8a of the headset cover 8 and the connecting member 9. The headset cover 8 is provided with an axial guide portion 83 that supports the biasing unit 13 (Figures 7 and 8). The biasing unit 13 is in contact with the sealing member 91 of the connecting member 9. Figure 9(A) is a perspective view of the biasing unit 13, Figure 9(B) is a plan view of the biasing unit 13, and Figure 9(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 9(B).

[0046] In this embodiment, the biasing portion 13 is configured to directly contact the sealing member 91. The wire ends 13a and 13b of the biasing portion 13 are bent inward in the axial direction, so that regardless of which end of the biasing portion 13 contacts the sealing member 91, the wire ends 13a or 13b are processed so that the sealing member 91 is not damaged.

[0047] The biasing portion of the biasing portion 13 with respect to the connecting member 9 is set at a location spaced apart from the claw portion 92 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center line 5a. In this embodiment, it is set at a location further from the rotation center line 5a than the claw portion 92 (the location on the side of the inlet portion 93).

[0048] Figure 7 illustrates the initial position of the connecting member 9Bk, and Figure 8 illustrates the connected position of the connecting member 9Bk. The biasing unit 13 biases the connecting member 9Bk to the initial position. The initial position is the position of the connecting member 9Bk when the connecting part 95Bk is not connected to the ink introduction part 103Bk, and the position control units 104 and 105 and the engaging parts 96 and 97 are separated. The connected position is the position when the connecting part 95Bk is connected to the ink introduction part 103Bk. In the connected position, the D1 direction and the D3 direction coincide, and the D2 direction and the D4 direction coincide. The connected position can be said to be a position in which the connecting part 95Bk is more oriented toward the direction of connection with the ink introduction part 103Bk than in the initial position.

[0049] Line L1 indicates a direction perpendicular to the D3 direction (and D4 direction) in the initial position, and line L2 indicates a direction perpendicular to the D3 direction (and D4 direction) in the connected position. Lines L1 and L2 can be considered reference lines for the position of the connecting member 9Bk and correspond to the front-to-back direction of the main body 90. When considering the position of the connecting member 9Bk relative to the headset cover 8, if line L2 is aligned with the front-to-back direction of the headset cover 8, the position changes by an angle θ between the initial position and the connected position. The biasing part 13 only needs to bias the connecting member 9Bk so that it tilts by an angle θ relative to the headset cover 8, and its elastic force can be relatively small. The above explanation has described the connecting member 9Bk, but the same applies to the connecting member 9Cr.

[0050] "3. Operation" The behavior of the connecting member 9 when the headset cover 8 is rotated from the open position to the closed position will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 13. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotation of the headset cover 8 as a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 3, and Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part P1 in Figure 10. Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotation of the headset cover 8 as a cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 3, and Figure 13 is an enlarged view of part P2 in Figure 12. States ST1 to ST4 in each figure indicate the same operating timing.

[0051] State ST1 indicates that the headset cover 8 is in the open position, and state ST4 indicates that the headset cover 8 is in the closed position. In the open position, the connecting member 9 is in its initial position, and in the closed position, the connecting member 9 is in the connected position. In terms of the relationship between the ink introduction section 103 and the connecting section 95, the closed position can be called the connected position, and the open position can be called the disconnected position. States ST2 and ST3 are intermediate states between states ST1 and ST4, during rotation.

[0052] Figures 10 to 13 show the changes in the orientation of the connecting member 9Cr over time. The same applies to the changes in the orientation of the connecting member 9Bk over time.

[0053] In state ST1, the connecting member 9Cr is in its initial position. As shown in state ST1 in Figure 11, the opening OP of the holding part 81 is a pentagonal opening with straight edges 81a to 81e. Edges 81a and 81b are parallel, and edges 81c and 81d are parallel. Edge 81e is an inclined edge between edges 81a and 81d.

[0054] In the initial position, the claw portion 92 of the connecting member 9Cr abuts against the edges 81a to 81e of the opening OP at multiple points. Specifically, the claw portion 92 abuts against the edge of the opening OP at three points: edges 81a, 81b, and 81e. By making the shape of the opening OP a pentagon instead of a square, the positioning accuracy of the connecting member 9Cr can be improved while allowing for smooth changes in the orientation of the connecting member 9Cr.

[0055] The operation of rotating the headset cover 8 from the open position to the closed position is performed, for example, by the user. When the headset cover 8 begins to rotate counterclockwise as shown in Figures 10 to 13, it enters state ST2. At this stage, as shown in state ST2 in Figures 11 and 13, the attitude control unit 105 and the corresponding engaging part 97 begin to engage. Specifically, the shaft portion 105a begins to enter the hole 97a. The same applies to the shaft portion 104a of the attitude control unit 104 and the corresponding engaging part 96. On the other hand, at this stage, the ink introduction part 103 and the connection part 95 are separated. In other words, during the rotation of the headset cover 8 from the open position to the closed position, the attitude control units 104 and 105 and the engaging parts 96 and 97 begin to make contact (or engage) with each other before the ink introduction part 103 and the connection part 95. Furthermore, at stage ST2 (not shown in the diagram), the positioning unit 14 engages with the engagement unit 106 of the recording head 10, and the recording head 10 begins to be positioned in a predetermined position on the carriage 5.

[0056] As the rotation of the headset cover 8 progresses, it enters state ST3. At this stage, as shown in state ST3 in Figures 11 and 13, the engagement between the attitude control unit 105 and the corresponding engagement part 97 progresses. The same applies to the attitude control unit 104 and the corresponding engagement part 96. When the shaft part 105a enters the hole 97a, an axis alignment action is performed to position the two coaxially. That is, an axis alignment action is performed to align the D2 direction and the D4 direction. As a result, the connecting member 9Cr changes its attitude against the biasing force of the biasing part 13, and the claw part 92 begins to separate from the edges 81a and 81e. The attitude of the connecting member 9Cr approaches the connection attitude, and the D1 direction and the D3 direction also begin to align, and in this state the ink introduction part 103 and the connecting part 95 begin to connect. In addition, the engagement between the positioning part 14 and the engagement part 106 of the recording head 10 positions the recording head 10 in a predetermined position on the carriage 5.

[0057] As the rotation of the headset cover 8 progresses, it reaches state ST4. At this stage, the orientation of the connecting member 9Cr is in the connected position. In this way, the orientation of the connecting member 9Cr can be automatically changed during the rotation process of the headset cover 8. As shown in state ST4 in Figures 11 and 13, the engagement between the orientation control unit 105 and the corresponding engaging part 97 is completed, and the connection between the ink introduction unit 103 and the connecting part 95 is completed. The claw part 92 is in surface contact with the edge 81b. The locking part 82 is locked into the locking part 52, and the headset cover 8 is maintained in the closed position. The recording head 10 is fixed to the carriage 5.

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, the recording head 10 is fixed and the ink introduction section 103 and the connection section 95 are connected simultaneously by rotating the headset cover 8 from the open position to the closed position, and ink can be immediately supplied to the recording head 10 from the container 7. When the locking part 82 is released from the locking part 52, the headset cover 8 automatically rotates to the open position due to the biasing force of the elastic member 12. At that time, the connection member 9 returns to its initial position in the reverse operation of states ST1 to ST4, and the connection between the ink introduction section 103 and the connection section 95 is released. The user can remove the recording head 10 from the carriage 5 and perform the replacement work simply by releasing the locking part 82 from the locking part 52.

[0059] In this embodiment, the biasing part 13 and the holding part 81 are provided as a mechanism for changing the orientation of the connecting member 9, which offers the following advantages. Specifically, as the headset cover 8 rotates, the connecting member 9 can be changed to an orientation suitable for connection between the ink introduction part 103 and the connecting part 95 just before they are connected, thereby improving connection accuracy. In particular, the possibility of connection failure occurring due to the ink introduction part 103 and the connecting part 95 beginning to connect at an angle to each other can be reduced.

[0060] The connecting member 9 is constantly biased by the biasing part 13 and pressed against the edge of the opening OP, thus stabilizing the position of the connecting member 9. This prevents the position of the connecting member 9 from changing to an unintended position during rotation of the headset cover 8, and from this point of view, the possibility of connection failure between the ink introduction part 103 and the connecting part 95 is reduced, thereby improving connection accuracy.

[0061] The change in the orientation of the connecting member 9 does not restrict the rotation of the headset cover 8, allowing the headset cover 8 and the connecting member 9 to displace smoothly from one another.

[0062] Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment allows for miniaturization of the headset cover 8 while improving the connection accuracy between the ink introduction section 103 and the connection section 95. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 14(A) and 14(B). Figure 14(A) shows a comparative example of a configuration that does not have a mechanism for changing the orientation of the connection member 9. As the headset cover 8 rotates, the connection section 95 moves in an arc shape with a rotation radius R from the rotation center line 5a.

[0063] If the connection direction D0 between the ink introduction section 103 and the connection section 95 is nearly perpendicular to the line Dr perpendicular to the rotation center line 5a, then a longer rotation radius R ensures smoother connection between the ink introduction section 103 and the connection section 95. This is because the direction of movement of the connection section 95 approaches the connection direction D0 near the ink introduction section 103. However, if the rotation radius R is short, the angle at which the direction of movement of the connection section 95 intersects the connection direction D0 near the ink introduction section 103 becomes larger. Consequently, connection failures are more likely to occur. To improve connection accuracy, the rotation radius R must be increased, which leads to a larger device.

[0064] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14(B), the orientation of the connecting member 9 changes during the rotation of the headset cover 8, allowing the connecting portion 95 to be connected to the ink introduction portion 103 in a state that is closer to linear motion than circular motion. Therefore, even if the rotation radius R of the connecting portion 95 is short, connection accuracy can be improved and the device can be miniaturized.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the biasing unit 13 was installed between the headset cover 8 and the connecting member 9, but the location of the biasing unit 13 is not limited to this. For example, it may be placed between the connecting member 9 and the recording head 10.

[0066] Furthermore, while a coil spring was used as the biasing part 13 in the first embodiment, other configurations can also be used as the biasing part 13. For example, rubber or resin may be used.

[0067] Alternatively, a flexible tube 11 may be used as the biasing part 13. Figure 15 shows an example. In the illustrated example, a tube 11 that forms an ink supply passage is used as the biasing part 13', and the biasing part 13 as a coil spring of the first embodiment is not provided. Since the middle part of the tube 11 is fixed to the headset cover 8 in the holding part 84, the flexibility of the tube 11 can be used to bias the connecting member 9 to its initial position, as shown by arrow D11. Note that the connecting member 9Cr uses three tubes 11 as the biasing part 13', and the connecting member 9Bk uses one tube 11 as the biasing part 13'. The three tubes 11 connected to the connecting member 9Cr and the one tube 11 connected to the connecting member 9Bk may have different materials, diameters, wall thicknesses, hardness, and lengths (excess length) from the holding part 84. For example, if the biasing force of the connecting member 9Bk is insufficient, a tube with a thicker wall (stronger elasticity) or a larger diameter may be used as the tube 11 for the black ink compared to the tubes 11 for the other inks. According to this embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0068] Furthermore, the biasing part 13 may utilize gravity instead of elastic force. For example, it may be a weight fixed to the connecting member 9. The weight may be a separate component from the connecting member 9, or it may be a part that is integrated with the connecting member 9 and has increased weight by being thicker than other parts.

[0069] <Third Embodiment> The claw portion 92 and the opening OP can employ various structures.

[0070] Figure 16(A) shows an example. In the illustrated example, the claw portion 92 is a member with a semicircular cross-section. The opening OP is rectangular. In Figure 16(A), state ST11 shows the initial position of the connecting member 9, state ST13 shows the connected position of the connecting member 9, and state ST12 shows the position of the connecting member 9 between the initial position and the connected position. In the initial position of state ST11, the flat portion of the claw portion 92 is in surface contact with the edge of the opening OP. Because the claw portion 92 and the edge of the opening OP are in surface contact, the position of the connecting member 9 is stable. In state ST12, the claw portion 92 is not in contact with the edge of the opening OP, and in state ST13, the arc-shaped circumferential surface of the claw portion 92 is in contact with the edge of the opening OP at a single point.

[0071] Figure 16(B) shows another example. In the illustrated example, the claw portion 92 is a member with a circular cross-section. The opening OP is oval-shaped. In Figure 16(B), state ST21 shows the connecting member 9 in its initial position, state ST23 shows the connecting member 9 in its connected position, and state ST22 shows the connecting member 9 in a position between the initial position and the connected position. In the initial position of state ST21, the circumferential surface of the claw portion 92 abuts against the edge of the opening OP at one point. In state ST22, the claw portion 92 does not abut against the edge of the opening OP, and in state ST23, the circumferential surface of the claw portion 92 abuts against the edge of the opening OP at one point.

[0072] In the configuration shown in Figure 16(B), the orientation of the connecting member 9 may be not adequately restricted. Therefore, the configuration example shown in Figure 17 can be used in combination. In the configuration example in Figure 17, the headset cover 8 is provided with a contact portion 85, and the connecting member 9Bk is provided with a contact portion 98 that contacts the contact portion 85. The contact surface of the contact portion 85 is formed as an inclined surface, and the contact portion 98 contacts this inclined surface. The headset cover 8 is provided with a contact portion 85 for the connecting member 9Cr, and also with a contact portion 98 that is compatible with the connecting member 9Cr.

[0073] Figure 17 shows the headset cover 8 in the open position, and the connecting member 9Bk is in its initial position. The angle of the inclined surface of the contact portion 85 and the shape of the contact portion 98 can control the position of the connecting member 9Bk.

[0074] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, an example configuration was shown in which multiple types of attitude control units 104 and 105 with different cross-sectional shapes and corresponding engaging parts 96 and 97 are provided. However, the attitude control unit and the corresponding engaging part may be of only one type. Also, in the above embodiment, multiple sets of attitude control units and corresponding engaging parts are provided for one set of recording head 10 and connecting member 9, but only one set may be provided.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the attitude control units 104 and 105 are provided on the recording head 10, but they may be provided on other parts. For example, they may be provided on the carriage 5, and the positions of the engaging parts 96 and 97 should be designed according to the location where the attitude control unit is installed.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the attitude control units 104 and 105 were exemplified as having a cylindrical shaft portion 104a (with a circular cross-section) and an oblong cylindrical shaft portion 105a (with an oblong cross-section). However, the structure of the attitude control unit is not limited to this, and various shapes can be adopted.

[0077] The number of ink introduction units 103, the distance between the ink introduction units 103 and the rotation centerline 5a, the types and number of attitude control units 105 and 106, the distance between attitude control units 104 and 105 and the rotation centerline 5a, etc., can be designed as appropriate. The initial attitude and connection attitude of the connecting member 9 can also be designed as appropriate according to the configuration of the device.

[0078] <Disclosure of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose the inventions of the following items.

[0079] Item 1. A support member that supports the recording head that ejects ink onto the recording medium for recording, A connecting member having a connecting portion that connects to the ink introduction portion of the recording head, and which connects the ink introduction portion to the ink supply passage via the connecting portion, A rotating member supported by the support member is provided to hold the connecting member in a position that allows its orientation to change, and to rotate between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected. A recording device equipped with, The connecting member is provided with a biasing part that biases the rotating member to a first position, The connecting member has an engaging portion that engages with a posture control unit provided at a predetermined location, As the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and the connecting member changes from the first attitude to the second attitude against the biasing force of the biasing portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0080] Item 2. A recording device as described in item 1, The attitude control unit is provided on the recording head, A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0081] Item 3. A recording device as described in item 1 or item 2, The rotating member has an opening for holding the connecting member, The connecting member has a claw portion that is inserted into the opening, The biasing force provided by the biasing portion causes the claw portion to contact the edge of the opening, and the connecting member is maintained in the first position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0082] Item 4. A recording device as described in item 3, In the first position described above, the claw portion abuts against the edge of the opening at multiple points. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0083] Item 5. A recording device as described in item 3, In the first position described above, the claw portion abuts the edge of the opening over a surface area. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0084] Item 6. A recording device as described in item 1 or item 2, The aforementioned rotating member is The opening for holding the connecting member, The connecting member has a contact portion that it abuts against, The connecting member has a claw portion that is inserted into the opening, The biasing force provided by the biasing portion causes the connecting member to come into contact with the contact portion, and the connecting member is maintained in the first position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0085] Item 7. A recording device as described in any one of items 3 through 6, In the second posture described above, the claw portion abuts against the edge of the opening, A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0086] Item 8. A recording device as described in any one of items 3 through 7, The aforementioned openings are provided in two locations, separated in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating member, and are open in the direction of the rotation axis. The claw portion protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis and is provided one at a time for each of the openings. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0087] Item 9. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 8, The rotating member has a cover portion that covers the recording head, At the aforementioned connection position, the connecting member is located between the cover portion and the recording head. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0088] Item 10. A recording device as described in item 9, The biasing portion is an elastic member disposed between the cover portion and the connecting member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0089] Item 11. A recording device as described in item 9, The biasing portion is a flexible tube connected to the connecting member and forming the ink supply passage. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0090] Item 12. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 11, The second posture is one in which the connection portion is oriented more in the direction of connection with the ink introduction portion than the first posture. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0091] Item 13. A recording device as described in item 2, The attitude control unit and the engagement unit each include a shaft portion and a cylindrical portion into which the shaft portion is inserted and removed. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0092] Item 14. A recording device as described in item 13, The axial directions of the shaft portion and the cylindrical portion are parallel to the connection direction between the connecting portion and the ink introduction portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0093] Item 15. A recording device as described in item 13 or item 14, The distance between the pivot center of the rotating member and the engaging portion is different from the distance between the pivot center of the rotating member and the connecting portion. The distance between the rotation center of the rotating member and the attitude control unit is different from the distance between the rotation center of the rotating member and the ink introduction unit. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0094] Item 16. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 15, The support member is a carriage that moves in the width direction of the recording medium. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0095] Item 17. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 16, The recording head is detachably supported by the support member. The rotating member has a positioning section that positions the recording head relative to the support member at the connection position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0096] Item 18. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 17, The support member has a locking portion that maintains the rotating member in the connection position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0097] Item 19. A recording head that ejects ink onto a recording medium to record data, A support member that supports the recording head, A connecting member having a connecting portion that connects to the ink introduction portion of the recording head, and which connects the ink introduction portion to the ink supply passage via the connecting portion, A rotating member supported by the support member is provided to hold the connecting member in a position that allows its orientation to change, and to rotate between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected. A recording device equipped with, The connecting member is provided with a biasing part that biases the rotating member to a first position, The recording head has an attitude control unit that changes the attitude of the connecting member, The connecting member has an engaging portion that engages with the attitude control unit, As the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and the connecting member changes from the first attitude to the second attitude against the biasing force of the biasing portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0098] Item 20. A recording head that is interchangeably mounted on a recording device, The recording head has an ink introduction unit and an attitude control unit, The recording device is A support member that supports the recording head, A connecting member having a connecting portion that connects to the ink introduction portion of the recording head, and which connects the ink introduction portion to the ink supply passage via the connecting portion, A rotating member supported by the support member is provided to hold the connecting member in a position that allows its orientation to change, and to rotate between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected. The connecting member is provided with a biasing member that biases the rotating member to a first position, The connecting member has an engaging portion that engages with the attitude control unit, As the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and the connecting member changes from the first attitude to the second attitude against the biasing force of the biasing portion. A recording head characterized by the following features.

[0099] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1 recording device, 8 headset cover, 9 connecting member, 10 recording head, 13 biasing unit

Claims

1. A support member that supports the recording head that ejects ink onto the recording medium for recording, A connecting member having a connecting portion that connects to the ink introduction portion of the recording head, and which connects the ink introduction portion to the ink supply passage via the connecting portion, A rotating member supported by the support member is provided to hold the connecting member in a position that allows its orientation to change, and to rotate between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected. A recording device equipped with, The connecting member is provided with a biasing part that biases the rotating member to a first position, The ink introduction section is provided on the upper surface of the recording head, The upper surface includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end is located closer to the rotation center of the rotating member than the second end, The ink introduction section is located closer to the first end than to the second end. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. A recording device according to claim 1, The connecting member is provided with an engaging portion separate from the connecting portion. The engagement portion engages with a posture control unit provided at a predetermined location. A recording device characterized by the following features.

3. A recording device according to claim 1, The rotating member engages with the support member and includes a locking portion for holding the rotating member in the connection position. The distance between the locking portion and the connecting portion is longer than the distance between the connecting portion and the pivot center of the rotating member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

4. A recording device according to claim 2, As the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and the connecting member changes from the first attitude to the second attitude against the biasing force of the biasing portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

5. A recording device according to claim 2, During the process in which the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and then the connecting portion connects with the ink introduction portion of the recording head. A recording device characterized by the following features.

6. A recording device according to claim 4, The attitude control unit is provided on the recording head, A recording device characterized by the following features.

7. A recording device according to claim 4, The rotating member has an opening for holding the connecting member, The connecting member has a claw portion that is inserted into the opening, The biasing force provided by the biasing portion causes the claw portion to contact the edge of the opening, and the connecting member is maintained in the first position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

8. A recording device according to claim 7, In the first position described above, the claw portion abuts against the edge of the opening at multiple points. A recording device characterized by the following features.

9. A recording device according to claim 7, In the first position described above, the claw portion abuts the edge of the opening over a surface area. A recording device characterized by the following features.

10. A recording device according to claim 1, The aforementioned rotating member is The opening for holding the connecting member, The connecting member has a contact portion that it abuts against, The connecting member has a claw portion that is inserted into the opening, The biasing force provided by the biasing portion causes the connecting member to come into contact with the contact portion, and the connecting member is maintained in the first position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

11. A recording device according to claim 7, In the second posture described above, the claw portion abuts against the edge of the opening, A recording device characterized by the following features.

12. A recording device according to claim 7, The aforementioned openings are provided in two locations, separated in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating member, and are open in the direction of the rotation axis. The claw portion protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis and is provided one at a time for each of the openings. A recording device characterized by the following features.

13. A recording device according to claim 1, The rotating member has a cover portion that covers the recording head, At the aforementioned connection position, the connecting member is located between the cover portion and the recording head. A recording device characterized by the following features.

14. A recording device according to claim 13, The biasing portion is an elastic member disposed between the cover portion and the connecting member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

15. A recording device according to claim 13, The biasing portion is a flexible tube connected to the connecting member and forming the ink supply passage. A recording device characterized by the following features.

16. A recording device according to claim 4, The second posture is one in which the connection portion is oriented more in the direction of connection with the ink introduction portion than the first posture. A recording device characterized by the following features.

17. A recording device according to claim 7, The attitude control unit and the engagement unit each include a shaft portion and a cylindrical portion into which the shaft portion is inserted and removed. A recording device characterized by the following features.

18. A recording device according to claim 17, The axial directions of the shaft portion and the cylindrical portion are parallel to the connection direction between the connecting portion and the ink introduction portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

19. A recording device according to claim 17, The distance between the pivot center of the rotating member and the engaging portion is different from the distance between the pivot center of the rotating member and the connecting portion. The distance between the rotation center of the rotating member and the attitude control unit is different from the distance between the rotation center of the rotating member and the ink introduction unit. A recording device characterized by the following features.

20. A recording device according to claim 1, The support member is a carriage that moves in the width direction of the recording medium. A recording device characterized by the following features.

21. A recording device according to claim 1, The recording head is detachably supported by the support member. The rotating member has a positioning section that positions the recording head relative to the support member at the connection position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

22. A recording device according to claim 1, The support member has a locking portion that maintains the rotating member in the connection position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

23. A recording head that ejects ink onto a recording medium to record data, A support member that supports the recording head, A connecting member having a connecting portion that connects to the ink introduction portion of the recording head, and which connects the ink introduction portion to the ink supply passage via the connecting portion, A rotating member supported by the support member is provided to hold the connecting member in a position that allows its orientation to change, and to rotate between a connection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are connected and a disconnection position in which the ink introduction portion and the connecting portion are not connected. A recording device equipped with, The connecting member is provided with a biasing part that biases the rotating member to a first position, The rotating member includes a defining portion that defines the range of movement of the connecting portion, A recording device characterized by the following features.

24. A recording device according to claim 23, The connecting member is provided with an engaging portion separate from the connecting portion. The engagement portion engages with a posture control unit provided at a predetermined location. A recording device characterized by the following features.

25. A recording device according to claim 23, The rotating member engages with the support member and includes a locking portion for holding the rotating member in the connection position. The distance between the locking portion and the connecting portion is longer than the distance between the connecting portion and the pivot center of the rotating member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

26. A recording device according to claim 24, As the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and the connecting member changes from the first attitude to the second attitude against the biasing force of the biasing portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

27. A recording device according to claim 24, During the process in which the rotating member rotates from the disconnected position to the connected position, the engaging portion engages with the attitude control unit, and then the connecting portion connects with the ink introduction portion of the recording head. A recording device characterized by the following features.

28. A recording device according to claim 26, The attitude control unit is provided on the recording head, A recording device characterized by the following features.

29. A recording device according to claim 26, The rotating member has an opening for holding the connecting member, The connecting member has a claw portion that is inserted into the opening, The biasing force provided by the biasing portion causes the claw portion to contact the edge of the opening, and the connecting member is maintained in the first position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

30. A recording device according to claim 29, In the first position described above, the claw portion abuts against the edge of the opening at multiple points. A recording device characterized by the following features.

31. A recording device according to claim 29, In the first position described above, the claw portion abuts the edge of the opening over a surface area. A recording device characterized by the following features.

32. A recording device according to claim 23, The aforementioned rotating member is The opening for holding the connecting member, The connecting member has a contact portion that it abuts against, The connecting member has a claw portion that is inserted into the opening, The biasing force provided by the biasing portion causes the connecting member to come into contact with the contact portion, and the connecting member is maintained in the first position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

33. A recording device according to claim 29, In the second posture described above, the claw portion abuts against the edge of the opening, A recording device characterized by the following features.

34. A recording device according to claim 29, The aforementioned openings are provided in two locations, separated in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating member, and are open in the direction of the rotation axis. The claw portion protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis and is provided one at a time for each of the openings. A recording device characterized by the following features.

35. A recording device according to claim 23, The rotating member has a cover portion that covers the recording head, At the aforementioned connection position, the connecting member is located between the cover portion and the recording head. A recording device characterized by the following features.

36. A recording device according to claim 35, The biasing portion is an elastic member disposed between the cover portion and the connecting member. A recording device characterized by the following features.

37. A recording device according to claim 35, The biasing portion is a flexible tube connected to the connecting member and forming the ink supply passage. A recording device characterized by the following features.

38. A recording device according to claim 26, The second posture is one in which the connection portion is oriented more in the direction of connection with the ink introduction portion than the first posture. A recording device characterized by the following features.

39. A recording device according to claim 29, The attitude control unit and the engagement unit each include a shaft portion and a cylindrical portion into which the shaft portion is inserted and removed. A recording device characterized by the following features.

40. A recording device according to claim 39, The axial directions of the shaft portion and the cylindrical portion are parallel to the connection direction between the connecting portion and the ink introduction portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

41. A recording device according to claim 39, The distance between the pivot center of the rotating member and the engaging portion is different from the distance between the pivot center of the rotating member and the connecting portion. The distance between the rotation center of the rotating member and the attitude control unit is different from the distance between the rotation center of the rotating member and the ink introduction unit. A recording device characterized by the following features.

42. A recording device according to claim 23, The support member is a carriage that moves in the width direction of the recording medium. A recording device characterized by the following features.

43. A recording device according to claim 23, The recording head is detachably supported by the support member. The rotating member has a positioning section that positions the recording head relative to the support member at the connection position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

44. A recording device according to claim 23, The support member has a locking portion that maintains the rotating member in the connection position. A recording device characterized by the following features.

Images